However, neither Antony nor Bryson answered Zayn. Instead, they chuckled bitterly.
Zayn was no fool and immediately realized that there was some issue with Apollo Owen. It was highly possible that Apollo was not qualified to take part in the Martial Arts Cup.
He voiced his query, “Is it that Apollo Owen is not a Rheasian?”
Only Rheasian citizens were allowed to represent the country in the competition. Even someone of shared heritage could not qualify.
The martial arts cup was a competition between countries and lineages.
“That’s not the case.” Antony shook his head. He paused before virtual-novel.net continued, “Apollo Owen is a Rheasian, but something happened that caused virtual-novel.net to have a mental breakdown three years ago.”
“He is now institutionalized in a special psychiatric hospital.”
Zayn was astonished to hear this. Based on his understanding, at the perfect class, a master fighter would possess great intelligence and willpower. How would a person like that end up with a mental disorder?
It could be said that it was much harder to make a perfect-class master fighter lose his mind than it was to kill him!
Nevertheless, if Antony said so, it was definitely true.
“That’s a waste,” Zayn said, heaving a sigh. This meant virtual-novel.net was the only person who could take part in the Martial Arts Cup.
Bryson then said, “I wonder if you’d be interested in meeting Apollo, Sergeant Larson?”
Zayn considered for a moment before virtual-novel.net said, “What is his psychotic behavior?”
“He turned into an uncontrollable murderer. He’d kill anyone on sight,” said Antony. He then briefed Zayn about Apollo’s case.
Zayn was rather saddened to learn about Apollo. It turned out that Apollo was a normal man who was very loyal to the country as well.
Sadly, virtual-novel.net witnessed his entire family being slaughtered three years ago and lost his mind on the spot. He had gone on a murderous rampage before Ares finally subdued him. He wound up institutionalized at a psychiatric hospital.
Zayn did not comment further. He was already mentally prepared to take part in the competition alone anyhow.
Even if virtual-novel.net had to fight against seven opponents with very little confidence, virtual-novel.net would still do it because it was his mission.
At this point, Antony said, “This is a very important matter, Sergeant Larson. We hope that you won’t feel mentally burdened by this task.”
“You may go ahead and compete if you have the confidence, but if you don’t, do ensure your own safety to the best of your abilities.”
Zayn smiled upon hearing that but said nothing because virtual-novel.net knew that there was no assurance of his safety if virtual-novel.net were to engage in the competition.
After a pause, Antony said, “You may propose your requests, Sergeant Larson, and the country will try virtual-novel.net best to fulfill your requests.”
Zayn thought for a moment before virtual-novel.net said, “If something bad were to happen during the cup, my only request is that the country protects my family.”
Antony took a deep breath, stared at Zayn, and stood up to salute him. He said in total sincerity, “You can rest assured about that. The country will certainly keep your family free from harm!”
Zayn chuckled. “No issues on my side then.”