Chapter 47: Scouting Invitational Tournament (3)
Authors Note: Okay just a reminder there are a few repetitive parts that may occur such as a lot of important names being revealed in bold italics such as this:
Example: [ (Name) + (Affiliation) + (Additional Information) ]
please let me know if you're not a fan of it so I can take notes for introduction purposes.
Zowji - ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧
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[Pinnacle Academy: Guest Lobby]
[9:45 AM]
{Third Person POV}
The air buzzed with nervous excitement, guild leaders and their representatives adjusting cufflinks and straightening ties.
Despite the formality, there was a real sense of anticipation beneath it all – the Scouting Event was a rare opportunity to secure the next generation's brightest talents.
A deep voice, laced with irritation, cut through the murmur. "Sir, there has to be an explanation for this!"
[Fredrick Bronze 3rd Captain Of The Miracle Guild. (Rank 3 Hero Nationally for Australia)]
Fredrick Bronze, an imposing vice-captain for the Miracles Guild, walked beside him, his brow furrowed in a thundercloud. "You had a vital business call scheduled – the Ironforge deal -"
The old man chuckled a dry rasp that did little to appease his Vice-captain. "Fredrick, business deals come and go. But talent like this? It only arises once in a generation."
He raised a hand, silencing Frederick's complaints. "Besides, you know I wouldn't miss my daughter's big moment for the world."
[Gerrard Freya Leader Of The Miracle Guild (Rank: 1 (World Wide)]
Fredrick sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. Gerrard could hear the unspoken understanding in his tone.
Valencia, Gerrard's daughter, was not just any participant. She was their legacy, the heir and sole successor to Freya's Guild. Her performance wouldn't just affect her future; it would shape the guild's trajectory.
They reached the double doors of the meeting room, engraved with the insignia of the Pinnacle Academy. Gerrard pushed them open, his weathered face hardening into a mask of stoicism.
"Mr. Freya! An honour to have you grace us with your presence," Idris greeted, extending a hand. "Please, take a seat, the meeting will begin shortly."
[Milio Idris President Of The Heroes Association]
Ahead of him stood Milio Idris, President of the Heroes Association, his youthful features belying his sharp political sense. A warm smile lit up his face as he spotted Gerrard.
Gerrard took his hand in a firm shake, his gruff voice laced with amusement. "President Idris, flattery will surely get you places – if not today, then perhaps in the next election."
Idris chuckled, gesturing towards the head table. "Indeed, politics never sleep, even for a day," he winked. "Though today, the focus is on the future – and our first meeting in a while."
Gerrard nodded, his gaze sweeping across the room, landing on Kang Villerion, leader of the Trinity Centurions. Kang, younger than Gerrard by a mere year, was already sporting a weary smirk.
Fredrick was going to follow suit but he ended up being dismissed by Gerrard leaving the meeting room.
"Kang, old friend!" Gerrard's voice boomed across the room tinged with joy. "Fancy seeing you here. Thought you'd be too busy rotting away in that old chair of yours!"
[Kang Villerion Leader Of Trinities Centurions (Rank 3)]
Kang's lips stretched into a sly grin. "I'd rather be outside than be an elderly rotting in my mansion." He patted the seat beside him. "Join me, before these youngsters overrun us with their youthful energy."
Gerrard chuckled as he settled into the seat. "Ah, Kang, haven't we seen it all before? Yet, here we are, drawn back to the arena once more."
"Ah yes, Just like in our first year... when we tied after knocking each other out in the final" Kang countered, his smirk fading into a contemplative frown. "But this feels different, doesn't it? a new generation ready to etch their names in legend."
Gerrard raised an eyebrow. "You sound like a worried father, Kang. Has the weight of leadership finally settled on your broad shoulders?"
Kang snorted. "Perhaps. But it's more than that, Gerrard. The world seems...unstable. These prodigies, they could tip the scales, alter the balance we've strived so hard to maintain."
A flash of steel flickered in Gerrard's eyes. "Or they could usher in a new era, one where the lines between guilds blur and true heroism take centre stage. Remember, Kang, we were once those untested prodigies ourselves, shaking the old guard with our dreams."
"Indeed," Kang admitted, a spark of his old fire returning. But his grin turned predatory. "Speaking of dreams, my son Louise? He's been training relentlessly every day. This tournament is his, mark my words."
Gerrard scoffed, his amusement evident. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Kang. My Valencia may not be as flashy as your son, but when she puts her mind to it..." He trailed off, a knowing glint in his eyes. "She could crush him if she took things more seriously."
"You wanna bet on that?" Kang's fire reignited.
"I'll make sure you eat your words" Gerrard retorted...
Meanwhile, across the other side of the room, other guild leaders mingled, each with their agendas and anxieties.
