In the Arena, the groups of fighters from the various ns were gathered, each in their assigned spot. Of course, thepetitors included the people from the outside world who had trained for almost a year in the Training Centre.
Kaito was standing alongside the Iekami n members without an expression. He was calm and collected. Even though he was part of the group, he looked removed from the situation. He did not look like he belonged.
The opening ceremony began with the performance of the Martial Ind national anthem. The orchestra in charge of performing was dressed in long robes, giving the entire scene a more mysterious and solemn air.
Then, the representative n leader from the Noor family stepped forward. His speech was touching and inspiring. It encouraged the fighters to discover their physical boundaries and find joy at reaching the summit of martial power.
Martial Ind did not have a president. The leadership was controlled by a council that consisted of the top families on the ind. Whenpetitions were held, the n heads would take turns to give the opening ceremony speeches.
For this particr event, the Noor n leader was in charge.
After the speech, loud drumming started. The sounds were impassioned and filled with prative power. Then, a band with tribal gear and war paint on their faces appeared withrge drums, along with other percussion instruments.
The band belonged to a minor and reclusive family that was said to hail from South Africa in the old days. However, it was difficult to trace the true roots of those that had stayed on Martial Ind for many generations.
The band performed during all Triennial Championships. For some reason, once people heard the sound of their drumming, their blood would boil. The fighters would be more powerful and reckless, creating a glorious spectacle.
As expected, as the drumming continued, both thepetitors and the audience started screaming and roaring along with the beat. The sounds mixed into a magical song of war and blood. Even those who were ambivalent could not help cheering.
At this time, Kaito turned his head and saw his uncle standing at the door in his ck robes near one of the entrances. The older man beckoned to him subtly. Kaito stepped away from the group and walked to his uncle.
At any other time, his supposed teammates might have noticed his absence. However, at this moment, they were all absorbed in the passion of the rhythmic drumming and shouting in triumph. They were a second away from beating their chests.
"I thought you would be focused on guard duty at this time," Kaito said with a lifted brow when he reached Taiki.
"You need to go home right now. Take Akira and Hikari from the house and go down past the rock shadowing the hammocks." Uncle Taiki said without further exnation. "You will find a small ship in a cathedral-like cave past the rock."
"Once the tide is high enough, you will be able to get the ship out of the cave with ease. Do not wait for too long. If the tide is too high, you will not be able to get out of the cave until the tide goes down. Take the ship to the Northern shoreline."
Kaito was confused, and it showed on his face. "What? What are you talking about?"
"You have to go now. Do not make any stops, and avoiding in contact with people. This is the time to blendpletely into the shadows." Taiki ced his hands on Kaito''s shoulders. "I will exin everything to youter."
Kaito wanted to ask for more information, but he did not know where to start.
Just as he thought of something to say, the two of them heard the steady footsteps of people approaching the Arena. The sound was not loud and could hardly be heard due to the loud drumming in the opening ceremony.
However, the sound was definitely not one of peace.
"Go, now!" Taiki said.
Ultimately, Kaito was worried about Akira and Hikari. He disappeared into the shadows like a true ninja and left the Arena, leaving Taiki to wait for the source of the sound. Unfortunately, his imagination did not match reality.
When the intruders came in, they did not attack Taiki. The group of men in ck military-style gear with automatic machine guns in their hands were not interested in harming Taiki. After all, he was their ally, at least ording to their leader.
At first, the entire group was suspicious of the Guardian. Some of them were illegal residents on Martial Ind who came through strange means to Martial Ind. Others were people who defected from their ns and followed Yuan Haoran.
A small group were those Yuan Haoran recruited as mercenaries through various means from the outside world and brought to be part of his covert power on Martial Ind. In essence, they were like Frank, except not close to Yuan Haoran.
And the group that was most suspicious of Taiki was the one Yuan Haoran rescued from the secondary ind before they were consumed by the radiation.
Guardians did not inspire trust. They were the police.
However, Taiki had proven to be someone invested in changing the status quo.
"Guardian Taiki, we are ready. The people in the other zones of the Arena are awaiting my word." Themander of the small army stepped forward. "Should we proceed?"
Taiki heard the drumming be faster and faster. The performance was almost over.
"Go in. Do not harm people unnecessarily, but you can use deadly force, especially on the identified targets. Remember, our goal is more than eliminating the problem factors. We want to change the face of Martial Ind." Taiki said.
"Yes, Sir." Themander said.
Taiki walked calmly into the Arena, and he found his seat behind the heads of the ns at the front. He was a Guardian of a high level, so he had been charged with protecting the elite members of the n during the championships.
He found itughable.
When he was younger, he thought he had a higher purpose as a Guardian. He thought that he was meant to create a better Martial Ind that valued people beyond power, strength and wealth.. But he realised that everything was his empty imagination.