Chapter Thirty-One: The Magefell Tournament

Tournament day.

This was the day Yue had been both anticipating and dreading.

This was the day that would change everything.

The first thought Yue had when she woke up was about the tournament. She didn’t know any of the participants, excluding the Vanguard ones, of course. The Vanguard should win.

That didn’t mean they would.

Well, what happened would happen. No use worrying about it now.

Looking out the window, Yue realized she would be late, unless she got up now. She had to get to practice. It wasn’t going to be grueling practice, it would be more of a warm-up to prepare for the tournament.

As she stood up, Yue noticed that many of the women in her barracks hadn’t gotten out of bed yet. Eva and Joanne were gone, so clearly the ones who hadn’t wouldn’t be participating. Yue almost felt bad for them. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She would’ve hated to miss out on it.

Leaving her barracks, she felt the chilly wind on her face. Looked like it would be a sunny day, but mornings in Magefell could be nippy.

Yue would have to skip on breakfast for now. Obviously, she would have to eat before the tournament started, but now she didn’t have the time.

She needed to be at the green. The Wolf would be waiting.

— — —

“Welcome, everyone!” The Wolf exclaimed to the seventy-or-so people on the green. Although only fifty would be participating, friends of the participants were already showing their support. Yue hadn’t seen any of her friends. She’d arrived just as the Wolf started talking.

“Today is the Magefell Tournament,” The Wolf told them. “In just a couple of hours, it will commence. We have only a few hours to train before it is time. All participants, please stand with me.”

In unison, all fifty Vanguard Warriors who would be fighting walked over to stand by the Wolf. Alyx noticed Yue and waved her over.

“Sleep well?” Alyx whispered. Yue nodded.

“How are your nerves?”

“Nervous,” Alyx responded. “But I’m still gonna win.”

The Wolf shot them a look and they shut up.

“Okay, I want you all in pairs. I want you to practice your stances with each other. Afterwards, you need to spar a little. Do not strike each other. Avoid it at all times. Thank you. This should take you at least half an hour. I will be watching, so no funny business.”

“So, me and you?” Aster asked Alyx, walking over. Alyx nodded.

“I’ll be with you,” Neena told Yue.

“Let’s go then,” Yue said. “Did you rest?”

Neena nodded. “Yup. Haven’t have breakfast yet, though. I don’t think I can stomach it.”

Yue frowned. “You have to eat something.”

“I don’t know,” Neena shrugged. “I think I’ll do better without food.”

“Don’t make me act like your mother, Neena,” Yue grinned. Neena rolled her eyes.

“So, are we going to start or not?” She asked.

— — —

An hour later, Yue felt invigorated. The training hadn’t tired her out. She’d taken it easy, like Neena had. It was what the Wolf wanted.

She’d sparred with Neena first, then Alyx. Alyx, obviously, hadn’t gone easy. Her chest had been heaving by the end.

“We’ll take a small break now,” the Wolf told them. “Meet me back here in fifteen minutes.”

Yue left with her friends toward the cafeteria. There, she found Xander waiting for her.

“Hey,” He said, greeting her with a kiss. “How are you?”

“How are you?” Yue retorted. “You shouldn’t be out of the hospital.”

“I’m fine,” He said. “Just limping a little. You thought I would miss out on the tournament?”

“I hadn’t even thought about that,” Yue admitted. “Did the nurse release you?”

“She told me to be careful.” Xander responded. “I don’t think she wanted to let me out, though.”

Yue frowned. “Well, let’s eat.” Walking over to the trays of food, she grabbed only a little bit of eggs. She shouldn’t eat too much.

She sat down and waited for her friends to sit down next to her.

“I heard you saw the arena,” Aster said. “What’s it look like?”

“A wolf,” Yue responded. “It’s a damn wolf. Our captain is getting more egotistical every day,” She chuckled. “But it looks amazing. It’s stunning. I promise that fighting there will be the most amazing experience. But I did see something there that worried me a little.”

“What is it?” Alyx asked.

Quickly, Yue related to them what she’s heard from the Cultists. Xander winced, and Alyx groaned.

“They better not ruin my tournament,” She complained.

“We need to keep an eye out then,” Aster said. “If they try something, we need to be ready.”

“And not just with sabotage,” Yue told them. “We know they have a big plan for the tournament. I want us all with our eyes and ears open. If anyone seems like a Cultist, make sure you watch them. Oh, and if you see Poli or Artemis, tell them to keep their eyes out too. They will not be fighting, so they will have more opportunity to investigate.

