CHAPTER 27: TOURNAMENT

When Kyrian opened his eyes early in the morning, the sun was already beginning to pass through the window of his room. The silence of the Order surrounded him.

Interrupted only by the sounds of birds and the rustling of leaves from a few trees in the courtyard.

"So... today is the day of the tournament."

His tone was calm, but there was a hint of anticipation about the events to come after the tournament.

He dressed in the uniform prepared for all participants of the event. Simple black clothes, but on Kyrian’s chest there was a silver insignia. The symbol of the Order was discreetly embroidered on his chest.

It wasn’t very flashy, but Kyrian’s presence drew attention, even if he didn’t want it.

As he left his room, he found three Order colleagues already waiting on the main road. On the way, he realized he was the last member to leave, as everyone else had already departed on their missions.

Two men and a woman stood in front of a carriage. Kyrian didn’t care about their names, but he knew they were the weakest of the Order.

Also the youngest. They were quiet and did not say a word to Kyrian, the atmosphere seemed tense, and everyone was focused.

An ornate carriage stood behind them in the Order’s courtyard. The Order’s crest was stamped on the dark wood.

The group entered and sat without a word. Kyrian settled on the bench beside the woman, resting his chin on his hand and looking outside.

"The mood in the city has changed." Commented one of the Order’s men, the one in the twelfth position, breaking the silence.

Kyrian had already noticed this in recent days. On the streets, people moved with quick steps. Worried faces and suspicious looks.

Guards were patrolling in greater numbers. Especially at night, stationed at every corner, as if expecting something.

However, as the carriage advanced toward the south of the capital, the heavy air began to dissipate.

More people were gathering, vendors shouting, offering flags with the kingdom’s colors and lake emblems.

Children ran excitedly. Laughter, lively conversations, and even music began to fill the way.

Kyrian observed everything in silence. His eyes captured every detail. The strange movement of a man in the crowd, the nervous posture of a group in front of a stall.

He simply memorized their faces.

The carriage then finally stopped.

Before them rose the Colosseum. A gigantic structure, made of light stone that reflected the morning sun. Immense arches supported the stands that rose like walls.

Capable of housing thousands of spectators. At the top, he could see colorful flags. Displaying the symbol of the royal family and noble houses. As well as the symbol of the Royal Order.

The sound of the crowd was deafening, which made Kyrian frown slightly, there really were a lot of people watching.

Kyrian stepped down from the carriage along with the other three of the Order. The four briefly exchanged glances.

"See you later, Kyrian. Good luck in there." Said the woman with a small smile.

"Hm." Kyrian nodded, indifferent.

While the others went to the stands already reserved for them, Kyrian walked toward the participants’ gate.

It was when he was arriving there that a cheerful voice shouted his name.

"Kyrian!!"

He turned, already knowing who it was. Lina ran up to him with her spear on her back. And with a smile on her face. Unlike him, she seemed more excited than ever for the tournament.

"Finally, I found you." She said, adjusting her hair tied in a simple bun.

"I’ve been busy these days, that’s why I didn’t go see you." Kyrian said, looking at her.

"Hmph. If you say so. If you’re going to give an excuse, your expression has to be more convincing." She said, but her face looked happier for some reason.

They then walked to the entrance.

Both joined a group of young people waiting for the gates to open. More than four hundred faces were lined up there.

Even so, they were in order, without the chaos young people usually caused. All were at most eighteen years old. Some nervous, others excited. A few, displaying exaggerated confidence.

Kyrian looked, measuring each one with a single glance.

’Only two martial artists of the first level... the rest are just children playing at fighting.’

Kyrian thought, sighing in boredom.

Suddenly, the main gate opened with a metallic crash. The whole group then moved with firm steps, entering the coliseum.

The roar of the crowd exploded immediately. Shouts, applause, names being called.

Kyrian walked among the others, indifferent to the spectacle. His eyes, however, moved without rest, analyzing every detail with even more focus.

The stands were extremely crowded. Nobles, dressed in luxurious clothes, were separated from the commoners, who were even more agitated. The sounds varied from hoarse voices to drunken laughter.

"Kyrian, there." Lina discreetly pulled Kyrian’s arm. Pointing to the top of the coliseum.

On an elevated stand, isolated by guards and luxurious decorations, were the prince and princess of the kingdom. The prince was standing with an arrogant posture and a practiced smile. Waving to the crowd.

The princess, with delicate features, watched the arena with curious eyes, as if searching for something.

"It’s the first time they’ve personally attended the tournament!" Lina said with a sparkle of excitement in her eyes.

Kyrian raised his gaze for just a moment before looking away.

’They don’t interest me for now.’

His eyes continued to sweep the stands. Suddenly, they stopped. Amid the crowd, a few unmoving figures caught his attention.

Unlike the others, they were not excited, not applauding, not shouting. Just watching, Kyrian saw and felt that their intentions were not good.

Kyrian showed nothing on his face. But a small smile appeared on his lips.

Softly, he moved his lips. Forming silent words. No sound came out, but his Order companions, spread out in different parts of the stands, read what he meant.

The message was passed, and they reacted immediately. With firm looks, they discreetly adjusted their weapons hidden in their clothes. They understood the suspects.

"Hey, what was that?" Lina asked when she saw Kyrian suddenly stop.

"Nothing, just thinking." He replied, resuming his steps.

Then, a middle-aged man appeared at the center of the arena. His voice was amplified by a strange object he held in his hands.

"Ladies and gentlemen, nobles and citizens! Welcome to the Aurora Tournament."

His voice echoed with power, making the crowd roar again.

"Today, talents from all over the kingdom will prove their strength before everyone!"

The inner gates then opened, revealing ten circular arenas raised in the coliseum.

"This year the rules will be different!"

"Instead of the traditional tests of skill, strength, or endurance. We will have direct combat."

A murmur ran through the participants. Surprise, excitement, and fear in some.

"All of you will be divided into ten arenas. Fifty competitors in each."

The man then raised his hand, quieting the noise a bit.

"First, a battle of all against all, until only ten remain in each arena. Then, the one-on-one elimination duels will decide the winners."

The crowd exploded in applause and shouts, even more excited than before.

Lina widened her eyes, looking at Kyrian.

"This is unexpected. Usually the trials are more elaborate and not direct combat. And because of that, the tournament used to last a few days... It looks like they want it to end as soon as possible..."

"Better this way. It’s faster." Kyrian said with a small smile.

Soon they began organizing the participants. Leading them to their designated arenas. Lina headed to a different one, but before leaving, she leaned toward Kyrian and said.

"See you in the one-on-one fights."

"Don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you." Kyrian replied, already turning his face and walking.

Lina smiled, shaking her head and going her own way.

Kyrian stopped before the circular arena where he would stay. The polished stone floor reflected the sunlight.

Around him, many were already watching. Some full of confidence, others with disdain.

Kyrian took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. The roar of the crowd growing distant.

"So... let’s finish this quickly."

The tournament herald raised his hand.

"Participants... prepare yourselves!"

"THE AURORA TOURNAMENT BEGINS... NOW!"