Tournament Day 3 Part 2

The final day of competition was the most anticipated. If the first two days of competition drew 90% of viewers then the final day would bring in 95%-100%. It would be one on one fights done by random draws and in these fights, while there were other rules, the understanding was that anything goes as long as you do not maim or kill your opponent. Participants would be judged on techniques used, their magical prowess and how they attained victory. In judging how the participants attained victory, their probability for winning would also be taken into consideration, whether they were underdogs or guaranteed bets. The points awarded for these matches would be given by four judges. The judges could award scores up to 50 points and aside from Principal Snow, the other three judges would only be decided on the day of the event. The method used to choose the other three judges varied each time but it was always a means that depended largely on their luck. The judges would normally be announced a few minutes before the official start of the game and after the rules were read. The other judges are normally a combination of priests and Generals but in some cases it may be only one of the two groups. In order to ensure the selection process goes smoothly, those interested in participating would arrive at the venue much earlier. This year however, it seemed as though the priests weren't too interested in participating. Many Generals arrived at the venue quite early. Before going to the usual room where they watched the matches, they were escorted by a few attendants to another small room within the building. In that room, Principal Snow and two other attendants stood behind a long rectangular table which had twelve clear small glasses each holding a small colored ball. Ten Generals had arrived to try their luck in being selected as a judge. The position of judge was significant as it could help to influence how far a participant could go based on the points given.

After everyone was settled, Principal Snow explained the rules. In order to be chosen, the Generals must choose one of the small glasses which holds a small colored ball that contains a coin inside. The Generals were not allowed to touch the balls until it was time to show the results. Once your hand or any article which has a connection to your body, for example clothing, touches a glass, even if only by half a centimeter, you must choose that glass. The use of any form of nature magic by the participants was not allowed and selections would be done in the dark while Principal Snow shuffled the glasses using his magic. Although the selections would be done in the dark, Principal Snow still had a way to tell which glass was initially chosen. While it did cause a few generals to look at each other in confusion, no one dared utter a word.

After the lights were turned off, Principal Snow began to move the glasses around. The sound created was somehow both pleasant but unnerving at the same time. It was as though a gentle phantom passed by, dancing with glee while it insidiously threw targeted needles. The generals did their best to focus their hearing, however, Principal Snow's skill was not to be underestimated. While they tried to pick up even the slightest clink, they couldn't be sure if they're own ears were deceiving them. Aside from the shuffling of the glasses and the movement of the small balls within them, breathing was the only other sound that could be heard. As for the room, as a side effect of Principal Snow's magic, the room took on a spine-chilling cold. It made it difficult for some of the generals to stay focused. For the generals who were more experienced fighting other nature magic users, they were able to remain somewhat stable but for those with less experience it was a taxing task. After some time passed however, all movement ceased. Principal Snow then advised the generals to begin.

In another area, for the attendees' safety, clear panels made of Usilit crystals were installed around the arena before the participants arrived. There were also 3 Star Mages who were strategically placed to deflect any dangerous attacks that could possibly slip through. The atmosphere was a bit tense but the excitement surging from the audience members seemed to mask that. The other Generals who had arrived early quickly noticed the absence of the other royal family members and the Blossom. They found it strange that the Princess was present yet there was no one to support her. While the Princess may not have been very powerful, her performance had been commendable so far. They spent little time on these thoughts however, as they made their way to their usual room. Although the royal family members and the Blossom were absent, none of the Generals dared to take their seats. Besides, the room was still luxurious enough for them to enjoy it anywhere. They took their seats and soon began to discuss who the chosen judges would be, a few of them even betting amongst themselves.

While the arena was gradually being filled with onlookers, the participants were getting warmed up in various ways. Some were doing light stretching, while others did some light sparing. Princess Cecilia stood at the side of the ring with her arms crossed and stared blankly. She thought of all the possibilities of what could take place and more often than not she found herself being bested by a nature magic user. She wondered if she had to hope to be paired with someone incompetent or get them to agree to a match without the use of nature magic. She wanted to prove herself and yet, she kept thinking that the best or even only way to do so was by having a weaker opponent or getting her opponent to be at a disadvantage. She sighed inwardly and pinched her arm as though she wanted to leave a bruise. She had been doing well and yet she now found herself disregarding all that she had done. Was it because she felt it wasn't enough or did the absence of any supporters affect her more than she thought? It was the final day and possibly the day that counted the most to many. It wasn't the time for her to feel hopeless and yet she was already fighting against herself before the competition had started.

"If you keep frowning like that, that may be how you start looking from now on," said a male voice jokingly.

The sound of that gentle voice brought Princess Cecilia back. She turned her head to see Eulis standing next to her with a smile. He looked confident, fierce but calm, strong but delicate, and very… attractive. The Princess felt her face heat up a bit as the thought crossed her mind. She was, however, able to hide it from him and quickly regained her composure.

*Ahem* "I'll be fine... Anyway, you know, Eulis is a pretty unusual name for someone your age," said the Princess matter of factly.

Eulis was a bit taken aback but then couldn't help but laugh. "You're right but the man who took me in had always wanted to name his son Eulis but never got the chance to, so… I think it's okay, don't you?"

The Princes didn't respond for a moment then nodded in agreement to his statement. She wanted to ask about the man he mentioned but she didn't feel as though they were close enough for her to dig into his past.

"How do you think the day will go today? Do you think the rankings will change much?" asked Princess Cecilia somewhat hesitatingly.

"Hm, let's see, I think.. You'll do really well," responded Eulis confidently.

The Princess couldn't hide her surprise, she was also a bit embarrassed. "I, um, that, that's not what I meant, geeze."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I guess my first thought was about you."

Both had faces like plump red tomatoes and yet they wouldn't turn away from each other's eyes. Just a few words from him managed to wipe away all the Princess' negative thoughts but what mattered the most to her was there was no trace of flattery, he was being sincere with each word.

"Prin.. Cess… Princess!" a distant voice was getting louder.

Eulis turned to the audience area to see a woman calling for the Princess. Her hair had beautiful brown curls which were in a bubbly mess and a face with visible dark circles under her eyes. She excitedly waved as she called for the Princess.

"It seems there's someone here to see you," said Eulis to the Princess.

Princess Cecilia quickly turned her head to the direction that Eulis looked. As she noticed Delima a bright smile appeared on the Princess' face. She's here! Is what she kept thinking. The Princess happily waved at Delima and Delima took her seat. Delima looked as though she had gone there in a rush but the Princess didn't mind.

The Princess and Eulis kept each other company for some time. A few nobles gave disapproving and mocking looks as the Princess seemed to be close to a commoner, but some appeared envious as the Princess was close to someone powerful.

Soon a loud buzz sounded. It was almost time for the competition to begin.