The next day, King Thalassar summoned all the competitors to the grand plaza before the palace. Hundreds of Sea People from the kingdom gathered. The atmosphere was thick with excitement and fierce competition.
King Thalassar floated before them, his presence commanding silence. "The hunt begins in a few minutes. You will enter the forest. The rules are simple. Survive. Collect the trophies of the most powerful beasts you can find. The team with the most valuable haul in three days' time wins. There are no other rules."
His eyes swept across the crowd, lingering for a moment on Nox and his team. "Very well then, prepare to move out!"
As the king finished, Nox felt eyes on him. He turned and noticed the other Sea People staring and whispering amongst themselves across the plaza.
Though none pointed directly at him, their gazes were filled with contempt—it was obvious they were talking about them.
"It appears they don't like us," Dorran commented.
