It took all of Arthur's effort not to have his jaws unhinged as they walked through the association's branch. Grounds that cleaned themselves, fountains with water rotating around statues like a solar system, trees of changing colors, and flying wooden floors getting people between places were things that were of the few marvels at the association. 

'These guys are bored,' Arthur thought to himself, as he realized that they showed off runes at every juncture or corner. However, what amazed him was not any of these. It was the hall they entered when they planned on using the teleportation circle. 

It was a circular hall adorned with engravings and windows. Every bit of the hall was inscribed with runes and Arthur could feel the buzz and dance across the walls. The hall was able to fit more than a thousand without them being cramped.

'Is this some circus or a festival?' Arthur almost blurted out loud. Robes of varying colors contended with each other, each carrying a different emblem. Arthur would have mocked them if not for the fact he also wore one of those robes. 

Not all of them hailed from workshops, some of them were ones that have been sponsored after the preliminary rounds by workshops or guilds. Arthur would have stood in their shoes if Emma didn't recommend him. 

Arthur met Roy and two others in the crowd. It seems that being one of the top workshops in the Yalen Kingdom, the Twilight workshop was able to recommend five people. The other two were also apprentices that Arthur met the other day, a young man and woman of about similar age; they were around their mid-twenties. There was also Alice Jenov to take care of Emma and the other four, but she was chatting with other runes masters. 

Arthur realized he was one of the younger participants. Even Emma was older than him by one year. It was only then that he realized why Emma had recommended him. If not for his current talent, then it would be for his growth potential. 

"How old do you need to be to participate?" Arthur asked while chatting with the group from the twilight workshop. 

"Hm, younger than 25." The male apprentice answered, scratching his head awkwardly since he was barely eligible. Arthur felt bad for pointing it out but didn't know how to fix things up. 

"Not all of us are geniuses, dear Arthur," Emma came to his rescue as she started teasing. The rest also sighed helplessly and threw comments about how unfair the world was. Arthur protested and the group had a good laugh. 

"Such a joyous atmosphere," Another group walked over, and one of them commented. Arthur could feel the tension between the two groups as they glared at each other. Only Emma's expression remained relatively mellow. 

"Ah, if it isn't the Ancient Deer. Welcome, you have brightened our days." Emma 

"Ancient Stag." The guy furrowed his brows with displeasure. 

"Ah yeah, that was the name. Sorry, my memory is a bit hazy." Emma sighed but her tone was not apologetic at all. 

The girl apprentice whispered to Arthur that these belonged to another workshop, one at odds with their Twilight Workshop over a feud in the past. More than hostility, it was a rivalry between the top workshops in the kingdom. 

As the conversation went on, Arthur realized it was true. Even though they bickered, there was no real hostility between them. There was also a sense of unity between them since they would compete against other nations. 

A ripple of noise went through the crowd as their chattered increased. A hush followed shortly after. Arthur looked around and saw many people were looking toward the door. 

"It's the royal family of Yalen," Emma said in a barely-audible whisper. Arthur followed her gaze and was able to peer through the crowd and see the people who have just entered. 

Heads of blonde hair tore through the crowd as everyone came to say their greetings. A group of five people of varying statures, blonde hair as their shared trait, made their entrance. To his surprise and ill-forbidding, Arthur recognized one of them. Alfred Yalen, third prince of the kingdom, with who Arthur had an encounter almost a month ago. 

"Are they all participating in the competition?" Arthur furrowed his brows. He didn't think the prince would be here. 

"Not all, they're a diplomatic envoy, there to make favor with the association and other nations. However, I did hear that the fourth princess shows great promise in the ancient languages of the Era of Yore. This has helped her in learning Runes faster than others. However," 

"However?" Arthur's eyes followed the group with great caution as he repeated. 

"She's only sixteen this year. I never knew she would participate in this cup." Emma said with some hesitation, looking at a short person in the crowd. 

Arthur found her immediately as she was a foot shorter than the rest of the group. She wore red robes with white gloves; the emblem of the royal family printed on her back, one of two hands holding a sun. She walked a few steps behind the group, unwilling to interact with people. 

