Chapter 22: Winner

“You…” Helda tried to speak, but could not even find the right words. Her chest was still throbbing with pain.

But then her eyes turned red, she did not believe it. She does not believe that a lowly servant like Hazel could defeat her, it was impossible.

Her attacks were just based on her speed, it was just because she is fast, that is the only advantage she has.

“You want to become a royal warrior with this much strength? If this is the level of strength your lord has made, then I have to say that he is a fool and his subjects are even more stupid. Just a bunch of trash acting like kings, stupid.” Hazel said, not even bothering to keep her voice down.

Everybody in the training grounds heard her and their faces turned red in rage.

Matilda smiled bitterly.

“You really like making trouble for yourself, don’t you?”

Damien, who had been watching the show, remained silent. But anyone who knew him would see that small smile in his eyes, but it disappeared quickly.

Killian was not able to see it. He glanced at Darien repeatedly, waiting for him to react due to anger. He knew how tempered Damien was, what Hazel just said was punishable by death.

However, after a few seconds, Damien said nothing.

Killian could finally not take it anymore and asked after a moment of hesitation. “Alpha, are you not…angry?”

Slowly, Damien turned to him and asked, “These warriors, how come they are so weak? How is it that they could become royal warriors after this?”

Hearing that, Killian shook her head. “If our royal warriors are that weak, then what are they called royals for? Every candidate chosen after the annual sparring session will have to undergo another test. Most years, only two warriors will be eligible to join the royal warrior out of more than hundred chosen during the sparring session. There was still even another test after that. In the past two years, we’ve not gotten a suitable candidate to join the royal guard. Most get eliminated in the second round and the rest could not make it to the third.” Killian explained.

Damien nodded and said nothing more.

Killian was forced to turn back to the training grounds and said, “I must say, she still has the blood of a warrior in her. Her skills are timely and ruthless.”

“I see.” Damien merely said.

“Alpha, I suggest you return her back to the dungeons, having that kind of person stay beside you is…”

“Are you saying that I don’t have what it takes to keep her still?” Damien asked calmly and Killian quickly shook his head.

“That is not…”

“I have my reasons.” Damien said calmly.

He just wanted to break her, that’s all and he was just getting started.

Killian gave him a complicated glance and said nothing more.

From the look of things, Damien has already begun breaking his former rules for her. Does he really just want to break her or is there something else to it?

Of course, no one could reply to that question.

Hearing what Hazel just said, Helda’s eyes were completely bloodshot.

“I will kill you!” She roared, charging at Hazel.

But Hazel was even faster.

So fast that the crowd and Helda barely saw her move. Her figure almost formed an afterimage at how ridiculously fast she was.

All the people failed to notice the light gale that formed under Hazel’s leg. It was almost imperceptible, looking more like a cloud of dust.

But Matilda saw clearly, it wasn’t dust. But some form of light.

Matilda’s eyes narrowed abruptly and she stared at Hazel.

“Just what in goddess’s name are you doing, Hazel?”

Although Matilda does not know what the odd light was, she had an inkling and the thought did not sit well with her at all.

But what if it is the truth?

Would Hazel's life really remain the same?

Thankfully, no one else saw that light, making Matilda heave in relief, she does not even have an idea why she was so worried about Hazel who wasn’t worried for herself.

Back to the training grounds, Hazel arrived in front of Helda before Helda could take any step forward. Helda did not even see her move.

But Helda quickly extended a fist to punch Hazel’s guts, but Hazel caught her wrist and twisted it sharply, the cracking sound of bones breaking filled the air instantly.

Helda did not even have the chance to scream in pain or defend herself before a clean shoulder throw swept her off her feet as her body lifted off the ground.

With a crash, she fell to the ground, the earth shaking slightly as her figure kicked up dust.

The cheering died abruptly, followed by a pin-drop silence that was almost hilarious considering how initially passionate the crowd had been.

Hazel walked towards her slowly just as the dust died down, each of her steps was unhurried and calm.

Helda glanced at her, blood trailing down from the corner of her lips. “You…”

Hazel lifted her leg and swiftly brought it down.

Helda closed her eyes, expecting the humiliation that followed, but even after a second, she felt nothing on her face.

“You talk too much,” Hazel said, her leg stopping on the spot beside Helda’s head.

Helda froze instantly, staring at that pretty face with slight fear in her heart.

“You want to ruin my face?” Hazel asked in a whisper, then leaned down slowly with a faint curve of her lips. “You are not worthy.”

She straightened and turned away.

The referee stood still for a while, his indifferent eyes darting between Helda on the floor and at Hazel who was dusting her body casually. His shock was almost palpable,

It took him several seconds to find his voice.

“Winner…Hazel.” He announced, but nobody cheered, making the atmosphere almost awkward.

Hazel did not seem to mind, she approached Matilda and calmly spoke, “It’s boring here, let’s leave.”