Night Before The Tournament

After Leya dismissed us I started to look for Josento and Maximina. Wandering around the colosseum I noticed the two of them talking with the oddly dressed man and I started towards them. As I got closer I started to hear their conversation.

"Is your ability that hard to control?", she asked.

He answered, "Yeah, my ability puts off an unbelievable amount of cold air that it freezes almost anything it touches.".

"Must be rough," I said, slipping into the conversation.

Judging by the way they were looking at me I'm guessing I joined in at the wrong time. Josento sighed, "This is Rokuza Korizaguya. Rokuza, this is Arrion Sayate.".

I stuck out my hand, "Nice to meet you.".

Arrion just stared at my hand and just nodded. As I retracted my hand I realized my own idiocy after remembering his ability. Apologizing sincerely, " Sorry about that. Just wanted to join in on the fun. Not really fun but you know what I mean.".

I felt like an even bigger idiot. Maximina and Josento stared at me dumbstruck. I just turned around and started towards the colosseum entrance. Might as well find something to eat while looking for an inn. After looking around I found a stall selling stew and took a seat at one of the tables that were set up. A young girl came and took my order and I think I shocked her after ordering ten bowls of stew. Taking my time eating I noticed Josento walking around and called out to him, "Hey Josento, come and join me!".

As he strolled over and sat down he just shook his head. Josento started, "You really need to learn how to read the room.".

I apologized, "Sorry, I just wanted to join in.".

He just nodded and ordered two bowls of stew. He mentioned, "Maximina told me there was an inn close by called The Sullen Crow.".

"Just what I wanted to hear.", I stated.

I continued with, "What questions did you have about my father?".

"How long did it take for him to train his ability to that insane level?", he asked.

I contemplated, "When I was a kid he could not stop time, but he was way past the sound barrier. It had to be before he was promoted to captain of the jade knights four years ago."

Josento started mumbling under his breath and didn't ask anymore questions so I guess I satisfied his curiosity. Stretching my legs as I got up I asked, "You ready to head to the sullen crow."

"Yeah, follow me.", as he got up and started toward the main street.

Josento suddenly turned toward me, "I just realized this but why would you need to stay at an inn when you can travel back to your house in seconds.".

"Well you see. If I'm closer to the colosseum I can get more sleep before the tournament.", I answered.

Josento just placed his face in his palm and shook his head. I know I should be up early for the tournament but even just a little bit more rest wouldn't hurt. Josento stopped and pointed towards the sullen crow, "This is it I'll see you tomorrow.".

After pointing the way he waved and went his own way. Walking into the door I was greeted with the smell of food and alcohol. Looking around I noticed Maximina sitting at the bar eating a plate full of meat. I walked up next to her and took an empty stool.

"Enjoying your meal.", I said, startling her.

She about choked on her food and I slid her drink closer. "I was. You could have been more subtle instead of giving me a scare.".

I bought her another drink as an apology. "When do you think they will post the bracket?", I asked.

"I'd give it a couple more hours," she replied.

Giving her a quick wave I got a room to relax in waiting for the bracket to be posted. I took a quick nap to try and pass time until I heard a knock on my door. Opening the door I found Maximina standing there with a piece of paper. She looked up from the paper, "Each of the rating six power examinees were placed in opposite corners. You and Arrion are on the same side and it's me and Josento on the other."

"Arrion, huh. It's gonna be a fun fight.", I said excitedly.

I asked, "Want to get a late night snack before we turn in for the night?".

She gave a quick nod and we went downstairs to order some bread and jerky to snack on. We spent a couple hours talking about the kingdom before I started to get a little drowsy. I slowly got up from my chair and started back up the stairs. Looking back towards Maximina, "See you in the morning Mina.".

As soon as I hit the bed I passed out.