...The Surprise...

Rose gave back the big Emerald and the gems that she collected from those who attacked her.

Just two men remained in her team including her, Roy and John, while the rest were out of the competition.

- Congratulations to all of you, we have 105 persons who succeeded in the first round.

" What? the first round? didn't they say that today's task was the last?"

-Tomorrow, the second round will start, rest well, you will face each other in duals.

Said the announcer then he left.

Rose felt a little bit relieved. Finally, the fight will start.

After some moments, servants brought a lot of food to them.

They were very hungry that they jumped on the food and finished it in no time,

Their stomachs were finally full after several days of hunger.

- What a wonderful feeling, I was about to Withdraw from the contest because I was at my limit. Said John while laying down on the floor.

- I'm really tired, we didn't get much sleep either, I think we can sleep for tonight, at least since the first round is over. Replied Roy.

Each one of them took a corner and fell into a deep sleep. It wasn't just them, but all remaining contestants.

After a couple of hours, they Wake up terrified by the sound of screaming.

- What's wrong? What the hell is happening.

They covered their faces and went immediately out to check. It was the announcer.

" Why did he come again, we should meet him in the morning"

- I forgot to tell you something earlier, the ones who will bring swords with them are the only ones who will be allowed to participate, if you come without it you will be out. The fights start after five hours.

" What does he mean? Everyone came with his sword...Wait! Don't tell me....."

Rose went back in a hurry to the tent

- My sword....my sword is gone!!

The announcer finished his speech:

- Yes, all of your swords are gone. There are 50 swords hidden throughout the palace, you must find them to participate in the second round. Your own swords will be given back to you at the end of the contest.

- They are still playing with us. Damn it, I shouldn't let my guard down. Said Rose with an angry voice.

- Don't blame yourself, they took our swords while we were sleeping. They knew that we were extremely tired and took advantage of that. Replied Roy.

- Now what? How are we going to find swords before the time ends? Asked John.

- I'm sure that they are hidden within the palace, we have just five hours to search this wide place, so, we need to work as a team.

- So, what we should do? Asked Rose

- Listen to me everyone, there are three big places that we should start the search. The main palace building, the library, and the garden. We must split to gain more time. I will go to the main building. Replied Roy.

- I will choose the library, and you, John you take the garden.

- All right, Albert, let's do this.

The three of them started the search mission. Rose went directly to the library. When she went inside, she was extremely amazed.

- This place is huge!!

It was much bigger than she thought