The following morning, after Saruto had trained in the Time Chamber, he returned to the Academy for the tournament. The Advanced Class students gathered before the giant teleportation gate, surrounded by a shimmering aura, a clear indication that today would be unlike any other. Whispers and trepidation filled the air; weeks of preparation would be put to the test.
"Today begins the annual Advanced Class Tournament," the Headmaster announced in a booming voice, silencing everyone. "Each student will be teleported to a random location in this world. There will be no cooperation. Your objective: each student possessing a gem will be randomly teleported to another location within the gate. Each of you must collect two gems—one against one. Once you take a gem from your opponent, a crown will form before you. Insert the two gems into the crown to win. There will be only four winners. The winner will gain entry to the Treasure Chamber."
There were eight participants, all from the eight noble families. Each possessed their own gem.
Saruto stood calmly amidst the crowd, his gaze fixed on his surroundings, his mind analyzing every possible move and every action of the other students. Nearby stood Lucian, the Ice Heir, his icy eyes gleaming, a smile laced with defiance.
"Leave the best one, commoner, and don't forget our bet."
Saruto smiled faintly, a hint of challenge in his eyes, but both knew that the ultimate goal was to collect the gems and triumph in the tournament.
As soon as the Master announced the start of the tournament, the teleportation portal opened, and a blue light swallowed the students one by one, each transported to a random area within the world created by the Master.
Saruto opened his eyes to find himself in a vast forest, its ground rocky and dotted with giant trees. The air was charged with an unfamiliar energy.
In various locations, the other students from the eight families were scattered:
The Ice Heir, Lucian, emerged among the icy rocks, cautiously observing his surroundings.
The Hell Heir stood atop a high hill, emitting her black aura to scan the area. The Star Heir, moving among the trees with eyes that shone like stars.
The Sea Heir, hiding among the small lakes, using the water to conceal her power.
The Wind Heir, speeding among the rocks.
The Dragon Heir, with outstretched wings, traversing the heights.
The Light Heir, moving swiftly among the trees.
Saruto took a deep breath, focusing on his plan: there was no room for error. Each student carried a gem, and defeating any one of them meant obtaining their gem. He knew that order and speed were the keys to victory, and that collecting two gems would be his way to reveal the crown and win the championship.
With a swift movement, Saruto began moving among the trees and rocks, sensing the other students' energies, avoiding any direct confrontation at first, focusing on assessing each opponent before engaging. He knew that every step, every possible strike, had to be meticulously calculated. Failure could cost him one of his treasures; I must conserve my energy before reaching my goal.
And he sets off to find his opponent.