The echo of my footsteps against the arena's sand was drowned by the announcer's booming voice, reverberating through the vast expanse. "Congratulations to the last qualifier for the final of the Immortal Tournament!" His words, laced with excitement, brought a momentary pause to my stride. Qualifier? Final? What was going on?
I turned, half-expecting another opponent to emerge, but instead, my eyes met an unexpected sight. Standing in the center of the arena was the Iron Princess Octaviok, her presence as impressive and commanding as ever. The teal of her skin shimmered, tribal markings adorned her face in a mesmerizing pattern. Her eyes, locked onto mine as if peering into my very soul.
Her appearance somehow portrayed authority and otherworldly beauty in unison. The delicate chains and jewels adorning her elongated, pointed ears chimed softly with her graceful movements. Her midnight blue hair cascaded around her chiseled features, enhancing her allure. She was clad in armor, crafted with golden filigree and embedded gems that echoed the color of her eyes, she exuded the perfect allure of the Iron Hegemony's royalty.
Her husky voice, unmistakable from our earlier encounter, filled the arena. "Congratulations are due to all of our finalists, but none more than my favorite drifter. Please get some rest, and to everyone watching throughout the galaxy, get ready, it is only going to get bigger and better. You have your work cut out for you drifter, as do your remaining opponents, who you will be meeting soon."
A thought came to me then and I found myself voicing it without thinking. “Why is my level frozen at ten?”
The look on her face was interesting as she was obviously shocked at my interruption. “Everyone is,” she paused for a second and and sniffed with annoyance. “But in the future, know your place. Do not deign to interrupt me.”
Her words, imbued with a mix of challenge and promise, lingered in the air as she vanished as swiftly as she had entered, leaving a charged silence in her wake.
I stood there for a moment longer, processing her appearance and proclamation. Her words about the upcoming final rested heavily upon me. I was now among the last standing in this brutal tournament, a fact that brought both a sense of pride and an ominous foreboding.
Turning away from the arena that now appeared empty to me, I made my way towards the waiting area. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The final stage of the tournament loomed ahead. The realization that I was one step closer to finishing my time in the arena and potentially finding a way back to Earth, to my lost life, was both exhilarating and terrifying.
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As I walked, the Iron Princess's words echoed in my mind. "You have your work cut out for you drifter." Why was she focusing on me? It was a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead of me, not just in the physical battles in the arena, but in the emotional and mental struggles within myself. The haunting emotions from the bridge in my meditation, the unresolved questions about my stagnant level, and the mysterious bond with the drake egg – all these questions swirled in my mind.
The waiting area was a stark contrast to the arena, its quiet was a welcome respite from the relentless adrenaline and noise of the arena. My thoughts drifted to the drake egg, still safely tucked away in my inventory. Its presence was a constant reminder to all that I did not know of the arena, the tournament and the system I was now a part of. Was it possible that the egg could be a potential ally? The connection I felt with it had grown, and was still growing, I could feel it. It was quickly evolving into something more profound than I had ever anticipated.
Leaving the preparation area, I felt an urgency to find Elyria. I needed answers, someone to make sense of the Iron Princess's cryptic words and the looming final battle. As I exited, my path was blocked by an imposing figure - an Ork, massive in stature. His appearance was rugged yet held a certain allure, not unlike Octaviok's captivating presence, though less intense. His blue skin and bone-white hair, styled in a neat braid that fell to his shoulders, added to his striking demeanor. What caught me off guard was the stubble on his chin - a detail I had never pictured on an Ork.
"The remaining participants are to be moved to upgraded quarters," he stated in a deep, gravelly voice. His announcement piqued my curiosity, but also added to the whirlwind of questions in my mind.
As we walked through the corridors, I couldn't help but marvel at the stark contrast between the rugged beauty of the Ork and the grandeur of the arena's architecture. It was a blend of strength and elegance, much like the world I had been thrust into.
Arriving at the door of my new quarters, the Ork informed me, "You have the rest of the evening to yourself. The finals commence tomorrow." His words, simple and direct, left no room for doubt. The final battle was imminent.
As I crossed the threshold, I was struck by the relative luxury compared to the spartan conditions of the barracks. The room had a sitting area, a comfortable bed, and even a chest for valuables - a humorous touch considering the nature of my inventory, which seemed to have limitless space. The notion made me wonder if there actually were limits to the inventory system.
But the real luxury that caught my attention was the private bathroom, complete with a tub. I rushed over, turning the taps, and to my delight, hot water began to fill the tub. The warmth and comfort it promised were more appealing than any lavish furnishing.
As I waited for the tub to fill, I reflected on the day's events. The confrontation with Siriana, the Divine Vanguard, had tested me in ways I hadn't expected. My victory, though a cause for relief, left me with a heavy heart. The Iron Princess's appearance and her parting words echoed in my mind. Her focus on me was unsettling, yet it confirmed my growing role in this grand scheme.
I pondered over the Iron Princess's comments about the final battle. What challenges awaited me? Who were these remaining opponents? And what did she mean when she said I had my work cut out for me?