After two days, the summons for the ten warriors for the final challenge arrived, along with an explanation of the challenge and some rules.

The warriors gathered in the arena known as the Old Theatre, where various combat challenges had taken place throughout the ages in the Golden Kingdom. It was a place to showcase the strength of warriors and also entertain the people by watching thrilling battles, while reassuring them that there were powerful warriors in the kingdom capable of defending them from danger.

The warriors entered the old arena, marveling at its grandeur and magnificence. It was an enormous space surrounded by waterfalls with golden-lit waters, caused by the reflection of light off the golden-adorned walls. There were also four columns at the corners of the arena, ending in glowing flames that illuminated the place and highlighted the magnificent bleachers for the spectators, as well as the "First Building" for the Golden Knights and the highest ranks in the Golden Kingdom.

One of the competitors spoke up, "This place is amazing for a place called the 'Old.'"

A group of knights entered and formed organized rows, starting to blow horns and stomp the ground in synchronized rhythm. Then, the knight Iliana appeared alone at the top of the First Building.

The competitors whispered among themselves, wondering why only Iliana had appeared, and why not all the knights or at least most of them were present. However, they were interrupted when she spoke in a serious and sharp voice.

"Attention, all competitors."

Everyone fell silent and began listening to what she would say.

"First of all, I want to congratulate everyone who has reached this stage of the Golden Knights competition. Now, I want to inform you that the final challenge will begin shortly, and we will select challengers from each side in a three-against-three battle. Initially, you will fight two matches for four teams in the semi-finals. Then, the winning teams will face each other in the finals, and the individual who performs best on the winning team will be crowned the champion and the new Golden Knight."

Assistants appeared, bringing with them a container filled with magical stones to randomly draw and determine the facing teams.

The draw began, and the results were revealed:

Knight "V" and his team vs. the Blue Swordsman and his team

Michael (the only remaining member of his team) vs. Wolf and his team

Wolf laughed. "Looks like this will be an easy fight, despite your strength, Michael. But you're alone in this battle."

Iliana spoke again, "Alright, the first battle will begin in one hour. You may go and prepare now."

Meanwhile...

Kai and Serafina were working on preparations for a potential war.

"Kai, have you finished preparing the wall cannons and the ammunition?"

"Yes, I opted to work with the blue ammunition, and I ordered the cannon angles to be adjusted. I also instructed the cannon operators to set them for long-range mode and to stay vigilant, monitoring the kingdom’s perimeter for any approaching enemy."

"Excellent. I'm currently charging the weapons with magical energy after we set up the magical charging stations. It was a bit difficult to prevent the public from noticing military activities and causing rumors and panic."

"Yes, that's the case at the walls. We told the people near the walls that it's just a procedure related to the Golden Knights competition."

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"Good. What will you do next?"

"I'll organize the battalions now for combat readiness."

"Okay, I'll join you once we're done with the weapons, and they'll be adjusted. We've figured out a way to enhance their efficiency in the lab, and we can now produce them in larger quantities. We'll send experimental versions; try them out with the battalions."

"Alright, we’re counting on you."

In the Wind Kingdom...

Shane was strolling, discussing matters with his advisor.

the advisor asked

" you say now that you're going to address the people and tell them to join your side in the war, you know they hate you."

"Haha, don't worry about that, I'll handle it."

"Do you want the public to fight as soldiers in the war? I don’t think that’s a good idea. Fighting on one side in a war requires loyalty and belief in the cause."

"No, that’s not my plan. They’ll be useless in combat."

"So, you told me you're working on increasing the number of soldiers, and the number sent by the general is insufficient."

"Yes, and I've already solved the problem."

"How?"

"We're already heading there, you’ll see for yourself."

Shane and his advisor headed to a location a little further from the main cities of the kingdom. There, they arrived at a dilapidated building guarded by two old guards at the entrance, who immediately saluted Shane and opened the door.

They were greeted by an old demon.

"Hello, my lord. It seems you're here to check on the progress. Will the war begin soon?"

"Yes, how's the work going here?"

"It's going great. Everything is ready. Come and see for yourself."

They followed the old demon to a dilapidated elevator that descended underground until they reached a certain depth. They entered a space that seemed like an arena covered with thorns and surrounded by magical walls.

"Take a look, my lord."

The advisor and Shane approached, and Shane smiled, speaking excitedly.

"What do you think?" He enjoyed watching the advisor’s surprised expression, who was now feeling nauseous.

Before them stood a huge army of grotesque, transformed beasts, chained by soldiers to keep their roars at bay. Others were injecting them with certain substances. The sight was terrifying, and the beasts attacked everything until the soldiers shocked them to calm them down, feeding them dead bodies or even some prisoners.

"My god, what is this?"

Shane spoke.

"They're transformed humans. We did this using special poisons we developed."

"But where did you get these humans from?"

"They’re prisoners from the kingdom. Haha, I found many of them, and this was the best use for them—turning them into fighting monsters."

"But the numbers are huge. Are all of them prisoners?"

"Actually, I kidnapped some people from distant villages."

"Hah, I expected you to do something crazy. I just hope the general doesn’t find out."

"Don’t worry. He won’t, because I’ll win the war, and the results will cover up the method."

Shane then spoke to the old demon.

"Well done. Excellent work. I was right to trust you."

"Haha, thank you, my lord. You can count on me."

On their way back, a soldier appeared.

"Lord Shane, a delegation from the Golden Kingdom has arrived. They wish to meet you and are waiting at the main palace."

"Another delegation? What do they want now? Anyway, it’s fine. I’ll come right away."

He then told his advisor, "It seems the war will start sooner than expected."