Chapter 393: Opening and tasks
Finally!
The competition would start. Hex stood at the roof of the Inn and watched people flock toward the Challenger’s Hall.
Thousands of people moved like ants behind each other. Some had even arrived before dawn.
Unlike the participants, the spectators didn’t care about the loss of time or having to listen to lengthy speeches. For them, this chance to leave their house and enjoy life with their dear family was worth more than anything else.
Hex and others who were participating in the competition didn’t need to gather early in the morning. They were required to be present with their teams once the opening rituals were completed. It came as a big surprise to learn that the participants absent during this part would be barred from the competition.
"You guys should consider it from the perspective of the organizers," Sterling had admonished the ones protesting this rule. "They have invested a lot of coins into this event. They are perhaps the only ones who don’t care about anyone’s background. Their people will hype each and every one of you as if nothing greater than you exists. Titles of geniuses, dark horses, mysterious ones, jade beauties, and what not will be bestowed, whether someone deserves it or not. They need hype. Because that will earn them their coin back. No one cares if you beat one guy or a hundred guys. They care about the coin. Only about the coin. You, me, we all, are irrelevant."
After the ego-shattering speech, people had quietened down considerably. Hex was looking forward to the matches. Unbeknownst to the others, he had gone out to buy loads of clothes and gears. Nothing special. They just needed to fit the different personas he was about to impersonate during the competition. Everything was ready.
...
"And to give the first speech, please welcome, his Eminence, the High Elder Moles Tectonic."