Thornton

  The Colosseum falls silent as King Belfour strides into the center of the arena, his golden scepter gleaming under the bright sunlight. His presence alone commands attention, and the crowd rises in reverence, their cheers reverberating through the massive stone walls. The King raises his hand, and silence ripples through the stands like a spell.

  "People of Belfour!" his voice booms, amplified by some unseen magic. "Today, we celebrate not just tradition, but the spirit of Purification through Unity, Resolve, and Excellence—the PURE!"

  The crowd erupts into cheers again, and I glance at Jade, whose face mirrors my own awe. Even I can't deny the gravity of this moment.

  "Our kingdom's strength lies in its people," the King continues, his voice calm yet commanding. "Today, the finest among you will showcase your skills, courage, and resolve. Let this day remind us all of the harmony we seek and the greatness we can achieve. Let the games begin!"

  The King steps back as the crowd roars to life. He waves to the grandstands, signaling the first event: the Magic Showcase.

  The arena transforms before our eyes. Four raised platforms emerge from the sand, each glowing faintly with magical energy. Participants ascend the platforms, each radiating confidence—or at least trying to.

  Jade leans closer to me. "That's her," she whispers, nodding toward one of the platforms.

  I follow her gaze and see Haley Belfour, the King's daughter. Her dark hair flows like a waterfall, and her sapphire-blue robes shimmer with enchantments. She carries herself with an effortless grace, her expression calm but focused.

  The announcer's voice echoes through the Colosseum. "The Magic Showcase begins now! Each participant will perform a display of their magical prowess. Let the audience be amazed, and let the judges decide who best embodies the essence of the PURE."

  The first contestant, a wiry young man named Leron, steps forward. His performance begins with a swirl of air, forming a cyclone that lifts him into the air. He conjures blades of wind, which he hurls at summoned targets that shatter into glowing dust. The crowd claps politely, impressed but not overwhelmed.

  Next is a woman named Minara. Her act is elegant—she summons glowing ribbons of light that twist and weave through the air like living creatures. The ribbons form intricate patterns, briefly depicting scenes of mythical heroes and battles before dissolving into showers of glittering sparks. The crowd's reaction is warmer this time.

  The third participant, a broad-shouldered man named Corvin, opts for raw power. He summons pillars of flame that rise high into the sky, their heat palpable even from where I sit. With a roar, he sends the fire spiraling into a blazing dragon that swoops through the arena before dissipating in a burst of smoke. The crowd erupts in cheers, clearly impressed by the spectacle.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  Finally, Haley steps forward. She takes a deep breath, and the air around her grows still, as if the entire arena holds its breath with her.

  Haley begins by summoning a single drop of water, which hovers in the air before her. She whispers an incantation, and the drop multiplies, transforming into a cascade of water that dances in intricate patterns. The water glimmers like liquid crystal, reflecting the sunlight in dazzling bursts.

  As the water dances, Haley raises her hands, and the earth beneath her responds. Vines sprout and twist, weaving together to form a towering tree that blossoms with shimmering flowers. The petals fall, caught by the water, which transforms them into glowing fish that swim through the air.

  For her finale, Haley summons a burst of light that illuminates the entire arena. The fish dissolve into sparks, and the tree crumbles into golden dust, which swirls around her in a breathtaking display before fading into the air.

  The silence that follows is profound. Then, as if a dam has broken, the crowd erupts into thunderous applause. Even I find myself clapping, unable to deny the sheer artistry of her performance.

  "The winner of the Magic Showcase is... Haley Belfour!" the announcer declares.

  Haley bows gracefully, her expression serene. Though some might assume her victory was due to her royal status, it's clear to everyone here that she earned it.

  As Haley descends from the platform, the announcer's voice echoes again. "Contestants, prepare for the next event: Combat!"

  The platforms retract, and the arena shifts once more. The ground beneath us quakes as barriers rise, creating smaller arenas for the preliminary matches. Jade and I exchange a glance, both of us readying ourselves.

  Before we can head to the staging area, a familiar voice calls out.

  "Thornton!"

  I turn and see Emberes striding toward us. His crimson cloak billows behind him, and the flame-like markings on his arms glow faintly. His presence is magnetic, drawing stares from the other participants.

  "You made it," I say, my voice betraying my relief.

  "Did you think I'd miss this?" Emberes replies with a grin. "The real fun is about to start."

  Hue joins us, his calm demeanor as steadying as ever. Aszhuak follows, his imposing frame and sharp gaze exuding quiet confidence.

  I glance around and ask, "Where's Gashiaz? I thought she was coming too."

  Hue sighs, exchanging a look with Aszhuak. "She stayed with her clan. The Fiam are on the brink of civil war. She's trying to convince their leaders to work together rather than tear each other apart."

  "She's consulting with them to stop the fighting," Aszhuak adds. "Her presence there might be the only thing holding the Fiam together right now."

  I nod, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I hope she succeeds."

  The announcer's voice booms again. "Participants, prepare for your matches! Names will be called shortly. Stand ready."

  The five of us move to the waiting area, where the crowd's excitement grows louder with each passing moment. One by one, names are announced, and participants step forward to take their places in the arena.

  Finally, the announcer's voice rises above the din. "From the forgotten bloodline of the Liche Clan—Thornton!"

  The crowd falls eerily silent for a moment before erupting into murmurs. The name "Liche" spreads through the stands like wildfire, disbelief and curiosity evident in their tones.

  "They think we're extinct," I mutter to myself, my fists tightening.

  Jade gives me a firm nod of encouragement as I step forward. The announcer continues, introducing my opponent, though I barely register the name.

  The roar of the crowd fades into the background as I take my position. My heart pounds in my chest, and I grip my weapons tightly. The world narrows to the sandy arena and the figure standing opposite me.

  The gong sounds, signaling the start of the match—