The North's Move?

Horrow walked through the South Province. His footsteps had a rhythm to them. A smile was on his face as he entered the main hall of the South Province.

What greeted him was all of his representatives chatting amongst each other. It gave Horrow a pleasant revisit to an old memory. To what was once the South Province. His heart grew a bit hopeful. The dream of returning the South to its prime didn't seem so out of reach. . .

Clearing his throat he announced, "It's the third day of The Arena. A prime time for things to really kick into gear. Before we enter The Arena, I have a few announcements to make."

Glancing towards Aaron he nodded, "From your acts yesterday a few of you were granted Titles. It is worth noting that many of The Gated Arena work hard to obtain a Title. The fact you are able to obtain one so soon is a testament to your ability."

Wrock was the first to ask, "What's so special about these Titles?"

"Those who look at you carefully will find this Title appearing in their head. In return it grants you various benefits depending on how well known it is, and the Title itself. So I figured before we continue I should inform those of the Titles they were given."

Aaron adjusted the projection and Horrow introduced, "Tilia, Unwavering Juggernaut!"

"It's worth mentioning the last time someone gained the Title of Juggernaut was nearly two centuries ago. Since you inherited it I believe its effects are greater.", Aaron informed.

In front of Tilia a system notification appeared.

<Congratulations! You have been granted a [Special Title]!>

<[Special Titles] are unique, only one person may have access to it! Additionally if a User was somehow able to gather two [Special Titles], they would only be able to equip one!>

<In return, the effects granted by [Special Titles] are above that of ordinary Titles!>

<User has been granted "Unwavering Juggernaut" as a [Special Title]!>

="Unwavering Juggernaut"=

The one who stands firm no matter what it is they face. Through your achievements you have amazed The Gated Arena, and were granted this Special Title.

Effects:

- Any form of defense will have their effects doubled

- Defense Stat will always be doubled

-End-

Tilia's HP doubled, and she felt her War Sight resonate with the [Special Title]. Adjusting to the changes she said, "I'll use it well."

Horrow informed, "It is yours, use it how you please. Now onto the next one: Transcendent Strength, Mira!"

Mira looked up in surprise, "Me? But I lost?"

"Your strength shattered a defense that all the other Second Stages struggled to scratch. Your future has high expectations among this place. Many look forward to see how strong you are in higher Stages."

"I see. . . thank you!"

"No need to thank me, you earned this one."

Although Mira didn't have access to the game system, he was able to tell something strange entered and passed through his body. Although he wasn't entirely sure on what it was exactly, he felt assured that it was there.

Horrow nodded in satisfaction, "Although only two of you gained Titles, rest assured your time will eventually come. Through hard work and stellar performance you are bound to obtain one yourself.

"Now onto strategy. Rumor has spread that the North Province is planning something. Normally I would have ignored such rumors, but since the North hasn't denied them I believe something is amiss."

Wrock asked, "Aren't you going to strike against them today?"

"Yes that is the plan, but only after we witness what they're planning to do. That is why you all must remain on edge. The Arena has not much longer to go, and it's about time everyone stops testing the waters. Now. . . shall we proceed?"

They quickly headed to the South Spectator Box and Horrow took his seat. Strangely enough there was a silence around in the Arena. There was no gossip, no murmurs, not even the sound of people moving. They were all silent, expectant, and waiting.

Even the Provinces didn't do their announcements yet. Right now, the focus was on the North Province, with everyone wondering what exactly their move was going to be. Humive watched this silence and murmured, "Seems like the rumors gotten out of hand. Regardless I will not change my plans."

Merin crossed her arms, "So you're finally revealing what you have planned?"

"It's nothing grand, I just hope this alone would be enough to stimulate a bit of growth."

"Then take the stage Head."

Humive stood up with purpose. Walking up to the edge of the Spectator Box he broadcasted his voice, "Truly yesterday's match from the South was an eye opener. To think you would have such talented people willing to fight for you. To contend against the Aces of other Provinces, and even winning against some. I am awed."

Horrow grit his teeth, "I don't like where this is going."

"That final match inspired me. I truly wish to see how your best fares in battle, so I will be taking inspiration from you. I offer you an elimination match, however this time with a condition."

Humive smiled, but gave off a menacing feel, "The contestants should consist of solely Aces."

Aaron's hand violently twitched, "He initiated a battle of Aces?! But that hasn't been done in forever!"

Horrow scratched at his chair, a tidal wave of thoughts passing through his head. However he had to act quickly so he broadcasted his voice, "You are aware the South lacks their own Aces. . . am I correct?"

"You are! However I am sure the South Head is fully aware of their representatives' abilities. So I am positive you will send the ones you are fully confident in to battle against the North's Aces."

This alarmed the audience. The last time a battle of Aces had occurred was nearly a decade ago. No one bothered to do it anymore since the purpose of The Arena was to help the newer and talented warriors grow. By merely letting the strongest fight the only ones who benefited are those who were capable of keeping up with the Aces movements while watching. After all each and every Ace was not under Fourth Stage.

Humive casually gave an excuse, "And since it seems like all your warriors are Second Stage, we don't have to worry about some of the audience here missing out on the action. An opportunity for everyone participating."

Merin harrumphed, "So this was your plan?"

Horrow asked, "Will you give me some time to consider it? I wish to speak with my representatives."

"Of course, take your time. If the audience is unable to wait I'm sure one of the other Provinces will begin with their challenges. . . ?"

Inth and Winter remained silent, their own form of disagreement. After all they too wished to see this outcome.

Humive nodded to himself, "It seems like we shall be waiting for you."

"Thank you, it shall only be a few minutes."

Horrow ended his broadcast and sighed. He glanced across his representatives and felt no certainty sprout. Instead he was plagued with a question:

Who was he to send?