Alex stood at the entrance to the coliseum. After verifying his identity, he was directed to the pathway for competitors. He joined many others who had lined up to test their strength and power among the others in the tower. Many still were headed for the stands interested in seeing the competition and those in it. High ranking members of various guilds watched from above to see their participants fight and unaffiliated members such as Alex show their skill for possible recruitment.
The coliseum was imposing and grand as Alex walked through the inner walls. Magical lamps kept the hallway lit and attendants busied themselves to set up the tournament. Alex's stepped with anticipation as he stepped into the coliseum. The towering stone walls of the arena seemed to stretch endlessly upward, their imposing presence only magnified by the intricate carvings that adorned them. Sunlight streamed in through high arched windows, casting a warm glow over the pathway that led deeper into the heart of the coliseum.
With his identity verified, Alex followed the designated path for competitors, his footsteps echoing against the polished stone floor. He joined the group, all dressed in an assortment of armors and robes, each emanating an air of determination. The air buzzed with a palpable energy as conversations murmured through the crowd. Some participants exchanged nods of recognition, while others maintained a focused silence, mentally preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.
As he walked, Alex couldn't help but notice the steady flow of spectators who were making their way to the stands. Their chatter and excitement filled the air, a lively backdrop to the impending clashes of strength and skill. The higher tiers of the coliseum were already filling up, noble guild members taking their seats with an air of importance. Banners representing various guilds hung proudly from the walls, adding splashes of color to the otherwise stone-dominated environment.
Passing through a series of arched doorways, Alex entered a spacious chamber that seemed to pulse with anticipation. This was where the contestants gathered before the first qualifying rounds. The room was a mix of anxious tension and camaraderie. A low hum of conversation filled the air as fighters from different backgrounds exchanged stories and their hopes for the future.
A large table at the center held refreshments and sustenance, inviting the participants to recharge and bond before the rigorous battles that awaited them. Attendants in vibrant uniforms moved about, assisting fighters with any last-minute needs, and offering encouraging words.
Alex found a spot along the periphery of the room, leaning against a stone pillar, his eyes fixed on the others. He observed the fighters with a keen interest, his gaze taking in their various styles and weapons. A tall warrior with a massive sword strapped to his back engaged in a lively conversation with a nimble rogue, their laughter contrasting with the gravity of the impending competition.
There was an air of camaraderie among some, as if the shared pursuit of victory had forged a subtle bond between them. Yet, Alex also sensed the tension that simmered beneath the surface. Each fighter had their reasons for being here—dreams of glory, personal vendettas, or simply the desire to prove their worth. He couldn’t deny that he was also here for a bit of glory and the need to prove his worth against a particular man.
His gaze stalked those who wore guild emblems and in doing so showed the groups they affiliated with and the quick partnerships that had formed after. While he noticed a few members of the Seekers, none were those he recognized. He knew it was a long shot but none of his former teammates were part of his grouping.
If they had entered the Single’s event at all then they were placed in a different grouping. To see them again he would need to win his first qualifying rounds at least. Alex moved onto other subjects both physical and mental. The move was full of 100 competitors, climbers, and fighters. He could feel some of their strength though the room was crowded with the aura’s of people. It made him feel better that some were level 25. They, by Alex’s estimation, had just barely entered the floor. By the skin of their teeth, they had arrived in time to enter the tournament but not long enough to get a dungeon run in.
Others were more like him. They had arrived long enough to get in a dungeon run or two and had grown their levels, skill, and gained rewards as a result. The group was the majority of those that he saw in the room. Finally, a few in the room were the peak climbers. Alex saw most of them with the Seeker’s guild huddling together and forming plans. They had used their time well to run as many dungeons as possible and leveling up to 29 and in one case level 30.
Alex knew that the rewards from dungeons were great at times and overall, a powerful boon to those who finished them. The higher level meant more dungeons completed and more dungeons meant more rewards and unexpected items they carried. The attendants had shooed them into this room with little care for the items they carried into the coliseum. The participants would not die in the end but the more trump cards they had the higher possibility of survival went up.
As the moments ticked by, the noise in the room gradually dwindled. The participants began to shift their focus, mentally preparing for the upcoming challenges. Alex closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath to steady his own nerves. He adjusted the battery pack on his back and instinctively checked over his gear. The coliseum seemed to hold its breath, as if the very walls were echoing the collective heartbeat of those gathered within.
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A resonating gong echoed through the chamber, signaling the imminent start of the first qualifying rounds. Conversations ceased, and all eyes turned toward the central entrance, where tournament officials stood ready to guide the fighters to the arena. The room became a sea of determined expressions, a mix of resolve and anticipation etched on each face.
