The air was heavy, charged with a palpable tension as the man in the black cloak stood motionless before them. The golden mask faintly reflected the light filtering through the ruins, but his face remained hidden, giving him an even more mysterious aura.
"Who are you?" Kara asked firmly, her gaze fixed on the masked figure.
The man didn't respond immediately. Instead, he raised a gloved hand, and with a gentle motion, the murmurs and whispers that filled the air began to fade. Silence fell, and Ryuu felt his breathing grow heavier, as though something was pressing down on his chest.
At last, the man spoke, his deep, grave voice resonating as if coming from every corner of the island.
"My name is of no importance. I am merely the herald of the Tournament of the Elements. My task is to guide you to its beginning," he said, gesturing subtly toward the altar, as if inviting the competitors to step closer.
Though still wary, Ryuu, Kara, and Talon approached the altar. As they neared it, columns of bluish light rose from the ground, surrounding the altar and forming a glowing circle around them. The ruins, once inert, now emitted a faint, vibrant glow, as though the very stones were coming to life.
"Listen closely, for these are the rules of the tournament." The man raised his hands, and at that moment, a series of ancient symbols began to float around him, shining with a golden light. "The Tournament of the Elements is not merely a test of strength but a trial of will, intelligence, and sacrifice."
The three competitors exchanged glances, confused but attentive.
"Each of you has a role in this game. You will be divided into teams, though alliances will not always be permanent. There will be individual trials to test your combat skills and strategy. Teams will face duels—not only physical but also psychological. The goal is to reach the Hall of Eternal Wind, located at the heart of the island. The first to arrive will earn the right to compete in the final battle for the Spear of Aether."
Ryuu frowned at the mention of the spear. He had heard of it before but had never imagined its significance. The power of an artifact capable of controlling all four elements... something that could change the course of wars, the destiny of nations.
"But it won't be simple," the man continued, his voice growing darker. "The island is full of dangers. You won't just compete against each other but also against an unforgiving environment. The nature of this island is not kind, and those who fail the trials or are defeated won't just lose their chance to win—they will be condemned to wander here forever."
The air grew heavier, and Ryuu felt a chill run down his spine. What did that warning truly mean? How could an entire island be so perilous?
The man raised an arm, and with a swift motion, a sphere of light appeared before them, projecting an image of the island. Key points stood out: paths to the Hall of Eternal Wind, ruins that might hold ancient secrets, and ominously, areas marked in red that signified "dangers."
"Each of you must choose your route. The trials are scattered across the island, but beware: the shortest paths are often the most perilous." The man's gaze locked onto Ryuu, as though measuring his reaction. "You won't just compete against others but also against the island's forces. Those who fail... will be trapped here. Forever."
The silence that followed was oppressive. Ryuu looked around, his mind racing. What kind of tournament was this? A survival test?
Kara, visibly frustrated, stepped forward.
"And how do we know this 'Spear of Aether' even exists?" she asked distrustfully. "What guarantees this tournament isn't just a trap?"
The man in the black cloak seemed unfazed by her challenge. His voice, however, grew even firmer.
"The Spear of Aether has existed for generations. Its power is real, and those who claim it will control the elements. It is an artifact sought for centuries. Only the strongest, the most worthy, can wield it. If you don't believe in its existence, simply don't participate." The threat was clear in his words, but so was the challenge.
Talon, who had been silently observing, finally spoke, his tone calculating.
"And what if someone refuses to participate? Will you let us leave?" His cold gaze seemed to assess the enigmatic man.
The man in the golden mask stared at them for a few moments before smiling faintly.
"That is up to you. But remember, the island does not release those who fail to complete their mission. No one has ever left here without abiding by the rules. Still, if you wish to leave, you can try..." He paused, his words laden with menace. "Though I can't promise you'll find a way out."
The atmosphere grew even more tense. They all understood they were caught in something far greater than they had imagined. Simply leaving wasn't an option.
The man raised his hand once more, and the golden symbols around him shone brightly.
"Now that you know the rules, let the tournament begin. May the winds guide your steps," he said with an enigmatic smile, and at that moment, the projection of the island disappeared.
Ryuu, Kara, and Talon stood staring at the altar, each lost in their own thoughts. The rules were clear: this was not just a test of power. It was a battle for survival, where only the strongest, smartest, and most cunning would reach their goal.
Without a word, the group set off, delving deeper into the island, fully aware that the real trials were yet to come. The Tournament of the Elements had begun, and there was no turning back.