CHAPTER 411: ROUND ONE: RESULTS (5)

No one paid attention to the representative’s words. Every eye in the hall was on the unfurled banners.

There were two. One in gold, the other one in silver. Each banner had eight teams, with the gold one displaying the number one to eight. Everyone’s eyes of course shot toward the number one on that list.

Alliance of Cursed Ones – Sterling Poundersire of Asterella

The name rendered everyone speechless. This had to be a joke. Unlike others who were still guessing what group would choose such a name, Hex knew at once. And yet, he looked wide-eyed at the golden banner.

’No one sane would choose such a name–,’ Hex thought but he stopped and glanced at the silver-haired boy beside him. Sterling was grinning from ear to ear. Apparently, he achieved whatever shock-effect he wished to achieve.

He noticed Hex glancing at him and met his gaze. The smile – the one that made Hex wish to punch his teeth off his face – became broader.

Meanwhile people had time to process the name. They read the name of the team leader and looked around for clues. Not many knew Sterling. A few whispers and finger-pointing later, however, he became the center of attention. Every eye landed on him and by extension on the team around him.

Once again, after a brief respite, Hex felt several gazes burning at him. Sven’s was one of them.

Sterling relished being in the spotlight. Perhaps, a trait all merchants shared.

The attention didn’t affect Hex. His attention went to the team below them on the ranking .

Heaven’s Army – Althea Thunderspear of the High Temple

He expected the High Temple to have an army of talented people. In fact, Hex had believed they would end up top on the list. As had many people, clearly. They didn’t seem as shocked or surprised with their high rank compared to how they had reacted to their team’s spot, though the effect of the name itself couldn’t be neglected.

What Hex didn’t understand, however, was how Althea had managed to place her name as the leader. As far as he knew, or was told, only merchants could vie for the position of the heir. Did this mean that she wished to inherit the merchant’s headquarters as well?

"I don’t know exactly but if I had to guess, the High Temple used their treasures to convince the Merchant Union to place her in the list of candidates," Sterling whispered to his side. He, too, had his doubts and explained before Hex could question.

Eye of the Sky – Svetlana of the Northern Frostlands

"I suppose she is one of Sven’s wives?" Hex asked, getting a nod in reply. Things were getting more interesting.

He didn’t recognize the other names on the golden ranking. Sterling promised the team to gather intelligence on them and share it with them. With a limited and filtered list, he would have an easier time to deploy the spies.

He had hoped that the points would be displayed but the judges had refrained from doing so. In any case, none of the people that managed to reach the top sixteen could be underestimated. They possessed wit and diversity to reach the banner.

"Congratulations." Hestia hugged Hex with a radiant smile on her face. In the crowd of people, she was the only one from whom he received genuine warmth.

"Thanks. And you made it too."

Hestia was part of Ella’s team and they were the sixteenth team. It made them the bottom of the list but none of the people on her team seemed upset about it. They were happily talking and sharing their experience with each other.

Clap!

A loud, hollow noise echoed suddenly, drowning the noise in the hall.

"I hope everyone has enough time to accept the results by now. Those not on the ranking, don’t be disheartened. The betting and other stuff will only become more intense from this point on."

The representative spoke with much gusto. He had drawn everyone’s attention to sixteen beautiful ladies on the stage, with eight on either side of him.

"These ladies have the rewards of each team in their hands. As you can see, the boxes are numbered and colored according to the place on the list. Please, let these ladies deliver the items to the winners."

The crowd parted as the ladies approached the teams, with most eyes on the blonde with the box numbered "ONE". Most people wished to see what they had won. They would be disappointed, though.

"Lovely lady," Sterling said with a smile, "would it be possible to hold the box a little longer with you? I would love to invite you for dinner with me and my team."

"Of course. It will be my pleasure." Her confident smile surprised Hex. She seemed to be in her element, taking the seat just between Sterling and Quid.

"No, no," Sterling protested. "The pleasure is ours. To have the winner of Miss Wrixia contest with us, now that is something to boast about, isn’t it?"

The men around him cheered while the women, some of them, snorted.

Hex had little time to admire her charms. The crowd was dispersing. With the results announced, many were leaving. Quite a few remained, however. They were arguing with the judges about their results and why they, according to them, were worthier to be in the top sixteen.

Pushing through them, Hex rushed toward the other side.

"We need to talk."

Just as he left the crowd of protesters, Sven barred his path and said.

"Talk," Hex said and left him behind. A shrill scream behind told him that someone – no doubt one of his wives – cursed. But Hex left them behind. They didn’t chase either. The noise worked to his advantage. His target turned and saw him.

"Hi," he said. He had waited so long to meet her again but now that he was looking into her mesmerizing eyes, he was at a loss for words. Luckily, she wasn’t affected as much as him.

"Hi. And bye. Meet me in two days. Same place, same time."