The Reward System
Nobody knew when it happened, but the next second, Karsha was frozen still and the King's finger was pressed to his forehead.
'Uh-oh, did I say something wrong?' Karsha thought, unable to move. His mind raced, wondering if he had just crossed a line.
The King's eyes bore into Karsha's. "Nineteen, you say?" The King's voice was softer now, almost reflective.
"Y-yes, big bro. I just turned nineteen last month," Karsha managed to stammer, still frozen in place.
The King slowly withdrew his finger and stepped back.
"Impressive. Becoming a Grandmaster at your age... you've got serious talent. Soul, Body, Mind, Mana, and Sword—you've blended them all, and they are all-powerful." Everyone watched Karsha and the King in stunned silence.
Though they couldn't hear the King's last words, a sense of unease spread among them. It was then confirmed when the King burst into laughter.