I knew that this guy is rich but he has a mansion for himself! From what I have seen on the way here that there are eight other mansions and only three of them are bigger than Verser. One of the servants was waiting for us in front of the gate. The boy had a bracelet on his ankle. It was probably a sign of a slave.

[ Servant ]

“You must be Mister Eric and his companion.”

[ Eric ]

“Yes. This is Dian. And you can drop the mister part. I’m not used to that.”

[ Servant ]

“I’m sorry! That won’t happen again!”

[ Eric ]

“No need to apologize.”

[ Servant ]

“Yes. Yes. Come with me.”

Before we even reached the entrance to the building there is a long garden with a wide variety of plants. Nothing usual like simple roses. All the plants looked like something exotic. Dian was about to touch one of the flowers but the servant grabbed his hand.

[ Servant ]

“Better not touch them. Some of them may be toxic some not but we’re not sure which are which. Somehow new species of plants grew here without planting them.”

[ Dian ]

“I’ll never get close to them anymore.” Said Dian as he jumped away.

Behind the main doors, we were welcomed by a giant painting of Verser and some kid. Most likely his daughter. It’s a simple portrait but neither of them is smiling. Doesn’t look like a happy family. It looked like Verser lives on the higher floor because the servant told us that we are prohibited from going upstairs without Verser’s permission. We went through the whole building to just leave it. Behind the mansion, there were three smaller houses and something like a small training ground.

[ Servant ]

“You’ll be living in that house on the left. It’s a house for Verser’s ‘champions’. The two buildings besides those are housing for servants and a workshop. All of the equipment for the battles are made here. The arena only provides a place for the fight.”

[ Eric ]

“Got it. One question. Verser told me something about training his rookie. Can I meet him right now?”

[ Servant ]

“You already met him. I’m the rookie you’re supposed to train.”

[ Eric ]

“You’re the one I fell on?”

[ Servant ]

“And stole my glory? YES.”

[ Eric ]

“Just by looking at you, I can tell that guy would kill you.” What I said clearly angered the boy but I was just telling the truth.

[ Servant ]

“Wanna try me?!”

[ Eric ]

“I’d like to… Dian, you’re gonna fight that kid.” I looked at Dian with my most serious face and pointed my thumb at the boy.

[ Dian ]

“Me? Why me? He wants to fight you.”

[ Eric ]

“I have to train him not wreck him. Also, I’m training you so I thought that would be a good idea.”

[ Servant ]

“Hey! Don’t ignore me!”

[ Eric ]

“If you can’t beat him there is no chance of you beating me. Want to fight me? Then win against Dian.”

[ Servant ]

“Ukh… Fine!”

We agreed that it’s gonna be a fistfight. The first one to get knocked out, pinned down to the ground, or surrender, loses. Also, no spells. Pure fistfight. As the fight began the boy was first to make a move with a bizarre move. He aimed for Dian’s neck with a half-turn kick. Not only that he did it so fast and swiftly that even though Dian tried to dodge it he still got hit.

It’s not like Dian is an inexperienced fighter. He took so much beating from our training that he made a good habit. Even when he is getting attacked he doesn’t stop his own attacks. While he was leaning forward to avoid the attack he was going to do a flip and attempt to kick the boy. The kid didn’t expect that attack and didn’t even defend himself. Clean hit to the jaw.

Dian was prepared for more while the boy hadn't recovered from the previous attack. That’s why he would die to that guy at the arena. One hit and he is done for. Before doing anything Dian looked at me. He wasn’t sure if to continue.

[ Eric ]

“I think that proves my point.”

[ Servant ]

“I can still fight!” He shouted.

I approached him and flicked him on the head with my finger. That was enough to make him fall. For now, this kid is only good with fast and swift attacks but after that he is vulnerable. Many fights are going to be an exchange of blows.

[ Eric ]

“Alright. I’m exhausted! We’re gonna train tomorrow. Good sleep will make you stronger.”

The house for “champions” had a dining room right from the entrance and doors to the rooms all around. Two men were sitting by the table enjoying their meal. While one of them didn’t pay attention to us at all the other guy was clearly staring at us. I only took one step forward and he stood up.

[ Champion ]

“Who are?!”

[ Eric ]

“New fighter for Verser.”

[ Champion ]

“If you’re a newbie then that’s not a place for you!”

[ Eric ]

“But the servant told me that this is the place where we’re supposed to sleep.”

[ Champion ]

“This is a house for champions only!”

[ Eric ]

“I’m pretty sure I am one. After all, Verser said that he would do anything to hire me.”

[ Champion ]

“Yeah right! Because I would believe that he hired a pretty boy like you!”

[ Man ]

“He is not lying. I’ve heard it from Verser.” Said the man that didn’t pay attention to us but joined in the conversation since the guy in front of him was screaming.

[ Champion ]

“Are you sure, Gezznir?”

[ Gezznir ]

“Yup. He was as happy as he found me. So he needs to be special.”

[ Champion ]

“Huh… Guess it’s my bad. Sorry for yelling. I’m Basnir. This guy is Gezznir. The strongest guy among Verser’s fighters. So don’t pick a fight with him if you value your life.”