“It turns into a monster with iron armor when it gets enraged, a creature that's impervious to weapons. I don't know how to defeat it, and no one in the arena will know either,” Neven said gloomily. “Let's go. We need to inform Lyra immediately.”
“But wouldn't that be cheating?” Aria asked hesitantly.
“People only care about the results, not the process. I think Alpha's people already know it's a Demonsteel bear.”
They emerged from the dark underground and headed straight for the arena.
It was a magnificent oval-shaped venue, with towering stone columns reaching towards the sky, and the glazed tiles on the roof sparkling in the sunlight. In the center of the arena lay a circular spiral iron gate embedded in the ground, surrounded by sturdy stone walls. Iron railings and protective nets intertwined above, forming an invisible barrier that safeguarded the spectators.
The tiered viewing stands descended like a giant vortex, drawing all eyes to the center of the arena. In the audience, various factions were seated in their respective colors and banners. The red scorpion emblem marked the Tailsting faction at the entrance, the gray crescent moon for Lunarshade, the purple snake head for Venom, and Mercury with a coral-colored flag bearing a blooming lily. The flags fluttered in the wind, like flames dancing in various hues.
As Aria followed Neven through the Tailsting faction, they drew many disapproving glances, like needles pricking at her skin.
Above the stands, countless glowing Soul Stones floated, their light draping the arena in a mysterious veil. Each Soul Stone emitted a faint glow, and together they formed a beautiful light curtain, like a river of stars in the night sky. Occasionally, runes would flicker within the light, adding a touch of enchantment to the scene.
They moved through Tailsting and Lunarshade territories and finally reached the Starguard area. Just as they stepped into the corridor, Lyra, looking extremely anxious, intercepted them.
“Where have you been? I've sent people to look for you everywhere,” she asked angrily.
“We were underground,” Neven replied, pointing downwards.
“Did you hear the latest announcement?”
“No, what happened?” Neven frowned.
“It's Alpha. He hasn't submitted the formal document to change the Executive Commander. I tried to get him to change it, but he wouldn't listen. He said he's too busy and doesn't have time.”
“Are you saying Neven is still the nominal Executive Commander?” Aria gasped.
“Yes, I would love for you to be the Executive Commander, but not today,” Lyra said quickly. “This means you have to lead the team in the beast fight. Do you understand?” Lyra gave Neven a meaningful look and tapped his Soul Stone. “If you go into the arena… what then?”
“I understand,” Neven said calmly.
“I can't keep pleading with the Lunar King on this. Alpha even blamed me for not reminding him,” Lyra said anxiously.
Aria looked towards the highest viewing stand opposite them. It was a separate platform, draped with light silk curtains on both sides. The Lunar King sat there with the Grand Mentors and several courtiers. The queen's lips were pressed into a thin line, her expression stern. Even when an archer shot through five targets with one arrow, and everyone applauded, her face remained unmoved.
“What do we do now?” Lyra asked in a low voice.
“Time is running out. Let's go,” Neven said. “Did you bring my gear?”
Lyra's face was unusually grave. She and Neven exchanged a glance, a sense of unease creeping into his mind. Lyra seemed to understand his concern. “I've already asked Oak to fetch it. Follow me,” Lyra said, leading them away from the viewing stand without further explanation. The arena was still buzzing with noise, but the path they walked grew quieter and more deserted. Soon, they were away from the crowd.
In the quiet corridor, only their footsteps echoed, adding to the heavy atmosphere. Aria couldn't help but break the silence. “If Alpha planned all this, what should we do? You have no Essence. How will you deal with that raging demon bear?”
“Don't worry, Aria. We'll find a way,” Neven reassured her.
Beneath the viewing stands, there was a room designated for the Starguard warriors to rest before entering the arena. The room was dimly lit, but it illuminated the corners filled with various weapons. Long swords, battle axes, shields, bows, and arrows were neatly arranged along the walls, gleaming coldly as if ready to leap into battle.In the front of the room, there is an iron-barred gate, offering a clear view of the fierce battles taking place in the arena.
Oak stood in the center of the room, polishing his heavy war hammer. Every inch of the metal was scrubbed to a shine, reflecting his stern expression.
Alexander sat in a corner, his back to the door. His cloak, embroidered with the Starguard emblem, hung on the wall beside him, glinting faintly in the low light.
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“Did they say if I can participate?” Sable suddenly stood up and rushed forward, his voice tinged with urgency.
“No, they won't allow it. Injured warriors can't participate,” Lyra replied, her eyes filled with concern.
“I was just bitten by a snake, and it's almost healed,” Sable complained.
“I think I can… help…” Sander emerged from behind Oak, having hidden behind the big man. He glanced nervously at Neven after speaking, afraid of angering his former Executive Commander.
"Your swordsmanship is just not up to par," Neven said sternly.
"But, besides us, no one dares to team up with you…Alpha warned them, forbidding them to participate in the tournament with you," Lyra said anxiously. "Oak, Sander, Aria, plus the two of us, makes five."
"I'll fight alongside you," Oak said, thumping his chest.
"Aria is joining too?" Neven asked, annoyed.
"Yes," Lyra replied.
"Why not let Alexander go? He's uninjured and still part of Starguard," Neven pointed at Alexander sitting on the anvil.
Alexander aimed at the quiver in front of him and accurately tossed a feathered arrow into it.
"He asked, but Alpha said healers are scarce. And his father specifically wrote a letter, forbidding him from joining the battle," Lyra explained.
"Take Aria and Sander out, the three of us will go," Neven said heavily.
