Chapter 14: The unexpected reward
With Hael declared the winner and crowned the new champion, the announcer, eager to continue the tradition, finally asked the question that everyone had been waiting for.
"Dear warrior, what would you like as a reward?"
Hael blinked, his gaze shifting to the announcer.
"Can I ask for anything?" His voice was genuinely curious, and the innocence in his tone made the crowd melt. They swooned, charmed by his simple, unassuming nature.
The announcer couldn't help but smile at the sweetness of his question. What a cute fellow, he thought to himself. "Yes, you may ask for anything, and your wish shall be granted. Within reason, of course."
Hael's expression scrunched up in confusion, prompting the announcer to quickly clarify.
"What I mean is, you cannot wish to sit on the throne or take the King's position. Anything else is fine."
The crowd waited with bated breath, anticipating the warrior's request. Surely, he would ask for a fortune, for wealth beyond imagination, or perhaps some grand treasure from the royal vaults. But instead, Hael's request took them all by surprise.
"I would like to have a duel with the strongest man in this Kingdom," he said simply, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
The announcer blinked, his brow furrowing.
"The strongest man?" he repeated, as though trying to make sense of it.