Gon's Harem System
Chapter 192: The kingdom tournament begins

Chapter 192: The kingdom tournament begins

Curious, Gon stepped closer, weaving past a couple of mages arguing about spell ranges. "Hey," he said, nodding up at her. "No weapons?"

Her eyes flicked to him, dark and sharp, and she raised a hand. On one finger glinted a simple silver ring, catching the sunlight. "I fight with this," she said, her voice smooth and sure. She tapped the ring lightly, like it was no big deal.

Gon tilted his head, interested. "Spells?" he asked, eyebrows lifting.

She smiled, a small, easy curve of her lips, and nodded. "Yeah. That’s my thing."

He grinned back, liking her vibe already. "I’m Gon," he said, patting the hilt of his sword. "I fight with this. Got a few tricks up my sleeve, but I can’t tell you what they are. Might end up facing you out there."

She chuckled, a low, warm sound that made her seem less intimidating despite her height. "I’ll figure it out eventually," she said, crossing her arms. "Secrets don’t last long in the arena."

"True," he admitted, shrugging. "But I’d rather keep ’em ’til I have to show ’em. Keeps things fun."

Her smile widened a bit, and she nodded like she got it. "Fair enough, Gon. I like a challenge."

He turned to head back toward his spot, figuring that was that, but her voice stopped him.

"Hey," she called, casual but clear.

He glanced over his shoulder, and she was looking right at him, her head tilted slightly. "You’re cute."

Gon blinked, caught off guard, then laughed, a quick, surprised sound. "Uh, thanks," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

***

The training hall hummed with low chatter when the heavy doors banged open, and the prince swept in.

A few mages nudged each other, whispering, "That’s the prince."

Gon glanced over, and yeah, the guy stood out, dramatic as anything.

He craved attention, and it showed from head to toe.

His cloak was a bold purple, trimmed with gold that shimmered in the morning light, swirling around him like he’d timed it for effect.

His tunic screamed look-at-me red with silver details, and chunky gold earrings dangled from his ears, jingling with every step.

His dark hair was slicked back, shiny and perfect, and he walked with his chest puffed out, grinning wide like he was already the star of the day.

The hall seemed to tilt toward him, everyone sneaking looks, and he ate it up, practically glowing under the attention.

The prince scanned the room, then zeroed in on Gon.

He sauntered over, boots tapping the stone floor, his cloak fluttering like a flag.

Up close, Gon caught a whiff of some strong, sweet scent, fancy stuff, no doubt.

The prince stopped, flashed a big grin, and let out a loud, fake laugh. "Ha ha ha!". that echoed off the walls.

"Well, well! How ready are you for the tournament, my friend?" he asked, his voice booming and cheerful, like they were old pals putting on a show.

Gon frowned, totally lost. Why was the prince picking him out of everyone? And acting so chummy about it?

He shifted, hand brushing his sword hilt, and shrugged. "Uh, I’m as ready as I think I’ll be," he said, keeping it simple, not sure what else to say to this guy.

The prince threw his head back and laughed again. "Ha ha ha!". way too loud, clapping a hand on Gon’s shoulder like they’d shared a joke. "Oh, I’ve heard all about you!" he said, his tone bright and over-the-top. "Gon, the duke’s son who magically sprouted mana, like something out of a tale! Very dramatic, very exciting!"

He waved a hand, his earrings swinging, then leaned in with a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "But you know, there’s only room for one wonderkid to shine around here, and I’ve got that covered!"

He laughed again. "Ha ha!". short and forced, then straightened up, adjusting his cloak with a grand little flick.

Gon watched, baffled, as the prince spun around and strutted off, his cloak trailing like a royal banner.

The mages nearby started whispering again, stealing glances at Gon, but he just stood there, scratching his head.

What was that? He ran the prince’s words back, duke’s son, mana, wonderkid, and still couldn’t figure it out.

The prince acted like they were rivals in some big drama, but Gon didn’t get why, or care.

That fake laugh kept ringing in his ears, loud and hollow, as the prince melted back into the crowd, still pulling eyes like a walking parade.

Gon shook his head, wondering what the guy’s deal was and why he’d bothered coming over at all.

The training hall doors creaked open, and the training master stepped in, his broad frame filling the doorway.

His gray hair was tied back, and his weathered face carried a stern look that softened as he scanned the mages. The chatter died down, all eyes on him.

"Listen up," he said, his voice rough but steady. "You’ll be called outside soon. I’ve only had a few days with you lot, but I’ve gotten fond of you, rowdy as you are." He paused, a small smile tugging at his mouth. "I think you’ve picked up a thing or two from me. Add it to what you’ve got, and you’ll do fine out there."

He nodded, like he meant it, then stepped back, leaving them buzzing with a mix of nerves and pride.

A horn blared outside, sharp and loud, and a voice shouted, "Mages, to the arena!" The group shuffled into a single line, Gon falling in near the middle.

They marched out of the building, the cool morning air hitting their faces as they stepped into the open.

The arena stretched before them, huge, round, with sand-packed ground and stands rising high on all sides.

The crowd roared, a wall of sound that crashed over them, way bigger than anything Gon had heard back home at the duchy.

Thousands of voices cheered, clapped, and stomped, the noise vibrating through his boots.

Gon’s jaw dropped as he looked around, awe washing over him.

Flags waved in the breeze, bright colors snapping against the blue sky.

The stands were packed, nobles in fancy seats up top, common folk crammed below, all shouting as the mages filed in. The scale of it, the energy, hit him hard.