After the presentations and words of welcome, a silence fell upon the crowded arena. The competitors awaited in their positions, breathing deeply in expectation.
The emperor raised his hands. "Let the tournament begin!"
The crowd exploded in cheers and applause. Flags of vivid colors fluttered in the stands. The announcer shouted the first names: "Catharine versus Arthan!". The warriors faced each other in the center of the arena. Catharine purred, preparing her claws. While Arthan son of Marcus, using a dragonskin armor positioned himself. Arthan was the champion of the great tournament of the previous year, for this reason, he did not need to go through the preliminaries and was placed directly in the main tournament.
The sound of the gong echoed. At that moment, Catharine disappeared in a blur. Arthan fixed his eyes, barely dodging her lightning-fast zigzagging. The audience howled, on the arena edges. The first duel promised emotion! Meanwhile, backstage, the other competitors watched attentively, studying the opponents. Kal remained calm, but his eyes burned with ardent determination. Lilla also observed, anxious for her own battles under the mask of Sunflower. This would be her greatest challenge so far. And so began the awaited great tournament, with an excited crowd in the stands, ready to thrill at each epic fight!
Now Arthan pressed against Catharine with his great two-handed sword striking strongly the ground making the whole arena tremble, Catharine dodges rapidly but is astonished by the son of the general's strength. She realizes that he uses brute force to win his fights and if the rumors about his family are true, even more so he would have his physical characteristics enhanced: "People say that the guy's grandfather, the general Marcus' father sealed a pact with a dragon, receiving a great increase in his physical traits. I have to be careful with his brute strength" thought Catharine.
The woman-cat comes to the conclusion that to be able to defeat last tournament's champion she would have to do something different from what she has been doing so far. For a while Arthan attacked her with brute force making her dodge and distance herself. People were restless waiting to see the same Catharine from the preliminaries, however this was an experienced warrior and all caution against him was little. On the other hand Arthan, being an experienced fighter, and having observed all the preliminaries, knew that Catharine's specialty was agility, but he also knew that she had not shown her true strength yet. He continued pressing Catharine until at one moment while attacking the woman-cat, Arthan noticed that she was getting quicker and faster to dodge the attacks: "You seem faster now than before, are you hiding your true abilities?" Arthan asks: "I'm getting faster, or are you getting slower?" Catharine replied.
Arthan knew he couldn't be getting slower, after all he had been through harder and longer battles and never in his life had he been tired in so little time of fight: "Unless she has conjured some magic or poisoned me somehow" Arthan thought. "But how, I've been keeping in the defensive since the beginning of the fight. She couldn't have done something without me noticing." Catharine's speed continued to increase, up to the point of being able to hit a blow from her dagger on Arthan's armor. Catharine gives a small smile and says:
"What's happening to the former arena champion, seems like he's getting tired !!!"
The audience that before was waiting for something more from Catharine, after this sequence again exploded with excitement at what was happening, the arena was divided, half shouted Arthan's name while the other shouted for Catharine. The fight was starting to get divided and every minute that passed, it seemed that Catharine was gaining the advantage. Arthan filled his mind with thoughts about how she could be getting faster, or how he could be getting slower. Catharine conjures an ability: "3nd level Ability: Superhuman Agility" preparing to try the final blow. She knew that to bring down the former champion, it would have to be a precise blow.
Catharine advances with extreme agility to hit a vital point of Arthan. However, before reaching the point Arthan with great speed manages to grab Catharine's dagger and with a powerful blow throws her away. "Do you think this is enough to defeat me". Arthan runs towards the woman-cat. "I was never slower, nor were you faster." He once again gives her another powerful blow throwing her away and making her spit a lot of blood.
"You really think I've never heard of the ability to confuse the mind of your opponent"
"I had never seen it personally, but I've read about it in books, and it's an ability used in the voice to confuse the opponent by filling them with thoughts and ideas"
"This Ability is very old and little used" - says Arthan.
Catharine slowly gets up feeling a lot of pain from the suffered injury.
"How did you realize?" - Catharine asks.
"My mind was full of thoughts, one after another diminishing my perception of our combat and making you seem faster."
"I just conjured a counter-magic on me when before you hit me with your dagger."
"When my reflexes returned, I realized it could only be magic or some mana ability and not poison or such things" - says Arthan walking towards Catharine.
Arthan once again advances over Catharine who was still dizzy from the strong blow she received. The crowd went wild with Arthan's turnaround, the side that supported him shouted louder while the side that supported Catharine was quieter. In his charge, Arthan hits a blow so powerful that a large cloud of dust covered the entire arena preventing people from seeing what happened. When the dust settled, the audience contemplated Arthan with his sword embedded in the ground and Catharine on the other side of the arena in a quadruped position like a true animal.
"Ouch... ouch... I didn't think I would have to use this already in my first fight."
