Chapter 73: Pledges
The arena was alive with energy, the deafening roar of the crowd vibrating through the massive stone walls. Thousands of spectators packed into the stadium, their voices colliding into a frenzied storm of anticipation. The air was thick with heat, excitement crackling between bodies, feeding into the chaos that was about to unfold.
Amari stepped forward with his team, his grip loose around the chains draped over his shoulders. His expression remained unreadable, eyes sharp as he scanned the battlefield. Around him, competitors from every school marched onto the stone platform, muscles tense, faces set in grim determination.
Then—
The announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers, amplified by magic, cutting through the roaring crowd.
"WELCOME TO THE KRAFT TOURNAMENT!"
The stadium exploded with cheers, shaking the very ground beneath their feet.
Amari winced, jaw tightening. He raised a hand to cover his ear for a brief moment, barely suppressing the irritation rising in his chest. He never did well with this much noise.
But there was no avoiding it—not here.
The announcer continued, voice ringing across the battlefield, effortlessly commanding attention.
"As always, we begin with the preliminary round—THE BATTLE ROYALE."
The arena shifted. Fighters exchanged glances. Some nodded knowingly. Others stiffened, tension rippling through the ranks.
"The rules are simple," the announcer declared.