Rael once again found himself on the battle platform, this time as the first semifinalist.
His opponent was none other than Prince Arjuna.
Both of them stood across from each other, maintaining the usual twenty-meter distance as every other contestant had done before them. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, and the crowd, which had been murmuring in hushed tones, fell silent in the moments leading up to the match.
The Proctor's voice broke the silence. "For the semifinals, one of the restricted rules has been lifted. Both semifinalists are now allowed to use a manmade weapon. However, it is limited to weapons only, not armor or artifacts. You will have thirty seconds for preparation."
Rael glanced down at his empty hands. He didn't have any weapons with him other than training swords in his storage ring. They are useless in real battle.
