Building My SSS-Rank Universal Empire: From Trash to Cosmic Overlord-Chapter 89: Sword Saint

"Do you understand now, Vale of the Steelclaw Alliance? This place is a gambling den and a trading hub all rolled into entertainment. The rules are simple: once the terms of the deal are set, they can never be changed.

"Once the participants enter the pit, there can only be one winner, one way or another. Death and serious injuries are allowed; your only business is to win!" Alyndra said.

Vale nodded and repeated, "It’s all interesting, but I’m here because of a meeting."

Alyndra waved her hand dismissively. "Let’s leave the boring stuff for later! Let’s enjoy ourselves. See, the drinks are coming in. Serdan, you should take it easy!"

Servants poured out of the doors, carrying buckets with wine bottles neatly arranged and trays filled with honey-fried meat and lightly baked fruit fish spiced with monster blood.

Vale picked a seat close to Dlodus’s place and sat with his team. He raised his brows. "Don’t drink anything, Slya. I need you active."

She pouted but stuffed her mouth with chopped meat. "You’re no fun, Vale. Hmmmm...but this is good food!" 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Tiber nodded. "At least it’s not poisoned."

Slya froze mid-bite, then lowered her fork before shrugging and continuing to eat. "What’s done is done."

Vale snorted. That’s just like Slya. But seriously, I doubt they’ll poison us. There’s a reason I bought anti-poison potions for everyone before coming. One can’t be too cautious.

While he nibbled on the food in front of him, he looked around, studying the others. At least the rank leaders of one to five will be rank A Knights. Or could they be S? I doubt that...but maybe Alyndra could be. Come to think of it, what is my own rank? A or S? I simply believe I’m too strong for B! Huh?

He suddenly focused back and noticed that the room had gone silent, with eyes fixed on him. Great, I’ve trailed off.

Fortunately, Dlodus was only too ready to repeat himself with a smile. "I was saying, why don’t you have a friendly match with your members? I’m sure there are some who are ready to test the strength of our newest member in the Flag."

Vale blinked. Here it comes.

He smiled politely, a stark contrast to the arrogant way he had been speaking earlier. "I’d like to observe first. I was taught to read the room before making a move."

"Ah...well, that’s good." Dlodus and most others were surprised to hear this.

Wasn’t this the same guy who so arrogantly declared himself one of the strong? Now he was backing out just like that? Had he learned his lesson? Wasn’t that a little too shameless?

Thoughts like this flashed through everyone’s mind. Even his team members were surprised but kept their expressions hidden. They thought he was going to be on the offensive!

Vale only smiled inwardly. Yes...keep everyone guessing. Be unpredictable. But seriously, I want to know how things are done before stepping into anything.

Everyone seemed to forget about him as they focused on the gambling that began immediately. But it wasn’t anything serious; most were friendly fights with no injuries or just fights to prove a point.

Most of these fights were set by the actual team leaders of different flags while the highest ranks watched and waited. Despite his arrogant words, Vale sat there and enjoyed the entertainment. He knew he wouldn’t be left alone for long.

And he was right. It began with the heavy gaze from the Forsaken Tribes’ rank 5, a man watching him curiously as if waiting for something.

Then Alyndra directly yawned and turned to him. "I’m bored. You’re new, won’t you give us some entertainment, Vale? Come, jump into the pit and show us this strength you speak of."

Again, the room tensed as everyone waited for his reply. Vale knew then that he wouldn’t be able to avoid this but also wouldn’t dance to their tune. "I can only show something when there’s someone worth showing it to."

Alyndra stopped smiling and turned to him. "Oh? Are you saying there’s no one worth showing your strength to in this gathering?"

"Don’t misunderstand. Why would I jump into the pit when my team members haven’t performed yet? They are also good entertainers, but only when there’s something worth dancing to," he said calmly.

Alyndra didn’t seem annoyed; instead, her whole face lit up as she slapped her hands together, creating a small shockwave. "You only fight when there’s something worth doing. Then what about this, I bet my sword! Let’s clash over it."

As one, every single person tensed, surprise rippling across their faces. Vale didn’t understand—her sword looked like an ordinary one, at least to his eyes, and although it was sheathed, he didn’t imagine it would be any different when drawn.

The only thing that stood out was that it was the tallest sword he had ever seen. But apparently, there must be something more to it or maybe it was the person who spoke?

When he didn’t say anything, she continued, "I’m just joking, of course! This sword was personally gifted to me by the Sword Saint."

"Sword Saint," Vale replied, working his face into what he thought was a surprised expression.

Alyndra’s lips curled, and she leaned forward. "Would you look at that? You’re the first person who didn’t go all ass-kissing when they heard that. That’s somehow refreshing."

Fell spoke before Vale could say anything. "Maybe it’s because he’s ignorant. What else would one expect?"

A lot of supportive murmuring passed through the crowd, but Vale wasn’t worried. He knew he lacked in-depth information about the world. All these years, he had been so focused on his training, and he would have been totally naive if not for his clan.

But he wasn’t worried. Everything would come in due time. One thing at a time, he reminded himself firmly. But seriously, one of these days I’m really going to sit still and learn all I should.

He ignored Fell and focused on the rank 1. "So, what do you have for my team?"