An attendant stepped forward to the center of the room. The participants within quieted. Their murmurs tapering off.
“You have now heard the first gong. The first group as of this moment is making their way to the arena proper. When the bell rings again your group, group two, will enter the arena. You have approximately ten to fifteen minutes. The last thirty of your group will move on to the next rounds.” At that statement everyone including Alex looked around, counted, and searched for marks. “Good luck to you all.”
The groups and individuals erupted into conversation and whisperings as the attendant left the room. The anticipation for the event grew and those who had decided to team up formalized their plans. Whether their groups would stick together until the end of the qualifying rounds was unclear. In the Single’s event it was every man or woman for themselves.
Alex took the time to consider his strategy. Find who were the big players and highest level among the group. In this first round he didn’t need to be first he just needed to survive until the end.
As the time approached fifteen minutes the gong rang once more, and the doors connected to the arena opened. Beyond the doors the sunlight filled the room. Alex spotted the victors of round one bloody, weary, and slowly leaving the stage. Along the sides some of the losers stood by slowly making their way to the exit. Attendants were quick to help them along and get them out in time for the newest group to enter. The attendants in their room did the same and ushered their group toward the doors.
Alex's heart quickened once more as he stepped forward, joining the ranks of his fellow competitors. His fist clenched and he steadied his breath. He knew what he needed to do, and he hoped he had the strength to accomplish it.
The seats had filled considerably after the first match. Cheers and clapping filled the place as the competitors spread out in the arena. Weapons were drawn and everyone was on edge. Above them an announcer stood and made himself known.
“After that amazing first match I am happy to bring out our next set of competitors. While this next group may not be as strong on average I can assure you that it will be entertaining, nonetheless. I always have an eye for talent and amongst these fine specimens a few will surely shine brightly. Now if you will finalize any bets. Please enjoy your food and drink. Participants go wild and you may begin.”
As the announcer's voice echoed through the arena, a surge of energy coursed through Alex. He focused on his breathing, letting the anticipation settle into determination. He remembered his plan—to assess the strongest contenders and bide his time. He wasn't concerned about being the first to strike; survival was paramount.
The competitors spread out, forming a loose circle in the center of the arena. Alex's eyes flicked to the highest-level opponents. There was a tall, heavily armored warrior with a massive battle-axe, his eyes scanning the field with a predatory glint. Beside him stood a nimble figure, dual-wielding short blades with an air of finesse, and then there was a young woman in the corner, her longbow slung over her shoulder, eyes locked on her potential targets.
Alex knew that these were the players he needed to watch. Their prowess was evident, and he would need to be cautious when engaging any of them. For now, he focused on staying mobile and positioning himself strategically.
Arrows flew around the arena as Alex ran. The forming of magic followed. The rangers either had to stick with teammates or be attacked in the small space. Some were not able to get a shot off and were quick to fall. Alex used his echolocation to position himself between other swordsman’s and mages. He was safe a from most of the possible arrow fire, but he had stepped in front of a different danger instead.
Two swords blurred toward him. Alex stepped back avoiding one while blocking the other with his daggers in the nick of time. He ducked under another swing and as it became too much he called on his lightning. The lightning swirled around him shielding him from strikes before he sent it ricocheting into the deadliest fighter near him.
The attack made the others weary as they started to back off. Daggers in hand Alex stepped forward bringing more lightning out as his shield and finished off the stunned fighter. He had dropped his weapon after getting struck. The man was promptly teleported off stage after Alex cut open an artery.
Alex stayed lower after the finishing blow, and it proved the right move. An unarmed fighter charged at him. The lightning passed through the charging barbarian, and it was largely ignored. The other fighters had turned their focus to other fights but kept Alex’s battle in sight. Alex slid both his daggers back into their sheaths once the man was close enough. He met the man’s fists with his palms.
Alex felt pain radiate through his arms but before more damage could be done he activated ‘Disruption’. Channeling first through the man’s arms he recreated the pain the man had inflicted. Then he doubled it and then tripled it. The barbarian pushed back slowly and then his pressure weakened. The light in his eyes faded as he was overcome with the senses of injuries running through his body. It soon was too much for the man and he dropped unconscious at which point Alex stopped. He too was teleported out of the arena.
The fight went by quickly and Alex scanned the Arena. Already two minutes had passed and about a third of the fighters were out of the tournament. Alex turned his attention to the nearest fighters who looked ready to pounce on him. They stood further away from him, which suited them since they were a pair of mages. It almost made him miss the arrow flying toward his back.