NOVPUB
Chapter 128 - The contest II
The arena was entirely silent as the onlookers watched the colour drain from the man's face.
He opened and closed his mouth, but the words were unable to come out. He had been all talk earlier, but now faced with this behemoth of a man, he had gone mute.
The man couldn't help cursing himself. Me and my big mouth.
The king didn't wait to hear his opinion as he eyed Hael who went down and signed both of their names in the list of challengers after the final round. It was a bonus activity the contest would run in order to shed light on any potential talents in the city. It gave them some fame and recognition plus it was a great way to get fellow contestants to apply next year as well.
Once the winner was announced, the host then let the crowd know that anyone who wishes to challenge the winner can do so. A few brave souls stepped up, but none of them could beat the sharp-eyed man. Though he gave them all smiles and words of encouragement, it was clear he was feeling smug that no one could beat him, at least until Hael stepped up to the plate.
The entire crowd went silent as Hael appeared, a rare jewel who caught the eyes of many women and men by surprise. He commanded a presence, one that could be felt even up on the platforms. The young man's smile faltered when he saw him, but it did return once he saw Hael fumbling with the bows.
He thought, "Ha, this newb may look skilled, but it's clear he's just an amateur."
His confidence returned in full force as he watched Hael struggle, an arrogant smirk tugging at his lips. "Seems like the challenger doesn't even know how to hold a bow properly," he mused, allowing his previous smugness to resurface.
The crowd murmured amongst themselves, some watching in curiosity, others in amusement. A few even chuckled under their breaths, thinking this might turn into a farce rather than a challenge. Since they were visiting another town, many people knew of the king, but they didn't know much about his guard.
Even if he had been given the title of ultimate warrior, not many of them knew how to handle a bow. They mostly fought with their hands and if they used a weapon, it was usually a sword.
Archery was usually reserved for refined nobles who liked the elegance the weapon offered. Someone as big and buff as Hael looked strange wielding a bow and so many people didn't think it would be able to do much. They also wondered why the king didn't go down himself since he was the one who offered to the challenge the chatty man.
Hael on the other hand completely ignored the looks of down and scorn coming his way as his only focus was hitting the mark as Ceremus had requested.
Of course Hael was curious to see how he would fair wielding it, but to him the only thing that mattered was not having his beloved lose face by making him play for him. He took his time, tilting the bow from side to side as if weighing it in his grip. The young champion's smirk widened. "Do you need help?" he offered mockingly.
Hael hummed, his sharp eyes flickering up to meet his. "No need," he said smoothly, his fingers finally settling into place. He rolled his shoulders once, twice—then, with a grace that contradicted his earlier fumbling, he knocked the arrow in one fluid motion.
The crowd's amusement waned as they noticed the shift in his demeanor. He was no longer the lost amateur struggling with a foreign weapon. He had transformed into something else entirely—something honed, something sharp.
The young champion frowned. Perhaps he had judged too soon.
Ceremus, standing off to the side, smirked knowingly. He leaned back against the wooden railing of the arena, watching with an expression that could only be described as entertained.
The host clapped his hands, bringing the attention back to the competition. "Very well, since both challengers are ready, we shall proceed! The rules remain the same—three shots, the best score wins!"
The champion went first. He tied his long hair back before shooting his shot. The arrow soared through the air, landing just shy of the bullseye. The crowd clapped as the champion rubbed his hand and readied for his next shot.
It struck true, landing him a perfect hit.
A confident grin curled on his lips as he loosed his final arrow. It landed only a hair's breadth away from the last, showcasing his undeniable skill.
"An impressive display!" the host declared. "Now, let us see how our challenger fares."
All eyes turned to Hael as he stared blankly at the target.
He exhaled slowly, adjusting his stance.
Then he fired.
The arrow cut through the air like a blade, embedding itself dead center in the bullseye.
The crowd gasped.
The champion's smile stiffened as he watched the guard's cool and composed demeanour, not befitting of an amateur.
Hael did not hesitate. He knocked another arrow with the same effortless grace.
The second shot struck home, splitting the first arrow down the middle.
The arena fell into stunned silence.
A cold sweat broke out on the young champion's forehead.
And then, as if to drive the final nail into the coffin, Hael executed his third shot. It struck the target with such force that the previous two arrows shattered, leaving only a single bolt embedded in the very heart of the bullseye.
Silence filled the arena as no one could believe what had just happened. Then, in the stands, a low whistle erupted and cheers resounded the place.
Ceremus laughed, low and rich, watching as the once-arrogant champion swallowed thickly, his face pale.
"Now," the king mused, turning his gaze toward the man who had been boasting so boldly earlier, "shall we see if you're braver than you look?"
