The tournament was held in a vast and rugged terrain, surrounded by mountains and forests. The place was known as the Beast Mountain, the headquarters of the Beast Guild. It was a natural fortress, with only one road leading to it. The road was guarded by checkpoints and patrols, ensuring the security and privacy of the guild.
The Beast Mountain had a large arena, where the matches would take place. The arena was circular, with a diameter of 100 meters. It had a sandy floor, with various obstacles and traps scattered around. The arena was surrounded by a high wall, with seats for the spectators on top. The wall also had screens and speakers, where the announcer and the referee would comment on the matches and announce the rules and results.
The arena atmosphere was electric and exhilarating, as thousands of fans filled the seats and cheered for their favorite players. The arena was decorated with banners and flags, representing the different guilds and regions. The screens and speakers displayed the names and faces of the participants, as well as the rules and results of the matches.
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"Hello, everyone!" The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, igniting a wave of cheers from the crowd. His enthusiasm was palpable as he welcomed fans to the tournament.
"I can sense your anticipation for this electrifying event, where eight revered players will clash for ultimate glory and fame on the grand stage!"
"But hold onto your seats, folks, because there's an extra twist that will elevate this tournament to legendary status. Any guesses what that might be?"
"Nobody? Well, prepare yourselves for the revelation. Today, we have a guest of honor among us. He is none other than the prodigious young master of Phoenix and the newly appointed commander of Echelon."
The audience erupted into ecstatic frenzy, instantly recognizing the esteemed figure. Their cheers and applause soared to new heights, echoing throughout the venue as they united in chanting his name with fervor.
"Ethan! Ethan! Ethan!"
The resounding chant filled the arena, honoring the name of Phoenix's rising star, who ascended to fame and influence in record time.
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"Ethan! Ethan! Ethan!"
The fervent repetition hailed the arrival of Echelon's indomitable new commander, known for his unwavering strength and relentless prowess.
"Yes, it is one and only Ethan Ryoko!"
As the announcer uttered his name, Ethan strode into the arena with a commanding swagger, his companions trailing behind him.
The crowd erupted into a frenzy at the sight of Ethan and his entourage. They screamed, waved frantically, and leaped with uncontainable excitement, desperate to capture their attention.
"It's Ethan! He's really here!"
"Ethan! Ethan! You're the best!"
"Look, isn't that Roark and Lance? They're incredibly cool!"
"Yeah, and isn't she Emily? She's absolutely stunning!"
"Wow, Dagger appears incredibly tough."
"True, but Mike has such an adorable charm."
"And don't Leo and Mia make the perfect pair?"
"What!? Who said that?" Leo's voice thundered with anger.
"Yeah! Who dares to pair my sister with this loser?" Dagger's voice rang out fiercely.
"Who did you just call a loser? You sneaky rat!" Leo's shout reverberated through the arena, filled with indignation.
"Stop it, you two," Mia interjected, attempting to diffuse the tension.
"They remind me of Lily, you, and me, right?" Lance suggested.
"No, not at all," Roark quickly denied.
"Mike! Mia! Dagger! Leo! You're all incredible!"
The crowd's cheers persisted, their admiration for the group's bravery and loyalty unwavering as they pledged their allegiance to Ethan. Curiosity and excitement bubbled among them, eager to witness Ethan's next move.
"So, you came," Raon remarked, a mocking smile playing on his lips.
"How could I refuse such a warm invitation?" Ethan retorted, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"Well, I just assumed you wouldn't have the nerve to step foot into enemy territory," Raon remarked, his sneer evident.
"Enough of that. Can you answer my one question?" Ethan's voice turned cold, cutting through the tension.
"Yes. What is it?" Raon responded, curiosity flickering in his gaze.
"Should I just kill you right here?" Ethan's voice was tense, his teeth clenched as he struggled to contain his anger. Hatred and rage surged within him as he observed Raon's relaxed demeanor.
"I'm with you on that, young master," Roark chimed in, his grip on his spear tightening with determination.
"Count me in too," Dagger added, his hand instinctively reaching for his daggers, ready for action.
"You can try if you want," Raon taunted, his smirk oozing with confidence. He held no fear of Ethan, convinced he could easily overcome him.
"Ethan," Emily interjected, her touch gentle as she sought to calm him. Worry and concern etched across her features as she observed Ethan's expression.
"I know," Ethan replied with a sigh, acknowledging the need to reign in his emotions and bide his time for the right moment.
"Now, shall we take our seats?" Raon remarked with a false sense of politeness, masking his underlying tension.
They settled into the plush chairs, their eyes fixed on the large screen displaying the tournament bracket. Though they maintained a facade of civility, the air crackled with the palpable threat of violence lingering between them.
"Now, now. Let's all try to maintain our composure," the announcer implored, his voice carrying over the restless audience, attempting to pacify the escalating tension.
He cleared his throat and spoke again, with a loud and enthusiastic voice.
"Thank you, Ethan, for joining us today. We are honored to have you here. And now, without further ado, let the tournament begin!"
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause and anticipation, the energy in the arena electrifying as the first match loomed on the horizon. Tension hung thick in the air, anticipation fueling every heartbeat, as each player readied themselves for the impending clash of strength and skill.