Even though over a thousand people were invited to the Secret Realm for the banquet, that didn't mean the banquet was to start after everyone entered.
Each of the clan was given only two invitations, despite their prominence or influence. Only the Masters of their Clan, and their potential heirs were invited. That's why, many middle aged people could be seen accompanying their young son or a young daughter.
This banquet had become a gathering place of many important people where youngsters could meet each other, and build connections. At least that's what came across to others. However, that wasn't all.
Everyone knew that the Southern General's banquet wasn't so simple. In this place, the only benefits weren't connections. However, there were also many opportunities for the youngsters to get stronger.
The Four Generals were still not in the Secret Realm. However, the Captain of the Guards was here to manage things. The portal for entrance was closed and there was no need to keep it secure since no one else could enter after time was over.
Despite that, some guards were still left outside to keep an eye on the surroundings.
"Greetings, to all the guests!" The Captain of the Guards stood mid-air in the distance, so that he was visible to everyone. Moreover, his voice was also loud enough for everyone to be able to hear him.
"We are highly grateful that you decided to attend the Birthday Celebration of our General. However, I would like to apologize in advance since Master won't be able to attend the banquet!" The Captain of the Guards stated.
As soon as Karyk heard his response, his frown deepened. They weren't here? Didn't that mean coming here was a waste?
There was a trace of uncertainty in his eyes. However, before he could think further, the Captain of the Guards continued.
"Master is currently waiting in his Palace for the other Three Generals. After that, he might be busy in the meeting of the Four Generals!"
The Captain of the guards could see uncertainty on the faces of the guests. It was clear that they were all thinking why they were here so early then.
"However, after the meeting is over, the Four Generals will come here and it'll mark the start of the real banquet."
"There is also one more thing that I should mention." The smile on the Guard Captain's lips widened. "The reason you were all brought here so early is because of an opportunity that only a few of you can grasp!'
"Opportunity?" Many Clan Master's exclaimed. Some of them had already expected something like this. That's why they were all told to bring their heirs. It was easy to guess for them.
"An opportunity to become a personal disciple of one of the Four Generals!" The Guard captain made sure that his voice reached far and wide.
"Your performance will be directly seen by the Four Generals and each of them will select one disciple to further train personally!"
"What?"
"Personally trained by a General?"
Many people were stunned. The Four Generals were the strongest beings after the King of the Upper Realm. Becoming a personal disciple of people like them was like reaching the sky in one step!
Even some in the older generation were feeling jealous of the youngsters for this opportunity.
Initially, they thought that it was only going to be some competition between youths where the winners were going to be given some heavenly fruits that could strengthen them! However, what was such a fruit before the personal teaching of a General?!
Once someone becomes a General's personal disciple, such resources were the last thing they had to be concerned about, after all.
"Those guys..." Hearing the announcement, Karyk couldn't help but raise his head, glancing at the sky. "So this place was a playground for their entertainment. They'll only show up at the end after watching entertainment.'
"Are you going to join the competition?" Gabriel inquired, keeping his voice low. Unlike him, Karyk didn't have any element other than death. So as long as he used his spells or aura, his identity was going to be revealed.
Even though he could also win without using any aura against the other youngsters, but that was going to be even more suspicious, bringing more attention to them.
"I can't. Neither can you," Karyk responded. They had already assumed identities. Thanks to Gabriel's disguise of a middle aged man, he appeared like a proper guard. However, that also meant he couldn't participate, unless he canceled his disguise.
"It would've been so much easier if we could. If we could become a personal disciple of a General, we could've had personal access to him at all times. That would've made it easier to deal with one."
Gabriel could only shake his head in disappointment. They hadn't expected this to happen, or they would've prepared accordingly.
Karyk also didn't speak anything. He just remained silent, gazing at the colorful sky.
A sudden competition to select a personal disciple appeared out of place for some reason. All the Generals were supposed to be so busy because of his appearance, so why did they think that they had time to take a disciple? Something seemed amiss, but he just couldn't put his fingers at it.
He didn't know why, but he felt as if it had something to do with the King of the Upper Realm. It was just a feeling that he had no evidence to back. Even he wasn't sure if he was thinking too much. However, this certainly didn't appear ordinary.
"This is a mandatory test. So all the youngsters, please step forward!" The Guard Captain further stated, as if not even giving the youngsters a chance to stay out of it.
In any case, there weren't any youngsters who wanted to miss this opportunity.
Moreover, it was hard to avoid the attention of people around him in such an open space, where the Guard Captain could see almost everyone in his view.