"3rd circle Divine Magic: Spirit Animal"
A bright light began to surround Catharine's entire body enveloping her like a bright outfit in the shape of a large feline. Catharine advances at an unnatural speed hitting the great armor's pauldron and scratching it with her sharp claws. Arthan was astonished by the agility Catharine now has, and on top of that still managed to scratch armor made of dragon scales. Moving with great speed Catharine could hit consecutive blows on Arthan who could only defend himself. Catharine roars with the fury of a wild beast, putting Arthan on the defensive. However, he is not the current champion for nothing. Breathing deeply, he concentrates his energy.
"4th circle Fire Magic: Dragon Armor!"
His body glows, transforming into flames. An incandescent scale armor reinforces him. The heat of the fight rises several degrees. The adversaries stare at each other, breathing heavily. The crowd holds its breath, tense. Then Catharine advances, like an impetuous speed. But Arthan, in an indomitable state, jumps very high! From up there, he spits fire.
"5th circle Fire Magic: Flames of the Dragon!"
Catharine dodges feline instincts, jumping crazily from side to side with unbelievable speed. Arthan's eyes follow each movement. He dives down, with his flaming blade. The impact shakes the ground. Catharine rolls, injured. She gets up slowly: "You're not the only one with cards up your sleeve!". Invoking another divine magic, her form rises, enlarging itself. "5th circle divine magic: Evolution", with a larger energy form, she attacks. The impact of claws outweighs the roar of the hysterical crowd. Catharine, majestic divine panther, faces Dragon Arthan. The climax of the battle approaches, with the champions in their most epic forms. Only one will emerge victorious!
The divine panther Catharine plunges in a hail of lightning with her speed, but the dragon Arthan strikes back with even hotter flames from his sword in response. The two warriors become entangled in an incandescent whirlwind of light, shaking the arena. Suddenly, Arthan grabs Catharine, jumping as high as possible. Up there, he squeezes the woman-cat's neck, about to perform his ability to make her form disappear. However, Catharine once again uses her voice, summoning her last strengths. A mental blast tears Arthan from his control, throwing him into a free fall. Even injured, the warrior manages to fall back onto the arena on his feet. Catharine descends in a spiral, ending her divine form. Exhausted, she falls to her knees amidst the crowd's roars. Arthan falls beside her, recovering his consciousness. They both look at each other, breathing with difficulty. She extends her hand to him, in recognition of his epic victory. He helps her rise, before the crowd's delirium.
The victory is Arthan's, however Catharine leaves with her head held high, having bravely proven her place among the greatest warriors of the kingdom. A new legend was born that afternoon, under the laurels of courage and glory in battle. The crowd was in delirium in the city of waters' arena. The last fight had been unforgettable, with Catharine and Arthan engaging in an epic duel that entertained everyone. Finally, Arthan prevailed over the warrior from Leoria. The announcer raised his arms, asking for silence from the crowd.
"My lords, pay attention! Now we will have a fight that promises to be: facing the enigmatic Sunflower, we have the colossal Brutus!"
Cries and applause exploded in the arena. On the opposite side, the small masked figure of Sunflower entered. Next to her, a giant over two meters rose, with an advantageous stature. His name was synonymous with brute strength. Behind the mask, Lilla felt her heart racing. She knew facing Brutus would be her greatest challenge so far in the tournament. She turned to look at the upper stands, looking for Kal. Upon seeing him, she felt a certain comfort in his kind eyes. She took a deep breath, focusing on the fight. Brutus growled in the direction of his opponent. It was obvious he did not take her seriously because of her small stature. Lilla smiled under the mask, eager to prove that appearances were deceiving. The signal sounded, beginning what promised to be another memorable battle.
Brutus' war cry echoed through the arena at the moment the signal sounded, beginning the fight. Lilla did not wait for him to charge at her, anticipating his first move. With a graceful somersault, she activated her "Step on the Waters" ability and slid lightly over the arena surface. Brutus invested with a powerful punch, but she barely escaped, dodging agilely. However, fighting at a distance would not be enough. No matter how fast she was, Lilla's fencing lacked the strength to bring down the giant. She needed to find an opening and attack with precision.
Brutus growled, trying to hit her amid agile movements. Lilla avoided him barely, analyzing the weak points in the opponent's defense. Meanwhile, the crowd vibrated with the masked woman's dexterity, but also longed for the moment of the counterattack. It was when he hesitated after a punch, momentarily leaving himself unprotected. Lilla slid nimbly and lightly struck one of Brutus' knees with the blade. He roared in pain, yet still stood. The princess knew she needed to be bolder to win that battle. The challenge had only begun.
Lilla felt she needed to prove her worth in this fight. Behind the mask, her dreams of freedom and independence burned. Since childhood she had heard from tutors that her duty was to form a politically advantageous alliance through marriage. But in her heart, she longed for her own destiny, where she could choose her path without the shackles of tradition. Brutus roared again, trying to hit her amid agile movements. Lilla avoided him barely, analyzing the weak points in the opponent's defense. Meanwhile, the crowd vibrated with the masked woman's dexterity, but also longed for the moment of the counterattack. Brutus roared again, trying to hit her amid agile movements. Lilla avoided him with grace, but her mind wandered. She wanted her father to see her in that arena and realize her potential as a warrior, not just as a bargaining chip in dynastic negotiations.
