"Damn it all!"
A fist slammed down alongside the roar, splintering the table.
As a waiting room for tournament participants, the furnishings were built to be exceptionally sturdy, but they were no match for the force of Rhodos's strike.
Yet, destroying the table did nothing to quell the anger and humiliation burning in his chest.
"That bastard Rei... what am I to him? Am I not even an obstacle worth acknowledging?"
Spitting the words aloud only fueled his irritation.
He knew deep down that his rage was irrational. Rei didn't even know about the feelings Rhodos harbored for Vihera.
But he couldn't help it. He couldn't suppress the turmoil inside. Hatred, jealousy, envy, frustration—they churned in a violent mix within him.
He knew he was being pathetic. But unable to redirect these emotions elsewhere, he clenched his fist to strike the wreckage of the table once more, when—
"Taking your frustration out on the furniture isn't particularly impressive."
At the sudden voice echoing in the room, Rhodos reflexively snapped his head toward the source, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent.
Standing there was a man in his twenties. Girlish was the only way to describe his features.
In that regard, he bore a passing resemblance to Rei, which only served to make Rhodos's attitude even more prickly.
"Sorry, but I'm not in the mood for company. Get lost."
"I think it’s quite an achievement just to reach the third round in your first appearance," the man continued, completely ignoring Rhodos's dismissal.
The man’s dismissive attitude reminded Rhodos of Rei even more. He narrowed his eyes dangerously.
"I said get lost. Are you deaf?"
"Even so, Crimson’s strength is a cut above the rest. There’s little doubt the finals will be a clash between him and the Immovable."
"...I'll only say it one last time. Get lost."
It was a final warning. The murderous intent radiating from Rhodos made it clear that he wasn't just bluffing.
The man before him was clearly weaker than himself. Yet, the way he was being treated as if he didn't even exist infuriated Rhodos to no end.
"Fine. You want to pick a fight? I'll give you one... Hah!"
He lunged, kicking off the floor to drive his fist into the man's face. But just as he struck, a hand shot out and clamped around his wrist.
The newcomer didn't block the punch or shield the first man. Even if it wasn't a full-power strike, Rhodos was a skilled fighter. To stop his punch by grabbing the wrist mid-swing meant this second individual had completely read his movements.
Moreover, where had this person come from? There had only been one man in the room a moment ago.
Ignoring Rhodos’s confusion, the two men continued their conversation.
"See? I told you. Your attitude rubs normal people the wrong way. You should have just let me handle it quietly."
"Why? I'm simply being rational. Besides, if I left it to you, he might have ended up broken. That would be a waste of a good piece, so it's only logical that I stepped in."
"...Well, with this level of skill, I suppose... it's no wonder he couldn't touch me."
The vein in Rhodos's temple throbbed. Pinned by the wrist, he watched as these two intruders discussed him as if he were a piece of trash not worth their direct attention.
"Don't... mock me..."
The man holding his wrist glanced down. He looked genuinely curious, as if he couldn't fathom why Rhodos was directing so much murderous intent his way.
"Hmm? What's wrong? Ah, sorry, but your turn comes later. We're busy talking right now—"
That light, dismissive tone was the final straw. Rhodos's temper finally hit its boiling point.
"Don't you mock me!"
Ignoring the grip on his wrist, he wrenched his arm back with raw strength. His other hand flew to the sheath at his waist.
He still had a shred of reason left; he didn't draw the longsword. Instead, he swung the weapon, sheath and all, at the man who had restrained him.
"Whoa! What was that for all of a sudden?"
The man stepped back a single pace. Having likely read Rhodos's movements during the match against Rei, he let the sheath whistle past just inches from his face.
The first man spoke up with a look of exasperation.
"I told you when I made the suggestion to His Highness. This Rhodos has talent, but he's a powder keg."
"Hey, isn't this your fault more than mine?"
The man evaded a flurry of strikes with effortless grace. There was no panic in his expression; he continued his casual banter with his partner as if dodging a seasoned warrior’s attacks was nothing more than a minor distraction.
The blatant lack of respect only drove Rhodos to swing faster. But when rage clouded the mind, the strikes followed suit. Eventually, the man grew tired of the game and caught the downward swing with his bare hand.
"Look, enough already. Someone of your skill isn't going to land a hit on me. You need to get a grip on reality."
"You bastard...!"
Rhodos was about to let out a roar of fury when the first man spoke up, cutting him off.
"Blatta, that’s enough. We came here to recruit him, not to provoke him further."
"...I’m pretty sure Sobul was the one who started it," the man now identified as Blatta replied.
The other man, Sobul, ignored the jab and turned his attention back to Rhodos.
