The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven)

Chapter 162

Chapter 162

The moment his words fell, the already quiet courtyard fell into complete silence.

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The middle-aged host gave a small nod to the crowd, then spoke with calm authority, "First, allowto

welcall of you to tonight's event. To ensure our esteemed guests are all on the spage, letbriefly

explain what's about to take place."

"Everyone here knows that each family who attended Lorne's banquet last night received three recommendation

slots for the Hundred-Man Unit.

However, not every family has enough capable descendants. Some, even after scraping together three names,

are well aware their candidates don't stand a chance of actually making it into the Unit."

"In order not to waste these precious spots," he continued, "the heads of the families have reached an

agreement: the positions will go to the most qualified. As of now, each family has selected three candidates and

ranked them according to strength."

With that, he stepped aside and gestured toward the tall white curtain behind the stone platform. "Please, turn

your attention to the screen."

As soon as he finished, the screen lit up, revealing rows of names-Regalhold's top-tier families, their three

chosen candidates, and each candidate's warrior rank.

Raven gave the list a cursory glance.

Because she had personally added the restriction that only warriors twenty-five and under could apply, the

majority of candidates were at Mid-Class Warrior level.

A few were still Base-Class, and only three had managed to reach Elite Warrior status.

The host resumed, "Any warrior present tonight who was not recommended by a family may issue a challenge to

one of the listed candidates. If they win, they will replace the candidate and inherit the recommendation slot.”

"Of course, this isn't a free pass. Anyone who wins a slot must agree to assist the family in times of crisis. This is

the price of the opportunity."

As his words landed, eyes throughout the crowd lit with hunger.

Though everyone here cfrom powerful families, even within those, not everyone was equal.

Swho couldn't even get a foot in the door at hmight be top-tier talent in another house.

And now, they had a real shot-one fight, one victory, and they could earn a place in the legendary Hundred-Man

Unit.

For them, this wasn't just an opportunity. It was destiny.

The host raised his voice once more. "Candidates may also challenge one another. In the end, the strongest will

be named champion among all contenders and receive an exclusive honor jointly awarded by the five great

houses. That's all for the rules. If anyone wishes to challenge-begin.”

Across from Raven, Kyla turned her head slightly and offered her a soft, polite smile. "From the way Edric

addressed you earlier, | assyou're a warrior too? Why not give it a try?"

Raven glanced at her, her voice calm and unmoved. "Not interested."

Kyla's smile only deepened, though it carried a tinge of mockery now. "Not interested, or... not capable?"

Before Raven could reply, a voice from the crowd suddenly rang out.

"I'll go first."

Heads turned.

Caleb stepped out from the crowd, each stride slow, steady, deliberate.

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Chapter 162

He didn't bother masking his aura, and the moment it radiated outward, everyone present felt it.

"Mid-Class Pinnacle Warrior?"

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Gasps rippled through the audience in this world, warriors were divided into Base Class, Mid Class, and Elite,

each with five internal ranks. Caleb had reached the peak of Mid Class-five stars.

Just ten days ago, he'd been a Mid Class three-star. But after being forged under Raven's hellish training, he now

stood tall, commanding, and entirely

reborn.

"A Mid-Class Pinnacle at his age? That's... impressive."

"Whose family is he from? Why isn't he on the candidate list?"

"He doesn't match any of the families with three strong nominees. Judging from that aura, he might be from the

military."

"Whoever he is, the next few challengers are going to have a tough tfollowing that act."

Murmurs of admiration and awe echoed throughout the courtyard.

In Regalhold, family power was built on fists, and strength earned respect.

Many families operated on might makes right-it was tradition.

Across from Raven, Kyla's gaze flicked toward the stage, a rare flash of surprise crossing her eyes.

She'd ignored Caleb earlier, assuming he was forgettable. But now, seeing him up close, radiating such raw

talent, she reconsidered.

She'd originally thought about pushing Raven and Caleb together to keep Raven from clinging to Cassian. But

seeing this? There was no need.

No matter how powerful Raven's background might be, without strength, she was no match for a man like Caleb.

As if confirming her thoughts, Caleb stepped onto the stone platform and casually selected the third-ranked

candidate from one of the weaker families-

a Base-Class Pinnacle Warrior.

The candidate's legs were already shaking as he climbed up.

Less than ten seconds later, he was kicked clean off the stage.

From the crowd, a chorus of squeals erupted.

"Oh my god, he's so handsome!"

"Does anyone know which family he's from? Is he single?"

One girl clutched her chest, gasping, "Do you think... maybe | could marry someone like him?"

Another girl rolled her eyes. "With your rank? Please. Guys like him don't just want beauty. They want power.

We're lucky if we even get to drool from

afar."

The host's voice echoed from the stage, sharp and clear.

"The Cox family's Enrique Cox-defeated."

Caleb stood tall on the platform, the rush of victory burning in his veins. Ten days

of humiliation under Raven's iron rule-finally released.

All the admiration, the cheers, the reverence-it was his.

This was what Caleb deserved.

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At that moment, he fails invinciblefelt like king

Not even Raven scared him now

Given enough the'd surpite her He was sure of it

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Mis paze swept the crowd and forked onto one man Corey

He remembered the promise he made at the gate

And now drunk on power and glory, he wasn't done yet

He pointed toward Raven and said voice booming "Commander Corey has seen

my worth and giventhe chance of a lifetfot jo aver spat in his face when he offered you the same"

"I might've let that slide if | didn't know But now | do And | can't ignore it

His voice sharpened. "So here's your chance if you've got the guts cup here.

I'll teach you how to behave

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