Start of the tournament

Boom! Boom!

"Ghuuu…"

Mark woke up at the sound of fireworks echoing through the air like distant drums. His mind was still fogged with the remnants of a sleepless night, stolen away by the events of the previous evening. As usual, he had endured a terrible night, tortured by energy extraction, but at least Zoe's potions had helped mitigate the damage. Now, he only had to contend with phantom pains, something he had grown accustomed to fighting.

With effort, he sat on the edge of the bed, pressing his temples with his fingers to ease the pounding in his head. Through the half-open window, he could hear the distant chatter of the crowd and the festive sounds spreading through the streets.

"Why all this racket?" - Mark muttered irritably, heading toward the window. To his surprise, the city was already bustling. Crowded streets, stalls everywhere, and constant chatter made the atmosphere chaotic.

[It makes sense if you think about it. One of the most powerful Familias is hosting a tournament to recruit new members. It was bound to draw such a crowd.]

"Yeah..." - Mark replied with little enthusiasm, rubbing his face to shake off the last traces of sleep.

He headed to the bathroom in his room for a quick wash. Despite the modest appearance of the inn, it was sufficient for him. He had spent a fortune on new gear and now had to save on everything else.

"Not that I can complain." - He thought, glancing at his claymore leaning against the wall next to his new armor.

Heading down to the tavern for breakfast, he found the place already packed. Adventurers, merchants, and onlookers filled every table, noisily discussing their plans for the tournament. With little choice, Mark approached the counter and sat at a free corner.

The innkeeper, a robust man with a friendly demeanor, approached with a smile. "Hoh, lad! What can I get you this morning?"

"Something light." - Mark replied, resting his elbow on the counter and rubbing a sore shoulder.

"Are you joining the tournament too? Well, judging by your looks, I think I already know the answer!"

Mark gave a wry smile.

The innkeeper laughed heartily and returned shortly with a steaming plate: scrambled eggs, grilled sausages, and crispy bread. It was a simple yet hearty meal, and Mark devoured it eagerly. Leaving the coins on the counter, he prepared to face the crowd.

"Good luck out there, lad!" - The innkeeper said with an encouraging nod.

Mark returned the gesture with a faint smile and stepped outside.

People of every race mingled in the streets. The stalls displayed gleaming weapons, magical amulets, and exotic foods, while merchants shouted offers to attract passersby.

Mark made his way through the crowd, heading toward the Coliseum, the heart of the tournament. The chatter around him only fueled the tension, but Mark remained impassive.

'All this just for a tournament? Well, as the Guide said, it makes sense when it's the Loki Familia we're talking about.' - Mark thought, observing the crowd around him.

He had spent days gathering information about the Loki Familia, and what he had learned was impressive, thanks also to the Guide, who had started acquiring new information.

The Loki Familia boasted numerous level 6 adventurers and three top-tier members who were rumored to be on the verge of reaching level 7. Among them stood the captain, a legendary warrior whose feats were told throughout the city.

'What kind of monsters must they be?' - Mark pondered, feeling a mix of curiosity and tension. But no matter how impressive those people were, his goal remained the same: finding someone who could facilitate his descent into the deeper levels of the Dungeon.

As for the tournament, Mark wasn't too concerned. It wasn't arrogance, but a clear awareness of his abilities.

His strength was already on par with a level 3, though he was officially still a level 2, at least until he completed the ring around his core.

'Speaking of which, you haven't explained what happens after completing the ring.' - Mark said.

[Once the ring is complete, your Primary Core will evolve into a Specialized Core. This core doesn't grant abilities but allows the creation of elemental circuits within your body, enabling you to cast magic.]

'You mentioned this during the journey to Orario, but you said they wouldn't exactly be magic spells.'

[Correct. Once your ring is complete, you won't immediately move on to the next core. First, you'll need to fuse with a natural element and infuse that element into your ring. Only then can your core evolve.]

'Honestly, half of what you said went over my head. What I did get is that I'll only be able to use one element, right?'

[If you tried to absorb a second, you'd explode.]

'...' - Mark felt a cold sweat run down his back.

[Additionally, it seems you're confused. It's not that you'll only use that element, but you'll develop an affinity for it, stemming from your very soul. You'll become one with it, but this is for the future. At first, you'll have strong immunity to that element, but even using it will be exhausting.]

'Now I'm looking forward to it.' - Mark said, filled with anticipation for the future.

Reaching the imposing gates of the Coliseum, Mark paused to observe the structure. The walls were clad in white stone and golden inlays, an architectural marvel that inspired awe and grandeur. The noise of the crowd, the calls of street vendors, and the clinking of weapons being checked by participants filled the air.

"Participant's name? Remember, registrations closed yesterday." - The monotone voice of an official interrupted his thoughts.

Mark approached the makeshift counter where several registers were arranged. A line of adventurers was completing the paperwork, all hopeful of joining the Loki Familia.

"Mark Tormeto." - He replied.

Fortunately, he had been wise enough to apply from the village of Rivira.

"You're registered and listed as level 2, but according to the rules, your level needs to be retested." - The official said.

Mark didn't mind and placed his hand on the artifact, which showed the same result as before.

"Perfect. There are several waiting rooms, but due to the large number of participants, they might be a bit cramped. If you cause any trouble before the competition starts, you'll be disqualified immediately. The tournament begins at noon, starting with level 1s. Any questions?"

"More of a doubt. I see there are a lot of us, does that mean the tournament will last several days?" - Mark asked, noticing the long line of adventurers.

