Michael arrived at the familiar arena, the early morning sun casting long shadows over the wooden stands. To his surprise, almost all the other remaining contestants were already there: Ralph, Renald, Torren, Katsu, Rob, Felix, Blitz, Zigrane, Erdan, Akatsuki, Elaira, and a few others whose names he didn't know.
As Michael made his way into the group, he exchanged brief greetings with many of them. Torren gave him a solid handshake and a grin. Katsu nodded coolly but approvingly. Felix waved enthusiastically. Michael exchanged a few words with Erdan, Akatsuki, and Elaira, finding their conversations polite but brief. However, interactions with Zigrane and Blitz were far less pleasant—both carried themselves with an arrogant air, as if the others were beneath them.
"They act like they're already champions," Michael thought bitterly, clenching his fists slightly before relaxing.
Soon after, the village elder—still the event's commentator—arrived, gathering everyone's attention with a loud clap of his hands.
"Good morning, everyone!" the elder said. "Today, before we begin the third stage of the tournament, I have prepared two special trials for you. These are designed to test not just your strength, but your ability to work with others."
Murmurs spread among the contestants. Some exchanged curious glances, others looked wary.
"For the first trial, I will divide you into eight teams of two. Cooperation is essential. Work together or you'll fail together," the elder said firmly.
He started by pairing up the combatants whose names hadn't been mentioned in previous matches. Without much hesitation, he quickly grouped the unknowns into teams.
Next, he addressed more recognizable faces:
"Erdan Moragrim with Akatsuki Mubyo! Elaira Winterglaze with Felix Marwin!"
Michael watched as Erdan and Akatsuki sized each other up with polite nods, while Elaira and Felix exchanged a more enthusiastic greeting.
The elder continued, moving to the more anticipated matchups.
"Renald Solfaris with Katsu Hirengin!"
Both glanced at each other—Renald looking smug, Katsu simply raising an eyebrow and giving a faint smile.
"Ralph Galeheart with Rob Frostflare!"
Ralph narrowed his eyes slightly at Rob, who responded with a lazy smirk.
"Blitz Crackle with Zigrane Vaynran!"
At once, tension exploded between the two.
"No way! I'm not teaming up with him!" Zigrane snapped.
"Like I'm thrilled about this!" Blitz retorted. "Stay out of my way, and we'll be fine!"
"Stay out of my way, slowpoke!" Zigrane growled, his fists clenching.
The elder cleared his throat loudly, silencing them.
"And finally," he said, smiling broadly, "Michael Blazeheart with Torren Grummstone!"
Michael and Torren exchanged a satisfied look, both relieved to have dependable partners.
"Looks like we're together, partner!" Torren said, grinning as he slapped Michael lightly on the back.
"I'm counting on you," Michael replied with a warm smile.
Meanwhile, Ralph pulled Rob aside, keeping his voice low.
"Why did you throw your fight against Michael?" Ralph asked bluntly.
Rob shrugged nonchalantly. "I just felt like it. Wanted to see what he's really capable of. Once I figured out his magic type, it got interesting."
Ralph frowned, his brows knitting together, but he didn't press further.
Nearby, Katsu, who had been quietly observing, picked up snippets of the conversation. His curiosity sharpened, and he made a mental note to share the information.
Later, while standing with Torren and Felix, Katsu casually dropped the news.
"Apparently, Zigrane isn't just strong," Katsu said, glancing around to make sure no one else overheard. "Ralph said he's already beyond what's expected of the ninth rank. Some think he might've reached the tenth."
Torren's eyes widened. "The tenth rank? Already?"
Felix looked equally stunned. "No wonder he acts like he's invincible."
Michael, meanwhile, chatted cheerfully with Torren about their upcoming trial.
"I'm actually looking forward to this," Torren said. "It'll be a good chance to test our teamwork in a real situation."
"Same here," Michael agreed. "Let's give it our best shot and show everyone what we can do."
The air around the arena was thick with tension and excitement. Some pairs were sizing each other up, others were already bickering. Blitz and Zigrane continued to shoot each other death glares, each refusing to stand near the other.
Felix, standing with Elaira, seemed in good spirits. Erdan and Akatsuki talked quietly, planning strategies already.
But one thing was certain—the real challenges were only just beginning.