The man's face was drained of all color.
He had the sinking realization that he had made a terrible mistake.
~*~
Fortunately for the man, Ceremus was in a particularly good mood, and so he let the man go just this once.
The chatty man was incredibly grateful, making sure to apologize to the king. It was on that day that Riviera started to see how much their king had changed.
The two men then went to their next destination—escaping the crowd to venture into nature.
Riviera was known for its scenic nature-like landscapes which was different from the city that was filled with infrastructures, markets, shops and the like. It was the perfect tourist city, but when someone needed a break from it, Riviera was the place to go.
There was a place Ceremus had heard Anemone talk about, a hidden oasis where the water is said to enhance one's spirit.
To reach it, you needed to follow a narrow, winding path leading through towering bamboo groves. The entrance to the oasis was marked by a stone archway that was entwined with ivy and delicate white blossoms. Inside laid a row of trees that opened up to reveal a crystal-clear lagoon.
Its waters was pure making it easy to see the colorful stones that were placed at the bottom of the water where a couple iridescent fishes swam through its streams.
A small waterfall cascaded down the moss-covered rocks at the far end of the lagoon. Beneath the falls lay a shallow alcove where the water was said to be warmer and ideal for a quiet and romantic conversation.
Many liked to bath and reap the full benefits of the water which was said to soothe the skin and clear away any impurities.
Hael stood near the edge of the lagoon, his bare feet brushing against the cool grass. The faint mist from the waterfall kissed his skin, but it was nothing compared to the heat simmering within Ceremus as his eyes trailed his now bareback.
Taking the attendant's advice when entering the oasis, Hael wanted to quickly take a swim in its waters. Ceremus stayed a little behind, opting to lay on the soft grass instead.
Hael's gaze flickered towards Ceremus who was watching him with that same unreadable intensity he always did. Hael would always act like he never noticed, but this time, he couldn't help commenting on it.
"You're staring," he stated.
Ceremus rolled his eyes, but didn't break contact. "So what if I am?" He casually said.
A soft chuckle escaped his lips. "I guess you've earned that right." He said in a low voice.
Ceremus said nothing in response which the guard didn't mind. He was a man of little words and this fact only added to his charms. "Won't you join me in the water?"
The king thought for a moment before sighing. "I suppose. I have been meaning to it." He said.
"What did the man call it? A hot spring?"
Ceremus nodded and the two dipped inside the water, letting out sighs of contentment. The water was warm and instantly soothed the ache both men didn't know they had.
"This is nice," Hael whispered after a while.
"Hm." As he titled his head back, Ceremus' neck was fully exposed, and Hael happened to catch sight of it.
Smooth brown skin, glistening thanks to the water. Little droplets pooled in the crook of his neck— the sight enticing the young man. His mouth salivated as he wished to take a bite, just a small, tiny bite and feel the tautness of Ceremus' skin between his lips.
The king sensed Hael's heated gaze on him, and a small smirk appeared on his face as he continued to rinse his hair with the water. He turned, his back now facing Hael as he let the water from the falls fall on his face.
He heard the splashing of water behind him, and knew Hael had gotten closer. He wrapped an arm around his waist and buried his face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent.
"What are you doing?" Ceremus asked in a low voice.
Rather than answer, Hael reached out, fingers tracing the damp strands of hair that clung to Ceremus' cheek. The touch was featherlight, but it sent a shiver down Ceremus' spine. The moment stretched between them—neither moving, until Ceremus turned to face him.
Their eyes locked, gazes fixed on each other without looking away.
The fireflies had begun to appear, their tiny lights flickering like fallen stars, dancing around them as if guided by the sickeningly sweet atmosphere around the pair. The sound of the waterfall faded into the background, and all Hael could hear was the quiet, steady rhythm of his own breathing, matched only by the heartbeat pounding in his ears.
Hael tilted his head slightly, searching Ceremus' eyes for permission. There was no hesitation in the answer.
The kiss was soft at first, a fleeting brush of lips, as if testing the waters. Then, emboldened, Hael deepened it, his hands sliding to the small of Ceremus' back, pulling him just a fraction closer. Ceremus responded in kind, fingers curling into the fabric of Hael's undergarments as warmth unfurled within him like a bloom in spring.
That same fire he had felt the previous day was reignited, and he wasn't confident he would be able to fan these flames once they got going.
When they finally pulled apart, Hael exhaled a shaky laugh, his forehead resting against Ceremus'.
"We should probably get out now while we are still sane," he whispered, his breath tickling the tip of Ceremus' ear.
The king had to stop himself from devouring the young man before him whole, so he nodded his head and quickly put some distance between them.
Once out of the water and dry, they headed to their final destination.
