"OKAY FIRST UP…"
"Knock knock. Sorry I'm late everyone, I got held up in negotiations with the matriarch of the Eleanor Trading Company."
"No worries Jessica," Eric gestures to a chair, "come take a seat. How is Eleanor?"
"She's a shrewd, but fair negotiator." Said Jessica, taking a seat next to Eric. "I can see how she became known as The Behemoth in the merchant world. So how far along are we?"
(𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒊𝒐)
𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: 𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑳𝒆𝒑𝒖𝒔
𝑨𝒈𝒆: 𝑼𝒏𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏
𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏
𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓: 𝑭𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆
𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 1.8 𝒎
𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 55 𝒌𝒈
𝑯𝒂𝒊𝒓: 𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒈, 𝑾𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒚, 𝑹𝒆𝒅
𝑬𝒚𝒆𝒔: 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏
𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅: 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒚
𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓: 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏
𝑱𝒐𝒃: 𝑮𝑴 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒚𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒉'𝒔 𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝑮𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅
𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈: 𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒚 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒕, 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒓𝒕, 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑨𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒍 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒔
"We were just getting started."
"Why the delay? Don't tell me you guys waited for me?"
"Actually, we uncovered something rather unfortunate." Eric replied.
Eric, Misty, Blaze, and Marco had gathered in Eric's office to discuss the upcoming tournament preparations when Marco brings up the oddities surrounding the punch daggers Riho had used.
During the discussion Eric realized that Fuji Takashi, leader of the bandit groups Phoenix, The Pyros, White Claw, Black Fang, and The Violators, had orchestrated an elaborate plan to completely bankrupt the colosseum by means of gambling bets.
And in order to pull this off someone employed by the colosseum aided him in this endeavor. Wanda, Eric's secretary, volunteers to investigate the matter along with Sid, the assistant colosseum manager and Wanda's younger brother.
"Wow. Just wow." Exclaimed Jessica.
"Our thoughts exactly." Blaze said.
"Now that I'm all caught up. Let us discuss tournament preparations. What are we doing about security?"
"The mercenaries from my guild not participating in the tournament have agreed to help out."
"Same with the adventures," said Blaze, "I've begun coordinating with a Templar lieutenant by the name of Chris."
Eric then asks, "how many Templars is he bringing?"
"Don't know yet. He's waiting to hear back from a representative from the Netherlands Empire and the Marijuana Empire.
"The Templars, mercenaries, and adventurers main focus will be on keeping the citizens safe. While The Seven and some Named Dragons will guard the members of nobility."
"Can we really trust someone from the Marijuana Empire?" Asked Misty.
"Trust, absolutely not," said Eric, "but this request comes from Rose the White Dragon who wishes for this Fight Festival Tournament to be open to everyone from any empire. We will do our best to accommodate everyone that shows up regardless of where they come from."
"Maybe no one from that empire will even participate." Comments Jessica.
"Who will be refereeing the matches?" Misty asked.
"I've been told it'll be the headmasters."
Blaze smirks at this saying, "Between having The Seven, Named Dragons, and now the headmasters, I dare anyone to try anything with those guys around."
"Do we know how long the matches will last?" Asked Marco.
"We'll be using Clay Dolls," said Eric "They'll absorb the damage instead of the competitors."
"And when the doll absorbs too much damage it breaks. Ending that participants' right to continue on in the tournament."
"You are correct Blaze. The winners Clay Doll of course will be restored before their next match. Asmodeus and Red will handle the restoring process."
"Misty then asked, "do we know how many participants are competing?"
"Don't know yet. We're still waiting to see how many qualify. As of right now all seven schools are holding qualification matches to help reduce the number of participants." Explained Eric.
"What about using Jay's training ground over in Fuchsia City. It'll help speed up the qualification process." Suggests Jessica.
Blaze shakes his head no. "Jay's training ground is for rookies fresh out of school.
D-ranked only. Any higher in rank and they'll destroy the training grounds. The schools were chosen for their ample space and trained staff."
"Plus we'll be introducing a new ranking system. This will allow all headmasters to reevaluate the participants, and rank them accordingly."
The entire room is silent. As they stare in disbelief at their sudden surprise guests. Especially one guest in particular.
"Why are you all just staring at me? Is there something on my face? Perhaps something in my teeth?"
"It's probably because they weren't expecting you of all people to show up, Princess Shiori."
