Tepo ignored the eyes staring at his back within the large tunnel leading to the audience stands as he addressed one of the workers.

“Hi. Me and my friend would like to join the tournament.”

“Hello. Thanks for your interest. Please enter the door over there to register.”

Tepo nodded his head, turning towards his companions.

“Ok, you guys go ahead. We will join the audience and cheer for you!”

Droa’va smiled brightly as she encouraged Tepo and Yerive. She inwardly wished them good luck, not rating their chances too high.

Yerive and Tepo luckily didn’t know of her thoughts. They said goodbye for now and left through a door at the side. Immediately a few gamblers’ eyes lit up, approaching the two young women for insider information.

But Droa’va and Inurol’ah escaped with swift movements, leaving the crowd in the dust, while showing off a glimpse of their own strength.

Meanwhile Tepo and Yerive reached a small room with a few empty chairs. They were confused for a moment before a voice came from behind another door:

“You can come in!”

They did as told and entered a large room. A window on the opposite wall offered one a direct view into the arena. On a desk to the right sat a middle-aged man with unkempt black hair. His black coat was disheveled.

Together with the many papers with various half-finished designs on them, the man portrayed the image of a busy worker.

As Tepo and Yerive approached the desk, the man looked up abruptly. His tiny eyes narrowed, his gaze roaming Tepo’s and Yerive’s bodies.

“Hmm not bad, not bad. Yes. You do have some potential.”

The two friends didn’t know what to say. They watched the man stand up, beginning to circle and observe them from all angles.

“Yes, you. Black coat. A mysterious aura. Yes, mysterious is the theme. Maybe a mysterious killer!

And you. I can see it. Reluctant at first. But then you get your breakout moment! A sudden rise to the top! Standing at the top with flowing hair! The audience will love it!”

Tepo frowned, confused by the situation.

“I don’t know what you want. I’m T…”

“AH! Don’t say it! You are destroying the fantasy!”

The middle-aged man theatrically put the back of his hand against his forehead.

“… we are just here to join the tournament, alright?”

“Of course. Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing! Wait here!”

With those words the man suddenly disappeared, leaving behind a baffled Tepo and Yerive.

“Did we enter the wrong room?”

“No idea…”

A few seconds later the man suddenly returned. He had a pile of clothes in his arms, throwing them on his desk, and scattering even more papers in the room.

Under Tepo’s and Yerive’s confused gazes the man rummaged through the clothes before suddenly pulling some out.

“Here! This is yours, and this yours! Put them on!”

The two friends looked awkwardly at the odd dresses pushed into their arms.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Hey, sorry. There might be a mistake here. We only came to fight…”

“Naturally. But a tournament is not just a simple fight! It’s a show, a drama, entertainment for the masses! Do you think I will just accept anyone in my arena?

No! I have rejected so many warriors over the years! But I have been organizer for over four decades! I know a raw gem when I see one! And you, I know you will shine brightly with my help!”

Tepo sighed as the man gestured dramatically.

“Alright. But is all this really necessary?”

“Of course! Warriors fight in tournaments to make themselves known. But no one remembers those boring contestant! You have to stand out one way or another!”

Yerive and Tepo felt there was some truth to those words. But they still weren’t convinced.

“Can’t we just spread our fame by winning the tournament?”

Suddenly the organizer stared at the two young faces. A laughter escaped his lips.

“Oh, you are serious? Kids, I don’t want to discourage you, but I have warriors out there who fought tooth and nail for decades. Although they are stuck at the aspirant rank for various reasons, don’t underestimate their fighting experience!”

“Ahh, I don’t know about it. Tepo?”

“How about this? I give you 50 crystals per fight, but you have to come once per week for at least three months.”

Tepo and Yerive were surprised by this generous offer. They looked at each other, acceptance in each other’s eyes.

“Alright, we will do it.”

“Great! Now put on those clothes, while I think about your names.”

Questioning how they ended up in this situation, Tepo and Yerive left the office, putting on the clothes in the empty waiting room.

Dressed in new costumes the two friends looked at each other, chuckles escaping their mouths.

Tepo was draped in a tight-fitting black one-piece. A broad, grey stripe ran over his chest. A similarly colored cloth was spun around his head, leaving only his eyes open. He would look like a silent assassin if it weren’t for the missing sleeves.

Yerive however wore a white shirt with only a few buttons, exposing most of his chest. Airy yellow trousers covered his legs, ending in white boots. A white mask covered his face, leaving his hair to flow freely behind his head.

The two friends found the situation to be ridiculous, but with their faces hidden they at least wouldn’t be recognized on the street.

Now, the two men could only go with the development and enter the office again.

“Ahh, perfect! Just as I imagined! The whole world will soon know of your names!”

“Whatever you say. Did you come up with names yet?”

“Of course! You, the mysterious killer, will be called Deep!

And you, the future hero, will be named Geyser!

Together you will be Team Rising Threat!”

Tepo and Yerive could only shrug their shoulders. They had no experience in the business and didn’t know if those names would be remembered by the audience.

“Great, I’m glad we are on the same page. Now, go out and start your rode to fame!”, exclaimed the organizer with fervor.

“Ehm. Where do we go?”

“… out, then right. Through the door, down the stairs, and speak to my staff.”

“Ok, thanks.”

Tepo and Yerive left the office in a hurry. Who knew if the organizer would come up with more ideas. At least they could join the tournament now, albeit with detours.

Taking the path, which was just pointed out to them, the two friends arrived in an underground tunnel. There was nothing special about it, but the audience’s cheers echoing form above could already make a warrior’s blood boil.

Tepo and Yerive advanced for a short while before they met a female staff member. After explaining their situation, the staff brought them to another room.

The room had no door, letting low chatter reach the friends’ ears even before arriving. Soon, they reached a large opening. Curious eyes turned towards the newcomers.

Tepo and Yerive entered calmly, mustering the many people present. Most of them wore some kind of costume as well. Obviously, this was the gathering place for warriors participating in the tournament.

The staff left hastily, informing the host about the newcomers.

Meanwhile, Tepo and Yerive sat down, leaning their backs against the wall, not interested in talking to their competitors. They took the time left to adjust their minds.

Suddenly loud cheers erupted in the arena. A small rumble shook the stone floor as a man jumped down fearlessly from the top of the arena, landing at its center. His loud voice drowned out all other noises:

“Ladiiiees and gentleemaaan! Welcome to our famous Four Elements Aaareeenaa! Are you ready for thrilling fights between the stars of tomorrow?!”

Excited cheers came from the audience, which filled the entire arena.

“I can’t hear yoouu!”

The fervor grew even louder.

“Then let’s not talk any longer. And started with round. Number. ONEEE!”

The host yelled loudly, fading over in insidious laughter. Suddenly the floor separated into four squares. Below the host’s feet a platform loosened, carrying him above everyone’s heads.

The floor suddenly changed. As translucent barriers rose between the squares, each of them was transformed to match the themes of fire, water, air, and earth respectively.

The audience was delighted as this was the reason why they came to this arena.

“Let’s draw the opponents!”

On the host’s cue, a couple of staff stepped out on the audience stands. They opened their hands, letting colorful dust rise to the air. It was the same which was often used to depict warriors.

Now, it swirled in the air, offering a spectacle as the various colors shone under the sun.

The dust moved randomly for a few seconds before gathering together. It spelled names in the air, electing cheers from the audience each time a crowd favorite appeared.

After the introduction, these names were paired up, showing the incoming matches and even the stages they would fight on.