The next morning, Rivermere buzzed with an electric energy as the entire city burst into celebration. Streamers of vibrant colors adorned the streets, children ran around wearing mock armor, and merchants yelled over the crowd to peddle competition-themed souvenirs. From banners to garlands, it seemed no surface in the city was left undecorated.
Excitement was palpable. Every corner of the city hummed with chatter about strategies, past champions, and predictions for the upcoming event. The competition wasn't just a pastime—it was the heart of Rivermere's identity.
Ren, Skorn, Talos, and Olivia made their way through the bustling streets, heading toward the forested arena where the event would take place. As they walked, their group drew more than a few curious stares, whispers trailing behind them.
"Look at that bunch...they're participating?"
"Wait, is that a reptile-man with a giant hammer? What's he doing here?"
"what is that guy holding in his hand? A book? ...Who brings a bookworm to a competition?"
"Hey, that elf looks beautiful! Is she going to fight? My bet is on her haha"
"Are they serious? They look more like a traveling circus than a team!"
Ren smirked as he overheard some of the chatter. "Traveling circus, huh? Guess I'm the ringmaster," he muttered under his breath.
Skorn adjusted his hammer on his back and glanced at Ren. "Alright, fearless leader, what's the plan for not dying today?"
"We need a way to communicate during the fight without screaming like lunatics," Ren replied, brushing off the noise.
"I've got an idea," Skorn said with a smirk. "How about we all just...stare at each other really intensely? That's subtle, right?"
Talos chuckled, pushing his glasses up his beak-like nose. "Subtlety isn't exactly your strong suit, Skorn. But hey, I could bring a notepad and write notes mid-fight."
"Brilliant idea, Talos. While you're jotting down strategies, the opponents will be jotting down our gravesites," Ren retorted with a raised eyebrow.
Olivia, walking steadily despite her healing injury, tilted her head. "Can't we just use hand signals?"
Skorn snapped his fingers. "Right! Like, thumbs up for 'I'm good', and thumbs down for 'I'm about to die'. Simple!"
Ren sighed, rolling his eyes. "That's not how hand signals work, Skorn. Besides, you'd probably forget what each one means halfway through."
"I'm deeply offended by that," Skorn replied, mock clutching his chest. "I'd at least make it through the first round."
Their banter brought amused glances from nearby competitors and townsfolk. The group's dynamic, though unconventional, seemed to radiate a strange confidence that was hard to ignore.
As they reached the forested arena, the energy of the event seeped into them, igniting a determination beneath their joking façade. Ren adjusted his gloves, stealing a glance at his team. "Alright, maniacs, this is it. Let's show them what this 'circus' can do."
"Call me a clown again, and you're eating dirt," Skorn grumbled with a grin, swinging his hammer over his shoulder.
"Promises, promises," Ren shot back as they stepped into the arena.
...
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as participants stood in small groups, preparing for the upcoming challenge. Teams sized up one another, whispers and hurried strategies passing through the crowd like a ripple. Ren, Olivia, Skorn, and Talos kept to themselves, carefully observing their soon-to-be opponents.
"Looks like a lot of muscle," Skorn muttered, eying a burly team clad in heavy armor.
"And not a lot of brain," Ren added, smirking. "Let's hope they trip over their egos."
Suddenly, a booming voice echoed across the grounds. The announcer, standing tall on a wooden platform, addressed the crowd with a flourish.
"Participants, welcome to Rivermere's legendary Fighting Competition!" His voice carried an air of authority and showmanship, immediately silencing the crowd.
"Prepare yourselves! In just one hour, you will enter the forest arena behind me for a test of strength, skill, and teamwork!"
He gestured grandly toward the sprawling forest behind him.
"This entire forest will be your battlefield!
Your objective: eliminate your opponents to claim victory! Every person you eliminate earns your team 1 point. Wipe out an entire team? That's a bonus of 5 points!"
A murmur spread through the crowd as he continued, "But that's not all! Rivermere's wild beasts have been waiting for you as well. Each beast you take down will also earn you points based on its rank:
D-Rank Beast: 1 point.
C-Rank Beast: 2 points.
B-Rank Beast: 3 points.
A-Rank Beast: 5 points.
Remember, the stronger the beast, the greater the reward...and the risk!"
Skorn leaned toward Talos, whispering, "Five points for an A-rank beast? That's one way to keep things interesting. Or suicidal."
Ren crossed his arms, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Good thing we're not just any team, huh? Besides, I think I saw someone over there shaking at the mention of a D-rank."
The announcer raised his hand, calling for silence again. "You have one hour to prepare! Review your strategies, sharpen your blades, and steady your nerves. When the signal sounds, the competition begins!"
He stepped back, his voice dropping to a dramatic tone. "Remember...the forest is not just your battleground—it's your judge, jury, and executioner."
As the announcer stepped down, Ren and his team exchanged glances. "So," Ren said, clapping his hands together. "We've got one hour to make sure we don't embarrass ourselves. Ideas?"
Olivia nodded, her usual calmness unshaken. "We'll need to stay together and move smartly. No reckless charges."
Skorn grinned, hefting his hammer. "No problem. I'll just clear a path for you guys. Forest, beasts, or competitors—it's all dirt in the end."
Talos adjusted his glasses, his feathers bristling with nervous energy. "I'll keep an eye out for traps or ambushes. No one's sneaking up on us while I'm around."
Ren looked at them, his smirk softening into something more serious. "Good. Then let's focus on staying alive and racking up points. No lone hero stunts."
The team nodded in agreement, their bond solidifying with each word. As the hour ticked down, the forest loomed before them, promising danger and glory alike.
The hour flew by, tension mounting as teams exchanged last-minute strategies and nervously checked their gear.
The announcer returned to his platform, his voice booming once again. "Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is over! The Rivermere Fighting Competition officially begins now! Participants, you have two days to survive, earn points, and prove your worth!"
He gestured toward the forest, his tone shifting to a stern warning. "Remember, our surveillance team is already stationed throughout the forest.
They'll be watching. Any violations of the rules will lead to your immediate disqualification. So play fair—or don't play at all."
A pause hung in the air as he raised his hand. "And now, without further ado... Let the competition begin!"
The sound of deep, resonant drums echoed through the area, signaling the start. A cheer erupted from the gathered spectators, while participants wasted no time rushing toward the forest.
"Go! Go! Go!" teams shouted to one another, boots pounding against the ground as they disappeared into the dense wilderness.
Ren glanced at his team, a confident smirk tugging at his lips. "Well, folks, time to show them what a 'team' like us can really do. Let's move."
Skorn hefted his hammer with a grin. "Finally, some action. I was starting to think this was just a pep rally."
Olivia adjusted her gear, her calm demeanor unshaken. "Stay close, everyone. This forest isn't going to welcome us with open arms."
Talos nodded, his eyes scanning the treeline. "And remember—this isn't just about strength. Strategy wins battles too."
With that, the four of them dashed into the forest, their determination unshakable as the drums faded into the distance.
The competition was officially underway.