The Greatest Sinner

"The Tournament of Precious Stones" was over. The finalists had been cured, and the arena had been restored to proper condition.

The spectators had received an incredible spectacle, and the participants had gained valuable experience and knowledge. And the winner was properly rewarded.

Fane and Cross hadn`t said about the prize in the arena. It wasn't some secret, but they thought it was better to do it in a place with fewer people.

...

Koen, Fane, Marcel, Zak and Evan were in Koen's office. This was where would be announced about Evan`s award. Only Evan was supposed to come here, but when Zak wanted to attend the award, Koen and Fane couldn't refuse him. Marcel was just curious and joined them.

Koen looked at Evan calmly and said: "Evan, originally Fane and I wanted to give you the "Catalyst" or the "Magic Artifact" of your choice. But, Fane insisted to me that such a prize won't suit you. You already have a great weapon, so we have something special for you."

Fane continued, "As far as we know, you'll be going to the Academy of Magic in about two weeks. I'm sure you'll shine brightest there, and I want to suggest that you make the most of the time you have left. For the next two weeks, you're allowed access to the fourth section of the "Pond of Mountain Crystals".

Evan didn't know what that was, but Marcel and Zak did. Marcel smiled and Zak laughed out loud, "AHAHAHAHAHAHA, you're very lucky Evan, it really is the perfect reward for you."

Koen quickly explained everything, "The "Pond of Mountain Crystals" is a special place that belongs to the Erden Family and the Cross Family. There are thousands of mana-filled crystals in this place. As you might have guessed by now, you can 'Create" there many times faster than usual."

Evan nodded, the description of the room in the Zak mansion was similar to this pond, only it was a whole other level.

"The fourth section contains the crystals with the most mana. Unfortunately, they deplete rather quickly and it takes a long time for them to recharge with mana. For this reason, only a select few are allowed to enter there."

Koen sighed and continued: "Even the most talented members of our Families are very rarely allowed to enter the fourth section. I think you'll make excellent progress in two weeks and be ready to move on."

Evan listened intently to Koen, he couldn't wait to see this amazing place.

"Come to the entrance of the "Pond of Mountain Crystals" tomorrow, Marcel knows where it is, I don't think he'll have any trouble getting you in. Our men will let you in and take you where you need to go." Koen said calmly looking at Evan.

This reward was indeed very valuable and useful. Anyone in Mossy Vulture would have wished they were in Evan's shoes right now. Since Evan was not a member of the Erden Family or the Cross Family, he had almost no chance of being in that place. Winning the Gem Tournament was the only way to gain access to this place.

Marcel nodded and that was the end of their conversation.

...

Evan was in high spirits. Although he had fought on a much larger scale in his past life, he had rarely felt such emotion as he had during the tournament finals, largely due to the fact, that Roland was an excellent opponent.

It takes proper opponents and competition to move forward. An incredible genius like Roland was able to ignite a fire in Evan, and his flame burned just as brightly.

Evan wanted to go home and have a rest, but Marcel stopped him, "Evan, I think we need to celebrate your victory properly. Let's go to my restaurant the "Paradise of Bliss."

Evan thought for a while and then nodded assuredly. He had no reason to refuse the offer.

Zak wasn't left out either and said loudly: "Great! This day is worth eating at the best place in all of Mossy Vulture!"

"Oh, Zak, are you coming too? Unexpectedly..." Marcel said calmly.

"Of course, what are we even talking about? Such a fight and such a victory I won't see very soon."

Marcel was surprised at Zak's words, because he knew better than most how rarely Zak went to places like this. He wasn't much of a fan of such places, but now he was in the mood to have a good time.

"Okay, then, I'll meet you out front in an hour. I still need to talk to Fien about something."

Evan and Zak nodded and Marcel quickly left.

"Commander, is Paradise of Bliss really such a terrific place?" Asked Evan.

Zak nodded confidently: "Yes, this establishment totally lives up to its name. Marcel likes to use his resources to make each of his establishments look great. But, this restaurant was invested with all his strength and influence. You couldn`t even imagine how long it took him to find the right chef. He's searched half the kingdom."

"Hmm, this promises to be interesting, I've been to Marseilles stores before, it's really top notch."

Evan, like Zak, wasn't hung up on luxury or sophistication, but he didn't mind visiting a place like this. It's always interesting to experience something new and taste food prepared by the hands of a true master of his craft.

"By the way, Evan, how did you manage to get up with such serious wounds and keep fighting. Not only did you win, but you also destroyed the arena, I've never seen anything like it!" Zak knew that Evan had his peculiarities, but there was no way he could explain that episode.

Evan shrugged and simply replied, "To be honest, I don't know. I would say that at that moment, I was angry at Roland's arrogant words and I found the strength to punch him. Too bad our fight was stopped."

"AHAHAHAHAHA, so that's how it is. Roland really is an incredibly opinionated person, but I even like this guy. He's going after his goal and nothing can stop him."

Zak didn't question Evan any further about what happened at the end of their fight with Roland. He decided then that Evan had gone into a brief "Gust" just like Roland. That was the most appropriate and logical explanation for the situation.

...

An hour later, Evan and Zak made their way to the "Paradise of Bliss" just as they had been told. A few minutes later Marcel and Fien arrived. The girl was a little depressed about her results, but most of all she was shocked by the strength of Roland and Evan.

The "Paradise of Bliss" itself was a two-story, very elegant white stone building with wide windows. There were massive white columns at the entrance and a transparent door of crystal glass led inside. One could tell at a glance how influential and wealthy the owner of this establishment was.

"Please". Marcel said calmly, and they all went inside leisurely.