I felt that presence again.
The same sensation I had in that house… but this time, in the middle of the crowd.
I glanced around discreetly, scanning every face, every movement. People talking, laughing, walking… everything seemed normal.
—Do you feel that too, Mira? —I asked quietly, trying not to sound as serious as I actually felt.
—Feel what? —she replied, frowning slightly.
I shook my head and forced a faint smile.
—Nothing… just me overthinking.
It's just my imagination, I told myself.
What happened in that house was still too fresh in my mind. That had to be it.
And yet…
something didn't quite fit.
The only thing I knew for sure was that, as soon as all of this was over, I would tell my brother.
No matter what.
Not long after, Elijah returned, and we headed home together, saying goodbye to Mira and Reid on the way.
What surprised me was how calm he seemed.
It felt impossible that, the very next day, he'd be risking something so important.
When we arrived, I couldn't help but ask:
—Why are you so calm?
He let out a small laugh.
—What kind of question is that? Would you rather I be nervous?
—No… but that would be normal, right?
He shook his head, leaning back casually.
—Not at all. This exam has taken a weight off my shoulders.
I looked at him, confused.
—How?
—Because this time, someone is definitely going to win. And on top of that… it's direct combat.
He smiled.
—My specialty.
He paused for a moment before adding confidently:
—And judging by the participants… they don't look like much. At least, not to me.
I couldn't help but smile.
—Well… you do have unfinished business with Reid.
—That's true —he replied with a light laugh—. He's probably the only one who might give me trouble.
He shrugged.
—But that's for tomorrow.
He turned toward his room.
—I'm going to sleep. I need to rest. Sleep well, Ren.
—You too… see you tomorrow.
I didn't take long to go to bed either.
But sleeping… was another story.
I couldn't stop thinking about the next day.
About seeing my brother fight.
About seeing him win.
About watching him achieve his dream.
Part of me was excited.
The other…
uneasy.
I closed my eyes with a faint smile.
It's going to be a great day, I thought.
And after a while…
I fell asleep.
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was my brother leaning over me.
—Come on, get up —he said energetically—. If we don't hurry, we'll be late.
I sat up instantly. Sleep vanished in a second.
We didn't take long to leave the house.
The streets were completely packed.
People everywhere, all moving in the same direction.
It was as if the entire city was heading toward a single point.
And honestly…
I wasn't surprised.
An event like this didn't happen every day.
When we arrived at the amphitheater, its size took me by surprise.
There were two entrances: one for participants and close companions, and another for the general public.
I followed my brother through the restricted area.
I had never been there before.
Everything felt… different.
Colder. More serious.
We walked through several stone corridors until we reached a large room where the other participants were already gathered.
Among them, I quickly spotted Mira and Reid.
I was about to approach them, but before I could—
the same man who had announced the instructions in the square appeared.
—Welcome, participants —he said clearly—. I will now give you the instructions for today.
The room fell completely silent.
—There are a total of sixteen participants. That means that to win the tournament… and this exam, you must win four matches.
Murmurs spread through the room.
—The matchups have already been decided by draw —he continued, pointing to a wooden board with a sheet pinned to it—. There you can see your opponent and the order of the fights.
I looked where he pointed.
—Between matches, you may rest or watch other fights. That is your choice.
He paused briefly.
—The first match will begin in ten minutes. Participants must enter when their names are called.
He turned slightly before adding:
—Remember the rules… and remember to perform well. The King himself is present today. Alongside him, three Court Mages… including Togi Odnar.
A stronger murmur spread through the room.
—Good luck to all of you.
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone rushed toward the board.
I did the same, pushing through the crowd.
My eyes scanned the names…
until I saw it.
A chill ran through me.
The first match.
ELIJAH DRAVEN
VS
BORIN KALDREK
I slowly looked up at my brother.
And as always…
he was smiling.
—Looks like you're up first —Reid said, studying the list.
—Seems like it —my brother replied calmly.
—I'm not up for another two matches… —Reid added—. Maybe after that, we'll finally face each other.
Elijah smiled slightly.
—Wouldn't it be better in the final?
Reid let out a small laugh.
—You might be right.
He turned to leave.
—I'll be in one of the resting rooms. I'd rather not watch the fights yet.
Mira frowned.
—You don't want to watch?
—No —he replied without hesitation—. I want to see how much he's improved… when he's standing in front of me.
A brief silence followed.
—That confident, huh? —Elijah asked with a smirk.
Reid didn't answer.
He just laughed… and walked away.
Elijah watched him for a few seconds.
—Did he just ignore me?
—Something like that —Mira replied, shrugging.
Elijah sighed with a smile.
—Anyway… Ren —he looked at me—. Go on and find a good seat.
He turned slightly, already preparing himself mentally.
—You're about to see a show.
—Alright… —I said—. Good luck, brother.
—Thanks… but I won't need it —he replied with a grin.
We said goodbye and headed toward the amphitheater entrance.
And the moment we crossed the threshold…
we felt it.
The atmosphere.
The noise.
The energy.
At the center stood a massive stone arena.
Solid. Imposing.
Around it, stands packed with people.
