When they were going to collect the prize money, Kelf had already expected the military would try to recruit him. So he asked Lin to collect on his behalf and asked her to refuse all requests for him to join the military.

‘Collect the money on my behalf. And reject all requests to join the military,’ he said plainly.

When Narf saw that Kelf did not come, he asked Lin where he was.

Lin told him respectfully, ‘Sir, if it is about recruiting him to the military you should give up because he isn’t planning to join.’

Narf replied, ‘Please ask your friend to think about it further. With his caliber rising up the ranks should not be difficult. Well, the door is open to him. If he changes his mind, feel free to approach any of the military officers.’

Just then he saw Xel and Xue walking by some place away. So he excused himself and approached them.

‘Please excuse me. It appeared that I might have another potential soldier.’

The Commander was gone. Lin breathed a sign of relief. Talking to the Commander was very stressful. His suppressing aura told Lin that if there ever was a man on that world which would make all the others submit to him out of fear and terror, that man would be Narf. Yes, he did talk to Lin respectfully too, and he did not put up an air of arrogance. He did not despise her, and communicated to her like she was an equal. But that was only formality. Lin did not know why, but she knew she would rather not talk to that man again.

Xel and Xue greeted Narf respectfully.

‘Good day, sir.’

Narf made known his request for him to join the military too.

But Xel in an idiotic manner told him that he was not good enough, and that as he could see the way he survived throughout the competition was through pure luck and it was a miracle he survived the last attack in the final match.

‘I am not meant for fighting, and actually hope to get a more comfortable job, get married to Xue and set up a family and die in peace.‘

Narf laughed and told him to consider.

‘Name your terms. If it is reasonable I can still consider.’

Xel thanked him for his kind invitation and said he would definitely go to him if he changed his mind.

As Narf walked away, he said, ‘You know, you looked very familiar. I think I saw you before.’

‘Impossible, Commander. I’m just a commoner. Why would such a powerful person as yourself come to know me?’

‘Maybe it is just my mistake. But I really think I saw you somewhere before.’

He turned and walked away, thinking: those 2, if I don’t make them mine, they might turn into my enemies and hinder me once I start my plans. I have to think of a way.

Xel was staring at the back of the Commander with no expression on his face, thinking about something when Xue whacked Xel and asked him about the part of marrying her.

Xel broke off from his thoughts and with a usual gentle smile told her, ‘If I don’t marry you no one will because of your non-feminine actions.’

But Xue suddenly turned all serious.

‘It seemed, that I saw him before too.’

‘Who?’

‘That Commander.’

‘Really?’

‘He is supposed to be real scary right? I mean, I can understand perfectly why he is so scary to others. But how is it, that you and I, we don’t feel it?’

‘…’

Xel did not reply. With a strange look on his face, his eyes followed the back of Commander Narf.

Just then Lin came to them and threw them a bag of money.

Xue asked, ‘What is this?’

‘Kelf said to split the money with the both of you since you and him both gave up at the final round and there was no way to tell who was stronger.’

Xel refused and threw back the money.

‘I don’t want it.’

Lin threw back and told them, ‘Do whatever you want with the money. I am not taking it, and if you want to throw the money away it is your business.

After taking half a second to decide, Xel said, ‘Oh well if someone gives me money I would really be an idiot not to take it. And tell him thanks for me.’

Lin looked at him, and without saying anything turned back.