The grand gates of Caelora Grand Colosseum opened slowly.Thunderous cheers erupted from the stands as thousands of contestants marched into the arena.Their footsteps echoed beneath the shimmering dome, forming a sea of colors — robes, staffs, and gleaming armor reflecting the golden morning light.
From the western stands, Sylveras leaned forward, his eyes filled with excitement.
"Hey, Brant," he said quietly, pointing toward a young man clad in silver armor."You know who that guy is?"
Brant squinted. "Which one? Half the people down there are wearing armor, Sylv."
"That one — the one with the red scarf around his neck," Sylveras said quickly.
Brant followed his gaze, then nodded. "Ah, that's Lurk Sisillia, the prince of the Sisillian Kingdom."
Sylveras frowned. "I don't know why, but he looks… irritating."
Brant chuckled. "Maybe. But when we were kids, I once had a duel with him — and I lost badly. He's strong, Sylv. Really strong."
"Seriously?" Sylveras raised a brow. "I thought nobles just sat around and talked."
"Not all of them, my friend," Brant replied with a grin. "Some were born for battle."
Before their conversation could continue, a booming magical voice echoed across the colosseum — amplified thousands of times by runes carved into the arena walls.
"Attention, all participants and spectators!"The voice thundered from every direction. "The grand examination to determine the Next Sage is about to begin!"
The crowd roared like a storm.
"Today, we welcome the esteemed members of the Council of Urtz!The Seven Sages and the Seven Wizards, led by none other than Vaelion Elaris!"
The cheers grew even louder.From above, beams of light descended, forming fourteen floating thrones — thirteen occupied, and one left empty at the center.
"As you can see," the announcer continued, "one seat remains vacant.It belonged to the late Sage Ardan.And today, we will find the one worthy to inherit his title — the Legendary Sage!"
The audience erupted with excitement, their cheers shaking the very air.
"And for the victor — the Council and His Majesty will grant a reward of ONE MILLION GURTZ!"
"ONE MILLION GURTZ?!"Sylveras and Brant shouted at once.
"Insane! That's enough to live rich for life!" Brant exclaimed.Sylveras laughed. "If only I could join the fight…"
Meanwhile, in the shadowed corner of the stands, the spy of Numrath smiled faintly.To the crowd, this was entertainment. But to him — it was the beginning of something far darker.
"And now," the announcer's voice rang again, "let us welcome our beloved ruler — His Majesty, King Alexander of Urtz!"
The audience rose to their feet.Golden banners unfurled from the walls, and from the highest podium, the king appeared — regal and calm, clad in white and gold armor that gleamed under the light.
He raised his hand, and the roaring crowd fell silent.Then, in a deep and commanding voice, he began to speak.
The Speech of King Alexander
"People of Urtz, young mages, and nobles from every corner of our lands — today, you witness the dawn of a new chapter.The world is changing, and it demands a new light to guide it.
To the candidates standing under this sun — remember: strength is not born from magic alone, nor from the blood you inherit,but from the will to protect.
Today, you do not fight for thrones or gold.You fight for the hope entrusted to you by every kingdom that believes in your rise.
So fight — not with pride, but with heart.Show the world that Urtz still has children worthy of the heavens' trust."
The cheers that followed shook the colosseum to its core.Above them, the magical sky shifted colors — blue, violet, and gold — the official sign that the examination had begun.
From the center of the arena, Elara looked up, gripping her staff tightly, trying to calm her racing heart.In the stands, Sylveras and Brant stood speechless, lost in the grandeur of the moment.
A massive gong resonated across Caelora once more.And so, the Sage Examination had officially begun.