Chapter 508: Start of the War Games (2/2)

He, or more precisely, the council itself, wasn't that weak: a large group of rough-looking band of mercenaries was standing not too far away from them. Each was garbed in strange, fur attire, vaguely similar to that of Naybeah's. They were mostly warriors, holding towering, humongous axes, maces, and swords with a few bowmen standing at their midst. Their faces as well as their mostly barren chests were painted, with tribal-looking ritualistic markings of animal heads and other strange motifs.

They were surrounded with a savage, primitive, predatory air ignoring everyone. Their gazes fixated on the elder that was most likely their benefactor for the event.

As the old man began to speak, his voice was unnaturally loud, booming and reverberating across the large square.

”Welcome to the Higrove's War Games!” He bellowed, raising his arms in the air as if he wanted to embrace the entire town into his bosom.

”First of all: Thank you for honoring us with your attention.” He continued, giving a slight bow to the audience before continuing. ”As you may be aware, the War Games is a long-honored tradition in our kingdom. When electing an official of such stature, that would represent each and every one of you in front of the royal house, as well as lead us to prosperity and a stable future, he or she needs to be in holding of… certain… qualities.”

He gazed around with a calm, simple-looking smile as he spoke.

”Our future leader, the City Lord, needs to be strong enough, powerful enough to be able to stand at the forefront, to trudge the unexplored and guide us through the veil of the night towards that little glimmer, that bright pillar of light that would be our hopeful tomorrow. To showcase that, our forefathers have devised this event, where all the pillars, all those that had the ambition could showcase their glory and send a group of their own into the fray.”

He gave a light cough, changing the subject. His smile faded, as it shifted into a stern, somber look. His tone was grave as he continued.

”With their combined might, as well as with the assistance of the Academy, they opened a doorway to a vile, brutal world. This place, this plane of reality was different from ours. In there, life was all but all snuffed out, leaving behind only but the most brutal, most vicious, most powerful entities. Deserted plains, nightmarish jungles were but only a fraction of the spectacles that awaited our first explorers.

Amidst the deserted ruins of what once were lush, thriving civilizations, they found the perfect place to quench their adventurous thirsts.”

Once again, his expression shifted, returning to the previous smile. His tone also eased, leaving its stern trait behind as he continued.

”During their first couple of expeditions, they realized that this place, though deserted, and almost destroyed, was a veritable treasure trove! Carefully slithering their way around the dangers and various calamities, they didn't just find treasures and skills that would serve as the basis of many of our current day noble families and various powers, but also a place to settle disputes.”

He gazed to the side looking at his men as he continued, slightly changing the tone.

”Eventually, their desires changed, turning into this now grand, centuries-old tradition! I'm sure that each and every one of you are just as excited as I tell you: Once again, we will have the chance to witness the birth of a legend. Once again, we will open the gates and send our most powerful warriors to search for the glory of their masters and bring honor and victory to their pillars!”

He raised his arms wide as the old man bellowed his last sentence.

”Once again, we open the gates to the Battlefield!”

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