“Another thing. Watch out for the murderers. It is my and the Captain Wolf’s opinion that they will try something during the tournament. We need to be watchful in case they do. But don’t just look out for others. We are targets too. Remember that.

“One last thing. Xander,” Yue continued. “I know you said that if the Cult messed with your head, you would run away immediately. As much as I hate it, that is a wise thing to do. But please, Xander, find a way to warn us. If we know they’re trying something, we get a slight edge over them.”

Xander nodded. “I’ll try.”

“Thank you.” Yue responded.

“Xander, don’t leave us,” Neena implored. “We don’t care if the Cult controls you. We need you.”

“You don’t understand,” Xander said. “It’s for your own good, Neena. But I’ll stay for as long as possible.”

“At least say goodbye if you go.”

Xander bit his lip. “I’ll try.”

Yue sighed. Looking at her, Xander winced and hugged her. Yue leaned in. Whispering, so only he could hear, she spoke to him.

“Please don’t leave. I need you. I love you.”

“I love you too, Yue,” Xander responded. “Never forget that.”

“I won’t.”

— — —

All of the Vanguard was on the green now. Poli and Artemis had joined them, Artemis limping as usual. Yue had told them what she’d told the rest of the group.

“As you all know by now,” The Wolf told them. “The tournament starts in just two hours. We will walk to the Arena soon. Just a few words.

“Thank you all for coming. The Magefell Parliament is grateful for everything you are doing. This tournament is more important than you can imagine. You must try your hardest. You must win. This tournament is not just for your glory. It is for the glory of Magefell, the country you have sworn to protect.

“I presume you will all act civilly. Do not belittle the other participants. Do not say anything to insult them. Remember, they are foreigners in our land. They will already be feeling out of place.

“All fifty of those participating, you will have two shots at victory. Use them well. Do not underestimate those you will be fighting. They are stronger than you might think. Those who are not fighting, support those who are. Your support can go a long way.

“Now a few rules. The other participants already know these rules. It is time you learned them. First, these matches will be to first blood or submission. This means that serious injury or death can occur and will not be punished unless the fighter’s intention was clearly malignant. Some of the participants there will be stronger than you. Be careful that you don’t get seriously hurt.

“Next, I have already glossed over this, but this tournament is double elimination. If you lose a match, do not worry. You still have another chance. Do not let your emotions get in the way. If you lose, do not get so angry you lose yourself. That is not the way.

“Also, half of you will probably be eliminated on the first day. There are two-hundred and fifty participants. You make up fifty of them. A lot of you will be eliminated. It is part of the game.

“No roughhousing is allowed. Only swords and shields will be brought with you into the ring, and you may not use your fists. This tournament is based on swordsmanship. If you use any more, you will be immediately disqualified.

“Finally, listen to the official. I am the official,” He grinned, “And whatever I say goes. I will not be biased to you. If you cheat, I will point it out. If you lose, I will announce your loss. But I do hope you win. That is preferable.

“Remember, you are the Vanguard. The most elite army in the world. This is your chance to prove yourselves. Most of the world doesn’t believe the Vanguard is as strong as they believe. You must win the tournament. Show them who the Vanguard is.”

His voice grew louder. “YOU are the Vanguard! YOU are the best warriors in the world! NOBODY can compete with you. This tournament is OURS for the taking. WHO’S WITH ME?” A massive cheer rose from the Vanguard, Yue joining in.

“FOR MAGEFELL!” The Wolf roared.

“FOR MAGEFELL!” The Vanguard repeated.

“FOR THE WOLVES!”

“FOR THE WOLVES!”

“FOR GLORY. STRENGTH, AND HONOR!” The Wolf finished.

“FOR GLORY, STRENGTH, AND HONOR,” The Vanguard screamed.

Then they roared. A battle cry from the Vanguard, a visceral, primal roar.

“Follow me,” The Wolf exclaimed. He walked away, in the direction of the Magefell Arena. The Vanguard marched after him professionally.

Yue tried not to let her nerves show.

Finally, it was time.

— — —

The arena came into view, and the Vanguard gasped in unison.

Yue had seen it before but it still shocked her. It was so big, so…beautiful. The Wolf head howling at the sun, the glint of the sun’s rays on the Wolf’s fur, the red eye shining brightly.

Yue heard some soldiers mumbling their appreciation for the arena. Yue smiled. They would love the inside even more.

