Chapter 137: The Arena
The arena stretched before us, a grand stage where the fate and honor of mages clashed. Its resemblance to the Divine Throne was striking, but there were subtle differences that set it apart. Unlike the Divine Throne, where exhibitions took precedence and seats stretched infinitely, this arena at Western University was a battleground used every day. Thousands of seats still encircled the arena, but the observation room had been sacrificed for a broader battlefield. Illusory screens projected matches before the seats, with significant battles like ours broadcast throughout the campus.
"Getting cold feet?" Fyren’s voice cut through my nerves, his teasing tone attempting to dispel my unease.
I absently curled a strand of hair around my finger, a nervous habit second only to stroking my horns. "It’s just... I didn’t expect so many people."
"If that’s all, then I guess we have nothing to worry about. It’s not like you’re expected to give a speech or anything," he chuckled.
I blushed, recalling the incident at Viriden. No matter how many times I faced an audience, the anxiety never lessened.
"It’s not like last time," I whispered to myself, summoning my courage. This time, I had nothing to lose. Ronin was far away on his own adventures, and the church didn’t have a chance to meddle with my affairs. It was a matter of pride, something I had never been allowed to embrace before anyway.
The door burst open, and Elise entered, smiling cheerfully. Several students from House Titan followed her, their confident laughter masking the underlying unease in their movements.
"This is Xiviyah, and her companion, Fyren," Elise introduced us, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
A youth, several years older than Elise, bowed politely. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, hero. I’m Jarrod, Crown Prince of the Brithlite Kingdom on the northern continent. While enrolled here, I’ve been asked to serve as one of the Three Fists of House Titan." He gestured to the others behind him. "These are the upper-echelon students from our house who have come to support you."