[Zahryssar Empire—The Day of the Tournament—The Arena of Sunfire]
The day of the Sunsteel Tournament arrived like a blink between heartbeats.
One moment the empire whispered of it in corridors and courtyards—and the next—Zahryssar stood dressed in gold.
From the outer provinces to the jeweled balconies of Silthara, banners of molten crimson and imperial black unfurled in the wind. Market stalls overflowed with saffron wine, honeyed figs, spiced meats, and silk ribbons woven in the shape of roses.
The empire did not merely prepare for the tournament.
It awakened for it.
Because today—Knights would bleed for recognition, nobles would duel for devotion, and reputations would either rise like phoenix ash… or crumble like sand.
Many things would happen in this arena.
Things that should happen, and perhaps… things that never should.
