I Got A Title: Lord Of The Time!

After Lin's victory, the entire arena erupted in laughter and applause. People loved the merciless nature of Void, who publicly executed those less than worthy, like Jagot!

"How wonderful... It's been a long time since someone appeared who's willing to raise a weapon against members of such gangs."

"Absolutely. The Blood Hunters — and others like them — are nothing but weak cowards who humiliate the helpless to show off their so-called "strength."

"I really like Void... That guy... Ah! His face, his muscles, his weapon... These are such beautiful things that I'd gladly give myself to him right now..."

Several people gave skeptical glances to the young girl next to them, who was clearly expressing an attachment to Lin.

"But... he's a killer. And he's killed quite a number of aristocrats and other important people... If anyone's going to pull him out of here, it'll have to be some noble."

The girl rolled her eyes and replied:

"So what? You think a miracle can't happen?"

"U-uh... Maybe..."

The discussion continued after Jagot's quick death. Lin sighed and slowly turned back, ready to return to his cell.

When he disappeared from the arena, in one of the main spectator stands sat several very well-dressed people who were clearly from the upper class of this kingdom. They watched Lin's performance in the arena with interest and discussed it.

A young-looking man, around 17–18 years old with soft features, chestnut hair, and blue eyes, said:

"Father, this Void is very strong..."

"Deryl, Void's swordsmanship is truly shocking. You must learn it as well if you want to attract the attention of Princess Vally Noen..."

The young man blushed slightly at his father's words. He looked at him and quietly said:

"Father... Vally is a very smart girl. She herself said that she doesn't care about strength, but intelligence... That's why I focus on developing my mind instead of swordplay. I talk to her often and I know her preferences..."

The head of the Duchy of Calen — Frinz Calen — looked at his son and shook his head. He realized he couldn't change his son's chosen path, as his desire to grow inwardly was much greater than outwardly.

"In any case, I'll always support you. You were blessed by the God of Magic — Sisyphus — with the receipt of a Spiritual Talent. So soon, you'll head to the Mage Tower — in the Kingdom of Shan."

Deryl's face lit up with joy, realizing he would soon travel to one of the best places in the world to gain higher knowledge!

"Thank you, father! I'll gladly accept this! And when will it happen?"

Frinz thought for a moment and replied:

"Entrance exams begin at the end of summer, and today is the third of June — year 1270. You have almost three months before the exams. During that time, we'll find the ideal guards from among the local prisoners."

Deryl showed doubt in his eyes and asked his father:

"Are you sure it will be safe, father? Although I know many aristocrats come to us and buy some of the prisoners as guards, wouldn't it be better if I traveled with our own people?"

Frinz chuckled at Deryl's doubt and answered easily:

"It will be safe. Many of the prisoners who end up in our Arena of Blood are vicious murderers, maniacs, or extremely tough people who can survive anything. For them, the Arena of Blood is a place that determines their minimum status and income. If you give such a person even a sliver of hope for freedom — they'll do everything they can to earn it."

"But will Void be such a person?" Deryl looked at Jagot's corpse, which was slowly being dragged away, and continued: "Although there are such people in the arena, compared to the majority — their number is very small. It's more profitable for people to stay in this hell of battles and enjoy them than to break free."

Frinz chuckled and smiled slightly, replying to his son:

"Of course, there are many of those types here... But Void is not one of them. I saw his eyes during the fight — he wanted to attract the attention of aristocrats so that someone would notice and choose him."

"Really?"

Frinz nodded and slowly explained:

"In truth, this Void is a very strange man. When we caught him, he didn't even resist us... Maybe he wanted us to catch him, and then offered himself for participation here? Maybe he already wanted to step out of the shadows of constant killing, which is why he surrendered and is trying to change everything?"

"Whatever his true motives are — he's an ideal candidate. We just need to observe him for a while and then, at the right moment, give him a chance," Frinz looked at the sky and continued: "When he sees a new light in life, he'll grab onto it immediately..."

Deryl remained silent, though he had some doubts about his father's desire to make Void part of his retinue. But he still accepted it, knowing it was for his own good. And he trusted his father, since he had said many strange things before — but those "strange things" always turned out to be true.

Overall, he was confident everything would be fine with them.

Frinz slowly stood up from his seat and said with a spark in his eyes:

"In any case, Void is not the only unusual case. Queen Emis Noen has summoned all the nobles to the capital, which has caused a bit of a stir."

Deryl seemed to understand something and asked:

"So that's why you came to the Unified Capital?"

Frinz nodded to his son and explained:

"I would've stayed in the Duchy of Calen. But our beloved Queen Emis has started taking action, which has unsettled some nobles. I, as Duke Frinz, naturally must attend — so as not to bring shame to our house."

He smiled slightly.

"Something interesting is on the horizon... Lately, the Distortion has begun to infect the world more and more, harming a great number of people in the Three Kingdoms."

"We'll see."

He slowly left. Deryl continued sitting in his seat, reflecting on his father's recent words:

"Distortion... Void... Queen Emis... It's all interesting, but what ties it all together? Or is there nothing to it?"

"Whatever the case, it's better if I continue my studies and meet with Princess Vally..."

Deryl made his decision and stood up, heading for the exit to travel to Duke Frinz's estate.

"Hey, send a letter to Vally about my visit," he handed a letter to one of the subordinates, which he quickly wrote, and walked toward the carriage.

Then, he left for Duke Frinz's estate.