15. Archon's Challenge
The festival was in full swing.
Thousands poured into the city, filling every street, every square, all eager to witness the highlight of the season:
The Grand Tournament.
As part of a long-standing tradition, the revered Pygmaians had returned to the realm, their presence as anticipated as the event itself.
They came bearing gifts—creations crafted with skill and secrets known only to their people.
Among these offerings lay a weapon of unparalleled value, a prize reserved for the victor of the battle tournament.
The roar of the crowd thundered from above, shaking the walls and filling the corridors beneath the grand coliseum.
Amiyan tightened his gloves, casting a glance at his companions as they prepared for the match.
The flickering torches along the stone walls threw shadows over their faces, each expression holding a mixture of excitement and tension.
In the confined space, the roar of the audience was almost oppressive, like the ocean's roar before a storm.
Amiyan took a deep breath and managed a half-hearted grin.
"Look, I didn't mean to get everyone mixed up in this. Honestly, you guys could just—"
Roshan shot him a look, hands on her hips.
"You kidding? Back out now? And miss out on fighting the Archon's general in front of a whole stadium? Not a chance."
Her face lit up with excitement, though her hands trembled slightly as she stretched.
Altan chuckled, his towering frame cracking his knuckles in anticipation.
"This is what we came here for, right? A little extra excitement? Besides, we're not letting you have all the glory, Amiyan. It wouldn't be fair."
Wuxian simply adjusted his sword, glancing around with calm composure.
"This isn't all that different from tournaments back at the sect. Just… with a few thousand more people watching, I suppose."
Elliot glanced around nervously, touching his scales as if they were an unfamiliar second skin.
"Is this what artists feel like at concerts? I can't tell if this is thrilling or terrifying," he muttered, swallowing hard.
"Definitely terrifying,"
Roshan said, though a spark of excitement glimmered in her eyes.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them rumbled as the Archon's voice boomed over the stadium, calm yet powerful.
"People of the realm!" she called, her voice resonating through the stone corridors.
"Today, we gather for a true test of strength and bravery! As a showcase before the main event, the young heroes who freed innocent children from the clutches of slavers will face none other than my most trusted warrior—General Quizig!"
The group froze as the crowd's cheers reached an intense crescendo.
The vibrations were now unmistakable, pulsing through the walls and stirring something within each of them.
Amiyan looked at the others, then nodded. "Guess that's our cue."
Together, they strode out into the coliseum, the sunlight blinding them momentarily as they stepped onto the arena floor.
The sight before them was overwhelming—a vast sea of people filling every seat, chanting and cheering.
The sound hit them like a wall, an intense, almost physical wave of excitement and anticipation.
Amiyan looked at the others, then nodded. "Guess that's our cue."
As they stepped into the arena, the group formed a loose circle, each preparing for the onslaught ahead.
The sight before them was overwhelming—a vast sea of people filling every seat, chanting and cheering.
The sound hit them like a wall, an intense, almost physical wave of excitement and anticipation.
Altan scanned the audience, his mouth agape.
"I… I've never seen so many people gathered in one place."
"Deafening," Elliot said, covering his ears, wide-eyed. "I don't know how people deal with this all the time."
Roshan forced a grin, glancing back at the tunnel they had come from.
"I think I might pass out."
Amiyan tried to keep his voice steady, but even he couldn't hide his nerves.
"It's okay. Just think of it like… like practice. With an insanely huge audience."
Wuxian, unfazed as ever, kept his gaze on the center of the arena.
"Focus. This is no different from the training grounds. We'll need every bit of focus we can manage."
The crowd roared again as the Archon raised her hand.
"And now, let us welcome General Quizig!"
A tall, imposing figure emerged from the opposite end of the coliseum.
Quizig's heavy armor gleamed in the sunlight, and his stride was confident and calm.
His face was expressionless, his gaze intense as he fixed his eyes on the group.
The crowd's cheers grew louder still, a chant of his name echoing through the arena.
Amiyan raised his voice over the crowd.
"Hey, General! Any chance of going easy on us?"
Quizig's expression didn't waver, though a hint of a smirk played at the corners of his mouth.
"Sorry, my prince. The Archon told me to go all out. You'd better be ready."
Roshan's face blanched slightly.
"Uh… he won't kill us, right?"
Quizig chuckled, the sound dark and ominous.
"I'll try not to."
The thunderous roar of the crowd was deafening, yet each of them focused intently, adrenaline coursing through their veins.
They knew this would require every ounce of teamwork, precision, and trust they could muster.
"Alright, here's the plan," Amiyan said quickly, his eyes never leaving Quizig.
"We go in waves," he continued, looking to each teammate in turn.
"Roshan, you're up first. Hit him fast, force him to defend."
"Wuxian, come in next, and aim for any gaps he leaves open. Altan, follow right after—keep him off-balance. ."
Amiyan took a steadying breath, surveying the distance between himself, his team, and the formidable general.
"I'll bring up the rear and try to create more openings. If I get his attention, use it."
His gaze fell to Elliot, his tone firm.
"Elliot, cover anyone who's open and watch for weak spots. If Quizig starts reading our moves, shake him up with ranged attacks. Anything to keep him on edge."
The team nodded, their eyes mirroring his determination. Around them, the crowd's anticipation grew, the pounding of feet and wild cheers echoing through the arena.
"Stick to the plan, and don't hold back," Amiyan added, his voice low but resolute.
"Let's show everyone what we're made of."
With one last look at his team, he straightened, hands tightening around his weapon.
"Let's give them a fight they'll never forget."
"Ready?" The Archon asked
Everyone responded in nods.
The Archon raised her hand once more, and the noise slowly died down.
"Let the battle… begin!"
A deep gong echoed across the arena, and Amiyan's heart leaped. They all sprang into motion, moving as one, their combined force surging toward Quizig in a flurry of strikes.