Bane's astute observation captured Haruto's attention as a swell of nerves began to unsettle him. Sylvie, exchanging a tense look with her sister among the Vanguards, seemed to confirm the gravity of what they were about to face. As the arena quieted down, the sound of trumpets heralded the arrival of King Drago, commanding immediate reverence with his mere presence. The air thickened with anticipation and a palpable sense of awe as the King took his place on the viewing platform, his royal bearing intensifying the atmosphere.
"Greetings, Participants. I am King Drago," his voice boomed across the plaza, each word resonating with authority and capturing the collective attention of the crowd. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Mordell, where we hope your dreams will come true as you partake in this year's Warlord Initiation."
Haruto, not usually one for pomp, found himself impressed by the King's eloquence and presence. Beside him, Bane whispered in admiration, "Now that is a warrior. His presence alone rivals the three Tribesmen of my kingdom."
The King continued, his tone shifting to a more serious cadence. "For first-time participants, the favored format has been a free-for-all tournament. However, recent events beyond our control have necessitated a change. This year, we employ a method that tests not only your courage but your ability to work as a team, demonstrate merit, bravery, and strength—all qualities befitting a Warlord."
The crowd murmured, their confusion and curiosity piqued by the deviation from tradition. Whispers and speculative glances were exchanged, everyone trying to decipher what the King meant by a more 'specific method'.
Sylvie looked uneasily at Haruto, shaking her head when he asked if her sister had shared any details. "All she said was to be prepared for Plan B," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
The King's next words cut through the rising buzz of the crowd. "The beasts known to roam these lands have begun to exhibit unusual behaviors. They have become smarter, more vicious, and their fighting capabilities have enhanced."
This revelation stirred a wave of unrest among the participants, with scattered voices echoing their disbelief and concern.
"For this year's initiation, your objective is clear: eliminate these enhanced enemies," King Drago declared, his voice resolute. "Those doubting their readiness may withdraw now without judgment and may try again at the next initiation."
A heavy silence followed the King's offer. No one moved; the idea of withdrawing seemed tantamount to admitting cowardice.
With a solemn nod, the King concluded, "Do your best, and good luck to you all." With those final words, he departed, and the atmosphere shifted dramatically as portals began to open across the field.
Bane unsheathed his dual swords with a warrior's reflex. "Everyone, get ready!!!" he roared, rallying the participants.
Haruto and Sylvie instinctively formed a back-to-back triangle with Bane, bracing themselves as creatures of all kinds surged through the portals:
- Mountain Boars with their formidable tusks,
- Jungle Ligers, sleek and deadly,
- Ifrits, their fiery eyes betraying a sinister intelligence,
- Wood Ogres, towering and relentless.
The chaos was immediate and unforgiving. "Noone better not get in my way or you can only blame yourself for me being impolite." A huge burly man stated confidently as he unsheathed a giant broadsword. He was one of the few many expected to pass the Initiation. Immediately a giant mouth could be seen devouring his head as a giant Jungle Liger stepped out a portal that had spawned right behind the participant. Just like that he had died. As the nearby participants stared in horror, many of the participants, caught off-guard beneath the portals, followed suit and fell victim to the beasts before they could react. The arena became a brutal test of survival and skill as the smarter, mutated beasts employed tactics that suggested a horrifying evolution.
Haruto, Sylvie, and Bane found themselves not just fighting for advancement in the initiation but battling for their very lives against a tide of creatures that defied their understanding of the natural order.