From where Yue was, the Arena already looked a little full. She wondered if she would be able to find Zade here. She’d tried to send a message to them with the tickets, but she didn’t know if they’d gotten it. She would have to talk to security.

There was a line waiting to enter the Arena. The non-participating Vanguard members were forced to stay in line, but Yue and the others were able to pass the line. Spectators gaped at them as they passed. Yue tried not to flush under all the attention, and failed.

When they crossed the entrance and entered the practice room through the fountain entrance, Yue breathed a sigh of relief.

“There are way too many people here,” She told Alyx.

“Not really,” the other girl responded. “The more that watch me win, the better.”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Yue rolled her eyes. “Can you be serious for one moment?”

“I’m offended,” Alyx protested. “I’m always serious.”

“And humble.”

“That too,” Alyx said ponderingly. “Who’s the first match?”

“I’m not sure. They like to announce things last minute,” Yue responded. “But I assume it will have a Vanguard soldier. That would make the most sense.”

The training room was packed. Yue was fairly sure all participants were here. There was barely any room to breathe, much less move.

“Everyone! Can I have your attention?” The Wolf asked. Over two-hundred pairs of eyes fixed on him, and he cleared his throat. “The tournament will start in just half an hour. In twenty minutes, I want to see you all sitting in the stands in your seats. I am excited for this, and I hope you are too.

“For the next twenty minutes, you can practice or you can talk. Make new friends, or talk to your old ones. Just prepare yourself. This tournament will be taxing. Thank you. That is all.”

He walked away to the podium, then turned back.

“Oh, and I forgot to mention. The first match is between Yue Zhang, and Gunnar Guðjohnsen.”

Yue gasped. She was fighting first. All of a sudden her heart began to pound. Her nervousness grew tenfold.

“Oof, first, that sucks,” Alyx told her. “Good luck.”

“Thanks,” Yue replied. “You want to go find Gunnar?” Alyx nodded, and they began to search.

Most of the people here were buff, only a few dozen skinny. A lot of the participants were taller than Yue, and here she could see the difference in cultures, from the looks to the practices.

Gunnar would probably be from Galacia. Either that or Eilífur Snjór. All she had to do was find someone from there.

“Are you Yue?” A blonde man asked. He looked to be about thirty, and his chest bulged with muscles. Yue groaned.

“Let me guess. Gunnar?”

“That is right,” He rumbled, smiling. “I have heard plenty about you. You are strong warrior. I am honored to fight you.”

“As am I,” Yue responded. “Are you from Eilífur Snjór?”

“Yes,” he said. “It is wonderful place. Hard to live there. But I…how do you say? I love it there. Ah sorry, my language not great.”

“It’s totally fine,” Yue told him. “You don’t need words on a battlefield.” Gunnar roared in delight.

“Well said, little sister. I will have to go easy on you.”

“Don’t you dare,” Yue narrowed her eyes at him.

“I am just…how you say…making funny.” He replied. “If I was easy on you, you win. And I am here to win.”

“We’ll see about that,” Yue said. Gunnar smiled.

“May we stand tall and fight taller,” He intoned. “May our blades stay strong and our enemies be broken.”

Yue cocked her head, and he frowned in disappointment.

“Er…” She said, “may we stand tall and fight taller. May our blades stay strong and our enemies be broken?”

“Yes,” Gunnar rumbled. “Exactly. Thank you, Yue.” He put his blade to his chest, and she followed suit. “Now I have to go prepare. I shall see you later.”

“See you,” Yue told him.

“Well,” Alyx whispered. “That will not be an easy one.”

Yue agreed. He seemed battle-heavy, ready for blood. But she liked him. He was nice and funny. His broken version of the Common Language only made him more endearing. She already felt a little pity for beating him.

“So, you’re fighting first,” Aster walked up to them. “I feel bad for you, Yue. Although I am sure you’ll bring glory to Magefell with that win, it’ll be tough. Gunnar looks strong.”

Yue sighed. “Yes, he does. He’s Snjornan. I didn’t think anyone from there was coming. I guess even a war-torn place might have to take a break sometimes. How much time until the match?”

“Fifteen minutes still,” Aster replied.

“I think I need a beer to calm my nerves,” Yue told them.

“You’ve got this,” Aster said. “Want to sit down?”

“Yes, please,” Yue shivered.

They walked out to the Arena. Not many people noticed them walking out, and those who did didn’t seem to recognize them. They sat down in the front seats. Yue looked behind her.

Where is Zade?

