Chapter 222: Balthor Returns
The roar of the crowd was overwhelming.
More than fifty thousand people filled the arena seats—rows of carved stone and polished platforms that stretched up the walls of the massive cavern. Banners representing the four academies floated overhead, enchanted to ripple gently despite the lack of wind.
Magical screens hovered above the field, projecting enhanced views of the battlefield below, powered by glowing mana conduits embedded deep into the stone.
A man floated to the center platform—tall, dressed in robes of deep blue trimmed with silver. His voice, amplified through a magical array, echoed through every corner of the arena.
"Welcome, citizens of Tharvaldur and honored guests from across Vaelterra!"
"Today begins the Grand Inter-Academy Tournament!"
The cheers shook the walls.
"Before we begin, a quick reminder of the rules. Each student has been given a personal protection artifact. It will activate automatically in case of unconsciousness or life-threatening injury. You fight until one side yields or is knocked out."
A rune below the announcer pulsed brightly as he spoke.
"The winner advances. The loser is eliminated."
Noel stood in one of the wide stone hallways that opened onto the stands. From where he was, he could see almost the entire arena. The energy in the air was heavy—excitement, nerves, tension.
He glanced toward the battlefield.