The smell of metal and fire still lingered in the warriors' shop. While Valdor was checking out the new blade, Arwen and Mayuri split up, searching through the shelves.
— You said we should only buy what we need. — Arwen said over her shoulder, looking at the daggers. — But you didn't say I couldn't choose something stylish.
Mayuri raised an eyebrow as she stood by the rack of magical amulets. — Style won't stop an enemy's blade.
— But it can make me die with class. — Arwen replied with a smile, testing the weight of one of the knives. The dagger flashed with a silvery glow, perfectly balanced. — This one... I'll take this one.
The salesman, a young apprentice with a scar on his neck, cleared his throat. — A blade made of runic silver. Light, but with a deep cut. Two hundred crowns.
— One hundred and fifty. — replied Arwen, without looking away.
The boy hesitated, then shrugged. — All right, one hundred and fifty.
Meanwhile, Mayuri picked up a black metal bracelet with a purple crystal embedded in it. — Does this one strengthen magical barriers?
The blacksmith nodded. — Yes. But only for those who can control the shadows.
Mayuri smiled gently. — In that case, it's perfect.
After the girls paid, they joined the rest of the team waiting by the door.
Noah yawned, leaning against the doorframe. — Are you done shopping? Are you planning on buying half the city too?
Arwen turned the new dagger in her hand, flashing the blade. — Half, no. But the part with the weapons — definitely.
— You'd better not leave them behind your friend this time. — Kael added with a slight smile.
— It was an accident. — she growled, though the corner of her mouth twitched.
Valdor adjusted his belt with the new blade. — Let's go. We need to confirm the completion of the task and collect our payment.
The road to the guild was short, but the crowds on the streets slowed them down a bit. When they finally reached the familiar building with the coat of arms of swords, the sun was beginning to set and the smell of rain was in the air.
Inside, there was a buzz of activity. Tables full of adventurers, the clinking of mugs, laughter, the smell of food. However, something immediately caught Valdor's attention — a large notice board with a crowd gathered in front of it.
Noah raised an eyebrow. — Something new?
Kael squeezed closer and read the announcement.
— Imperial Warrior Tournament... — he read aloud. — The winners will receive an audience with the Emperor himself and a golden prize.
Arwen frowned. — A tournament organized by the Empire? That doesn't sound good.
Mayuri came closer, her expression serious. — This could be more than just entertainment. The Empire doesn't do anything by accident.
Noah smiled broadly. — Tournament or not, a fight is a fight. If we can prove we're the best, why not?
Valdor looked at him. — It could be a trap. But it could also be an opportunity.
At that moment, a familiar voice rang out from the crowd. — So you came after all.
— Well, well... Dragon's Pursuit. New name, shiny new medallions. — His tone was full of mockery. — You think you have a chance in a tournament like this?
Noah instantly straightened up. — Better watch out that your hair doesn't catch fire when you start talking nonsense.
Arok laughed quietly. — Fire? Interesting. But don't worry, boy. There will be no room for words in the arena. Only blood.
Valdor took a step forward, his gaze calm but sharp. — If you're not afraid of blood, we'll see whose flows first.
The conversations around them immediately fell silent. Even the bard in the corner stopped playing.
Arok narrowed his eyes, and the smile disappeared from his face. — In that case... let's meet in the arena. There will be no one there to interrupt our conversation.
— With pleasure. — replied Valdor.
Mayuri placed her hand on his shoulder. — Valdor...
— I know. — he replied quietly. — But some things cannot be left unanswered.
Kael sighed. — So, are we signing up?
Valdor looked at the board. — Yes. But not for the prize. — His gaze grew serious. — If the Empire is organizing a tournament, I want to know why.
Noah smiled broadly. — And we can burn their throne a little, while we're at it.
Arwen shook her head, but there was a spark of excitement in her eyes. — Well, at least it won't be boring.
Valdor approached the registration table. The clerk looked at him incredulously.
— Team name?
— Dragon's Pursuit. — he replied calmly.
The man wrote something down with a pen. — You're registered. The qualifiers will take place in three days. You'd better get ready.
Valdor nodded. — We're always ready.
He turned around, and the rest of the team followed him. Noah stretched, yawning. — Three days, huh? Just enough time to practice some magic... and maybe get some sleep.
— Or both at once. — Kael muttered.
Mayuri looked toward the setting sun outside the window. — The Empire Tournament... something's not right about it.
Valdor paused, his gaze lingering on the bulletin board for a moment.
— Yes. But whatever they're planning... they'll find out that the Dragon Hunt bows to no one.
They left the guild as the city was sinking into twilight. Rain began to fall softly, and the lanterns lit the cobbled streets with a golden glow.
Arwen pulled her hood up and turned to the rest. — So what now?
— Now? — Noah stretched. — Now we go eat something before Kael passes out from hunger.
Kael looked serious. — I'm not that hungry.
— Sure, because you're about to eat half the inn. — Arwen snorted.
Valdor laughed quietly. — Let's go. We have three days to prepare for something that could change everything.
In the distance, a red light flashed on the tower of the Empire's palace.
And somewhere in the shadows, someone watched them through a magic mirror.
— It won't be long now. — he replied with a laugh.