As we bid farewell to the Bishop, we made our way back to Lady Calliope's estate. The tournament was just two days away, and today was the day when the names of the opponents would be announced. I couldn't help but feel a bit excited about the upcoming competition, as it would serve as a great test of my strength. Who knows, maybe I would even spot some exceptional talent that would be worth recruiting.
As we arrived at Lady Calliope's estate, the same knight from earlier greeted us with a message, "Master Lucas, Lady Calliope wishes to see you."
Without any hesitation, I replied, "Lead the way." I couldn't help but wonder who my opponent would be in the upcoming tournament. I was hoping for someone who would atleast last a few minutes with me and allow me to showcase my skills.
As we reached the training ground, Lady Calliope came into view, clad in her armor and exuding an aura of authority that demanded respect. It was evident that she was a seasoned warrior, and her presence on the battlefield would be formidable.
"Greetings, Lucas," she said in a firm but cordial tone. "I trust you are prepared for the tournament?"
I nodded my head, feeling a sense of respect and reverence for Lady Calliope. Her reputation as a skilled fighter preceded her.
"As prepared as I can be, Lady Calliope," I replied with a slight bow.
"Excellent," she said with a nod of approval. "I look forward to seeing what you are capable of in the tournament. Your opponent has been chosen, and I am confident that it will be a worthy challenge for you."
"His name is Wavier, a top prospect in Silvergrade," Lady Calliope informed me. She didn't give any further information, as she felt it would have given me an unfair advantage.
I couldn't help but feel intrigued. "Interesting. I'll have to keep that in mind," I replied
I then turned to Lady Calliope and said, "So, have you been able to secure the meeting after the tournament?"
"Yes," she replied confidently. "You'll be able to meet with the individuals right after the tournament concludes."
However, Lady Calliope quickly cautioned me, "But I must warn you, Master Lucas, to not act out during the tournament. There will be some powerful people watching, so dont act out of line."
I nodded in understanding. "Rest assured, Lady Calliope, I am fully capable of handling myself."
Lady Calliope gave me a curt nod and gestured me to leave before turning to resume her training.
—-------------------------------------
Two days had passed and I found myself waiting in a room just before entering the Colosseum. Andrew was next to me, sharpening my sword while I put on my armor. It was a beautiful piece of work, the likes of which I had never seen before. The armor had been crafted with exceptional skill, and every detail was immaculate. It was expensive, but it was worth every penny.
The armor shimmered in the light, reflecting a dazzling array of colors with every movement. The surface of the armor was smooth and flawless, as if carved from a single piece of enchanted crystal. The intricate patterns etched into the armor seemed to shift and dance in the light, lending an otherworldly quality to the entire ensemble. And above all the family crest shined.
Just then, a servant entered the waiting room and announced that it was my turn to enter the Colosseum. Andrew handed me my sword, and I quickly sheathed it. As I made my way towards the Colosseum, I felt an overwhelming sense of confidence. I was certain that no one in my age group could beat me, except for the hero.
As I stepped into the Colosseum, the roar of the crowd echoed through the arena, and I could feel the ground tremble beneath my feet. The energy was electric, and I knew that this was the moment I had been waiting for. I raised my hand and waved to the crowd, and they erupted in cheers, their voices echoing off the walls.
As my eyes scanned the crowd, I caught a glimpse of Lady Calliope, standing tall and proud among the other nobles in her private box. Their was another box where only one man was seated his red eyes locked onto me giving me a weird feeling but I choose to ignore it.
I turned my attention back to the arena, where my opponent was now entering from the opposite side. He was average height and muscular, with a serious expression on his face.
As Wavier made his way towards me, I sized him up, trying to gauge his skill level
"Good luck," I said, extending my hand for a handshake.
Wavier hesitated for a moment before shaking my hand, his grip firm and strong. "May the best warrior win," he said, his voice steady and confident.
As we waited for the match to begin, a knight entered the arena. He would serve as the referee and ensure that no one got killed or cheated during the fight.
"Participants Lucas and Waiver, I want to make it clear that there will be no cheating or attempts to kill during this match. When your opponent is beaten, you will retreat and stop all fighting. Understood?" The knight declared firmly.
"Understood," we both repeated, acknowledging the rules of the match.
The knight gave us a nod of confirmation, signaling the start of the match.
Waiver quickly unsheathed his sword, eager to begin the fight. But I simply stood there with a smile on my face, refusing to unsheathe my sword.
Waiver looked at me incredulously and asked, "Are you not going to unsheathe your sword?"
I looked him in the eyes and replied, "Why bother?"
"Very well, but don't blame me if you get injured," he said, his fiery eyes betraying a wounded pride. I could sense that I had gotten under his skin.
Waiver charged at me, his sword blazing with fiery magic. But I simply sidestepped him, using my ice magic to create a slippery patch on the ground. Waiver lost his balance and stumbled , giving me an opportunity to strike.
I created a spear of ice and hurled it at him, but he managed to block it with his sword. He then retaliated with a blast of fire. I raised my hand and conjured a shield of snowflakes around me, ready for his attacks.
Waiver was getting frustrated as his fireballs were easily blocked by my shield. I chuckled and taunted him, "Is that all you've got?"
He gritted his teeth and launched another attack, but it was no use. I easily dodged his flames, my movements smooth and effortless. "You need to be more focused," I advised him, "try aiming for my blind spots."
My advice was genuine but Waiver was too angry to listen. He launched a massive fire wave towards me, but I conjured an ice wall which quickly stopped. I stood there, unscathed by the heat. "You're not even trying," I mocked him.
Suddenly my smile dropped, and a cold chill swept over the battlefield. I looked at Waiver, who began to shiver uncontrollably as the temperature dropped suddenly. I approached him, his mind barely hanging onto consciousness.
With a flick of my wrist, I extinguished all of Waiver's flames, leaving him unable to move. "Fall," I spoke with a stern voice, and with that simple word, Waiver collapsed, defeated.