The horses, pulling the weighty carriage behind, strolled down the streets of God City at a moderate pace.
The pedestrians made way—despite being the citizens of one of the strongest countries in the world, they were still polite enough to make way.
There was a common occurrence that the people of the strongest countries were arrogant—for a reason too, as this world was ruled by strength, but these pedestrians proved that strength does not always equate to rudeness.
Seo Donghae asked as he looked over to the distance.
None of these beautiful white marble buildings, clean streets, and perfect blue sky attracted his attention as much as one building in particular.
Enormous, open-ceiling arena that seemed to stretch for miles—it was the one place that truly captivated him.
"Yes, that's the arena where the Junior Martial Arts Championships will be held. You'll see it in time, but we're taking you to your temporary residence for now."
"We are welcomers of the representatives. We don't have time to tour you around the city, unfortunately."
Short said, and then turned to the left street—the horses galloped, but as he yanked the reins, they came to a quick stop.
Short said as he looked at the humble-looking one-story building that had clean windows and perfectly white-painted walls.
It didn't have its own yard because it was a street-side building, but it was very nice nonetheless.
"This'll be your residence for the duration of the championship. Mark the place down, or you might not find your way back here from the arena."
"Alright, I appreciate it."
Seo Donghae hopped off the carriage with a backpack in back, looked at the white door in front of him, and tried opening it.
Seo turned around but saw that the carriage was already gone—they were already making their way down the street.
Seo looked at the door and then felt something below his boots—it was a welcoming mat with a smiling sun embroidered on it.
He crouched down, lifted the corner of the mat, and saw a small key underneath.
After picking it up, he opened the door and entered—there was furniture already inside, all looking brand new, and it made the place feel like home.
Seo put his backpack hanging from a hook, took off his jacket and shoes, and then made his way to the living room.
At that moment, the television turned on, and a person in a beige suit appeared on the screen—a smile on his face, but his eyes didn't look friendly.
"Welcome to God Island, young one—you're part of three hundred or so representatives that have the honor to participate in the Junior Martial Arts Championship.
"Billions and billions of young ones want the honor, but only a select few have what it takes!"
The person said, then looked down at his desk and looked at his papers with a squinting eye.
"Now… who am I talking to?"
'This is not a recording but live?'
Seo frowned and approached the television slowly.
"Seo Donghae of Lagitech!"
The person said with a smile, and some friendliness came to his eyes after realizing who he was talking to.
"First of all—to those who aren't aware, this year's championship is quite different, like it is every time.
"There will be six events—in each event, you will accumulate points that will be added to the total points rankings.
"The one with the highest amount of points at the end of the events will be the new champion of the Junior Martial Arts Championship!"
The person said, and he was replaced by blank rankings—it didn't have anyone yet as no event had started just yet.
"If you have any questions, just ask me!"
The person said, and then turned silent as he waited to see if Seo Donghae wanted to ask him something.
Seo Donghae looked at him silently, grabbed a TV remote, and just turned it off with a press of a button.
Shawn and Short leaned against a carriage in the port and just watched flying ships docking at the harbor.
Representatives walked out, were taken by other "welcomers", and left for the God City in carriages.
Short lit his cigarette and exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"Brother, you need to stop that nasty habit. It would be a shame to extend your lifespan to five hundred years, and then you happen to get cancer and die!"
"If I get cancer, I'll just get it treated, bahahaha. A few months as bald, a few treatments, and I'll be as good as new!"
Short said with a chuckle and took another puff without any worry in the world.
At that moment, the twins' smiles faded as they heard a chirpy voice that most would think was beautiful, but they knew better.
A young woman peeked their heads at them—she had round eyes, like a doll's, and a smile that was charming.
Her black hair cascaded down from the front of her shoulders, framing her delicate face with a sense of innocence, and she wore a dress that had a skirt that barely reached her knees.
The twins had known her since they were children, and Short had a "short" time of his life that he had a crush on her.
It was way back in time—way before she became the young woman of today.
"What do you want, Aella?"
Shawn asked with a twitching eyebrow, and Short took a puff of his cigarette before blowing its smoke in the direction of the beautiful Aella.
Aella took a handheld fan from her purse and waved it in front of her face, trying to dispel the smoke.
"Are you taking the next representative?"
She asked with a smile.
Shawn asked with a frown.
"I call dibs. The next person is mine!"
Aella said with a giggle and ran towards the port with a childish yet cute laugh and saw the next flying ship docking.
Short, and Shawn repeated and rolled their eyes in annoyance.