It was then that she realized he had once again left a vulnerable point. With agility, she slid behind Brutus and wrapped her arm around his neck, pressing the blade against the giant's throat. He bellowed, struggling furiously. But she was firm in her grip and did not yield an inch. The audience watched in suspense, unsure of the outcome. It was when Brutus began to grow pale... would this be the fate of the great warrior? Lilla breathed deeply, looking at her father in the imperial box seats. "Trust in me," she thought. She loosened her grip and released Brutus, who fell to his knees, panting. Had victory been hers?
The audience exploded in screams at seeing Lilla releasing Brutus, believing the masked woman had won. But she had become distracted for a moment amid dreams of being acknowledged. Brutus roared furiously upon realizing he had been at her mercy. With brutality, he struck Lilla's face with a punch, knocking her down. The princess tasted blood in her mouth and saw her arm throbbing in pain. The sound of breaking bone made the crowd gasp. Brutus raised his bloody limb, ready to deliver the mercy blow. Lilla realized, horrified, that her mask had begun to come loose. If it fell now, her disguise would be uncovered and dishonor her before her father. With her free hand, she held her face tightly as she writhed in pain.
Brutus advanced, preparing the final blow. But then he hesitated, looking at the nearly ruined mask. He growled, confused. Lilla twisted trying to remain conscious, her broken arm throbbing painfully. Silence fell over the arena. What fate did the gods have in store for the masked woman? Would her true nature be revealed in the most dishonorable way possible? The giant raised his weapon once more as the crowd held its breath. The blade descended vertiginously towards Lilla, who could barely move with her broken arm. The audience let out a cry of horror, certain the battle was over.
But at the last instant, amid unconsciousness, she managed to roll to the side, barely avoiding the blow. Brutus roared in frustration. The princess dragged herself, almost fainting, until she leaned against the edge of the stands. Then she looked up and gazed at Kal in the stands. He watched her with calmness and confidence, as if he knew she would win. That look brought her renewed strength. Within herself, she felt her ancestral power awakening. Under the damaged mask, a crystalline blue glow began to emanate, illuminating her face. A powerful magical aura enveloped her injured body. Slowly, Lilla stood up, ignoring the excruciating pain in her arm. Brutus stopped, stunned, feeling the sudden increase in power. She raised her intact hand and, with a firm gesture, a concentration of crystalline blue mana formed.
With a growl, she launched her final blow against the giant, "3rd level Ability: Flowing". That unleashed a blast of condensed mana like a strong wave violently hitting the rocks. Brutus could do little to defend himself against the powerful ability. He was thrown far away, falling almost unconscious. The crowd screamed in euphoria, but fell silent immediately when they saw Brutus moving. Slowly, he rose amidst groans, to general incredulity.
Lilla watched, panting. Her ability had been powerful, but not enough. The fight was not over yet. Very injured, she concentrated what was left of her strength in her intact hand, while supporting the broken arm. Brutus growled once more, charging at her with hatred in his eyes. This time, however, Lilla was prepared. With a fluid motion, she escaped his blow and dealt a precise cut to the giant's leg with her short sword. He howled in pain. The princess continued to move with grace despite her injuries. She delivered sure blows whenever she found openings, while evading with mastery the enraged leaps of Brutus.
The crowd debated whether this was real - how could the small and injured masked one still resist the fury of the colossus? Was there magic involved or just skill as a warrior? Exhausted, the fighters faced each other. It was then that Lilla made her final move, an elegant spin that disarmed Brutus. She pointed the blade to his neck, victorious. The giant fell to his knees, defeated. The audience exploded in cheers for the masked woman.
She could barely celebrate, Lilla felt her strength leaving her. The injuries finally took their toll and she collapsed, fainting. Quickly, Kal descended into the arena. Carefully, he lifted the injured princess's body in his arms. The young man contemplated her face tenderly, proud of the courage she had shown in that epic battle. Lilla now slept peacefully, oblivious to the cheers that shook the stands. The crowd praised in delirium the daring masked one who had challenged all odds, facing the giant with bravery until her final breath. Her valor and fighting skill would make her legend endure.
Kal lifted Lilla's light body, a sign of her triumph. People threw flowers in the arena while cheering her name. That night, the story of the brave Sunflower would spread across all lands of the empire, immortalizing her bravery for all eras.
Carefully, Kal took Lilla to the festival infirmary. There, the healers treated her series of injuries with mastery. Her broken arm was healed with magic, making the pain cease. Still weak, the princess opened her eyes slightly and saw the young man by her side, watching over her.
"Kal... you brought me here!" she whispered, giving a faint smile.
"You are an incredible warrior, Lilla. You fought with all your bravery until the end," he replied, proud.
She felt her heart warm at such admiration. She had always seen Kal as someone strong and reliable, but in that moment she realized her feelings went beyond that. She settled into the bed better, feeling unconsciousness returning. But first, she took Kal's hands in hers affectionately.
"Thank you for being with me. Your presence gives me strength," she confessed, breathlessly.
He looked at her tenderly, holding her hand until she fell asleep. Lilla finally gave in to rest.