Hours Earlier.
Beyond the majestic city walls, under a clear sky, among green fields and trees rustling in the wind, a massive crowd of spectators had gathered. In the center of this living river stood a wooden stage.
Upon it, straight and imposing, was a man whose presence commanded both fear and respect. Dressed in an exquisite outfit that shimmered in the sunlight, he spoke so that even those at the very back of the crowd could hear him.
— Ladies and gentlemen, — he began, turning to the audience, — I, Matthew Evergreen, city lord and patron of this tournament, am pleased to see before me such a multitude of brave, determined people, gathered to celebrate courage, valor, and the spirit of competition. These qualities unite us, no matter who we are or where we come from. Today is a day of trials, where the true strength and character of each of you will be revealed.
His gaze swept over the assembled crowd, as if evaluating their resolve.
— You are all aware that the Shengsi Forest hides not only beauty, but also deadly dangers. There dwell the enemies of mankind — magical beasts. The goal of the first part of the tournament is simple: you must survive in the forest for three days, facing its threats. But survival is only half the task. Only the 256 who collect the greatest number of magical beast cores will advance to the next stage of the tournament.
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in.
— Remember, this tournament is not merely a contest for glory, but a trial that reveals the best within us. Act with honor, but do not forget caution. Let your valor carry you to the top! I am proud to be part of this great tradition. Good luck to you all.
Applause erupted in waves, rolling across the square like the sound of surf.
After the city lord's speech, representatives of the city's influential powers ascended the stage one by one. First was the head of the Mercenary Guild, Avaron Mori, a dark-skinned, muscular man with scars on his face, approximately forty years old.
Clad in dark leather armor emphasizing his combat experience, a massive sword hung across his back, commanding respect. Avaron was a man of action, not words — his short, energetic speech consisted of a few brief instructions, and he promptly left the stage without delay.
Next, an elderly man stepped forward.
Despite his age, he maintained a straight posture and broad shoulders, his confident gaze speaking of long experience. This was Lin Bo, the Grand Elder of the clan, temporarily acting as patriarch due to the latter's illness.
His speech was long, rich, and emotional, overshadowing all who had spoken before. Dressed in an elegant blue robe with wide sleeves, Lin Bo exuded wisdom and strength.
When he finished, a wave of inspiration rippled through the audience — for two reasons. First, because his speech finally ended; second, because following him onto the stage was one of the most popular figures.
This was the Matriarch of the Du Clan — Du Aiwei. Despite her fifty years, she looked like a young twenty-year-old, which invariably drew admiration.
Her appearance, charming and refined, had long made her one of the city's most beautiful women. Her voice was soft as silk and pleasant to the ear. Her speech, though not original, elicited thunderous applause comparable to that following Lin Bo.
After her, another elder ascended, but he was markedly different from Lin Bo.
This was the Patriarch of the Wang Clan — Wang Xian. Time had not spared his body: a hunched back and a cane he relied on clearly spoke of advanced age.
He appeared about seventy, though in truth he was 109. His black eyes, a distinctive trait of the Great Clans, glimmered with insight.
Unlike previous speakers, his speech was brief but profound, steeped in ancient wisdom.
Finally came Xue Shen, patriarch of the Xue Clan and father of Qinxuan. His appearance on stage caused whispers among the crowd.
Notably, no representative of the Merchant Guild was present, which puzzled many. This fact hung in the air like a silent question to which no one had an answer.
***
Slightly apart from the main crowd, Delia stood beside Qinxuan. Her eyes followed the figure of the city lord descending from the stage.
Noticing her gaze, Qinxuan asked:
— Impressive?
— His aura pressed down like a mountain; I've never felt anything like it. — Delia admitted with a sigh.
— Well, that's not surprising. He's the only warrior of the Celestial Rank in the city; it's not without reason that he appeared on stage. He needed to demonstrate his power to the people.
— The only one?
— It's common knowledge — yes, there are no others. But I believe there are a few hidden masters.
— Why do you think so?
— Call it intuition.
— Intuition, ha! — Delia barely accepted the answer and decided to change the topic.
— And who's that guy standing next to the city lord?
Her attention was drawn to a man in heavy armor, holding a helmet, standing beside Evergreen.
— Oh, that's his son — Marcus Evergreen.
— Isn't that your fiancé? — Delia recalled the unpleasant character.
— Exactly. — Qinxuan nodded.
— Interesting. Is he participating in the tournament?
{Is it too bloodthirsty to get rid of him in the forest?} — dark thoughts crept into Delia's mind.
— No, he has just recently entered the Earth Rank.
— So what?
Qinxuan gave her a strange look:
— Do you even know the tournament's participation conditions?
— Uhh, no! — Delia hesitated — Heh-heh, I kind of forgot about that.
— Only city natives under twenty-five and below the Earth Rank may enter the tournament.
— O-oh-oh.
{Then I'll let him be for now.} — Delia thought, nodding to herself.
— H-m-mm? — A sudden flash from the side shocked Delia, pulling her out of her daydream.
Reacting, she realized it was Qinxuan, who moments ago had been calmly talking to her, now radiating a negative and dangerous aura.
For the first time since they met, Delia saw her friend lose her composure.
Following her friend's gaze and listening carefully, she understood the reason.