The sound came before the sight.
Even from a distance, it was possible to hear the murmur of the crowd like a living organism, breathing together, growing as we approached the arena. Each step seemed to pull me deeper into something I could no longer avoid.
Vaillor's central arena was open. Huge reinforced stone gates, circular stands that seemed endless, and banners of every color waving high above. Humans, elves, demi-humans, dwarves, fairies, races I had only known from books or exaggerated stories now shared the same space.
It was impossible not to feel the weight of it.
"It's bigger than I imagined," Elara murmured beside me.
"And louder," Vespera added.
Liriel observed everything in silence, her eyes attentive, as if trying to sense something beyond what was visible.
Scarlet walked a few steps ahead, far too calm. For her, it all seemed like just another stage.
We were led to the area reserved for combatants. A wide corridor made of dark stone, illuminated by mana crystals on the walls. There, the noise of the arena became muffled, creating a strange sensation, like the silence before a storm.
Other adventurers were there. Some warming up. Others talking in low voices. Some simply observing potential opponents, evaluating, judging.
I felt a few gazes turn toward me.
"They know who you are," Elara said quietly.
"I know," I replied. "And that doesn't help."
An organizer approached, holding scrolls. "The first day will be individual fights. One battle per representative. Defeat means immediate elimination."
Rai'kanna appeared soon after, wearing a light combat outfit adapted to her strong body. Her confident smile contrasted with the serious gleam in her eyes.
"I'm fighting first," she said. "Against an elf."
"Name?" I asked.
"Eryndor," she replied. "Rank S. Swordsman of the elven guild."
Scarlet raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."
When Rai'kanna was called, we followed to the edge of the arena. The sun reflected off the pale stone floor, and the crowd erupted into shouts when the fighters appeared.
Eryndor was tall, slender, silver hair tied in a low tail. His relaxed posture revealed excessive confidence.
"Human opponent," he said calmly. "Give up."
Rai'kanna smiled, showing her teeth. "No."
The signal sounded.
The fight was fast, but intense. Eryndor was precise, technical, every strike clean. Rai'kanna responded with brute strength, speed, and instinct. The entire arena seemed to hold its breath.
When it was over, Eryndor fell to his knees, the sword slipping from his hand.
Victory.
The crowd exploded.
"She did it," Elara said, surprised.
Scarlet watched in silence, her eyes far too attentive.
The day continued with other fights. Vespera faced a Rank S fairy. The fight was tense. The fairy used unpredictable movements, light and fast magic. Vespera bled, missed, adjusted. In the end, she barely won.
The silence that followed was heavy.
"A succubus defeated a fairy," someone commented in the stands.
Elara was next. A single spell, devastating, precise. The dwarven opponent fell, but Elara almost fell with her, exhausted.
Liriel faced a demi-human in close combat. Swords clashed, harsh movements, no room for mistakes. Liriel won with difficulty, breathing heavily.
Then it was my turn.
I entered the arena feeling the ground vibrate beneath my feet. My opponent was a Rank S elf, cold eyes, impeccable posture. Every movement of his seemed calculated.
The fight was long. Blow after blow. Defense after defense. My body screamed, but something inside me remained firm.
When I finally knocked him down, the silence lasted a full second before turning into a deafening roar.
I had won.
Scarlet fought last that day. Her fight lasted only a few seconds. Her opponent barely had time to react.
"Terrifying," Vespera murmured.
When the first day ended, we returned to the mansion exhausted. None of us spoke much. The tension had given way to deep fatigue, but also to something new.
Confidence.
I lay down that night with the sound of the arena still echoing in my mind.
The tournament had truly begun.
And I knew the next day would be even harder.