"Ajax," she said, her voice clipped and direct, "The rumours about these prodigies. who are you keeping your eye on in this tournament?"
[Ajax Von Jr Leader Of The Visionary Syndicate (Rank 2) ]
Ajax chuckled, his smile easy and confident. "Always eager to jump to the action, Yuka. I wouldn't expect anything less. But let's not ignore the element of surprise, shall we? This event is full of unknowns, each with the potential to shine."
[Yuka Azira Leader Of Legion New Force (Rank 4) ]
Yuka narrowed her eyes, unimpressed by his evasive answer. "Don't play coy, Ajax. You always have a favourite. Spill it."
A sly grin spread across Ajax's face. "Very well, if you insist. My eyes are on Lyra, our newest recruit. Young, yes, but I'm also here for another candidate under her suggestion."
Yuka scoffed. "another candidate? So you insist on offering 2 early offers." Yuka stroked her chin modestly "You're gambling on potential over proven skill, that's unlike you."
"Perhaps," Ajax countered, his smile unwavering. "But sometimes, the greatest discoveries come from those who dare to break the mould. Besides, a little healthy competition never hurt anyone, right?"
Yuka snorted. "Healthy competition, or another pawn in your elaborate guild? Don't underestimate me, Ajax. I have my prodigy to watch, And that's Jan. He may not be flashy, but his discipline and focus are unmatched."
A murmur rippled through the nearby guild leaders. While the name "Jan" resonated, They have yet to see him in action. They knew of him and his previous achievements back at the Prep academy but his skills remained shrouded in mystery.
"Jan, of the Legion New Force? An intriguing choice, Yuka. Tell us more about this hidden gem."
[Oberon Starcaster Leader Of the Infra Tech Innovators Guild]
Oberon Starcaster, leaned closer, his mirrored Glasses glinting with curiosity.
Yuka raised her chin, suspicious that Oberon already knew of Jan but she continued anyway. "From what I heard he's a top-class swordsman amongst the first years of Pinnacle.
There's also a rumour that he possesses 6 elemental attributes." With Yuka pointing out that Jan had more magic elements than the current top-class mage Aeliana Bell there were even small talks about adding Jan to the scouting watchlist.
"A swordsman with 6 elemental attributes? Sounds like my kind of hero!"
[Hugo Zane Leader Of Runebound (Rank 8)]
"Just remember, Yuka, the arena reveals all. Let's see if your Jan lives up to the expectations." Hugo Zane, the boisterous leader of the Runebound, boomed with laughter.
"Hidden potential can indeed blossom into greatness, Yuka. But remember, true strength lies not just in power, but in wisdom and understanding."
[Ivan Rafael Leader of The Lorekeepers League (Rank 9)]
Ivan Rafael, the scholarly leader of the Lorekeepers League, stroked his beard thoughtfully.
While everyone at the table was bombarding Yuka with many questions and lectures another person entered the conversation
"Interesting... Yuka you talk like you've already offered the boy a contract?" The double doors opened up and the prodigy mage arrived on the scene.
[Aeliana Bell Lotus Society Leader (Rank 7)]
Yuka ended up flinching at the thought of the words uttered by Aeliana and she showed a flicker of vulnerability to the guild leaders.
"Does that mean yer boy yi call, is up fer grabs?" A voice boomed across the room.
[Dean Fynn Leader Of Glided Tycoon (Rank 10)]
There was an outburst concerning whether Yuka secured an early agreement with Jan. Which meant that the guildmasters within the room were certain that they at least had a chance of signing the wonder kid of Pinnacle Academy.
BANG!
The double doors opened from a strong wind. With everyone looking towards the entrance of the lobby the final guild master had arrived at the meeting.
"Sorry, I'm late everyone..." The man announced as he took his seat at the end of the table. "Shall we have our first meeting after 3 years?"
[Julian George II Leader Of Van Guardians Forge (Rank 5)
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Authors Note:
- Fun Fact: Gerrard Freya and Kang Villerion were a part of the same guild in their younger years. Which was the Guild: Golden Horizon. led by Dawn Frisk who was the strongest in the world at the time. After Dawn retired the two fought over for ownership of the guild. Gerrard and Kang fought for 3 days and 2 nights with the result being a tie.
Dawn decided that it wasn't fair that 2 of the new gens strongest shouldn't fight for whos 1 and whos 2 so he ended up disbanding the guild leading to the creation of The Miracles Guild and Trinity Centurions.
- Dawn Frisk's Age is (75), Gerrard Freya (58), Kang Villerion (57)
- The last meeting with the top 10 guild leaders was different at the time with the lower 5 being interchangeable throughout those years but the same top 5 remained, constantly changing positions for first place.
- heroes association holds an election for president every 3 years.