The day of the event arrived without warning.
There was no sudden change in the weather or any clear sign that something big was about to happen. Even so, the city woke up different.
The streets were clean, organized, with flags aligned along the main avenues. The structures that had been built over the last few days were now complete.
In the center of Vailor, a large temporary arena had been finished.
Stands, elevated stage, central runway.
Everything ready.
I arrived early.
Not out of anxiety.
But out of duty.
The area reserved for the judges was positioned in front of the runway, with a full view of the event. Others were already there, seated in their positions.
Important figures.
Guild representatives.
Some nobles.
And one man I recognized from a distance — probably connected to the court.
I didn't interact.
I just took my seat.
The invitation had already been validated at the entrance. No resistance. No doubt.
Now I was part of it.
The arena began to fill quickly.
Adventurers.
Citizens.
Visitors.
The number of people increased every minute.
The sound as well.
Conversations, laughter, anticipation.
All mixed together.
But controlled.
Well organized.
I looked toward the side of the structure.
Preparation area.
They were there.
Rai'kanna.
Elara.
Vespera.
Liriel.
Lyannis was there too, but in a different position.
Observing.
Supporting.
Not participating.
Rai'kanna seemed comfortable.
Confident.
Elara maintained focus.
Vespera analyzed the environment.
Liriel… was quieter than usual.
Focused.
The event began without delay.
A brief announcement.
Formal.
Without exaggeration.
Basic rules.
Criteria.
And then…
The first participant stepped in.
The runway was long.
Well-lit.
With enough space for full movement.
The presentation wasn't just walking.
It was positioning.
Showing control.
Presence.
The first one passed in a steady manner.
Good posture.
But common.
The audience reacted politely.
Nothing more.
Others followed.
Some better.
Others more tense.
It was possible to see who had trained.
And who hadn't.
The judges took notes.
Observed.
Without rush.
Without exaggerated reactions.
It was technical.
Direct.
I maintained the same standard.
Analyzing.
Without interfering.
Without anticipating.
Until…
Rai'kanna stepped in.
The change was immediate.
Not because of appearance.
But because of presence.
She walked without hurry.
Without stiffness.
Without exaggeration.
Different from the beginning of training.
Now…
Natural.
Her gaze firm.
But without challenge.
The rhythm controlled.
But light.
She stopped at the center point.
Turned with precision.
Without apparent effort.
And continued.
The audience reacted better.
More attentive.
More engaged.
I didn't write anything down.
As expected.
But I observed.
And she…
had evolved.
Elara came right after.
No surprise.
Impeccable posture.
Calculated movement.
Balanced expression.
Nothing out of place.
It was pure technique.
And it worked.
The audience reacted more quietly.
But respectfully.
Recognizing the control.
Vespera entered next.
Different.
Less emotional.
More… precise.
Every step seemed measured.
Every glance calculated.
She wasn't flashy.
But she was consistent.
And that held attention.
Liriel took longer.
She entered after other participants.
And unlike the others…
didn't draw attention at first.
But as she advanced…
something changed.
She didn't force anything.
Didn't try to impress.
But…
she didn't make mistakes.
And that…
accumulated.
When she reached the center, she stopped.
Looked around.
Without tension.
Without hesitation.
And moved on.
Simple.
But effective.
Lyannis watched from the outside.
Arms crossed.
Attentive.
Smiling at times.
Without interfering.
The event continued.
Other participants came.
Some stood out.
Others didn't.
But the overall level was high.
It was a serious event.
Not just appearance.
Control.
Presence.
Consistency.
Everything counted.
The judges exchanged glances.
Discreet notes.
No open discussion.
Not yet.
The first part ended.
A brief intermission.
The audience remained attentive.
Commenting.
Analyzing.
The environment was alive.
But controlled.
I stood up for a moment.
Observing the space more closely.
The structure was solid.
Safe.
Designed for that.
But something…
wasn't right.
It wasn't visible.
It wasn't clear.
But it was there.
A faint sensation.
Familiar.
Like a distant echo.
I ignored it for a moment.
Returned to my seat.
The event resumed.
And as the second phase progressed…
it became evident.
This wouldn't be decided easily.
The level was high.
And the differences…
increasingly small.
But in the middle of all that…
one thing was clear.
They weren't there just to participate.
They were truly competing.
And the way they were…
they had a chance.
A real one.
To go all the way.
The event wasn't over yet.
But the result…
was already being built.
Step by step.
Glance by glance.
With no room for mistakes.
And no margin for distraction.