In the grand hall of Skyhaven Temple, a large pillar of earth sprung out, carrying three people to its highest floors. One of them were manipulating the solid earth of pillar, while two were discussing something. Fang just quietly focused on her bending of the earth as Mortred reiterated his conditions to Shisui.

“I have four conditions that you will swear to obey if you want to join us, unless you want to swim across the sea back to your homeland.” Mortred leaned in closer to Shisui, his expression serious as he began to outline the conditions for joining the expedition.

"On the duration of the expedition, you must provide absolute obedience. You must swear your loyalty to me and the goals of this expedition." Mortred demanded, his voice unyielding. "There can be no room for doubt or hesitation. We cannot afford any risk of dissension or betrayal. When I give an order, it must be followed without question. The expedition may depends on it and its always our way and procedure to handle the dire and dangerous situations. And we are entering into unknown territory, and there may be situations where my split-second decisions are necessary for our survival."

Shisui nodded in resolute understanding.

"Of course, I will follow your orders without hesitation." he affirmed.

"Good." Mortred acknowledged before moving on to the second condition. "Second, the safety of the crew must always come first. We are venturing into dangerous territory, and there will undoubtedly be threats that we cannot anticipate. We must remain vigilant and prioritize the well-being of our expedition crew above all else."

Again, Shisui nodded in agreement with unwavering commitment.

Finally, Mortred addressed the third condition, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and information in their quest.

"Third, you must be willing to put the needs of the expedition above your own personal desires or ambitions. We are not here for glory or riches – our primary goal is to uncover the lost truths about Akavir and ensure the safety of Tamriel. We must seek out every piece of knowledge and answer that can aid us in our expedition," he stated. "No detail is too small, no question too insignificant."

Then Mortred leaned closer to add something with great emphasis.

“And unlike before when you first came here... once you are part of the crew, you must withheld no information from us.. We may need your past knowledge as our guide. But don’t worry, I will guarantee again that I am not going to invade your land. Or use your extensive knowledge as a way to know your people for our goal of conquering your people.”

Shisui nodded in understanding.

"Done. My only desire is to see my homeland once more and to aid in whatever way I can... to keep the peace between the two lands." Fully grasping the gravity of Mortred's words. "I will provide whatever information I had to you without hesitation, as long as you keep your words.”

Mortred nodded and then turned his back to Shisui, as if waiting for the solid pillar of elevator to stop at one point. And which it did and caused Shisui confusion when he realized something was missing from Mortred’s earlier words.

“Wait… what’s the fourth?” He asked.

Then the pillar stopped from ascending and opened itself in a bright white light. Then as his vision came back, he saw Mortred smiling widely.

“This is the fourth condition.”

Shisui's eyes widened in astonishment.

As they stepped out of the earth elevator and into the grand stadium, they were met with a wave of excitement from the loud screaming crowds. The sheer size and energy of the audience took Shisui aback. The roar of the crowd washed over him, their cheers echoing off the stones, rocks and into the clouds, filling the air with excitement. And he couldn't help but get shocked by the sheer spectacle of it all and felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins.

"This... this is incredible." Shisui murmured, his gaze sweeping over the cheering spectators. "I had no idea such a place existed here."

Mortred chuckled, a gleam of amusement in his eyes as he gestured for Shisui to follow him into the heart of the stadium.

"Welcome to the Cloud Arena of the Skyhaven," he declared proudly. "It's where we settle disputes, train our warriors, and entertain the masses of scholars between beings that normal people wouldn’t dare to see or look at due to fear and superstition. Here we are free. And you will also be part of the spectacle for the scholars who wanted to meet you all these time."

Shisui's curiosity piqued as he realized the significance of this gathering. Then he gazed around the place. It was an open stadium. He could feel and sense that it was recently built on the heights of the Skyhaven Temple. Although the overgrown grasses covered much of his feet, he could feel the solid stone and concrete under his shoes. Then the Dragon Priests conjured a magical ward which Shisui for the first time, was in awe to see. Which made him remember that it was quite similar to barrier jutsus that were used on his homeland.

Then Mortred gestured for Shisui to follow him as they made their way through the throngs of spectators, their eyes fixed on the center of the stadium, which was large enough for twenty people to fight each other in front of the crowd.

"This is where you will prove your mettle," Mortred explained, his voice carrying over the roar of the crowd. "You will face off one of my chosen champions in combat, and only by emerging victorious will you earn your place among the crew."

Shisui immediately realized that he had to fight to prove his worth for the expedition. As they made their way through the bustling crowds, Mortred explained the significance of the arena and its role in the culture of Skyhaven. Shisui listened intently, his curiosity piqued by the vibrant energy that filled the air.