'She seems harmless,' Arthur thought and his focus went back to Alfred. He was slightly nervous, but there wouldn't be anything that gave him away. Hopefully, the group would leave them be. 

It should be obvious that his hopes were soon thrown under a train to be crushed. The group headed their way as soon as they spotted them. Arthur retreated slightly to the back to avoid them, but they stopped when they were in front of the group. 

Unlike earlier, Alice was now standing with them after coming back to welcome the royals. She bowed in courtesy and so did the rest, Arthur included. 

'Strange world we live in, bowing to someone I've beaten a month ago.' Arthur thought to himself, a small smirk on his month. 

"Master Alice! A pleasure to meet you," Said a middle-aged person escorting the royal family. "And you as well, Miss Emma." He greeted with respect.

"Likewise, Prince Kal," Alice greeted back. When Arthur heard her, he realized this man was probably the current king's brother. "Your grace has blessed our day," She kept throwing praises and pleasantries with him back and forth. 

"His Majesty wishes some of our honor is back after the last Runes Apprentices Cup," Prince Kal sighed sadly. "This time, we have our young princess to participate as well. Her age is on the younger side, but it seems she's not the only one?" He glanced at Arthur, who still had some immature features. 

"Ah, yes. He's our youngest participant this year. However, his skills are up to par. We'll hopefully meet his Majesty's expectations." Alice replied somewhat awkwardly, diverting the conversation back to the competition and other. 

Arthur panicked when he was mentioned, but luckily, he was soon forgotten. He felt a stare and thought it was Alfred, but it turned out to be the young princess examining him. 

Alice and Prince Kal said something about leaving the youngsters to themselves and headed to chat with the other Rune Masters. The other four, two teenagers, Alfred, and the princess remained to chat. A group soon formed around them as they seemed to know each other. 

"Sister Emma," Alfred called out. "It has been so long since we met, my brother misses you dearly, I'm sure. Are you joining us next year?" 

"Your highness," Emma was formal, unlike her usual self. "It's an honor to be missed by the second prince, please send him my regards." Arthur could hear her puking in her mind at the way she talked and he almost laughed. "As per our families' arrangement, I think I'll have that honor." 

Hearing her talk like this, Arthur realized it was better if he kept quiet. He would rather spend the whole competition mute than talk this way to others. Just by listening, his body felt drained. A few others gathered around Emma and Alfred to chat. 

Arthur learned that the two others with the prince and princess were the sons of Prince Kal, also princes. They were a boy and a girl with similar features to their father. 

Soon, the hall turned noisy. Arthur found himself unconsciously steering away from the crowd and drank some beverages that were offered in the hall. For some reason, he remembered the first time he met Erin and his group. His hand tightened around the cup when he remembered the events of the past. 

Arthur realized that someone else was also like him, unwilling to chat with others, and chose to drink some juice while they waited. It was the young princess and she stood a few meters from Arthur while drinking from her cup. 

'Why would a royal be this antisocial?' Arthur found it weird, but he felt like an antisocial himself at the moment. The way these people treated each other was exhausting. 

The two waited until the doors opened and Rune Masters wearing the robes of the association. Their emblem of two circles joined by four streaks glistered under the hall's lights. They stood together and their entrance made the hall turn silent. 

"Hello, everyone." Said a middle-aged man wearing the association's robes. "I'm the vice-president of the association's Yalen branch, pleased to meet you. I hate useless chatter, so may everyone gather in the circle in the middle of the hall? We'll start the teleportation soon." 

As he asked, everyone rejoined their groups and headed to the circle in the middle of the hall. Arthur gazed at it curiously while walking with Emma and the rest. They stood in the circle and lights gleamed as Arthur felt the familiar feeling of being teleported. He remembered Miko before he found himself standing somewhere different. 

"Welcome, to the Runes Apprentice Cup!" A voice boomed as Arthur found himself standing on a giant platform. His eyes adjusted to the sunlight and his ears almost bled at the sudden cheering by the crowd. When he was finally able to look around, he found himself in a flying coliseum. 

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