Sam's arrogance and might made everyone in the banquet hall stupefied. He has shown death to a prince multiple times, yet not killing him multiple times, right in front of the emperor crushing his confidence.

They couldn't even start to imagine the psychological blow the prince might have suffered.

The Princess, who took her veil off for the first time in the public couldn't hide her emotions, she looked at Sam who is tightening his tie and walking back to his original position on the stage as if he did nothing of significance.

His back looked like an immovable and unfathomable mountain. She was thinking what could he have done to her if not for the rules. She felt a wave of gratitude for her father for implementing such strict rules so they can survive. Otherwise, all the prideful geniuses that gathered here from all over the empire would have died in the hands of this monster including her.

The emperor didn't show any expression, but inside he was enraged. He wanted to kill Sam right there and then, but he knew he cannot. He looked at the empress who was about to make a fuss and held her hand to forcefully restrain her.

Nicholas didn't care about all this and went on to the stage and looked at Sam.

Both people exchanged a look and Sam took out his claws this time, he wanted to see what the outcome would be if used the most comfortable weapon in front of Nicholas.

The claws are still the same. Only nails of the fingers are made and the rest of the palm is uncovered. There is only one modification for now and that is there is a small minute hole at the sharp tip of each nail.

One could easily ignore this. But this is one of the most lethal tricks up his sleeve. These are for poison element.

But Sam is not planning to use the poison this time around.

After taking a deep breath, Sam made the first move. The spectators, saw the most intriguing battle they saw.

Sam felt alive again but this time, there was less pressure on him. No matter what, the claws are the most suitable for him. The title of Battle Maniac is not wasted on Nicholas.

Sam could feel from his moves that Nicholas has studied his swordsmanship just to beat him, but his efforts are in vain. This time, Sam's approach has completely changed. His moves are more dangerous and unpredictable.

Nicholas felt as if he was fighting a wild beast. it is not like a duel at all. He felt as if he was defending against an assault of a predator.

The pressure increased. And by the end of the fight, Nicholas almost conjured a battle spirit. But Sam didn't give him the chance and ended the fight.

The stage was destroyed. In the middle of the fight, a barrier was created so that after shock wouldn't affect the banquet hall.

In short, this is the best battle of two top notch geniuses of same generation.

The Crown Prince who is sitting in his spot. He was not attracting any attention at all since the beginning.

He squinted his eyes as he looked at the two youngsters who are getting off the stage.

He himself was also considered as a genius but he is already nearing his thirties so he wasn't able to participate in this competition.

But he wasn't upset. He is destined to be an emperor. So, he didn't bother to look up for these life changing opportunities.

His only concern is making sure that his position is stable. His father was able to stay in his position because of his strength.

He also needs that and keep the competitors in check.

He can ascend the throne with his father's support but he wouldn't be able to keep that, so he has to keep the competitors in check before they could bloom and reach their full potential.

He has to keep an eye on these candidates.

After the battles are over and the stage was cleaned up, the emperor addressed them again.

"Now, the rankings are confirmed.

First place Sam

Second Place Nicholas

Third Place Philip

Fourth Place Jack

Fifth Place Nathan

Sixth Place Patrick

Seventh Place West

Eighth Place Weasley

Ninth Place Morgan

Tenth Place Snake

All of you candidates shall assemble at the imperial palace tomorrow.

The banquet will end here."

He finished this without any courteous words indicating his gloomy mood.

Everyone went their own way.

That night, the emperor came out of his chamber and went to a desolate building in the estate.

He started loading a huge amount of spirit stones in various circles.

After he did that, he took a step back and waited and soon as bright glow flashed and two people emerged out of that light.

This is a Space gate. A transportation tool using space element. As the two people arrived, the emperor gave a bow and greeted them.

"Greetings to the Envoys of the thunder god temple."

His voice was full of respect and obedience.

There is not even a single trace of his majesty of being an emperor.

The people who came out of the formation looked at the emperor with a proud and nonchalant attitude.

They greeted him only with a nod.

One of them is a man who is in his early thirties and with a cultivation of Nascent stage.

The other person is a young man who is around eighteen with a cultivation stage of middle stage great realm.

After the greetings, the emperor led them to a specially arranged room for them. It is not for the rest, but a meeting room with a large table and chairs. There are all types of scrolls containing information.

On the table there are blue coloured crystals in a cylindrical shape with names labelled on them.

The crystal will perfectly fit in a person's palm.

Each of the crystal is labelled with the name of the candidates who ranked top ten.

The man in Nascent stage sat down without saying anything and took the crystal labelled Sam into his hand and infused the neutral spiritual energy.

A translucent screen popped up with Sam's image and all kinds of information in it.

It is like a profile of a person. There are all kinds of details about Sam, from the place of origin, his elemental details, his battle records, his business and military achievements and even his professional titles are named there. There was a golden star mark on the top right corner of the profile.

The man changed the amount of spiritual energy and looked at a video it is the battle video of the Sam causing a mayhem in the capital and his duels with the ca