"Oh, but Felix, didn't you say they were informed that a representative from the Netherlands Empire would be coming?"
"Yes they were informed. However, I doubt any of them were expecting you, princess. Also, please refrain from using my first name when we are working. Address me as Lieutenant if you would."
"Whatever you say Lieutenant Felix Christianson the Forth."
"Now you're just mocking me."
"Teehee!" Shiori just giggles.
"The lieutenant is correct, princess. One must always conduct themselves accordingly whether they're in public or not."
"Oh boo! You're no fun either Sister Ann."
(𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒊𝒐)
𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒊
𝑨𝒈𝒆: 𝑼𝒏𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏
𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑫𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏
𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓: 𝑭𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆
𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 1.53 𝒎
𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 53.9 𝒌𝒈
𝑯𝒂𝒊𝒓: 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒉, 𝑨𝒒𝒖𝒂 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆
𝑬𝒚𝒆𝒔: 𝒀𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏
𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅: 𝑷𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒆
𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓: 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆
𝑱𝒐𝒃: 𝑼𝒏𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏
𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔: 𝑼𝒏𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏
𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔(𝒆𝒔): 𝑼𝒏𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏
𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒌: 𝑺𝑺
𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈: 𝑺𝒎𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒚 𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒂𝒌, 𝑺𝒐𝒇𝒕 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑯𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔
(𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒊𝒐)
𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: 𝑭𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒙 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑰𝑽
𝑨𝒈𝒆: 31
𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏
𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓: 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒆
𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 1.85 𝒎
𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 90 𝒌𝒈
𝑯𝒂𝒊𝒓: 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌
𝑬𝒚𝒆𝒔: 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏
𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅: 𝑨𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒄
𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓: 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌
𝑱𝒐𝒃: 𝑻𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑳𝒊𝒆𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒕
𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔: 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓
𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔(𝒆𝒔): 𝑺𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝑻𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏
𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒌: 𝑨
𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈: 𝑸𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑻𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄, 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑲𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒓 𝑷𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔, 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑳𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒔, 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑩𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒕, 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝒘/ 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔
𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒏: 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑺𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅
𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒏: 𝑫𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓
(𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒊𝒐)
𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: 𝑨𝒏𝒏
𝑨𝒈𝒆: 23
𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏
𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓: 𝑭𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆
𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 1.68 𝒎
𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 54.43 𝒌𝒈
𝑯𝒂𝒊𝒓: 𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅
𝑬𝒚𝒆𝒔: 𝑯𝒂𝒛𝒆𝒍
𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅: 𝑺𝒍𝒊𝒎
𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓: 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆
𝑱𝒐𝒃: 𝑵𝒖𝒏
𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈: 𝑨 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑵𝒖𝒏'𝒔 𝑯𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒕
The sound of chairs scraping the floor all at once echoes off the walls as everyone stands. "Please forgive us Princess Shiori for our rude behavior. My name is Eric. I'm the colosseum manager."
"I am Jessica Lepus. Guild Master of the Merchants Guild."
"Marco, I run the colosseum's armory."
"Misty, Guild Master of the Mercenary Guild."
"Names Blaze, Guild Master of the Adventurous Guild."
"I am Lieutenant Christianson. A Templar officer and representative for the Britannia Empire."
"Sister Ann, representing the Marijuana Empire."
"Of course I'm Princess Shiori, representing the Netherlands Empire."
Shiori meets everyone's gaze. Then her eyes land on Misty. "Misty, about your shrug."
Misty goes pale. "W-w-what about…" she can't finish her sentence. Her mind goes back to earlier when Eric told her she should dress more appropriately.
"Where did you get it?" Princess Shiori asked, walking up to her.
Nothing. Just a blank stare, as if Misty were turned to stone.
"Yoo-hoo, is anyone in there?" Shiori waves her hands in front of Misty's face.
"Yes?! What?! Oh, Princess, did you need something from me?"
"Did your brain stop working or something? I asked you where you got that cute shrug you're wearing."
"I got it from Bombyx, a clothing store near the Merchants Guild that specializes in fine silk clothing. It's owned by a nice man named Mori Bombyx. I'd be more than happy to take you there right now if you'd like."
"As tempting as that offer sounds, work must come before play."
"Yes, of course."
"Princess Shiori, Lieutenant Christianson, Sister Ann, can I get you guys anything to drink?" Offers Eric.
