Asking To Die

The other captains sighed with frustration at Shu's choice. They couldn't help but click their tongue. Tree of Eden and Silent Night had the largest gains this time! The ladder barely even accepted people, but not only did they previously recruit the famous snow demon, they now had a potential Legendary class figure!

"What a shit show…" Idun of Bloody Thorn exclaimed. Most of the people she had eyes on were recruited by Vance. Tree of Eden was truly a 'thorn' in her side.

The young samurai calmly sat down, his sheathed katana resting in his lap. His inherent mana gently traveled through every one of his pathways. Whatever happened in the formation had disoriented him. Shu could feel his strike zone - the basic range of his sword swing - passively increasing. The range of his senses was also going through a change.

'An unexpected boon. Much appreciated.' He thought.

After the spectacle was over. King Solomon carried on with his duties. More contestants were called into the formation. The sleepy swordsman was focused on himself. He worked tirelessly to grow used to the changes.

Time flew by as this continued. The contestants who failed the third assessment were now being called. It was a grim moment for them, as the majority weren't recruited. The captains didn't bother to extend invitations. Their silence was like thunder to the participants. Eventually, a name was called that woke Shu from his meditation.

"Faye. You may enter the formation."

Both Shu and Eldan perked up at the name. They immediately focused on the happenings below. The king was on the same platform as Vance and Eldan, so he noticed the shift in interest. Aiden instantly noticed Shu's change in demeanor.

The innocent healer gripped her staff while approaching the formation. She was extremely nervous, and her sweat had turned cold. Light engulfed her once she entered the gentle pillar of mana.

"Mana Potential stated as Gold. Low survivability in the Starfall plane. Efficient methods and tactics used in order to find safety. Fighting isn't your primary role, therefore negative marks have been waived. Commanders, state your claims." The archmage declared.

Faye closed her eyes and prayed that someone would extend an invitation. Each of the captains were silent. Each second dragged on to minutes. The freckle haired girl was slowly coming to the brink of tears. Nobody was moving a muscle.

The battalion leaders didn't have a use for her. She was a cleric, but the pros of that role didn't beat the cons. She was extremely weak, barely reaching high tier bronze. If she ever came along with part of any team, protecting her would result in the loss of lives. In short, a healer like her was a burden.

As every captain landed at this conclusion, two killing intents brushed across the formation. Every battalion leader, including the king, turned toward both sources. On the highest ring, Eldan could be seen standing on the edge. His curly white hair was flowing in the mana currents that surrounded him. The powerful captains frowned upon seeing him.

How dare he?! Who does he think he is? Acting out like this for a single girl was not worth it. Just the disrespect alone was enough to get kicked out of the battalion. Before they could punish the blind man, they turned to the other source, which was only one ring below.

Shu was still sitting down, but his face was extremely cold. An ear piercing sound was being emitted from his katana. It was an ominous tone that called for bloodshed. Mana had condensed in his surroundings in the form of colorful static. It danced through the air at random.

'The Legendary as well?!' They thought.

Who would've thought two of the most talented prospects would act like this. They were asking for death! Especially while in front of the king. Solomon was a Legendary powerhouse at the end of the day.

"Calm yourself, boy. This outburst of yours is childish." Commander Blaine growled. A powerful red aura burst from his body.

"........"

Shu turned his head and only stared at the red haired demon. His silver eyes were dull and lifeless. Aiden, who was beside the young samurai, only watched. The king also stepped back as Vance approached Eldan. This was the Golden Circle's problem. It was not the king's job to educate their rowdy and arrogant youth.

Faye had opened her teary eyes at this point, looking up at both of her new big brothers. Were they sticking up for her?! She could feel warmth in her chest.

"Young man, you shouldn't disrespect your elders…" Vance casually spoke to Eldan. A massive green aura exploded from his body.

The other contestants were at a loss. They couldn't understand what happened. When did everything turn hostile? All because of this weak little girl?! How did she gain such bold friends? Not only bold, they were powerful.

Everyone could feel the tension in the air. It was extremely close to reaching its breaking point. A fight was on the horizon. Shu had already stood up, his bandaged hand reaching for the hilt of his katana. Eldan was slowly walking toward Vance. His hands were in his pockets. The two prospects were fearless! Right before attacks were thrown, a voice broke the silence.

"Bloody Thorn has extended an invitation. The Windriders have extended an invitation."

King Solomon's words passed through the colosseum. Everyone turned to the two battalions. Their rings were shining. Idun stood with her arms crossed. A sly smile adorned her face.

'Seeing how much the Legendary cares for the girl, I will take her. Hmph. At least I gained something out of this. A future Legendary's goodwill.' Idun thought smartly.

Jeanne of The Windriders stood in silence. It was unknown what she was thinking. Faye's eyes were wide with shock. Her expression quickly became one of immense gratitude. Her voice shook while holding back tears.

"Big Brother Shu! Big Brother Eldan! Thank you…Thank you so much! I'll ALWAYS be in your debt! Forever!" She cried while bowing her head.

A slight smile appeared on both Shu and Eldan's faces. Their auras quickly died down. The other captains suppressed a smile. It was good that they cared about their comrades. The Golden Circle wouldn't expect anything less. Unfortunately, disrespect was still disrespect. They would be punished accordingly.

"As punishment for your outbursts, you will be detained. The full repercussions of your actions will be discussed at a later time." Vance exclaimed. Two pairs of thick platinum handcuffs appeared in his hands. He threw a pair towards Aiden.

Both Shu and Eldan were placed in cuffs. The young samurai's blade was confiscated by the red eyed captain. Once that was settled, King Solomon continued.

"Faye. Make your choice."

The innocent girl took a deep breath. She wouldn't squander this opportunity that her new friends made for her! At this moment, Faye swore to herself that she would become useful.

"Thank you both for your invitations. Today, I will be joining Bloody Thorn." She announced.

As soon as her words passed, her body vanished. She instantly appeared next to Captain Idun. The little girl beamed with joy while eyeing both of her big brothers.

"Goddess Satva, I can already see your blessings." She muttered.

Another hour passed as the remaining participants were evaluated. There wasn't anyone else of significance. No other contestants were recruited. It was over.

"This concludes the 316th Golden Circle Examination. Thank you all for coming. To the audience who came from afar, please enjoy the vendors and restaurants in the vicinity. We promise you will be satisfied. The beach is also open for tourism. Goodbye." Vance announced.

When his words finished, the 7 rings glowed with power. King Solomon disappeared in a swathe of white and black butterflies. Each of the battalions vanished, while the failed contestants remained. The separated rings merged together once more, protecting the oceanside from any threats.