The sound of bells echoed through the city even before the sun fully broke through the clouds. It was not a religious call nor a warning of danger. It was an announcement. The arena would be opened for reconnaissance and guild organization. The tournament stopped being a distant idea and began to occupy physical, concrete, inevitable space.
The arena was located in the lower center of the city, built in circular layers of white and black stone, reinforced with ancient runes. Massive stands surrounded the main field, capable of holding tens of thousands of people. Flags of all races fluttered, attached to the side towers, creating a mosaic of colors and symbols that seemed to compete for attention.
I arrived with the group shortly after the opening.
Vespera walked with her arms crossed, observing everything with an attentive look, clearly uncomfortable with the number of fairies flying above the stands.
"This place reeks of rivalry," she muttered.
"They're looking at us sideways," Elara commented quietly. "Especially those over there."
Some fairies perched nearby really didn't bother to hide their disdain. Their eyes shone with silent judgment.
"Let them look," Liriel said, keeping a firm posture. "The field will answer for us."
Scarlet walked a little ahead, completely ignoring the environment around her. Her presence seemed to push the space, as if the arena had to adjust itself to her.
As soon as we entered through the gate reserved for the human guild, several attentions turned toward us. Murmurs arose like waves.
"It's the group that defeated the generals."
"It's really them."
"They look far too normal."
I ignored the comments, but I felt their weight. It wasn't pure admiration. It was expectation mixed with doubt.
A man in a dark green robe approached. An elf. Tall, silver hair tied in a long braid, expression far too serene to be casual.
"Takumi," he said. "I am Aeren Sylvalis. Coordinator of the elven guild."
The name sounded like something familiar. Important.
"How can I help?" I replied.
"Nothing," he smiled slightly. "I just wanted to meet you before the tournament. It is rare for humans to attract so much attention."
"It wasn't intentional."
"Almost nothing that changes the world is," he replied, walking away shortly after.
Scarlet watched the elf leave.
"He is dangerous," she commented. "Not because of strength, but because of calm."
"You seem to respect him."
"Not respect," she corrected. "I recognize him."
We headed to the preparation area. Each guild had a designated space. Some were noisy, full of laughter and provocations. Others maintained absolute silence.
The elven guild was motionless, members seated in meditation. The demi-humans trained aggressively, exchanging blows without restraint. The dwarves discussed strategies while drinking. The fairies simply observed.
"Look at that," Elara whispered.
In the center of the arena, a circle of mana was slowly forming. Runes rose from the ground like solid light.
"Partial suppression field," I explained. "It prevents anyone from releasing power beyond the allowed limit."
"So no one can fight at full strength?" Vespera asked.
"They can," Scarlet replied. "But only those who truly know how to control it."
An announcement echoed through the arena, amplified by magic.
"Attention, guild representatives. The drawing of the first battles will take place at dusk. Until then, free reconnaissance. Unauthorized confrontations will result in immediate expulsion."
Some glances crossed. Not everyone seemed willing to obey.
As we walked along the side of the arena, I felt a different presence. A slight but persistent chill.
"Takumi," Liriel said suddenly. "Did you feel that?"
"Yes."
Scarlet stopped at the same instant.
"So it's not just me," she murmured.
On the other side of the arena, near the upper stands, someone was watching us. A hooded figure, motionless, mana extremely controlled. When our gazes almost met, the presence vanished.
"That wasn't a competitor," Vespera said. "It was something else."
"Someone who isn't in the tournament," I added.
Scarlet smiled slightly. "Interesting. It seems this event attracts more than just fighters."
The day continued with growing tension. The drawing was done, names announced, confrontations defined. Murmurs turned into debates. Bettors were already circulating through the stands.
When the sun began to set, we left the arena.
On the way back, no one spoke much. Each of us was lost in our own thoughts.
Before we entered the mansion, Scarlet approached me.
"Tomorrow it all truly begins," she said. "And when it starts, it won't stop until someone falls."
"You talk like you're excited."
"No," she replied. "I'm curious."
She walked past me and went inside.
I stood there for a few seconds, watching the sky darken.
The tournament promised glory, money, and prestige.
But I could feel it.
Something there didn't want only winners.
It wanted conflict.
And perhaps, chaos.