Chapter 73: He Was Already My Enemy
A week had passed since Liona’s visit. The Ambrose estate already showed signs of repair. Scaffolding climbed the exterior walls, workers cleared overgrown pathways, and the sounds of construction filled the once-quiet grounds.
The tournament, meanwhile, had progressed to the next step. Each day brought new eliminations, new injuries, and occasionally, new deaths. The spectacle had grown more intense with every match, drawing larger crowds and more fervent reactions.
Today, as Grim took his customary place in the competitors’ section, a hush fell over the arena. An announcer stepped to the center of the fighting area, his voice magically amplified to reach every corner of the massive structure.
"Honored guests, noble houses, and citizens of the Empire," he announced, arms spread wide. "We have reached the quarterfinals of the Imperial Tournament!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, stomping feet creating a thunder that Grim could feel through the stone beneath him.
"From 1,024 competitors, only eight remain." The Tournament Master paused for dramatic effect. "32 have paid the ultimate price for glory. 18 suffer injuries that have ended their participation. The rest have surrendered or been defeated."
Murmurs rippled through the audience.
"The format now changes," the Tournament Master continued. "From this point forward, matches will be held one at a time, for all to witness. The quarterfinals will take place in two days, all four matches on a single day. The semifinals will follow two days after that, and the final match two days later."
Grim looked at the remaining competitors, Max Luminaris, the petite girl whose match he watched before, a hooded figure that was large and imposing, and 4 other competitors he wasn’t familiar with.