The grand hall fell silent as Reyzen stood before Kaito and Kiara, his arms crossed, his gaze sharp.
"Kaito," he began, "you asked about the tournament. Let me tell you what you're stepping into."
He strode to the center, his presence heavy. "This isn't just a tournament. It's the Grand Ascension, held once every five years in the kingdom of Velariax. Open to all—regardless of race, age, or status. Humans, elves, beastfolk, dwarves, fairies—anyone can enter."
Kaito leaned forward, eyes gleaming.
"The tournament has nine rounds," Reyzen continued. "Eight class-based matches and one final all-out battle. Each participant chooses a class—Warrior, Mage, Assassin, Beastmaster, and so on. Every class has its own rules. For example, in the Warrior Class, you may wield a weapon and use only basic reinforcement magic. No fireballs or teleportation—just pure martial combat."
Kaito listened intently, gripping the edge of his chair.
"I won the Warrior Class years ago," Reyzen said, a rare grin forming on his face. "And your mother—Selena—won the Mage Class. She was crowned Mage Queen for her brilliance."
Selena smiled faintly. "I didn't participate in the finals back then. Family matters."
Kaito turned to her in awe.
Reyzen's voice dropped low. "At the end of the tournament, each class winner faces the others. No rules. Anything goes. Magic, swordsmanship, martial arts. The one who defeats all the class champions earns the title of Prominent Winner."
He paused, then added, "That title hasn't changed in ten years."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Ten years?"
"Yes," Reyzen nodded. "The current Prominent Winner is a monster of a man. The only one who has ever defeated me. A man who returned alive after slaying a dragon—with five ribs broken and a shattered leg."
Selena looked away. "Even I wouldn't want to face him unprepared."
Kaito clenched his fists. "And I want to fight him."
Reyzen gave a serious nod. "Then you need to be stronger. Much stronger. Right now, you're not even on par with my elite guards—and many of the tournament entrants are far above that level."
Kaito remained silent.
"That's why you'll face a trial," Reyzen said. "Selena will create a pocket dimension—a magical realm filled with lethal threats. You must survive one hour inside it. And make no mistake—if you die there, you die here."
Kiara gasped.
"But," Reyzen continued, "you won't be sent in blind. You'll train. With the best."
He clapped his hands. Three figures stepped into the room—each one radiating power.
"Your first instructor," Reyzen gestured, "is Gorrim Ironhide, a retired dwarven champion. He'll build your stamina and endurance. He'll break your bones and remake them stronger."
Gorrim grunted, his beard like iron chains. "You'll scream, boy. But by the time I'm done, you'll outlast storms."
"Second," Reyzen pointed to a floating figure—elegant, ethereal, dangerous. "Kaelis Windwhisper, a fairy tactician. She'll teach you how to dodge, how to read spells, and how to wield high-level magic like it's second nature."
Kaelis gave a small smile. "Try not to die during my lessons, prince."
"And lastly," Reyzen motioned to the towering beastkin with scars etched across his chest. "Ragnar Fangclaw. Once a gladiator who killed kings in the arena. He'll teach you speed, raw power, and precision."
Ragnar chuckled. "You'll bleed. A lot. But you'll learn to kill with every breath."
Each tutor bowed briefly. Kaito looked between them, swallowing his nerves.
"You'll spend one month with each instructor," Reyzen said. "In lands suited to their training. You start with Gorrim—deep in the Molgrim Mountains of the Dwarven Kingdom. Alone."
Kaito's heart raced.
"As for you," Reyzen turned to Kiara. "You'll be trained by Selena herself. There's no better mage in the realm."
Kiara stood tall. "Yes, Father! I'll do my best. I'll protect Kaito, and I'll grow stronger than ever."
Selena walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll make sure you're ready."
Reyzen stepped forward, arms behind his back. "The world is changing. War is inevitable now. We've secured the support of five noble houses—though only three can offer troops right now. That's about 15,000 soldiers. Add our elite Bloodcrest legion, and we have 25,000."
He narrowed his eyes. "But that'll leave our allies vulnerable. We must end this war quickly. Cleanly."
Kaito nodded solemnly.
"But amidst the coming chaos," Reyzen added, "this tournament could bring us honor… or danger. The entire continent will watch it. And some already whisper your name, Kaito."
Kaito raised his eyes, burning with determination. "Then let them watch."
A brief silence filled the room. Selena smiled, then gently hugged both her children.
"No matter what happens," she said softly, "we'll face it together."
Outside, a carriage waited to take Kaito toward the mountains. As he stepped toward it, Reyzen placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Return stronger… or don't return at all."
Kaito looked up at him. "I will. And I'll win that tournament."
The wind howled. The mountains called. And the journey began.