Chapter 4: The Spark Ignites
Date: 11-11-400
Location: Astragar, Giant Colosseum
Event: The 100th Trial of Vaga — Festival of Mortals
A new sun rose over the city of Astragar, casting golden hues across the towers and plazas. But today was no ordinary morning. The 100th Trial of Vaga, a festival celebrating mortal strength and unity, was in full swing. Thousands surged through the capital streets toward the towering Giant Colosseum, eager to witness the latest rounds of the legendary tournament.
Inside the stone monolith, the air was electric. Murmurs turned to roars as one name echoed across the crowd—Arnox Arakan, the Spark of Arakan.
Clad in his combat armor lined with silver streaks of lightning and flame motifs, Arnox approached the arena gates with calm purpose. His eyes scanned the vast battleground, and he whistled quietly.
"It's quite a big ground," he muttered to himself.
At the match counter, he received his first opponent's profile: Zel Robert, a veteran swordsman wielding water magic. Arnox smirked.
"Water, huh? This is going to be interesting."
As the time came, Arnox stepped onto the battlefield. The sun gleamed off the polished stone floor as the gates opened.
Commentator:
"Now entering the arena! Representing the Arakan people, descendant of the warrior clan, wielder of twin elements—give it up for Arnox Arakan!
And facing him—a seasoned fighter from the Forest Titan Party, a master of the blade and water arts—Zel Robert!"
The crowd roared. Thundersticks clapped, and banners waved as the two fighters stood face to face.
Zel moved first.
"Water Prison!"
Torrents of water spiraled upward, converging around Arnox like a crushing vortex. But the boy raised his hand calmly.
"Evaporate!"
Flames burst outward, hissing against the water. Steam exploded into the air, engulfing the battlefield in mist.
Commentator (shocked):
"W-Wait a moment! Flame magic? Isn't the Arakan clan known for thunder?!"
From within the haze, Arnox's voice rang out.
"Indeed, I am a thunder user and flame user.
However… my dominant element is thunder.
I am not good in using fire."
With a surge of motion, he launched forward.
"Inferno Burst!"
Flames surged across the arena. Zel leapt aside.
"Are you underestimating me to use your weaker element?"
Zel retaliated, hurling a javelin of water.
"Water Spear!"
Arnox countered instantly.
"Evaporate Burst!"
The attack neutralized mid-air in a flash of steam. Arnox narrowed his eyes.
"If I am weak anywhere, I don't abandon it.
I improve."
Zel moved in, blade shimmering with water.
"Water Cut!"
He sliced across Arnox's arm guard, causing a minor scratch. But Arnox didn't flinch. He met Zel's eyes.
"If I have to evolve from Spark to Catastrophe,
I have to showcase what I am!"
He slammed his palm to the ground.
"Corrupt Flame!"
Three massive pillars of flame erupted around Zel, trapping him in a fiery triangle. Arnox raised his arms and gave the final command.
"Erupt!"
Flames detonated inward, bombarding Zel from all sides. The arena turned a searing red as fire reigned. Silence followed.
As the smoke cleared, Zel lay unconscious.
Commentator:
"Victory goes to Arnox Arakan, winner of Round 1, Match 7!"
Arnox turned away from the battlefield.
"Now I get attention…
Good for my clan,
But not for my quiet life."
As Arnox exited the arena corridor, a towering figure passed him—white-furred, battle-worn, and silent.
"Ursus Maritimus," someone whispered.
The stadium erupted again.
Commentator:
"Here he is! The Beastman Folk! The White Bear of the Northern Shadow! The fearsome Ursus Maritimus!"
Arnox watched the beastman walk past. Then he saw someone waiting up ahead.
"So you're next," Arnox said, spotting Nile, his new friend and a fellow noble.
"What's your match number?"
"Ninth," Nile replied.
"Nervous? Came early?"
"No. After you… it's him. Ursus Maritimus, the White Be—"
Arnox cut him off.
"As I always say… you're an archeologist and historian.
But now I think you're a spy too, huh?"
"We are nobles, not spies" Nile responded coolly.
"Our clan are the strategists of our kingdom. We learn everything we can."
The roar of the crowd returned as Ursus walked out victorious moments later.
Arnox raised an eyebrow.
"You knew he was going to win easily, didn't you?"
"Kind of."
"And your opponent? Strong?"
"Yes. I'll have a hard time grabbing the win."
"So I can expect a good fight to watch."
"Maybe."
The horn sounded again.
Commentator:
"Next up! Match Nine!"
As Nile walked toward the gate, Arnox stood in the hallway, eyes focused on the battlefield.
"Let's see what kind of strategist you are, Nile."
The gates slammed shut.
To be continued…