He wasn’t here yet. Yue tried not to think the worst, but she couldn’t help but wonder. Was he in line? Late, maybe? The stadium was still filling up. Maybe he just wasn’t here yet.

Or maybe he really wasn’t coming. That didn’t make any sense, but maybe he had a reason. Xavier had said he was planning something dangerous. Had she made a bad decision in not going to help him?

“Looking for Zade?” Alyx asked. “I’ve been wondering where he is.”

“I don’t know,” Yue responded. “He’d better show up.”

“No use worrying about it,” Neena told her. “Your match starts in just ten minutes. Look, all the fighters are already sitting down.”

Looking around, Yue saw that Neena was right. The stadium was full now, not many spectators coming in, and the tournament fighters were sitting down.

“Got your sword?” Alyx asked. Yue nodded. “Oh, just a warning, Yue. Magnus will probably be using a shield. I know you don’t like using them, but just be careful about that.”

Yue nodded stiffly. “Right.”

She tried to calm herself down, but even her leg was shaking now. Looking at Magnus, she saw how aloof and decidedly not nervous he looked. It unnerved her.

“WELCOME TO THE FIRST MAGEFELL TOURNAMENT!” The Wolf roared, entering the ring. Immediately, all voices hushed. “I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THESE THREE DAYS! THEY HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR MONTHS.

“BUT YOU AREN’T HERE TO HEAR ME SPEAK! PLEASE WELCOME TO THE RING YUE ZHANG AND GUNNAR GUÐJOHNSEN!”

Heart beating rapidly, Yue stood up to cheers from fifty thousand people. The cheers invigorated her, and she felt her confidence rising a bit. Sure, they were cheering for Gunnar too, but knowing they were cheering was a good thing.

Gunnar met her in the ring.

“Good luck,” He told her gruffly.

“You too,” She responded.

“Okay, I want a nice, clean fight, blah, blah,” The Wolf said. “You know what to do. When one of you submits, you may not keep fighting. If first blood is achieved, you will not fight.”

Raising his voice, he turned to the crowd. “THE MATCH COMMENCES IN THREE…”

Yue closed her eyes and breathed in and out, walking to the far-left corner of the ring. She was getting nervous again. Gunnar glared at her now, ready to fight. Yue steeled her nerves.

“TWO!”

Yue glared back at Gunnar and brandished her sword. He raised his shield in defiance and roared. She roared back, and he smiled.

“ONE!”

Yue breathed out once.

It was time.

“BEGIN!”

Yue stanced herself defensively. She needed to understand how Gunnar fought before she attacked him. It was useless to barge in with no knowledge.

Clearly, Gunnar didn’t care. He ran at her and swung his sword widely. She moved out of the way, but the sword still slapped her.

She was sent flying, landing on the ground a few feet away.

Groaning, she stood up, her back complaining.

That had hurt. And this was just starting,

The Wolf looked nervously at her, but she shrugged it off.

She could still win.

Standing up, she stanced herself again. Once again, Gunnar rushed at her.

This time she was ready. Before he could swing again, she lunged with her sword. Grunting, he knocked it down with his shield.

Clearly, he liked to rush in blindly. She couldn’t afford to be defensive with him. It just wouldn’t work. He was clearly stronger than her.

Dodging his next blow, she feinted left. He swung his sword to block her, and she grinned. He’d fallen for it.

A blow to her left threw her to the ground again. The crowd gasped.

What the hell?

Gunnar raised his shield. Of course. She should’ve brought one. Only now was she realizing how much they could hurt.

Yue wasn’t bleeding yet, but she was already bruised.

Once again, she lunged at him, aiming for his shield. He took the bait unknowingly, but for Yue it was enough. Flinging her sword back as hard as she could, she watched as his shield flew from his hand, landing out of the ring.

Unfortunately, so did her sword.

“I am very sorry, Yue,” Gunnar said. “It is done.” He swung at her midsection, and she barely jumped over it. Without a sword, she just wouldn’t be able to do anything.

His next blow glanced off her breastplate, scratching her.

Dammit!

Gunnar was obviously a trained fighter. He knew his strength was his greatest weapon, and he was using it to his benefit. Yue didn’t know how she could stop him, unless she reached for his sword.

And that would be impossible. Not without bleeding.

She ducked another lunge, and ran to the back of the ring. Obviously, she wasn’t being cowardly; she just needed time to think.

The crowd cheered Gunnar on as he went after her.

The one weakness Yue could see in him was his recklessness. He lunged whenever. There was no pattern, no…strategy.

She needed to catch him off guard.