Shouts, murmurs, restrained excitement.
It felt like the entire city was there.
And not just the city.
There were unfamiliar faces. People from other places.
All of them had come for the same thing.
The tournament.
At the far end, rising above everything, stood a tall tower.
The best possible seat.
Though for now… it was empty.
—Finding a seat is going to be tough —Mira said, looking around.
—Well… we could always throw someone out —I joked.
She let out a sound between a laugh and a warning.
—Don't even think about it.
I smiled.
We started making our way through the crowd.
And then I saw them.
—Mira… over there.
I pointed toward one of the central stands.
—Luca and Tarin.
Mira followed my gaze.
—You're right.
They had a great spot.
Perfect view of the arena.
—Let's go —she said.
—Still room for us? —I asked as we reached them.
—Well, well! If it isn't Ren and Mira —Luca said, surprised.
—What are you doing here? —Mira asked, crossing her arms.
—Watching the amazing tournament, obviously —Luca replied with a grin—. I can't wait. Elijah's definitely going to win without any trouble.
—I got dragged here —Tarin added dryly.
—That's not true —Luca shot back immediately.
Tarin looked at him seriously.
—Of course it is. Don't you remember? "Please, Tarin, otherwise I'll be alone and won't be able to comment with anyone and I'll get bored…"
Luca frowned.
—I don't remember that.
—You knew our brothers were fighting —Mira said—. You could've come with us.
—I thought you'd have special seats —Luca replied—. Sitting here in the stands while your brother fights… that's kind of lame, isn't it?
Mira shot him a glare.
—A bit —I admitted—, but it is what it is. Come on, make room.
I sat down as best I could.
—It should start soon —I said, looking at the arena.
—What's the first match? —Luca asked—. Do you know?
—Yeah —I replied—. My brother against someone named Borin Kaldrek.
Silence.
Luca and Tarin exchanged a look.
—Wait… —Luca said slowly—. Borin Kaldrek?
His tone had changed.
—Yeah… why?
—You don't know him? —Tarin asked, frowning.
I shook my head.
Tarin sighed.
—He's one of the strongest rising mages right now.
—His magic is already at A-rank… —Luca added—. Some say he could reach S.
A knot formed in my stomach.
—That strong?
Tarin nodded.
—In the north, they call him…
He paused.
—The King of Pressure.
The name lingered in the air.
—He controls gravity —he continued—. He can crush his enemies without even touching them.
I looked toward the center of the arena.
Suddenly…
the fight didn't seem so easy anymore.
—Well… —Mira murmured—. That's one hell of an opponent for Elijah.
Could my brother really win against someone like that?
The doubt settled in my mind.
But I didn't have time to think much longer.
A few minutes later, the announcer returned to the center of the arena.
The crowd slowly fell silent.
—Welcome, everyone… —his voice echoed— and thank you for your patience.
He paused briefly.
—Before we begin the first match…
He raised his hand.
—Please, stand.
Trumpets suddenly rang out.
The entire crowd rose in unison.
A chill ran down my spine.
—Before you…
He pointed toward the tower.
—The great King of this realm.
All eyes turned upward.
From above, a broad-shouldered man appeared, with a perfectly groomed brown beard. His mere presence commanded respect.
The entire crowd bowed.
—And beside him… the Court Mages.
The tension rose even further.
—Kael Vorynth… Tharion Zevrak… and the creator of this trial… Togi Odnar.
I couldn't clearly see the first two.
They stood slightly behind, like silent guardians.
But Togi…
I saw him.
Perfect blond hair.
Straight posture.
A gaze… hard to describe.
Overwhelming.
—It is an honor to have them here —the announcer continued.
The trumpets faded.
And everyone sat down again.
Absolute silence.
—And now…
He smiled slightly.
—Let the tournament begin.
A wave of excitement swept through the amphitheater.
—The first match will be… especially interesting.
He paused.
—Two prodigies. Two paths destined to cross.
He pointed to the left.
—On the left side…
A figure stepped forward.
Slow.
Calm.
—Borin Kaldrek.
The name fell like weight.
He was thin. Almost fragile in appearance. Dressed in simple, light-colored clothes.
But there was something about him…
Something that made the air feel heavier around him.
—From the north…
The announcer continued.
—Known as…
A brief pause.
—The King of Pressure.
An uneasy murmur spread through the stands.
—A mage whose mere presence can crush his enemies.
Borin reached his position.
And stopped.
No emotion.
No expression.
The announcer turned to the opposite side.
And smiled.
—And on the right…
My heart started racing.
—A talent born in this very city…
A figure appeared.
My brother.
—Elijah Draven.
His name echoed powerfully.
—A young man who, despite his age, has demonstrated swordsmanship… beyond the ordinary.
Elijah walked forward steadily.
Confident.
As if that place…
already belonged to him.
—He may not be the most well-known…
the announcer continued.
—but many claim his mastery surpasses that of any human of his generation.
Elijah reached his position.
And lifted his gaze slightly.
Straight at Borin.
The air grew heavy.
No one spoke.
No one moved.
Just two people.
Standing face to face.