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Chapter 15 – The First Clash

  The dawn rose slowly on Ravenhold, tinting the ancient stones of the arena orange and giving a warm light that contrasted with the tense air. Today, the long-awaited day for the start of the preliminary meetings of the imperial tournament, had arrived. The arena, located in the heart of the city, stood majestic with stone bleachers and a central stage illuminated by soft lights. On the edge of the arena, next to the exhibition spaces dedicated to the guilds, there were sparkling signs: the Golden Dragon Guild, renowned for its fiery techniques; the Iron Lions, known for their uncompromising discipline; and The Company of Shadows, famous for the speed and stealth of its members.

  The buzz of adventurers and citizens filled the air with voices full of concern and enthusiasm. Among the comments, some exclaimed:

  "Tomorrow will be the day of truth. The most feared guilds will show their strength, and any mistake could cost us our lives!"

  Another added, in a stern tone:

  "Remember: every detail now matters, every weapon must be at its most efficient!"

  Zeyne, with the Rank E badge clearly visible, walked determined along the perimeter of the arena, carefully observing each standard and symbol. As he walked through the vibrant crowd, he reflected:

  "There's only one day left. Tomorrow my every choice, every movement, will be a piece of my destiny. I have to be at my best."

  Next to him, Lia – already known to the group – accompanied him with a decisive step. With her proud and determined gaze, Lia conveyed a reassuring calm, becoming the perfect complement to Zeyne's inner strength.

  With the crowd gathered around the arena, a powerful and authoritarian voice, amplified by the loudspeakers, broke the wait:

  "Adventurers, the time has come! With this decree, the preliminary meetings of the imperial tournament officially opened. Demonstrate your worth on the ground!"

  Words sounded through the ancient walls of the arena, as everyone’s eyes turned towards the elevated platform occupied by the judges. Among them stood out figures of considerable importance: from the heart of the Empire, Count Armand, a high-ranking officer known for his ruthless evaluation of the clashes, and next to him, the legendary adventurer known as "The Lone Wolf", whose presence induced respect and fear in equal measure. These illustrious judges watched every move with stern and measured eyes.

  Soon after, an incisive voice announced Zeyne's turn:

  "Zeyne, Rank E, get ready: your first duel starts now!"

  Words hit Zeyne like a hammer on fate. Clutching his sword firmly, he came forward, while by his side Lia watched him with eyes full of support and determination.

  The bell of the arena rang, marking the beginning of the duel. On the other side of the field, the opponent made his appearance: a fighter of the Iron Lions, a rank B with an impassive face and shiny armor, which emanated a disarming coolness. With a contemptuous smile and an arrogant tone, the enemy launched:

  "What does a Rank and how do you do in such an important meeting?"

  Those words, imbued with malice, caused Zeyne’s soul to simmer, while fueling his determination. With his gaze fixed on the adversary, he replied in a firm voice:

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  "Nobody's going to stop me."

  The duel came to life at a measured pace initially, then gradually more intense. The blades crossed, and the clanging of the shots echoed in the air, while each parade and slit carried with it the weight of the workouts and the tests passed. The crowd watched every move with bated breath, and the atmosphere became increasingly charged with waiting.

  In the midst of the fight, when the opponent’s attack seemed to overwhelm Zeyne, something extraordinary happened: the hidden power to see the future made its way into him. At that instant, time seemed to slow down. Every sound, every movement became sharp and defined.

  "Look, look!" thought Zeyne, as a quick and intense vision opened before his eyes: an image in which his calculated slit would hit the opponent’s weak point, a small glimmer in the armor that would decree the end of the duel.

  From the edge of the arena, Lia shouted firmly:

  "Zeyne, now! Hit yourself with everything!"

  That cry, like a beacon in the fog, infused Zeyne with a new wave of energy. With his mind clear from vision and his body driven by instinct, he executed a perfect slit, finding his opponent’s weak point. The opponent faltered, and in a moment the duel came to a climax: the decisive blow caused the fighter to collapse, who fell heavily on the arena floor.

  The duel seemed to have reached its peak. Silence fell in the arena as the audience held their breath. Zeyne.with the sweat running down his face and the shortness of breath, he came face to face with destiny. The vision of the future had shown him the way, and he had followed it with determination.

  The judge, after carefully observing the scene, solemnly declared Zeyne’s victory, and a thunderous applause exploded in the arena.

  On the pitch, the guild mates approached to congratulate Zeyne, who felt a mixture of relief and the impossible burden of responsibility. Lia, with an admired and resolute smile, came forward:

  "Good, Zeyne. You have proven to have the strength and insight of a true warrior. But remember, this is just the beginning. Every victory opens the way to new challenges."

  Even the judges were not silent. Count Armand, with an unfazed expression that seldom betrayed emotion, nodded slowly and said:

  "A Rank E who stands out in a duel against the Iron Lions... surprising, though not yet enough to guarantee a future in this tournament."

  Next to him, the Lone Wolf came forward with a somber smile, commenting:

  "This clash shows that even those of humble origins can conceal unexpected powers. But it's a long way, kid."

  Zeyne, listening to the judges’ words, felt both pride and fear for future challenges increase in him. With his heart in turmoil, he reflected:

  "This first clash marked a new beginning. The power that I experienced, the vision that guided me, is a gift that is as precious as it is dangerous. I have to prepare for everything to come."

  As the arena slowly emptied, the buzz of spectators and the echo of the duel merged in an atmosphere of anticipation for the next challenges. Zeyne found himself contemplating the path before him, knowing that each battle would indelibly affect his destiny. Beside him, Lia remained a constant support, ready to fight alongside him and to share any future challenges.

  "This is only the first step in a long journey," Zeyne meditated, as the sun continued to rise, lighting up the arena and heralding new battles. "With the determination, the power I have discovered and the support of those around me, I will face every obstacle that fate will set me."

  With his heart full of new hopes and the awareness that the power to see the future would be a double-edged blade, Zeyne prepared to write the next chapter of his story, conscious that any confrontation would be a fundamental lesson for the journey ahead.

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