"Now then, it seems we’ve had a few misunderstandings. Allow me to introduce ourselves properly. I am Sobul. My companion here is Blatta. We both serve His Highness the First Prince Cabajid of the Bestia Empire."
"...What?"
The heat in Rhodos's head cooled instantly. The mention of the First Prince demanded his attention.
First Prince Cabajid was the brother of Vihera—the woman Rhodos adored—and the primary obstacle they would face in rescuing the imprisoned Third Prince Mercureo.
Why was a servant of such a man trying to recruit him? He wondered for a moment if their connection to Vihera had been exposed.
But Sobul’s demeanor was surprisingly soft. Rhodos sensed a potential opening.
If I can get close to them, I can gather intelligence. I might even be able to help from the inside when the time comes. Fortunately, they just saw me lose to Rei...
Then, a sharper thought pierced through.
If he joined them, he might get another chance to fight Rei.
He had no intention of betraying Daskar, Elk, or Vihera. But the prospect of a rematch with Rei—the man who had so carelessly crushed his pride—was a reward more tempting than anything else.
Rhodos lowered his sword.
"I'm listening."
His decision was a mix of complicated feelings toward Rei and a calculating desire to be useful to Vihera.
From the perspective of Blatta and Sobul, the sudden shift in his attitude was almost suspicious. Blatta opened his mouth to object, but Sobul silenced him with a sharp glance.
Sobul didn't truly believe Rhodos would offer genuine loyalty. He could tell the youth was acting on his own agenda.
But that didn't matter. A piece like Rhodos was valuable for many reasons, and as long as they knew he was motivated by self-interest, they could manage him accordingly.
"Then, Rhodos, let me ask again. Will you swear fealty to His Highness Cabajid and join us?"
"...Fine. As you've seen, I have my own reasons. I won't swear blind loyalty, but I can guarantee I'll be a valuable asset to your forces."
Blatta snorted in derision.
"Hmph. You? A valuable asset? Just try not to get in the way."
Blatta clearly didn't care for the special treatment being shown to a warrior weaker than himself.
Sobul spoke up, acting as a mediator while sweetening the deal.
"It's true that you aren't an exceptional power right now. But if you're weak, you simply have to become strong."
Those words struck a chord. Rhodos couldn't let them pass.
"What... do you mean? Is there really a way to get strong that quickly?"
"It is impossible to change your fundamental level of skill overnight, of course. However, we can provide you with magic items. Your longsword and leather armor can be replaced with superior versions, and we have various enchanted accessories—bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and pierced earrings."
"...And you're just going to give those to me?"
Rhodos was skeptical. Magic items were famously expensive.
Sobul offered a thin, reassuring smile.
"Our master is His Highness Cabajid, the prime candidate for the throne. Furthermore, the Bestia Empire is a world leader in alchemy. Magic items are hardly rare for us. Does that convince you?"
"I see. The First Prince would indeed have resources to spare."
"Exactly. We cannot take you to meet His Highness directly just yet, but... can I assume you are one of us now?"
Rhodos hesitated for a heartbeat, then gave a slow, firm nod.
"Yeah. If I can truly become stronger than I am now... and if I can get a rematch with Rei, I'll cooperate."
"...Excellent. We welcome you to our ranks."
Rhodos shook Sobul's hand.
He still had no intention of actually serving Cabajid or betraying Vihera. But the chance at Rei was far too alluring to pass up.
He figured Cabajid was planning to move against his father, Rei, or even Daskar, Margrave Larkus. And when that happened, Rhodos would be used as a pawn.
But he didn't care.
My opponents will be Father and Rei. Mother will be there too. No matter what happens, they can handle themselves. And if I feed them information from the inside, we'll be fine. ...But you, Rei. I'm going to make sure you fight me one more time.
Sobul released Rhodos's hand and turned to Blatta.
Sensing something unpleasant coming his way, Blatta furrowed his brow.
"...What?"
"Since Rhodos is now a comrade, I think it's only fitting that you take charge of his training. What do you say?"
Blatta's face soured instantly.
"Why do I have to bother with that? I never even said I accepted him."
"That's exactly why I'm asking you. You're one of the strongest among us. If you train him, his skills will improve significantly. And as they say, you truly get to know someone's character by crossing blades with them. I think you're the perfect choice."
The flattery was calculated, but Sobul meant it. Blatta was indeed a top-tier combatant.
The arrangement served two purposes: it ensured Rhodos’s growth and kept him under constant surveillance.
Blatta wasn't immune to the praise, especially coming from the usually critical Sobul.
"H-Hmph. Well, if you're going to insist... I suppose I can knock some sense into him. ...Come on, Rhodos. Let's see if you're worth the effort."
Blatta gestured for Rhodos to follow and led him out of the room.
Watching them go, Sobul allowed a satisfied smile to cross his face.