Alaryc woke up slowly, the morning light streaming through the curtains. A familiar voice echoed in his mind:
"Good morning, Master. Did you have a good night's sleep?" asked Freya, her voice soft yet vibrant.
"Yes, thank you, Freya." Alaryc stretched, feeling his muscles still slightly sore from the previous day's training. He turned toward the neighboring bed and saw Jake waking up as well.
"Morning, Alaryc. Sleep well?" Jake asked, rubbing his eyes.
"Yeah, and you?" Alaryc replied with a smile.
"Like a baby!" Jake laughed as he got up to get ready.
After washing up and getting dressed, the two friends headed down to join Maria, Alice, and Silvarya in the main hall.
"Good morning, everyone!" Maria called out cheerfully as she saw them approach.
"Morning!" they responded in unison.
Alice and Silvarya greeted them as well, and after a bit of light conversation, the group made their way to the main hall where the other students were gathered.
The atmosphere was tense. The other participants watched them with scrutinizing eyes, their gazes full of suspicion.
"They're wary of us," Maria whispered.
"Probably because we're in first place," Jake shrugged.
Alaryc observed the stares, his expression calm but alert. He simply said, "Let's stay focused on what matters."
A Break Before the Battle
Moments later, the commentator spoke in a loud and energetic voice:
"Good morning, everyone! The tournament will resume in two hours. I recommend all participants head to the dining hall for a hearty meal to regain their energy. You'll need it!"
Following the advice, Alaryc and his friends headed to the dining hall. They grabbed trays and selected various nutritious dishes to prepare for the long day ahead. Sitting around a table, they discussed their strategies.
"The battles are probably going to get tougher from here on," Alaryc said thoughtfully.
"Yeah, but we're ready," Jake said enthusiastically.
Silvarya nodded. "We just need to stay focused."
After finishing their meal, they decided to spend the remaining time training. They headed to the grand training hall, where most of the participants had gathered.
The room was filled with a palpable energy. Students were training with impressive intensity—some honing their weapon skills, others perfecting their magical techniques.
"Everyone's giving it their all," Maria commented.
Alaryc observed carefully. "Most of them have average skill levels, but a few show good potential."
"And the strongest ones?" Jake asked, looking around.
"Good question... I don't see them here. Maybe they're training elsewhere."
Silvarya interrupted his thoughts. "Alaryc, want to train with me?"
Alaryc nodded. "Sure."
For about thirty minutes, they trained together. Silvarya focused on perfecting her quick strikes, while Alaryc tested combinations of spells and defensive techniques.
The Announcement of Fighters
A few hours later, the commentator's voice echoed through the halls:
"All participants, please head to the arena for the next stage of the tournament!"
Alaryc and his friends made their way to the arena, joining the other students. Each participant took their place in their kingdom's tribune.
The commentator stood at the center of the arena, waiting for everyone to settle before speaking:
"Thank you for your patience, everyone. I will now announce the next two fighters!"
A murmur of excitement spread through the crowd.
"The next battle will be... Mia, from the Kingdom of Solaria, versus Silvarya, from the Kingdom of Castille!"
Alaryc and his friends cheered and encouraged Silvarya.
"You can do it, Silvarya!" Maria shouted.
"Give it your all!" Jake added.
Alaryc, more serious, approached Silvarya. "Don't underestimate your opponent. Remember what we worked on in training."
Silvarya, blushing slightly, smiled. "Don't worry. I'll do my best."
She descended to the arena, her expression determined. Upon arriving, she saw Mia, another elf, already waiting.
The two young women exchanged a haughty glance, each confident in her superiority.
"May the best fighter win," Mia said coldly.
"Good luck to you too," Silvarya replied, her tone calm yet confident.
The referee stepped forward to the center of the arena. "Are you ready?" he asked.
"Yes!" they both answered simultaneously.
The referee raised his hand and blew the whistle to signal the start of the battle...