Chapter 298: Bonfire.
In the large massive front yard.
A bonfire was lit up as hundreds of individuals were gathered around it; most of them were chatting with each other, and some even looked intimate with their boyfriends or girlfriends.
The sky was pitch dark, which made the front yard look very comfy with the help of a bonfire.
Some distance away from the bonfire, two figures were sitting around a small table.
''A-Ah, everything hurts!'' Aether cried out with his whole figure in pain. He was rubbing his painful spots, but that was quite difficult because even his hands and arms were in a lot of pain.
Ichiro was sitting next to him with a wry smile. He has listened to Aether's cries of pain for half an hour already.
His hands were still bandaged from the tough training session, which did labor unexpected results.
Aether looked in a specific direction and saw over dozen figures with golden robes talking with Abyss with humble smiles after they found out his identity.
Grandmaster Fang was sitting on a table not far from them, innocently talking with Abyss once in a while.
''By the way, are you planning to play Night's End any time soon?'' Aether asked curiously.
Ichiro shook his head and replied, ''No, I have other stuff planned.''
Aether nodded, ''New continent exploration has started, but now that my father dragged me here, I can't be part of it.'' His face showed his displeasure.
Ichiro shrugged, ''Well, at least your life isn't in danger.''
''Hmm, what do you mean?'' Aether asked with a frown.
''Well…'' Ichiro scratched his head and didn't answer because it had to do with Azura.
Aether looked curious, but soon their attention was distracted by a loud shout.
''Everyone!'' Grandmaster Fang stood up and shouted. Everyone's attention was focused on him.
Abyss crossed his arms and listened closely at his words.
''We have three visitors today, and they have quite unique identities; their presence might be helpful in increasing your strength to a whole new level.'' His words caused everyone to look surprised and excited for the possibility of growing stronger.
They also looked towards three unknown individuals, and everyone had chills running on their backs after looking at Abyss; it was like Apex Predator was in the midst of innocent lambs, who had no idea that their doom was near.
''This is Abyss.'' Grandmaster Fang pointed at the muscular man with short black hair, ''You might know him by another name, Humanity's Hope, Abyss Nightside.''
Everyone had to register his words before erupting in shocked gasps; they were in the presence of a legendary figure and didn't have any idea!
Most of them started bowing, but Abyss waved his hand, which was a signal to stop whatever they were about to do.
Grandmaster Fang smiled and pointed towards Aether, ''This is Aether, son of Abyss; he is only 14 years old, but is brimming with strength and talent.''
Aether gave a slight smile, as almost everyone's gaze was locked at him; some of the similar age as him wanted to have a spar with him.
Then, after his introduction was over, everyone looked towards the handsome black-haired young man with strangely beautiful grey eyes.
Grandmaster Fang looked at Ichiro and saw his bandaged hands; he rubbed his chin and nodded with approval.
''This young man is Kurogami Ichiro, he has a lot of nicknames, but most known is him being Heavenly Child of Coldland and son-in-law of Nightside family.'' Fang stopped talking and let everyone let his words sink in.
''Ptui!'' Abyss spat on the ground after words, the son-in-law was heard, ''He is nothing but thief… My precious daughter was stolen by him…'' He bit his nails while everyone around him looked at him with strange looks.
Everyone looked at Ichiro with curiosity. They know the impact of being the son-in-law of a famous family like Nightside and being called Heavenly Child cannot be belittled.
Grandmaster Fang looked towards the bonfire, or more precisely, towards a young man with blond hair, who was currently sitting with two lovely-looking girls tightly hugging his muscular chest, looking very intimate.
Fang frowned and said, ''Young Len.''
The blond-haired young man, also known as Len, quickly stood up, ignoring the ladies.
''Yes, Grandmaster?'' Len asked with respectful behavior.
''Do you want to have a spar with Young Ichiro? Or are you too busy with…'' Fang glanced at the ladies who seemed embarrassed, ''With other matters?''
''No, Grandmaster!'' Len bowed and circled around the bonfire, so he could see his opponent better.
''Young Ichiro, do you want to show us a little bit of Martial Arts from Arya?'' Grandmaster Fang said with a polite smile.
Ichiro looked surprised but nodded.
He stood and saw his opponent grabbing a bo staff.
He frowned, but then a figure with green robes appeared next to him and gave him bo staff as well.
Ichiro took the bo staff and tapped the ground a few times and felt it being very sturdy.
''Young Ichiro, any experience with bo-staff?'' Fang asked, and if Ichiro didn't, they would have to go unarmed.
''I have…'' Ichiro replied and swung the bo staff around him masterfully. It would be weird if he didn't use it; after all, melee weapons were in rare use in his previous life, and he had to most of the time use bo staff to train.
He doesn't know how good his skills with a bo staff is, but it isn't any worse than his swordsmanship, and he is certain of it.
''Good luck,'' Aether said and watched as Ichiro walked towards the bonfire, where the blond-haired young man was already waiting for him, with most of the people present cheering for him.
Ichiro stopped 10 meters away from him and gave a polite bow.
Len, on the other hand, didn't bow, didn't even nod.
''Young Len, where are your manners?'' Fang asked with a frown and knew about Len's arrogance, which has been deeply rooted since his birth.
''Sorry, Grandmaster, but there are only three people I bow to. My parents and you, Grandmaster.'' Len swung the bo staff around him and arrogantly looked down on Ichiro, ''I won't bow down to people who had everything since birth.''
Ichiro frowned and asked, ''What do you mean?''
''I had to climb my way to rock bottom all the way here.'' Len said and continued, ''My path was filled with misery and pain, but I finally reached this place, so we are completely different; you are a pretty boy who was born in a wealthy family, am I correct?''
Ichiro smirked and pointed the bo staff at Len, ''You are wrong, and if you think you are the only one who had a rough path, you are gravely mistaken.''