When Charles got out on the arena he could see that his enemy was already waiting.
"This time our special guest, prince Charles will fight against one of the wizards from the mage tower ! It's extremly rare to see a matchup like that because mage tower always declined sending anyone to outside tournaments" People stared in awe. It will be first time in years that the public will witness mage tower member in combat.
Both mages on the arena looked at each other. "How about a small challenge" Charles said. "Your strongest magic spell versus mine"
The wizard on other side nodded in agreement. They both threw away their staffs and awaited for the start.
What followed was just amazing.
As the announcer signaled the start of the battle both of the mages started conjuring their spell. The mage tower member chose water and prince Charles chose fire. The spells in front of them started increasing in size and weight until both of them were on the verge of mana exhaustion. They both looked at each other's eyes and let their spells go. They were so big that they blocked the sunlight from reaching the arena. As the fire made contact with water they exploded into steam. So much steam in fact that everything around the arena was also covered in thick fog. No one could see which mage was still standing so the staff at hand blew the steam away. As they did they saw Charles still standing and the mage tower member on the ground exhausted from using all his mana.
"Prince Charles moves to the semi finals !" The crowd cheered excited for the semi finals. "But this year. We wanted to do something more exciting for our semi finals. But you will have to watch and see."
...
The last 4 contestants were called into separate rooms under the arena. They got no information about the next stage. Alice was a bit bummed that she couldn't speak with Charles more but she knew that she will see him very soon.
[This is going to be interesting]
"How so ?"
[You will find out very soon]
It seems that the crowd above them could already see what the next stage is about. The room Alice was in started shaking and chains could be heard as it was being pulled up. She saw the othet 3 contestants around her and a herd of tall creatures with horns and hoves.
"For the semi finals it will be a free for all, the last two contestants standing will advance further! And don't you worry our dear viewers. Those minotaurs won't cause any harm to you" And with that the semi finals began. The minotaurs instantly charged towards the contestants.
Minotaura are known for their endurance and speed and Alice learned it the hard way. Without supporting herself with air she had no way of escaping them as none of her attacks could pierce their skin. Out of all the contestants left Charles had the biggest disatvantage as his staff weighted him down. She could see the other 2 contestants were teaming up to get rid of the prince first. She knew that it would also benefit her but she felt bad for just letting that happen so she gave him a piggy back ride. Surprising him and the audience.
"Why are you helping me ? We are enemies !" He said.
"I don't care. Just shut up and be glad" She herself wanted to know why is she doing that. But she didn't have time to think about it as she was being chased by the other contestants and a pack of minotaurs. "Can you be at least a bit useful ? Shoot a water spell or something or both of us will be goners!"
He casted a earth wall to prevent the two other contestants from catching them. They were crushed against the wall by minotaurs knocking them out.
"Prince Charles and our disguised star are moving to the finals !" People were very excited to see the two strongest contestants getting to the finals. The minotaurs stopped moving. All at the same time. Then walked back into the basement of the arena like they were controlled by something.
"That was too close. I thought we would be goners. Anyway good luck in the finals. I think i peed my pants" Alice said. The sight of a bunch of minotaurs chasing her will probably give her nightmares.
"Give us a 30 minute break before we move on to finals. I know i know you hate whenever that happens but we want our dear contestants to be in top shape during those fights." The announcer said "Also i really need to use the bathroom" he added making the audience laugh.
[It seems our little Alice found herself a boyfriend]
"If you plan to use my head as a conversation place stop saying dumb stuff like this. I already have a lot on my jead as it is" Alice barely got through this stage only to get teased by her master.
[Oh don't be so sad. We will be able to see each other after the thing is over. Also you are allowed to use anything you want against that kid or you will lose instantly. You can even take the bracelet off]
"Is he that strong ?" Alice was confused. She knew he was skilled but not so much that her master would let her use all her strength.
[Ofcourse he is. He is the prince of this kingdom]
"Oh right !"
When Alice got to the waiting room prince Charles was already there.
"This was so fucking scary. I never want to do this again" She still could feel the adrenaline of being chased by a herd of minotaurs.
"Exactly. But don't think that because of this I will go easy on you" Charles was already mentaly preparing for the finals.
Alice smirked "Ofcourse. Good luck Charles. Let the stronger one win" she said.
"Couldn't have said it better if i tried" He answered.