Rebirth: The Shadow Of Greed

... "I understand father, but it would benefit me greatly if we could send her two friends away."

"There will be a sparring session later, as per banquet tradition, I will request for the younger generation to take on this mantle and you can select them as sparring partners, use Raziel and Rasael, since they came back with you. But make sure you just injure them and not kill them."

Minister Nuebus spoke in a soft voice, but articulating each word clearly so Waldorf could hear him. Waldorf nodded, as he went back to take a seat.

Pretty soon the banquet was in full swing with performances and food filling the hearts and bellies of the people present.

Daymas walked up to the centre and started to speak.

"I would like to thank everyone for coming, I would like to thank everyone for the support they had provided during this tough time and it is thanks to all of you that Soli made it back alive.

As per the banquet traditions, shall we start the sparring?"

Everyone applauded at the speech many seemed excited about the spar, Z and Odrunn hadn't experienced a banquet like this before so they could only ask Soli.

"Well, it started decades ago, when the warriors had successfully deterred an enemy's advance and won, they would hold a banquet, but due to them being worried at the ensuing war, none of them actually drank any alcohol, keeping them in their best condition.

In place of alcohol, the warriors would have sparred with each other and get a natural high from combat. The tradition of sparring still lives on and they will hold it every banquet."

Z and Odrunn nodded, it made sense for the people of that time, they had to keep morale up, but also keep clear-headed in case of an enemy attack, Z was intrigued, it was something that he wouldn't have known about even having lived 2 lives.

"Old Alvans! I challenge you to a spar! Do you accept?"

An old man stood up and shouted, pointing towards another old man.

"I accept! See how I do you in today! Hahaha"

The battle began on stage as flashes of light flew left and right, punches were thrown and kicks were received. In the end, the two old men lay on the floor tired and elated over the sparring match.

The matches went on for a while and minister Nuebus stood up and started to speak.

"Friends, friends, I think we have had enough fun, the future belongs to future generations, so why not let them have a chance to spar as well."

The old-timers nodded their head in approval, turning their head towards Daymas, since he was the organiser of the banquet the final decision would still fall under him. After a few seconds, Daymas gave a reply.

"Might as well! Anyone from the younger generation can challenge anyone, but if the opponent gives up or he is unable to fight, you must stop immediately."

The younger generation seated around the hall started to cheer as they were excited to show their worth in front of the a.d.u.l.ts.

2 youngsters stepped up to the plate as they smiled and bowed to each other, electricity coated his hands as he launched a beam of lightning narrowly missing his opponent. His opponent hipped back and landed on his feet as he started running in a zigzag pattern towards him with full speed.

"Good that's the way son! Don't let him have too big a gap! He'll shoot you to death!" An older gentleman in the crowd shouted as he slammed the table.

'bzzt'

The moment the youngster charged close enough, electricity flashed on the ground and like a trap hindered his movement as he was charging forward.

"Hahaha! Old fogey! Did you think my son was like me? He learnt all your stupid tricks! I've taught him how to combat enemies in close quarters! Just be prepared to lose!"

Another old man shouted as he pointed towards the stage laughing.

The youngster that was trapped started to dissipate, it left the people off the stage confused, a knife-hand came down on the back of the electric youngster knocking him out. The youth raised his knife hand and turned it into a fist as he pumped at his victory.

"HAHA HAHAHA! I taught him to counter your counter! Seems like I have the last laugh."

The mood at the banquet was at a high as everyone was laughing and having a good time.

One of Waldorf's lackeys Raziel walked up to the stage and pointed at Z.

"I challenge you to a duel! Do you dare?"

Whispers could be heard coming from the youngsters in the back.

"That's Rasiel, I heard he's just broken through to tank level, isn't it really quick?"

"Yeah, he's really a genius and he's really strong too. I wonder if we could have an arranged marriage."

Another girl spoke up, whispering to her friend.

"You? You must be joking he has better standards than that."

Z, still eating food waved his hands without even looking at him.

"Not interested. I don't do sparring"

"You are a coward! It is your honour to be fighting upon this stage! How dare you sully the reputation of a noble tradition."

"Alright, I've lost, you've won. No more damaging of reputation. I'm weaker."

Z once again continued.

Raziel on the stage turned red flushed with anger leaving him speechless, having Waldorf step in to say a few words.

"My dear friends from A city military academy, I've long heard about the exploits of the famous military academy, but it seems like the students are not as gracious even refusing a spar. I can only say that A city military academy is disappointing."

"Yeah, I'm sorry to have disappointed you."

Z calmly spoke, laughing it off.

"You're just a little trash commoner! I have no respect for you!"

Someone in the crowd shouted.

"Yeah! You don't belong here! What trash!"

"Boo!"

Odrunn stood up his large stature blocked the crowds as he looked at Z.