The festival outside had reached its peak, with every street and corner alive with vibrant energy. Merchants called out, selling everything from delicacies to rare artifacts, while musicians filled the air with melodies that captured the essence of the celebration. Visitors from distant lands had come to witness the event, turning the sect into a bustling sea of excitement.
Inside the Aurora Pavilion, the fifteen participants chosen to represent the Solstice Sect were in stark contrast to the lively chaos outside. The grand chamber, decorated with murals of past victories, was a solemn reminder of their task. No visitors were allowed, and they were kept isolated from the Lunar Sect's participants to maintain the rivalry of the competition.
Arav sat cross-legged in a corner, deep in thought as he reviewed his techniques. Nearby, Buddhi paced, unable to hide his nerves. Kimi sat calmly, her sword resting across her lap. Her composed demeanor exuded confidence, though her eyes occasionally flickered with thought.
Then there was Taba Tani, the self-proclaimed leader of their group.
Taba stood in the center, arms crossed, his crimson robes giving him an almost regal air. His golden eyes scanned the room like a predator, a faint smirk on his lips.
"Well," Taba began, voice smooth and commanding, "this is the best our sect could gather? Fifteen warriors, yet most of you seem reluctant."
The room tensed. Buddhi stopped pacing and glared at Taba. "Taba, can you stop being a pain? We're all here to represent the sect, including you. Try acting like a team player."
Taba smirked. "Ah, Yadav, always the idealist. I am the team, and you're my supporting cast. Your role is simple: stay out of my way."
Buddhi's face turned red. "You're unbelievable."
"Thank you," Taba replied with mock sincerity.
Kimi, ever composed, spoke up. "Enough, Taba. Arrogance doesn't mean strength. If you're as talented as you say, you shouldn't need to tear others down."
Taba turned to her, expression softening slightly. "Yachang, you misunderstand. I'm ensuring they know their place. False confidence is dangerous, especially against the Lunar Sect."
Arav, who had been observing, finally spoke. "You talk a lot, Taba. For someone who's the best, you seem awfully concerned about us."
Taba's eyes narrowed. "Concerned? Don't flatter yourself, Srivastava. My only concern is our sect's reputation. If I have to drag you along, so be it."
Arav smirked. "For someone so confident, you sound like you're trying to convince yourself."
The room fell silent, tension palpable. Taba's smirk faded, replaced by a cold expression. He took a step toward Arav. "Listen, Srivastava. I'm already at the top. Your quips don't bother me. What I care about is victory. I'll ensure we win, even if I have to carry the team."
Kimi stood between them. "Enough. We're on the same side. Save the posturing for the Lunar Sect."
Taba stepped back, smirk returning. "As you wish. But don't mistake my words for posturing. The Lunar Sect will exploit every weakness. If you're unprepared, you'll lose—and they won't show mercy."
Buddhi found his voice. "Why say all this, Taba? If we're so weak, why bother?"
Taba turned serious. "Because, Yadav, I can't win alone. I need you—not as equals, but as tools. Don't disappoint me."
Uneasy silence followed. Despite his arrogance, there was truth in Taba's words. The Lunar Sect was no joke, and the stakes were high.
Kimi spoke steadily. "We were chosen for a reason. Let's prove the Council made the right decision."
Arav nodded at Buddhi. "She's right. Whatever differences we have, we're representing the Solstice Sect. Let's make it count."
Taba chuckled, shaking his head. "Touching. But don't expect sentimental speeches from me. I'll let my actions speak."
With that, he walked to the far end of the room, leaving the others to their thoughts. Despite his arrogance, his words sparked a shared determination to prove themselves, not just to the Lunar Sect, but to each other.
As the festival continued, the participants prepared for the challenge ahead. The tension hadn't disappeared, but it had shifted into a fierce resolve to stand together, even if they didn't always agree.