So when he swung his sword at her chest again, she jumped. Higher than she thought she could. She wasn’t dodging Gunnar’s sword anymore, though.

She was jumping on it. Yue had never done this before, but it should work. Her weight on the sword would force it down, and Gunnar would be forced to let it go, or break his arm.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t what happened. As she landed on his sword, he brought it back down, and she slipped on it. Her head hit the ground hard and she yelled in pain.

Touching her head tentatively, she sighed in relief. Still no blood, but she couldn’t see straight anymore. Her vision was blurry, and she could barely focus on the fight.

Gunnar straddled her, and clutched her arm. She squirmed but he was too strong.

The crowd gasped.

“You were a strong opponent, Yue!” Gunnar exclaimed. He brought his sword to her arm. Yue brought up the last strength she had…

Crunch.

Her fist on Gunnar’s nose sent him reeling.

“Ah! Skítur!” The man cursed. “Dammit.” He glared at her and grinned. His nose was clearly broken, but it wasn’t bleeding.

What will it take to make him bleed? Yue wondered. She would’ve bled if she’d had a broken nose. This wasn’t fair.

But she had caught him off guard, She had the advantage now.

Attempting to stand up, she saw her vision go dark for a second before it cleared. She was shaky on her feet, but she walked over to Gunnar who was attempting to grab his sword from where he’d dropped it. Mind messed up, Yue kicked it out of the ring, before realizing what she’d done.

I should’ve grabbed it.

It was too late. Gunnar roared at her, and stood up. Just as he did so, Yue swung her fist, connecting with his gut. He grunted falling to his knees.

Yue smiled. Raised her fists…

Slap.

She went flying back again, landing on the ropes to the outside of the ring this time. Her face was already swelling up, and she tried not to groan in pain. Gunnar was trying to stand up, but reeling around like a drunkard.

She still had the advantage; she just needed to use it.

The crowd roared its approval for this fight. Her friends cheered her on as she stepped up to Gunnar.

Yue had barely even been noticing the crowd’s chants, so focused had she been in the fight. They were clearly very invested in this fight, so Yue assumed it was already a half-success in the Wolf’s eyes.

She just needed to finish the rest.

Gunnar blocked her first punch, but her second caught him on the groin. He stumbled back, and she doubled her attack, swinging on him. Quickly, he was faced with a barrage of attacks that left him unable to move.

She punched him again, and his face swung back and he fell to the ground, motionless.

Yue hadn’t killed him.

But he still wasn’t bleeding yet.

“Oh my god!” Yue screamed. “Just bleed, dammit!”

Gunnar’s eyes opened slightly, and he looked at her.

“You fight…well,” He said, wiping his nose. Looking at his hand, Yue gasped.

“Look! He’s bleeding. I did it! First blood!” Yue yelled. Gunnar’s eyes widened.

The Wolf came to inspect. The match wasn’t over yet. Not until he declared the winner. After a few seconds, the Wolf stood up, grabbing Yue’s hand.

“After close inspection,” He said, voice amplified by magic, “YUE ZHANG IS DECLARED THE WINNER!” He raised her arm, and she yelled in victory.

“I DID IT!” Face puffy, head spinning, she stepped forward.

“WE WILL BE BACK IN TEN MINUTES FOR THE SECOND FIGHT!”

— — —

“How are you feeling?” Xander asked her.

“Dead,” Yue responded. “Everything hurts. Even worse, I’ll have to fight again later today.”

“Three more times,” Aster agreed. “That was an amazing win, though! We were all shocked when you won, no offense. You seemed to be losing.”

“I was,” Yue responded. “That was the hardest fight I’ve ever had. My head hurts.”

“That makes sense,” Xander responded. “You got hit pretty hard. Also, I can barely see your eyes. They’re swollen.”

The Wolf entered the practice arena. “Are you okay, Yue? Your next fight isn’t for another four hours, so you should be fine by then.”

“Why’d you give me him first?” Yue wondered.

“Drawn by luck,” The Wolf replied. “Good news is, you won’t have such a hard match again today!”

“Yay,” Yue said sarcastically. “That makes me feel so much better.”

“Xander, what are you doing here?” The Wolf questioned. “This is for participants only.”

“They let me in,” Xander protested. “I’m also in the Vanguard!”

“Did you make the tournament? No. So you shouldn’t be here,” The Wolf told him. “We have to obey the rules.”

“Fine!” Xander said. “I’ll see you later, Yue.” With one kiss, he left.

