Way of the Knights

Chapter 828: Grand Youth Meet Start

—

This day will be marked in the history of the Divine Realm for eons. 

The day started like any other, bright and sunny. Many people we're just about ready to go on about their days when something incredible happened. 

A dark golden light exploded out of nowhere and enveloped the entire Divine Realm. The light encompassed everything. Not missing a single corner at all. 

Then, they found themselves waking-up from the same spot as before. People started looking around, frowning and suspicious. 

It wasn't hard to notice that something was wrong with their environment. At first it was hardly noticeable but when they thought about it some more, they discovered the clues which made this whole thing very suspicious. 

First, even though they are at the same place as before, they can tell that it's fake. Sure, everything around them looks real but there are people missing…

The mortals. 

There were no mortals around. They mysteriously disappeared for some reason and they couldn't find any traces of them or whatsoever. It's like they just evaporated out of nowhere and that's a giant red flag if they ever seen one. 

Another thing that makes this really suspicious wasn't just the disappearance of the mortals. It's also the disappearance of everybody who's reached at least Knight Monarch and above. 

This took them some time to notice but the more they paid attention, the sooner they discovered it. The people who they saw around with the lowest cultivation realm is Knight Saint. 

Meaning that only people who are Knight Saints, Noble Knights, Knight Kings, and Knight Monarchs were around. The rest are gone. 

"Hey, what do you think is happening?" 

"Beats me. I'm more of an idiot than you are, if you don't know, how am I supposed to know?"

"Shit, you're right." 

"Well, there are some people who were investigating this suspicious event, and they've discovered some clues. I'm sure you've heard of them right?" 

"Yes. Only young people who are at least Knight Saints are around. The strongest are the Knight Monarchs. But that doesn't really give us much information now does it?"

"Well, as far as I can tell, this should be caused by someone who's extremely powerful."

"Duh, bitch. I mean, even the other great worlds are affected. I'd even go as far as to say that the entire Divine Realm is affected by this. If it wasn't done by a powerful being, then who does?" 

"Alright! No need to be so sarcastic about it. I'm just trying to help." 

Before these people could continue whatever they're discussion, a sudden rumble shook them out of their thoughts. Everyone was alarmed and started inspecting their surroundings.

The rumbling didn't last long though. It didn't really set off any kind of explosion or violent reactions, it's as if it just happened to get their attention. 

Once they were silenced and focused, a screen of light appeared before them. After a brief second, a familiar face appeared on the screen of light, a face that everyone recognizes. 

"Hello, Youth of the Divine Realm. I am Vendrick Valorheart, you may call me Raven."

Just a few words from Raven and the crowd already descended into a frenzy. At this point, who doesn't know who this man is? It wouldn't be a surprise to say that every single one them here looked-up to this man and idolizes him. 

"Spare me a bit of your time yeah, I have something to tell you." 

Silence. The Young Lord politely told them to shut-up and shut-up they did. 

"First and foremost, I hope you are all well. Pardon me for suddenly kidnapping every single one of you – then again, I don't think you'll mind me doing this by the end of this event…"

"Anyways. I'm certain that you all have discovered something weird by now." Raven continued, "Yes, you're on a different place. It looks like your home, feels just like home but in reality, no."

"You're inside a rune I created." Raven revealed, drawing sharp intakes of breath from the crowd. "A Rune I created to replicated Divine Realm itself."

The youths were speechless. Raven just casually surpassed their wildest imaginations by saying that. He just casually mentioned that he create a rune which replicated the 'whole' Divine Realm. 

Yeah, no. It's not big deal. Not at all. 

"As for the reason why I did that? Well, frankly I am curious." 

"…"

"Curious to see what the Youth of today's Divine Realm, can do." 

"Which is why, I, Leader of the today's generation of the Dawn Council, announce the start of the Divine Realm's – 'Grand Youth Meet'!"

"This event is sponsored by us – Dawn Council. We received permission from everyone who's in-charge of you to do this. We kept it a secret for the most part in order to make it fair for everyone." 

"Now, 'What's the meet all about?' You ask. Well, as I said, I am curious to see what you young ones can do." 

"And it's not just me, either. Almost all of Empyreans and Divine Knights are curious about it too. So be excited because all of us will be watching you." 

Raven's words caused another round of sharp inhales from the listeners. 

Knowing that all sorts of powerful people are currently watching them ignited something deep within them. It roused their blood and their excitement. So much so that they are anticipating what's about to happen next. 

"A week from now will be the official start of this event. It depends on you people whether you should from a team or go solo."

"As for what you have to do? Well, that's simple."

"Survive and reach the Dawn Council's headquarters."

"Yes, that's you're ultimate goal and you will do it, especially the first one since one week later, there will endless waves of Abominations that will show-up all over the place."

"And when I mean endless…I mean Endless." 

"These Abominations won't hesitate to rip you apart. If you wanna survive, then fighting is you're only option."

"Of course, you people won't do it for free. I understand that, which is why I left numerous treasures all over the pseudo-Divine Realm for all of you to seek."

"Not to mention, you will be ranked in this competition. The higher your place is, the bigger the rewards you'll get." 

"Of course, it'll depend whether you decide to fight or not."

"I'll tell you right now. Dying there won't mean real death. You'll wake-up in the real world and would probably be haunted by nightmares but that's about it." 

"Still, this is a chance for you isn't it?" 

"A chance to prove something not just to yourselves but also the entire Divine Realm. I mean, what is Youth without a dash of recklessness, stupidity and arrogance? If you hadn't experienced any of this things can really you truly say that you were once young?" 

"So, dare I say go ahead! Let you Youth explode. Let those competitive spirit out. Let the hot-bloodedness shine bright today and for the next two years to come." 

"Show us what you're made of." 

If some weren't convinced before, they definitely are now. Raven knows how to rile-up a crowd, especially young ones since he is technically one too. 

Everyone was vibrating in excitement. The prospects of today's event was astronomical – they can't even begin to imagine what it would be like but they're extremely excited. Raven is right, they are young and they want to prove something. 

They want to be validated and this competition might be the best chance for them to do just that. 

They have two years, according to Raven. Two years where they can display their ambitions and dreams to the experts around. 

The competition is really tough. Everyone could become their enemy but also their ally. What made this even more intense was the fact that they'll be ranked and everyone was watching. 

People from their sect, their families, their loved-ones, the experts, the hermits…the Young Lord himself. All eyes are on them. This was a heavy pressure on their shoulders, one that they don't mind having at all. 

They have one week to prepare. It's seemingly a long time to prepare but in reality it is not. That's just barely enough to get their rationality back. Those who were reckless by nature will find the next couple of days agonizing for sure. 

"This is just the first phase of the competition."action

"There will be more after the first two years. Granted that you make it to end of course."

"Ah, right before I forgot. I've left inheritances there. Mine and the others from the Dawn Council as well as those experts who still hadn't found an heir."

"They're…somewhere out there. If you're fated with it, you'll find it so good luck." Raven chuckled.

"What a great time to be alive though. You kids should cherish this moment since it'll be a long time before this happens again."

"Fame, treasures, power. You can have them as long as you're brave enough to face the challenges coming your way." 

"That's enough talking for me. I now announce that Divine Realm's '1st Grand Youth Meet'…"

"….begins, now!!"