"What's going on? Isn't that man supposed to be an ascetic priest? What is he doing at a Combat Tournament?"

"They say ascetic priests aren't interested in power or wealth. Yet, here he is, stepping into the battle ring. It's really strange."

"Wait! I know him. He's the renegade among the ascetic priests, Thaddeus Savier."

"What? Father Savier? Are you talking about the same guy who slaughtered an entire family in a fit of rage eight years ago?"

The mention of Thaddeus' name caused a stir in the crowd. There were only a few ascetic priests in the world, and he stood out distinctly among them.

No one knew what had happened. But rumors circulated that he had allegedly slain 17 members of the guildmaster's family from the Sable Order in one night eight years ago.

Since then, Thaddeus had forsaken his vows entirely. He indulged in all sorts of vices—drinking, women, and money.

His temper was notoriously explosive. Plus, he was quick to resort to violence at the slightest provocatio