"Let's keep it informal shall we, and I'll have tea." Requests Shiori, sitting down.
"Coffee for me, and I prefer Felix or Lieutenant Chris." Replied Felix.
"Tea for me." Said Sister Ann.
Eric leaves to go prepare the drinks. While gone the others brief Shiori, Sister Ann, and Felix on what they've talked about so far.
They're just finishing up when Eric returns with a tray of drinks. "Here are your drinks, and I've brought fresh cups for the rest of you."
"Thank you."
"Much obliged."
"Thanks, Eric."
"Yes, thank you."
"Thanks."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
With his own fresh cup, Eric takes his seat. "I trust my colleagues have informed you all of what's been discussed so far?"
"Yes they have." Replied Shiori, sipping her tea.
"Excellent. Now, if you would please explain this new ranking system you mentioned."
"Can we please address the elephant in the room?"
"And that would be what exactly?" Eric, along with everyone else, looks to Misty for an explanation for her sudden outburst.
"I'm talking about her," said Misty, pointing a finger at Sister Ann.
Sister Ann's hazel eyes go wide with surprise. Putting a hand to her chest. "Me?! What did I do?"
"Don't play dumb. You're a spy for your empire aren't you?"
"What proof do you have of me being a spy?"
"I have my own spies operating in your empire. They've informed me that you work for Archbishop Judas."
"Yes. It's no secret that I work for such a wonderful, hardworking, devoted man of the cloth, as well as a devoted father to his adopted daughter Beth.
Who he treats like she's his very own. In fact she's here with me now. Learning about different customs and beliefs of other empires and their people."
"Sure on the surface he plays that role perfectly. But underneath it all he's actually a monster."
"Then prove it." Challenged Sister Ann, "right here right now. Show me the evidence you have on the archbishop being a monster."
Misty sighs leaning back in her chair, "I can't."
"Oh, and why not. Surely you don't go around throwing out wild accusations without proof."
"I don't have hard evidence. Just a few bits of intel from very reliable sources."
"So all you have is nothing more than a bunch of nasty rumors. Probably from those who are jealous of what Archbishop Cariot Judas has achieved."
Setting down her cup, "there is now a party rank in the ranking system, as well as a new ranking system for individuals. This new change comes from years of research from both the adventures and mercenary guild association." Shiori begins explaining the new rankings system glossing over the fact that Misty and Sister Ann had just butted heads.
"It was proven that individuals and even parties with experience were killed when they should've had the advantage. Especially against the likes of battle toads, orcs, cyclops, ogres, sickle scorpions, and even goblins."
"Do they know why this is?" Asked Blaze.
"They are evolving — adapting to their environment— to us. Which is why we must adapt and evolve with the times." Answered Felix.
"More details of the new ranking system will be announced at later date. For now let us discuss the two categories for the tournament." Said Shiori.
Felix said, "One-on-One is pretty straight forward: you win, you advance. As for the Team-versus-Team: there will be a minimum of three team members or a max of seven."
Jessica then asked, "can I assume we'll try to match up teams that are similar in size and rank?"
"Yes, that is the plan. Plus the new ranking system will also play a role when deciding match ups.
But there is always a chance that a higher ranked individual or team will face off against a lower ranked individual or team.
Depending on how one sided the ranks are as we progress through the tournament we'll have to adjust accordingly."
Sister Ann then adds "it's also worth mentioning that as of right now participants can only fight one rank above their own regardless of category."
"Will there be enough time in deciding the match ups for both categories?" Marco asked.
"I'm told the last two months have been allocated to allow preparations for the Fight Festival Tournament," said the sister "Hopefully that'll be enough time to put everything together. Of course we'll have to make on the fly decisions as issues crop up."
"What if someone wants to fight in both categories?" Inquiries Marco.
"As of right now, that's not permitted. With this being the first tournament of its kind we thought it best to keep it simple." Replied Felix.
"Has anyone here considered holding an exhibition match?" Shiori asked, "You know, as a way to kick off this tournament."
"It'll be me versus Sheshanaga." Blaze announced excitedly.
"Who?"
"Sheshanaga is of the Naga Race. I invited him along with Manasa, Vasuki, and Takshaha, to fight in the colosseum against our then champion Emmy."
The Naga Race have always lived a secluded life with very little to no contact with humans or any other race.