Suddenly, Mortred halted and told him to take position on one side of the stadium.

"You will be facing one of my best, so..." a smirk played on Mortred’s face. “…will you be alright?”

Shisui felt a little insulted with his question and with raise brow, he replied.

“I was a former member of my villa- country’s top elite agents.” Shisui proudly declared. “So I was trained to be ready against any opponent and under any situation. I accept the challenge."

“Good luck, then.” With that, Mortred stepped back, leaving Shisui in the arena and wait his opponent.

The crowd fell silent, their anticipation palpable as Mortred took to the podium and acted as the mediator. As Shisui took his position, his muscles tense with anticipation, preparing himself. Mortred's booming voice filled the stadium, drawing the attention of the eager spectators who had gathered to witness the spectacle.

"Ladies and gentlemen of Skyhaven, prepare yourselves for a match unlike any other!" Mortred's words reverberated through the air, stirring excitement among the crowd. They erupted into cheers and applause, their energy were palpable as they eagerly awaited the spectacle that was about to unfold. "Today, we have a special treat for you—a clash between our esteemed guest from Akavir and one of our own champions!"

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As Mortred spoke, Shisui couldn't help but noticed the presence of mages and scholars scattered throughout the stands. Some were holding parchment and quills, ready to document every move of the battle unfolding before them. Others had magical tomes and scrolls at the ready, their expressions intent as they observed the spectacle. It seemed that his presence as an Akaviri warrior had stirred considerable interest among the learned minds of Skyhaven. Some of them were already discussing their impression and prediction for the fight.

The sight intrigued Shisui, a testament to the scholarly nature of the people of Skyhaven. It was clear that they were not merely spectators but rather students of knowledge and curiosity, eager to study and analyze every aspect of the mock battle.

“I am sure that all of you know about Akavir. For it is a continent located to the east of Tamriel. Akavir is shrouded in mystery and is largely unexplored by the inhabitants of Tamriel and was only explored by one of the former dragonborn emperor in the past in his attempt to conquer it. The continent is known for its exotic and enigmatic inhabitants, including the Tsaesci, the snake-like vampiric race; the Tang Mo, a monkey-like people; the Ka Po' Tun, who are believed to be tiger-like in appearance; and the Kamal, a race of ice demons.” Mortred elaborated further. “This unknown continent is a source of fascination and speculation for us scholars and mages. Countless texts, such as books and recorded journals with dialogues, provided us of glimpses into Akavir's culture, history, and its potential significance to our culture here in Tamriel. However, much of Akavir's history and lore remain shrouded in mystery, some of which were lost to time and consequences of unrelated conflicts, leaving ample room for interpretation and imagination from our curious minds.”

Then he gestured towards one of the standing figures on the stadium.

"For years, the legends about Akavir that we heard about, covered our impression on what kind of people they were. With no confirmation or even evidence of their prowess in battle except for the lost tales that was recorded during their’s and our’s past conflicts. Now we are granted the chance to see and judge the worth of their race! I present to you, Uchiha Shisui, the first Akaviri in centuries to ever walk before your eyes, have decided to take upon the test of might! People of Tamriel! Will you be found wanting!!"

The crowd erupted into excited chatter, rising up to the challenge.

"And though he may be a stranger to our land, Shisui has already proven himself to be a formidable fighter," Mortred declared, his voice sending waves of admiration to the audience. "He has faced countless challenges on his journey here. And today, he stands before us ready to test his mettle once again to show us his worth and might.”

Then Mortred turned to look at the coming opponent of Shisui.

“Of course, such a man can only be given respect if he was faced with another one of ours who could display our proud martial might, the valor and skills of all Tamriel! I present to you the formidable warrior known to be one of the top swordsman in this continent!" Mortred announced, his words punctuated by the roar of the crowd. "A warrior of unmatched skill and ferocity, that proved many times and time again that this warrior is a force to be reckoned with! Shisui will face someone of great skill with legendary status among their peers. The dreaded Sword of the North! The Daedra Hunter! The Bane of Trolls! The Prodigy of Clan Brightsung! Do you accept this challenge… Lydia the Sword Eater!!"

The audience all clapped and yelled their enthusiasm with much louder cheers. Then an armored person stood, nodded. then leapt over the audience and landed in front of Shisui, making cracks to the platform where his feet stood.

Shisui's gaze fell upon the figure ascending the opposite side of the stadium, his eyes widened in a jolt of recognition and disbelief. Even for a short while, it was someone whom he knew. Mortred's lips curled into a mischievous smile as he addressed the crowd once more.

