Death... and me

Rean immediately remembered Roan's invitation for the same thing.

"Hahaha! Guild Leader really knows what she's doing. To invite this god to participate is the same as guaranteeing first place. Very well, let's see what the other Formation Master Guilds of the world have to offer."

Sure enough, Havek was filled with confidence, as always.

Balia, on the other hand, was the polar opposite of that guy.

"Bu-But... I was just lucky that my invention caught the elders' eyes. I di-didn't have a good place in the previous stages of the competition like Havek and Rean. I-I don't think... I'm suitable for it."

Havek looked at her before shouting.

"What the hell are you talking about?!"

Balia immediately dropped her head in fear. Nevertheless, Havek continued.

"Even though this god came up with that new formation on the spot, it is true that your formation was better. Otherwise, how could I have lost?"

Havek then grabbed the girl's cheeks with one hand and lifted her head.

"Defeating this deity was the proof that you were holding back during the previous tests. Now you have the chance of participating in the same competition with this god once again. Why would you give up like that? No can do! If you don't come, how can I regain my pride as the best? Guild Leader, this girl will participate as well. It's decided."

Balia didn't know what to say. Isn't that way too overbearing? Still, she was just too scared to even complain about it.

*Pah!*

All of a sudden, Rean slapped Havek's head at the back, which made him release his grasp on Balia straight away.

"Why did you do that?"

"Do you even need to ask? That's not how you treat a lady, idiot. As a member of the Imperial Family, you should have at least this bit of common sense."

Havek looked at his hand before nodding.

"My rival is right. This god went overboard. When it comes to formations, I'm not very good at holding back my emotions. Alright! Lady Balia, listen carefully since this will be a rare moment that is worth more than all spirit stones in the world, the moment I apologize for my mistake. I'm sorry."

Balia, Saya, and Rean simply didn't know what to say anymore. Just how the hell did this guy turn out like that? Well, Rean could at least tell that deep, deep, really deeeeeeeeeeep inside, he wasn't that bad.

Saya sighed before she continued.

"Well then. Balia, Havek has always been like that, so you won't get anything better. In any case, he was right about one thing. You were obviously holding back during the previous exams, just making sure to be good enough to enter the next phase. Did you really think you could fool the Formations Guild Leader's eyes?"

Balia dropped her head again, embarrassed.

"I'm- I'm sorry."

Saya nodded, not minding too much.

"That's okay. So, what about it? Will you take part in the competition? As a Formation Master, you should strive to become better. Such a stage would definitely push your skills even further."

Balia pondered a bit when all of a sudden, Rean put his hand on her shoulder.

"There is nothing to be afraid of. You will be in the hands of the Formations Guild. No one will try anything against you or any of us, so you should seriously accept it. You like formations, right?"

Balia looked at Rean, then at Saya and Havek. In the end, she slightly nodded her head again.

"O-Okay..."

Saya's expression brightened.

"Great! However, there is no need to be concerned about it for now. This competition will take place seven years in the future. That also brings me to the next topic. I would like to ask you three to stay here in the Formation Master Guild Main Branch. That would be for the best since you can focus on your development. You will also have the full support of all elders during this time."

Balia nodded once again. She only liked formations, so such an offer was enticing for her.

However, Rean and Havek immediately refused the offer.

"We are going back to the Dalamu Sect. I invited Havek to do work with me there, so we can't stay here."

Saya was surprised to hear that before asking.

"Are you sure? I can guarantee that the resources you will get here are a lot better."

Havek laughed after hearing that.

"Hahaha! As a member of the Imperial Family, this god doesn't have problems with resources. Besides, it doesn't matter where such a godly existence like me would be staying. I will always improve faster than anyone else."

Rean wasn't as bold as Havek, but he agreed with him nonetheless.

"Me too. I'll bring the jade slips available for members to study formations there. Besides, my master is also a member of the guild now. He will be able to teach me the things that Formation Masters of my level need guidance for."

Balia looked at Havek and sighed in relief. She was quite afraid of receiving the same training together with that guy after what he did.

'He-he's too hard to deal with...'

Saya sighed and then gave the two a warning.

"Very well. However! I will test your skills once a year. If I see that you are falling behind other competitors of the guild, I'll swap you straight away for someone better. Understood?"

Havek shrugged his shoulders as he replied.

"As if there would be someone in this world capable of surpassing this god."

Rean simply nodded, saying.

"I'm fine with that. I just hope I don't need to come from Jialin all the way here every time to do this test."

Saya shook her head as she said.

"There is one thing I don't lack, people to do things for me. I'll have a few high-level Formation Masters that I trust to go to your Jialin Country to test you two out every year."

Havek and Rean nodded. That would be the best for them.

"Alright, it's decided. The rules of the competition aren't clear yet, so I'll tell you more about it in the future."