"That... I don't know, but I doubt it. Goddess Loki isn't exactly known for her patience. I don't think she'd want to prolong it." - The official replied with a peculiar expression.

"Got it, thanks."

With nothing else to ask, Mark made his way through the long corridor, where he could see several crowded rooms. Occasionally, someone caused a commotion, only to be stopped and thrown out, effectively expelling them from the tournament.

Finally finding a free room, he entered to find a spacious area filled with benches, with about twenty adventurers already present. Some were seated, polishing their weapons or inspecting their armor, while others chatted animatedly in small groups.

Mark moved to a quieter corner, placing his claymore beside him. The tension in the air was palpable—many were sizing up potential opponents. He, however, closed his eyes and focused on his ring; there was still some time left.

****

"Wow! Look at all these people!" - Bell exclaimed excitedly.

"It's my first time in a place like this too." - Zoe admitted, impressed.

Zoe, Bell, and the others had taken seats in the arena's stands.

They had all come to watch Mark, but they couldn't deny their excitement about the spectacle, which was a rare experience for them.

"So, we're going to see your boyfriend fight?" - Hestia teased with a sly smile.

"Goddess Hestia." - Zoe smiled, but that smile sent chills down their spines. -"Do you want me to ask Goddess Hephaestus to make you work every day without a single day off?"

"...Sorry."

Hestia's attitude changed instantly, and when Zoe turned toward the others, they quickly averted their gazes to avoid drawing her attention.

"S-So, how do you think Mr. Mark will do?" - Lili asked, attempting to change the subject.

"Honestly, I don't know." - Zoe replied uncertainly.

"You've traveled with him for a while, haven't you? You should have some idea of his strength." - Welf pointed out.

"That's true, and I know he's strong, but I don't have much experience judging someone's strength." - Zoe explained.

"So... do you think he'll lose?" - Bell asked cautiously.

"That's the problem, I just can't picture him losing."

The others gave her strange looks but wisely chose to remain silent.

Dong! Dong!

The sound of bells marked noon, signaling the official start of the tournament.

From the main stands, several people appeared, but the one who stood out most to Zoe was a man with a mask shaped like an elephant's face, dressed in a sort of toga.

"GOOD MORNING, PEOPLE! I welcome you all to the annual Loki Familia tournament! I, your GANESHA, will be the one to guide this event!"

At the words of the man—or rather, the god Ganesha—the crowd erupted in excited cheers.

"Who?" -Zoe asked, turning to Hestia.

"An idiot. Ignore him." -Hestia replied, exhausted as if this were a common scene.

"GANESHA!"

"GANESHA!"

"GANESHA!"

The crowd shouted the god's name and every time they did, he struck a pose, flexing his muscles and laughing.

"Indeed, I am GANESHA!"

The crowd burst into excited cheers once again.

"Once more, GANES—"

Smack!

"Will you cut it out?!"

The god was struck in the side by a red-haired girl with eyes that couldn't quite be called open or closed.

"Geh, as much as I expected it, I really didn't want to see that wooden plank." -Hestia commented acidly.

"Do you know what she's talking about?" -Zoe whispered in Lili's ear.

"She's the goddess Loki, and those two don't get along at all." -Lili explained to Zoe.

"Why?" -Zoe asked, still confused.

"Compare their popularity first, and then their chests." -Lili replied bitterly.

"Hm? …oh, now I get it." -After a moment of confusion, Zoe understood and also grasped why Loki had been called a wooden plank.

'Poor thing.' -Zoe thought, pitying Loki's chest.

"?"

Meanwhile, for some unknown reason, Loki instinctively covered her chest, which only caused her further irritation.

"Ahem, give a big welcome to the main star, LOKI!"

Ganesha's announcement was met with loud cheers from the crowd, eager for the tournament to begin, which immediately lifted Loki's spirit.

"Hahaha! That's right, cheer for me even more!" -Loki said, smiling stupidly at the attention of the crowd.

Near her stood several members of her Familia, shaking their heads in resignation.

"She's always like this." -Sighed a green-haired elf with long hair, Riveria Ljos Alf, the vice-captain of the Loki Familia.

"Yep." -Nodded a stocky, relaxed-looking dwarf, Gareth Landrock, the second vice-captain.

"Leave her be. You know she lives for moments like this." -Smiled a blond pallum.

Many might have underestimated him due to his gentle appearance, but he was the pillar of the Loki Familia, Finn Deimne.

Alongside them were several other prominent members of the Loki Familia, but one girl, in particular, stood out—her beauty could leave crowds speechless. Ais Wallenstein, who had reached Level 2 in just one year and was currently the youngest person to have reached Level 6 after facing the boss on the 37th floor alone.

Practically the entire Loki Familia was present, as among all those participants, there might be their next companion.

"Thank you all for coming, and to Ganesha for offering us his Coliseum, but there's a problem!"

At the words of the goddess Loki, the crowd began murmuring among themselves, wondering what the issue could be.

"There are too damn many participants!" -The goddess shouted in exasperation.

The entire venue fell silent, unsure how to react. Her words made sense but in that context…

"Like, there are more than two hundred Level 1s, a hundred Level 2s, and other adventurers of higher levels. If I let them fight one-on-one, it'd take forever!"

Once again, the crowd didn't know what to say but started to understand her point.

"So! To avoid wasting your time—but especially mine—I'll have each group battle it out in a free-for-all, and only the last ten standing from each group will move on to the individual duels. Do you like the idea?!"

There was a moment of silence at the goddess's words, but then the crowd burst into excited cheers. It seemed that this year, things would be much more interesting.