Zone of the Outcasts - Coliseum, Sector 5 The midday sun bathed the Coliseum in its light while the wind stirred small clouds of dust on the sand. The participants stood in rows before their instructor, their faces showing the wear of a year of intense training. Instructor: "A year has passed since you began your training to become adventurers. Congratulations on making it this far. But we're not done yet. Today, you will undergo a special training: a battle among you to demonstrate how much you have improved. We will draw lots to determine the matchups." Aric, Eldrick, and Nyra stood together, talking while watching the instructor prepare the list of battles. Aric: "Finally, I'll be able to show what I'm capable of. I hope I get to fight someone strong." Nyra: "Aric, we're all strong here. The sector no longer determines who is the most powerful. We've all improved significantly, and I'm sure we're quite evenly matched." Aric: "You're right… but still, I know I'll win my fight. Although…" (glancing at Eldrick) "there's someone here who is still stronger than the rest." Nyra nodded, and both turned their gaze to Eldrick, who looked uncomfortable under the attention. Eldrick (blushing): "Why are you looking at me like that? Seriously, I'm not as strong as you think. Anyone here could beat me…" The instructor interrupted the conversation, holding up a list of the combatants' names. Instructor: "Silence! The matchups have been decided. Here are the five battles that will take place. Prepare yourselves." The participants held their breath as the names were announced: 1. Zarik (Sector 5) vs. Quoran (Sector 4) 2. Eldrick (Sector 8) vs. Oric (Sector 1) 3. Vael (Sector 2) vs. Lyra (Sector 10) 4. Aric (Sector 3) vs. Milo (Sector 6) 5. Damaris (Sector 9) vs. Nyra (Sector 7) Instructor: "These will be the matches. You have five minutes to prepare." Aric looked at Eldrick and Nyra with determination. Aric: "We need to win our matches. Give it your all. Eldrick, Nyra, let's push ourselves to the limit." Both nodded resolutely, feeling the weight of responsibility on their shoulders. First Match: Zarik (Sector 5) vs. Quoran (Sector 4) Zarik, a 30-year-old muscular and tall man, walked into the arena with a firm stride. Quoran, on the other hand, was smaller and more agile, with an athletic build contrasting with his opponent's imposing figure. The fight began. Quoran invoked his shadow magic and created three dark clones that rushed at Zarik. Calmly, Zarik carefully studied the movements of his opponents. Sparks of electricity began to illuminate the arena as Zarik attacked the clones with precision, eliminating them one by one. But Quoran had anticipated this. Using his magic, he hid in Zarik's shadows and appeared behind him, delivering a decisive blow that knocked him down. The victory went to Quoran. The crowd roared in approval as the fighters left the arena. Zarik, though defeated, showed a respectful smile to his opponent, acknowledging Quoran's skill. Second Match: Eldrick (Sector 8) vs. Oric (Sector 1) The sun shone intensely over the Coliseum sand, casting shadows over the two combatants. On one side was Eldrick, the 15-year-old prodigy, and on the other, Oric, the veteran warrior from Sector 1. Oric: "I've heard a lot about you, kid. But there's no place for weakness here. This arena is mine." Oric stomped the ground forcefully, causing the earth to tremble as rock pillars emerged around him, creating a fortress. Eldrick: "Power isn't always about brute strength, Oric." (with a calm and firm voice) With a fluid movement, Eldrick summoned a stream of water that swirled around him, creating a shield. The sand beneath his feet became damp as he planned his next move. Oric: "Let's see if your tricks can surpass me." Oric launched a barrage of sharp rocks at Eldrick. The stones flew at high speed, but Eldrick raised a barrier of ice just in time, fracturing it but stopping the attack. Eldrick: "Now it's my turn." With a decisive gesture, Eldrick channeled the power of wind and water, creating ice lances that flew towards Oric, breaking his defenses and forcing him to retreat. Oric: "Impressive… but not enough." By stomping the ground again, Oric summoned stalagmites that emerged beneath Eldrick's feet, but he reacted quickly, rising with a gust of wind. From the air, Eldrick launched a torrent of compressed water, trapping Oric between his own rocks. Eldrick: "It's time to end this." Concentrating his energy, Eldrick created a devastating vortex that ensnared Oric, who struggled to remain firm. Finally, Eldrick froze the vortex, encasing Oric in a block of ice. The arena fell silent as the crowd watched in astonishment. Eldrick lowered his arms slowly, and the ice began to melt. Oric, freed, nodded in recognition. Oric: "You're… stronger than I imagined, Eldrick. Well done." Eldrick: "No opponent is small, Oric. We all fight for something." Eldrick walked away, knowing his fight was more than just for glory—it was for a better future for his mother. Remaining Matches • Vael (Sector 2) vs. Lyra (Sector 10): Vael emerged victorious in a fierce clash of fire and light. • Aric (Sector 3) vs. Milo (Sector 6): Aric was defeated by Milo's speed and skill, who used the wind to keep Aric at bay. • Damaris (Sector 9) vs. Nyra (Sector 7): Damaris defeated Nyra, overcoming her icy defense with searing heat. After the matches, the participants gathered in the center of the Coliseum, still processing the intense battles. Instructor: "That concludes the matches. Everyone, return to your rooms. Tomorrow we will continue. Remember, you still have one more year of training." As the others dispersed, Aric remained in the arena, frustrated by his defeat. Aric (shouting at the sky): "Damn it! I need to improve… I'll give it my all this last year. I promise you, Dad, I'll be able to get you out of that slavery." A year later, the youths were ready to take the final step towards becoming adventurers. The Final Step Instructor: "Today is the day. You will finally leave this Coliseum and embark on your adventures. Remember everything you've been through to get here. Now, before we start the ceremony, I'll explain how everything will work." The instructor detailed how the new adventurers would receive accommodation and food for 1 month free in Sector 10 and how they needed to complete missions to advance through the sectors and gain honor, which would be necessary to move up sectors and obtain better missions. When the time came to reunite with their families, Aric saw his father Garka in the distance and ran towards him. Garka, with tears in his eyes, gently tapped him on the head before hugging him tightly. Aric, also surprised to see his father cry for the first time, returned the embrace. Garka: "I was so worried about you. I thought you wouldn't make it…" Aric: "Dad, I'll get you out of here as quickly as I can. I'll become the strongest, I promise." Garka: "I trust that you will… but don't think about me anymore, think about yourself. Your journey is just beginning, son. I'll be fine as long as I know you're safe." With that final embrace, Aric realized that his true adventure was just beginning. The challenges ahead would be even greater, but he was ready to face them. End of Chapter 4