"Ahem! Ahem! Flop..Ahem!"
The child's mocking words sparked laughter that burst throughout the stadium.
This was exactly what one would expect from the noble Phonzo, the self-proclaimed "royal king of big talk and flops," whom the children delighted in taunting.
The priest continued to stand on the altar, his eyes twitching as he visibly tried to contain his laughter, nearly succumbing to the temptation of Phonzo's mediocrity.
In truth, this was the only possible reaction anyone could have in that instance.
All the previous participants who had entered the admission grounds either shivered with immense fear or tried to hide the uncertainty gleaming in their eyes, knowing full well that this fateful day would determine their futures.
"He's such a loser..." Ammaina Valkyrie whispered beneath her breath, her face hidden beneath a hood.
"Now that you have made a mockery of yourself, are you satisfied?" The priest lowered his tone, speaking directly to Phonzo.
But his words were met with no reply, for the person he addressed had already zoned out, like the living dead.
The amused crowd continued to laugh and mock Phonzo where he stood, their disjointed chatter disturbing the stadium's peace. "How can anyone suck this bad?" was the thought that crossed everyone's mind.
Laughter also filled the lobby, as the participants who had failed to pass joined in to ridicule Phonzo, using him as a crutch to boost their shattered pride, laughing like stray hyenas from the wild.
Except for Zack, who sat on a lobby chair with his hands crossed tightly, his gaze fixed on Phonzo through the screen, as if fascinated by him, wondering if these little embarrassing moments were what he had missed in his childhood.
"The selection is over! And now we have someone who will represent our proud country on the other side" The priest spoke in a stern yet audible tone, trying to divert the people's attention.
His attempts prevailed, the jeering crowd reverted to cheers, glazing Zacks achievement of being the only person close to passing.
"Shut the hell up all of you !"
Phonzo's loud yell cut through the crowds murmurs faster than the priest's ever could.
"Non of you would know talent if it came right at you and slapped you across the face" His words overly dramatic, "I have talent...no I AM TALENT. With such talent as mine you All should be at my feet begging"
"Yet here you are mocking me like fools..... but do not fret I'll have mercy on all of you even after evolving to the Dimensional Realm"
Failing to evolve beyond the first cultivation stage despite gassing himself was bad enough but aiming to accomplish a goal further than the sun is to earth had to be a most pitiful display for many
The audience returned his sentiment with sharp glares of rage, few pitied. However their opinions was of no consequence to him as he swung his lean body to the opposite direction, his steps danced with pride.
His head kept high, replying every glare with a cocky grin and beaming stares, his ego unblemished by their words till his figure was consumed by the gates shadow.
His mere presence killed the festivities felt by all, truly earning the title of menace.
Hours passed and the sun's rays began to dim, The bright colours of the decorations slowly Shone more as it's presence weakened making the evenings atmosphere more festive.
People rushed out the stadium in swarms, heading for the food and gift stalls buying as much as they could carry. Souvenirs practically flew off shelves leaving almost nothing for others.
Beside a pillar in the stadiums isolated corner, the figure of a young boy was clearly visible. His body crawled up in a ball pressing his hands on his stomach tightly, it's loud growls like that of a rabid dog.
Another figure gently crept behind, tip toeing like a theif at night, it's movements nimble like a cat, though the luminescent light cloaked it's features.
"I'm sorry for being so late. Damn tourists nearly bought all the food" A gentle female voice spoke yet her tone roudy.
Her features slightly clearer than before as she stood beneath the moons light.
Her pale skin radiated beneath the moons rays, curly hair like noodles stretching from her head to her shoulders, lipstick a mix of red and blue on each lips with her rigid eyes glaring softly at him.
"Ammaina...."
Phonzos voice shook as he uttered her name, his eyes streaming with tears, tightly squeezing his reddened face, snot hung on lips with his hands clenched tightly on the ground.
Unknown to many phonzo wasn't anything like the proud arrogant brat he played frequently. Despite his age his heart and soul still yearned for his family and the fresh smell of home.
He'd do anything to return even if it meant be cast out from Hora . At least the possibility existed the rulers would plead with his father to take him back if his presence became intolerable.
At least that's what he thought...
"Man up bro ! If you're not cut out for this then just pack it up" Ammaina Valkyries words were strict yet bore truth.
She was the only person who saw phonzo as...well....phonzo. she read through him the first time they crossed paths along the market side where he once begged for daily supper. On their first encounter she saw a fraction of herself in phonzo.
She crutched herself near phonzo, stretching the steaming hot plate of food closer to his sobbing face."I bought you some food with my last bronze coins. So you better not waste it."
Phonzo of course tried to be slik and reject her kind offer but was betrayed by his barking stomach. No way in hell was it passing off a free meal so he could boost his borrowed ego.
Instead he shoved the meal lightly towards her direction scooching himself as well. "Since you bought it let's share it" He suggested.
Both sat with the plate of food beneath the star lit skies, watching them play above the clouds till the time came for Ammaina to return to her home and phonzo to his bridge. Polar opposites stuck together till the bitter end, the kind of friendship few like them could achieve.
The selection festival however was rapping up quickly, tourists returned to their respective homelands and the citizens to their homes, leaving a mountain of paper work for it's organizers.
Strangely the organizers weren't the only people tensed that wholesome night.
Two men adorned in cloaks slipped into the moving crowd, cautiously past the security posted at every corner.
"Have you found it yet?"
"No I haven't!"
Both men hid in the nights darkness communicating with each other from the broad distance.
"We don't have time to spare, if we don't find IT our heads will roll" whispered the man who stood on the plank roof, his gaze directed at moon, his vibe eerie.
"Who the hell is we?"
The second walked casually within the crowd his path aimed not to raise suspicion.
"I already paid you 1000 gold coins to help so this is our problem"
"Say please" replied the second.
Letting out a brief sigh, "pleeeeaee help me bro"
"Hmmm... alright since you asked so nicely I might as well help...." His smug grin stretched from ear to ear.
"Either way your in luck. The grey wolf were looking for is definitely in this city."