"Why exclude us? More people mean more strength," Aria argued.
"The two of you cannot participate," Neven said irritably. "It's already chaotic enough, and I need to focus on protecting you."
"Three people aren't enough," Lyra said urgently. "Alpha changed the rules, five people must participate."
"We three will be disqualified," Sable interjected.
"Neven, don't be stubborn, Alpha wants to embarrass Starguard," Lyra urged.
Neven looked at everyone, never before so indecisive. Finally, his gaze dimmed with resignation. "I hope we return safely, victory or defeat doesn't matter."
The arena roared with excitement as Aria sat nervously, Sable and Oak helping everyone with their armor and swords.
Alexander pulled Aria into a corner, glanced at the others to make sure nobody was paying attention. He handed Aria a vial filled with golden liquid. "Help Neven with this, don't let others know," he whispered.
"Why not give it to him directly?" Aria asked.
"He won't agree, he dislikes this type of potion. If he passes out, make him drink it. Don't waste it on others, and if you faint, you won't have to do anything."
"But if he's already passed out, how do I make him drink?" Aria questioned.
"Force open his mouth and pour it in," Alexander shrugged, his voice dropping even lower. "Or, you could kiss it into him."
Aria blushed deeply, managing a dry smile. If kissing Neven in front of thousands of eyes was the alternative, she'd rather be mauled by a Demonsteel bear.
"Aren't you two quite the pair?" Alexander remarked at Aria's odd expression.
"What exactly is this?" Aria shook the vial, avoiding that topic.
"Essence Elixir," Alexander whispered. "It can help sustain his powers for a while. When the time comes to release the beast, you'll know what to do."
"You knew he had no Essence?" Aria asked in surprise.
"Since he was burned by the fire horse, I suspected he lost it. I told Lyra, she'll help you guys out."
"Isn't this against the rules?" Aria tucked the vial into her clothes, questioning.
"Alpha will bend the rules when it comes to Neven, matters of life and death," Alexander said, helping Aria fasten her cloak before raising his voice again. "First, it's the Legion face-off, be wary of Tailsting, they play dirty. After the Legion bouts, only ten warriors will remain on the field. You'll have to cooperate and strategize against the beast. The main thing is, there's only one Legion left standing, so even if you cooperate, you'll end up enemies in the end."
They waited in the tense silence of the room, grabbing a simple meal until the afternoon when the main event of War God's Day arrived. The horns blared throughout the arena, cheers erupted from the spectator stands.
Inside the room, however, tension hung thick. Neven paced back and forth, constantly reminding everyone, "No heroics, don't stray from the team. We're not the strongest, but we cannot be the weakest either. Once we're in the arena, you must obey my commands absolutely."
At that moment, someone ran into the field and shouted through the barrier that their time was up. Oak roared, pushing open the heavy barrier gate. Neven stepped out first, followed by Lyra.
Aria checked her rapier and gear repeatedly, while Sander approached her quietly. "Looks like Lyra and Neven switched positions, isn't it the Executive Commander who leads?" he whispered.
"Neven has more experience, and he's listed as the leader this time," Sable came up behind them, patting Sander and Aria on their shoulders. "Wish you both good luck." Sable pushed them towards the expansive arena.
The stands were packed, countless eyes fixed on the warriors entering. Oak raised his wolf-toothed club, roaring with excitement, while Aria hid behind him. She was sweating with nerves, her mind a blank slate, starting to regret her impulsive decision. Behind them, Sander was muttering to his sword, his face pale with nerves, bordering on hysteria.
The crowd roared, the spectator stands towering and packed to the brim. Tailsting in red, Lunarshade in gray, Mercury in coral, Venom in purple, and the relatively fewer numbers of Starguard. Across the arena, Lunar King stared coldly at the center stage. Alpha and Seraphina sat on either side, along with Quinn and Mercury's Grand Mentor in his wheelchair.
The horns echoed through the entire arena, and their opponents approached the center from all directions. The distance was too far for Aria to make out their faces, but they were all imposing figures. Venom was right next to Starguard, led by a dark-skinned serpentine Executive Commander.
Neven slowed his pace, coming to Aria's side. "Whatever happens, stick close to me. These are seasoned warriors, this is no child's play."
"Okay," Aria nodded vigorously, her voice lacking confidence.
The five teams finally gathered in the center of the field, surrounding the giant spiral iron gate on the ground, standing dispersed. The five Executive Commanders moved to the center to shake hands. Neven, taking Lyra's place, stepped forward to shake hands, as the protocol designated him the Executive Commander. Venom's Executive Commander blinked his glassy snake eyes, smiling at Neven as they shook hands. His armor was light, with two gleaming iron swords crossed on his back.
Tailsting's Damian Blackwood, his curls peeking out from under his helmet, showed a friendly demeanor towards Stormblade of Lunarshade, a towering figure wielding a massive greatsword. Both regarded Neven with hostility. Mercury's Executive Commander, a syrupy-voiced woman, batted her long eyelashes and flashed deep dimples as she shook Neven's hand.
The warriors gathered together as the spectators gradually fell silent, the air thick with tension.A giant spiral iron gate was embedded in the center of the arena, and the muffled roars of a Demonsteel bear could be heard from beneath the ground. Those low growls seemed to warn all the competing warriors that the upcoming beast battle would be extremely perilous. Aria's heart pounded like a drum, and she couldn't help but glance at her fellow team members, her eyes shimmering with unease. Everyone knew that this was not just a competition but a fight for survival.