Chapter 146
Tienhai City. Yui Bay.
In the evening, the entire city was lit up by artificial lights, ensuring life never paused even at night. But tonight, the brightest glow came from the bay, where a massive oval building stood on the water, supported by pillars. The entire structure seemed crafted from gold. At its peak was a vast glass dome that allowed natural sunlight to flood in during the day. It looked like something a wealthy tycoon might build as a palace. But after its completion, people learned it was the Mage Tournament Arena, designed by architects with wild imaginations.
Seeing the finished building in person, Yuki was struck by its resemblance to a temple from his past life, one he'd seen on TV. In India, there's a famous Golden Temple, which, while not as grand or majestic, shares similar details. It's no surprise—where else would creators draw inspiration if not from the countless wonders already in the world?
Inside the arena, another tournament was underway between two finalist teams. The main hall's tiered stands were packed with spectators. People had been eagerly awaiting this event, and all tickets sold out in just two days. After all, what's better than a good old-fashioned magical brawl?
At the center, on a hexagonal platform, stood six participants. On the right side, young women with fit figures—clearly no strangers to physical training—were warming up. Their opponents were their polar opposites: middle-aged men in tight green uniforms, their bellies visible beneath. They kept blowing air kisses to their fans... Yes, even this team had fans.
In less than six months, they'd likely be forgotten, as competition only grows fiercer. The arena had opened just six and a half months ago, but the next season would bring far more new teams. Here, it's not enough to be a skilled mage; you also need charm—or just be young and good-looking. Those always win hearts.
Beneath the platform was a large, deep pool where defeated participants landed, and from which water mages could draw their element. The platform had twenty-one holes—templates for large coin-shaped discs that earth mages used in battle. The holes were filled with quick-setting clay, softer than stone but still impactful. For fire mages, the arena's air circulation system ensured they wouldn't lose their advantage due to oxygen depletion.
Beyond the battle hall, the building housed training rooms with all necessary equipment, allowing participants to refine their skills. There were also living quarters for the arena's permanent staff.
The participants' costumes deserved special mention, as they were cutting-edge. Only military and police gear surpassed them. The special fabric resisted fire, protected against clay impacts, and prevented injuries from concentrated water streams. It significantly boosted resistance to magical and physical damage. The helmets were even more reliable—otherwise, new mages would be needed every round to replace the injured...
"And we're back, folks! It's me, your eternal commentator, Shiro-o-o!" a lively male voice boomed across the arena. "Tonight, your eyes are in for a treat—orgasms galore! What we've all been waiting for is finally happening right here, right now! The final showdown will decide who takes the champion's belt! And bags a ton of sponsors and gets filthy rich..." The last part was supposedly whispered, but the crowd heard it all, erupting in laughter.
"On the right, we've got a team no one expected to see even in the quarterfinals, but here they are... and their bellies are still jiggling," Shiro knew how to rile up the crowd. "Yes! The over-forty guys! Wait, I think I mixed up the script... It's the Timber Toads!" The crowd reacted more strongly to "over-forty guys"...