“Really, Captain?” Yue asked-

“Had to,” Her captain shrugged. “If one person does this, then another will. Soon, we won’t even have space for the participants in this place.”

“Shouldn’t you be at the next fight?”

“Isn’t for another three minutes,” The Wolf responded. “I needed to check on you. If you need, we have a medic ward.”

“You aren’t serious,” Yue breathed. “This place has everything.”

The Wolf chuckled. “Yup. Well, I have to get back. Once you’re ready, you can go up too.”

“Thank you,” Yue told him. “I’ll be up in a little.”

The Wolf nodded and left.

“Do you know who’ll fight?” Yue asked Aster.

“A guy from Mremba and a woman from Galacia,” Aster responded. “It shouldn’t matter too much. They look pretty weak.”

“Definitely weaker than Gunnar.”

“Speaking of Gunnar,” Aster said. “Here he comes.”

“YUE!” Gunnar growled, coming in the room. “You have defeated me!”

“I guess I did,” Yue sighed.

“Why are you sighing?” He asked. “You did well. You have defeated someone who was… how do you say?... not defeated back home.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Gunnar responded. “This was humble experience. You have done well. May you rest in Vín’s halls when you pass.”

“Same to you,” Yue responded . “I think I’m ready to go back out.”

“You sure?” Aster asked. “You still look really hurt.”

“Of course I’m hurt, woman!” Yue exclaimed. “I just got pummeled by a bear. No offense, Gunnar.”

“None has been taken,” Gunnar rumbled, chuckling.

“If you want to, we can go,” Aster said, leading her to the exit.

The match had not started yet when she entered the stands. A massive roar rose from the crowd as she sat.

“YUE! YUE! YUE!” The crowd chanted. She smiled and waved.

“Don’t let it get to your head,” Alyx whispered. “I’m still gonna win.”

“Not if you have to play Gunnar,” Yue whispered back.

After fighting Gunnar, though, she was feeling pretty good.

Maybe she really would win.

She was ready for the rest of the tournament.

— — —

The rest of the morning passed uneventfully. Her friends all had one or two matches. All of them won, even Neena, although she had a very hard time. Alyx and Neena had both fought twice. There would be many more matches in the afternoon.

Ten people had already lost the tournament, all of them losing both of their matches.

Unfortunately, the last game of the morning fell to Yue. Her face was still swollen, although Xander had gotten an ice pack. It was better than before, but her vision was still slightly impaired.

“PLEASE WELCOME TO THE RING YUE ZHANG AND VIKTOR BELL!”

Viktor Bell had lost his first fight after two minutes. It had been a medium-length fight, and Victor had clearly been less skilled than the other Vanguard soldier who had fought him.

The skinny brown-haired kid sauntered into the ring before Yue.

When Yue stood up, the crowd applauded and cheered. Viktor sneered at Yue.

“You’re going down, loser,” He said arrogantly. Yue just smiled, causing Victor to frown.

“Clean fight, please,” The Wolf told them. “You know the drill. Wait till it starts. No cheating. THE MATCH COMMENCES IN THREE…”

Yue unsheathed her sword.

“TWO!”

Yue arched her back and heard a satisfying crack.

“ONE!”

Yue breathed in.

“BEGIN!”

Viktor rushed at Yue and she dodged lithely. She didn’t want to end this too quickly. She felt bad from the boy hailing from the southern part of Arcadia. He was clearly less skilled than he thought he was, and Yue didn’t know why he was chosen to come here.

Looking up, she saw the world leaders. Looking at the Khan from Aleumdaun Seom, and the King from Arcadia, she was reminded of the importance of winning.

Delaying the fight wasn’t needed.

What was needed was the win.

Sighing, she swung her sword. As Victor brought his up to block it, she lunged, catching his shoulder, probably severing a muscle.

He screamed and fell to the ground. Yue hated to hurt him like this, but it wasn’t even one of the worst injuries in the tournament thus far.

One Vanguard member got her arm broken. Clearly, she was not going to win the whole thing. Another participant had had a few fingers cut off. Still another had lost an ear. It was a dangerous business, and the one who had lost the ear had not even lost the battle. The other had already been bleeding.

The crowd cheered for her as the Wolf raised her arm for the second time that day.

“I DECLARE THE WINNER TO BE YUE ZHANG!” He yelled. “WE WILL RECONVENE IN AN HOUR’S TIME. AFTER LUNCH.”

As people started to file out, worry began to eat at Yue again. She had one question lingering in her mind.

Where’s Zade?