The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven) novel 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, allow me to welcome all of you to tonight’s event. To ensure our esteemed guests are all on the same page, let me briefly 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 came from powerful families, even within those, not everyone was equal.

Some who couldn’t even get a foot in the door at home might 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, I assume you’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 time following 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 I 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.