"Ah, it seems our esteemed guest recognizes his opponent," he announced, his voice carrying across the stadium.

Lydia…

Shisui could only respond dumbfounded manner then quickly composed himself as Lydia started moving, his gaze never separating with Shisui. A hunter who marked his prey.

Lydia then took out the rectangular plate from his back and held it horizontally. Then the material that he was holding suddenly disassembled and reassembled into a something very deadly in the eyes of Shisui.

A large handed dual bladed great sword. It looked like a propeller for Shisui who knew the existence of the former from his homeland. The sharp edge of the weapon were on the same side for both ends then a dull back sides on the same both ends. With a complete transformation of the weapon, he took a stance that looked like a salute to Shisui.

"Uchiha Shisui! Choose your weapons!" As Mortred finished his statement, the ground below Shisui unfolded and opened up, revealing dozens of stacked weapons, armors and shields.

Shisui immediately understood that he was free to choose anything for the match. Shisui then quickly surveyed the weapon and took a flail, a metal spear, two short swords and several daggers. He wore them one by one, around his body except for the spear. His short swords on both sides of his hips, the flail on his right, daggers strapped around his chest. Thankfully, there was a leather armor to allow such weapons on his body. Then he nodded towards Mortred, signaling that he was finished with his preparation. The weapon stacks and armors folded back into the ground, until the shaking stopped.

Mortred's voice echoed through the stadium once again, drawing the attention of the crowd back to the center of the arena.

"Prepare yourselves, for this shall be a battle unlike any other!" Mortred declared, his voice carrying a note of excitement.

"Lydia..." Shisui called out with uncertainty and worry in his voice. "Why are you here?"

Lydia's expression was unreadable as always like when he met Shisui for the first time. And his gaze hidden by his helmet’s slit, turned to Shisui from across the stadium.

"I am here because Mortred, my Thane told me to be." the warrior replied simply with a voice carrying over the noise of the crowd. The voice also carried a tinge of confusion as if Shisui was asking something stupid.

“Thane?” Shisui's brow furrowed in confusion.

“He is my master, my lord and my liege.” Lydia elaborated then took a stance. “Enough. The match will start.”

He couldn't understand why Mortred would arrange such a match, especially against someone he considered his caretaker. Mortred, however, seemed unfazed by Shisui's confusion.

“This match will be between two contenders and will only be held in one round.” Mortred's voice boomed across the stadium, amplified by magic to reach every corner of the arena. The crowd hushed in anticipation as they awaited the start of the mock battle between Shisui and Lydia.

Shisui was fine with this kind of arrangement as it would force him to be more creative and took his body to awaken his past limits that was slowly rusting for years of inactivity. But he didn’t expect the next line from Mortred.

“And this match will only end of one of the two champions surrenders... or dies.” Mortred's laughter echoed through the stadium, mixing with the fading cheers of the crowd. Shisui stood there, still reeling from the shock of Mortred's revelation. He had thought it was just a friendly mock battle, a chance to showcase his skills and prove his worth to Mortred and the others. But now, he realized it was something more.

“Don’t worry, no one can die here.” Mortred joked after sensing Shisui’s worry.

"What do you mean by... no one can die here?" Shisui asked with a voice tinged with disbelief.

Mortred nodded, a smirk playing on his lips.

"The stadium is enchanted with powerful magic to prevent any deaths from occurring within its walls. One of the great applications in reaching the height of magic. It's all in good fun. You will see and know more about its effects during your fight.”

Shisui was going to asked again but Mortred turned back to the audience to continue.

"I see... well, that's a relief." Shisui let out a nervous chuckle, trying to shake off the lingering tension.

With that, the stage was set for a showdown between two formidable opponents: Shisui, the Akaviri warrior, and Lydia, the Sword Eater. As the crowd held its breath in anticipation, Shisui braced himself for the battle ahead. Determined to face whatever challenge lay in his path. He could feel the weight of their expectations upon him, but he remained focused. With a deep breath, Shisui stepped forward, his gaze locked on Lydia, who stood on the opposite side of the arena. The tension in the air was palpable as the crowd fell silent, anticipation hanging heavy over the stadium. The Dragonpriests locked the entire stadium with several layers of barrier magic, trapping both Shisui and Lydia inside.

As Mortred signaled for the fight to commence, Shisui readied himself for the challenge ahead. With a swift motion, he assumed a defensive stance. His eyes never leaving his opponent. The arena fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air as the two warriors prepared to clash. His senses now slowly returning to him.

"May the best warrior emerge victorious!" he declared, his voice echoing throughout the stadium.

"Let the match begin!"