This was a little bit concerning; I didn’t know the Valsard name, so it probably wasn’t much higher on the power list. However, if someone is here under the capacity of invigilator, that would be a different problem altogether.
"Would you like to take a look at our presidential suite? It’s..." Before the lady could complete her sentence, I interrupted.
"In my recollection, Valsard’s name is not much higher on the ladder in Kronesthion, or do I need to update my memory?" I asked.
First, I thought I should hurry to City Square, but then again, having a bit of information about a potentially hostile person is never harmful.
"Well, you are half right. Valsard’s name is still not much up the ladder, but last year they conquered two beginner-tier dungeons and opened them to the public, which pushed them up the ladder fast."
"From there on, they started pumping money to officials of the council and consolidated on the towns nearing their dungeon." She continued.
"Our Ardenia City also comes under that. However, if you are thinking about retaliation from the invigilator, you don’t have to worry about it," she explained.
’So, they are new to this kind of power, then that young vampire could be more vicious,’ I thought.
"Why do you say that there won’t be any retaliation from the invigilator?" I asked about the only confusing line in her explanation.
"Well, he comes from a branch family, and he has a reputation of being fair; that’s one of the reasons he is an invigilator. So he won’t hold it against you, but you should stay cautious of that young master."
"There is not much detail in public, but there is a rumor that those who go against him end up missing. There are few cases but no concrete information," she answered.
"Hmm...okay, thanks for all the information. Book that presidential suite; I will return after my registration in the tournament," I addressed her; she nodded. As I turned around, I saw Eoren still standing there.
"Sorry for the abrupt leave. I wish you well, and I hope we meet again," I added.
"Thanks, Mr. Aiden. I hope that too," she replied.
With the basic necessary information, I exited the hotel and made my way to the Square. It was a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, according to my earlier walk.
"What are you thinking, boss? I am sure with your summons and other rewards you could destroy such a family. If not now, then within a month or two, I am sure about that," Thane questioned.
"Do you know, in politics, who is better than a dead enemy?" I retorted.
"Who?"
"The enemy that owes you, and we are not technically enemies yet. Unless that young vampire holds all the reins, which I doubt. So let’s see what happens first," I answered.
"Hmm... I would just turn them into a boneyard," Thane commented.
"That’s why being strong and being a ruler are two different things, and I have to walk that thin line that holds on to both," I stated.
In a few moments, I reached the place of tournament registration. There was a decent line, and it was the most diverse place in town.
Along with numerous demons, there were also humans, a few eleven warriors, and beast folks.
Most of the beat folk were Tiger-folk and Wolf-folk, with a few other varieties mixed in. I entered the line because there was only one line and no special entry. However, the process was short and simple, so the line was progressing quickly.
The registration process included proving your identity by ID card, which would be verified.
Then verification from Aetheris Record about the details on the ID card. Unless there was something suspicious, it was the work of a few minutes.
About an hour later, I stood in front of the clerk, noting the details. I saw a man with a pale complexion and average build sitting on a chair at a high pedestal, keeping an eye on everything.
’That must be him,’ I thought as I produced my ID card. Just as he was about to verify, a loud voice caught everyone’s attention.
"That man is a fraud, Uncle; you should check him properly. He is hiding his strength," Rhegar Valsard said. I recognized the voice immediately.
"Are you sure, or is this one of your shenanigans?" The man sitting on the chair on the pedestal asked in a stern voice.
"Yes, Uncle, he was able to go against Simon easily. I would never lie to you," he argued his case.
"Don’t worry, he can’t change his Aetheris Record; I will personally check him," he spoke as he rose from his chair and appeared beside the clerk immediately.
"I am sorry, man," the clerk spoke. It seems everyone around was familiar with the antics of this vampire. I used my Insight eye on the invigilator.
[Name: Derek Valsard]
[Rank: Sage (Zenith)]
[Threat: Very High]
"Young man, is it true you were lying during the registration? Do you know the punishment if you are caught lying?" Derek asked in a neutral tone.
"Death, but I am not lying," I answered. I was a bit intrigued by the info about sub-stage too, but now was not the time.
"However, the young master is using his influence to harass me; is that right under council rules?" I added.
Derek showed a bit of surprise because not everyone was familiar with such rules. Everybody knew the basic rules, but there is a rule that is pretty much common but yet not much known.
"If an official of the council, in their capacity, is found harassing a person holding a valid ID card for frivolous reasons. The official will either be liable to punishment or pay damages to the concerned person," I stated the rule for everyone to be convinced.
’At last, I am using something I read in the academy,’ I thought.
"Nice, you know the rules, so what? You are hiding your strength, and I will prove it," Rhegar interjected.
"Place your hand on the device. The truth will be clear," the invigilator spoke. This was the easy part for me; my Aetheris Record was already changed.
As the panel from the device lit up, the result was as I had manipulated. The rank was Ascendant, which was true, but I changed the rest of the information.
I added a new unique ability, Summoning (S-rank). This was the idea I had come up with without mentioning the system to the public. Dual-ability users were rare, but not impossible.
Derek’s brow raised a little, but there wasn’t much change in his expression. "He is not hiding his strength; you are lying, Rhegar," he spoke in a serious tone.
"So, as you saw, I am not lying. Now you owe me one, Mr. Invigilator," I spoke in a triumphant tone.
"Try attacking him, Uncle, and you would know I wasn’t lying," Rhegar shouted before Derek could answer.