Fighting Tournament

We continue to more quests, which earned us good money. The quests came and we breezed through them as we were strong academy imperial knights living as adventurers.  About a week later, we finally found time to take a day off. 

The women wanted to go to the market and do some shopping with our earnings. The city of Unai is large, almost as big as Imperial City that we called home. A lot more commercial industry was in Unai and many dojos for various fighting styles. 

While walking through the market, Vin and Uriko kept up their rivalry. Often started with arguing over trinkets and colors. 

Enuma made a note, "The women are such fierce warriors but then when it comes to shipping, they become such simpletons. It is so weird how they get along but still... compete."

The whispers faded, leaving me with a prickle of unease. I shook it off, attributing it to the late-night air. Vin, ever observant, noticed my troubled expression.

"What's wrong, Terran?" she asked, her voice soft but sharp.

"Nothing," he muttered, forcing a smile. "Just… a strange feeling."

Their innkeeper, a stout woman with a booming laugh, bustled in with a steaming pot of stew. "Dinner's ready, adventurers! And word on the street is a grand tournament's happening in Unai tonight. A chance to see the best fighters in the land!"

Unai, the bustling city of merchants and artisans, hummed with a feverish energy. The air thrummed with the anticipation of the upcoming tournament. 

"A tournament?" Vin's eyes lit up. "Fighting? I'm in."

Uriko, ever composed, nodded. "If it's a display of skill, I'm eager to witness the competitors."

However, I remained hesitant. I wasn't drawn to the thrill of standing out in a City sponsored tournament. I was the son of the hero and ran away, which a fighting tournament will be popular to bring in many nobles and travelers. 

When I left my mother to go on this adventure. She did mention that my father was expected to arrive at the city for such an event. And this tournament's grand scale is the biggest reason for my father to come and find me. 

I am not certain that I could stop my stubborn father without mother around. Enuma chimed in, "It is scary to think of hope stubborn and ignorant your father can be. Truly an unstoppable force."

I'd been training with Enuma for long time now, honing his striking abilities and Breakthrough techniques for magic attacks. A little of magic-infused swordsmanship as well. I was confident that I would win, even competing with the unknown talents of Unai. 

After eating dinner, the trio went to see the tournament arena. Because our curiosity got the best of us. 

The arena was a breathtaking spectacle. A colossal, circular space, supported by intricate carvings, was packed with spectators. The air crackled with anticipation as the announcer called out the first contestants. 

Terran, Vin, and Uriko found a good vantage point, taking in the flurry of action. The fighters were a diverse lot. Muscled barbarians, nimble assassins, and graceful dancers with hidden blades. 

I used my mirror eye magic for scanning the arena, searching for a familiar pattern, a tell-tale sign of a skilled warrior. I saw a young man, his face hidden behind a mask, wielding a pair of daggers with the effortless grace of a seasoned predator. The way he moved, the way he used the shadows... it felt strangely familiar.

The announcer's booming voice echoed through the arena. "And now, to face the masked warrior, the legendary striker, the son of the great hero, Terran!"

I was shocked to my core. I had not even registered to the tournament. Yet I was being called in to fight in a battle. 

Uriko was floored at hearing it too. "That's it, I will go quickly register so we can battle each other hopefully."

Both women went off to register and left me in the arena flabbergasted. Enuma said, "It is someone that knows you would be here in Unai. Not necessarily knew your intentions."

I stuttered, "I-I did not think I was going to fight in this tournament. We have enough earnings. Yet, I cannot help it, I want this, I want to fight. To prove myself as well as everyone else."

Terran felt his heart pound. The crowd roared. He stepped forward, his armor gleaming under the stadium lights. The masked warrior, with a silent nod, met his gaze. The tournament had begun, and Terran was ready to face the challenge. He knew this was more than just a fight. It was a test of his worth, a chance to prove himself.

The skilled warrior with a mask seemed familiar. Then even addressed him as such. The masked warrior said, "You arrived just in time to face my justice. You take my sister's heart; you will need to prove that you deserve it. Also, we faced after my battle with that filthy ogre, so I wanted to make sure you faced me at my full strength!"

Hearing the guy bad mouth Aka that he slayed so ridiculously. I clenched my fist with a lot of anger. Enuma tried to calm me down. "Your face is so beet red, are you just going to copy your father in stubborn rage?" 

I spitted with rage as my thoughts stung with the passion of remembering this guy took off the head of Aka the ogre. "I will smash him so hard," I thought in my head. I spoke aloud, "You are Vin's brother? The genius of the Stoke family, will feel a world of hurt after I am done." 

At that time, Vin was approaching and overheard the mention of the Stoke family. She ran up to Terran and saw the masked shadow warrior that was waiting in the battle arena. Instantly recognized the figure despite the mask. 

She cried out, "Elder brother? Why are you here? Looks like you recovered well." 

I said, "He must have registered my name into this competition. That was great, I will crush him as vengeance for Aka." I turned to Vin, what was his name again?"

Vin replied with worried smile, "He is Ham, my elder brother is one of the most gifted in Kingdom of Insei. However, you could beat him easily after what I seen you do."  

I stepped into the battle arena. The rules were explained by the attending judge. To advance, Win! To win, knock out or surrender. 

Ham called out to me, "I will not let quit, I will make sure it hurts."

I replied, "Bring it on!"