Wanting to change that, Manasa, Vasuki, Sheshanaga, and Takshaha agree to participate in the Hyacinth Colosseum as fighters – challenging the then champion Emmy, and set out with Eric.
Things took a bizarre turn. First their one on four match became a two on four with Emmy teaming up with an eleven year old girl named Riho.
Then for whatever reason Riho turned on Emmy, throwing the entire match into disarray. To further add to the confusion The Wondering Empress Rhea abducted Riho and the colosseum came under attack.
Joining Blaze, Misty, and Marco. Manasa, Vasuki, Sheshanaga, and Takshaha helped quell the attack and kept the non-combatants safe.
"I remember hearing that he teamed up with a human child."
"You heard right, Felix." Replied Eric.
Shiori asks Blaze, "why the interest in fighting him?"
"Sheshanaga, like myself, specializes in fire magic. I'm always looking to see whose fire magic is stronger. Mine or my opponents."
"I bet you have a list of those who specialize in fire magic that you want to challenge."
"Of course I do Princess. And Scarlett the Red Dragon, Empress of the Flame is number one on that list."
"Unfortunately Blaze, Scarlett has passed away."
"Oh, and how do you know that Felix?"
"I was there when she passed."
Hearing this the entirety of the room takes on a somber feeling. After some time Shiori claps her hands.
"Blaze, do you by chance have Astaroth on your list?"
"I do not. Tell me about him, or her."
"She's a demon who has full mastery over fire magic and refers to herself as Queen of the Inferno."
Blaze slaps the table, rattling everyone's cups. "hell yeah! That sounds like a fun fight. Let's add her to the exhibition match. Make it a three-way fight."
"I can ask her, however if you lose to her she'll kill you. Even if you fight in the colosseum."
"Geh heh heh!" Blaze lets out a hearty laugh, "even better. A life or death, winner takes all high stakes brawl. Eric, can you make it happen?"
"Sure. As long as your wife, Plamya, is fine with you dying. And leaving her widowed, on top of raising your two children all by her lonesome."
"Ack!" All of Blaze's excitement deflates out of him like a balloon at the mention of his wife and kids.
"That's what I thought."
Shiori decides to dig the knife in a little deeper by saying, "your wife must be truly powerful if just mentioning her name is all it took to bring you down."
"It's not that. She's pregnant with our second child. And as you just witnessed I tend to go overboard when I learn of strong opponents who use fire magic."
"I think this is a good stopping point for the day. We can pick this up tomorrow." Eric said, getting to his feet.
"Princess Shiori, Lieutenant Chris, and Sister Ann, would you three like to meet my wife and my four year daughter?"
"I would be delighted to. Thank you for the invention."
"We should bring a gift." Suggests Felix.
"I would love to meet your family and I'm sure Beth would love to meet your daughter. Oh but I do have our personal guard with us. Will that be an issue?"
"Not at all. Bring'em along. What's their name?"
"His name is Kota Mayuki, and thank you."
Eric returns to his place behind his desk. Everyone except for Misty had left.
She moves to stand in front of his desk. Eric busies himself with paperwork for a bit intentionally making Misty wait.
"Care to explain yourself?" Eric finally asked looking up.
"If I must."
"You do."
"Alright, fine." Misty begins explaining why she singled out Sister Ann.
To anyone eavesdropping on the conversation they would assume Misty was explaining herself while Eric listened to her and occasionally nods his head. And given the way she's dressed they might assume that Eric is just looking at her tits.
But in reality Misty was using a skill known as Hydrokinetic Constructs.
Hydrokinetic Constructs: the user can turn water into different shapes and forms of varying detail and performance. They can generally create anything they have seen or can imagine.
Misty uses this skill to create writing on her chest and abdomen.
She is literally saying one thing while her body says something else entirely. This is one way she passes on sensitive information to others.
"And that's why I called out Sister Ann."
"I understand what you're saying, Misty. But try to remember that Sister Ann is a representative of another empire. One that is to be treated like any other foreign dignitary.
Especially now that we know that Archbishop Judas's daughter is accompanying her. Which is why I'm assigning you the task of guarding the child alongside this Kota person. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir." Misty replies, a sour look on her face.
"Oh cheer up. It's my understanding that Beth Judas is a real cutie."
This elicits a smile from Misty.