"Name," she said as I approached.
"Hadeon Ravana."
She looked up, actually surprised and did a double look. "The criminal kid? Didn't expect you."
"I'm full of surprises." I said in a flat voice.
"You know the rules?"
"There are no rules. Fight until someone yields, dies, or physically can't continue. Healing available between matches but not during. Killing is discouraged but not disqualified. Standard liability waivers apply."
"You've done your homework." She pulled out a registration crystal. "Place your hand here."
I did. The crystal glowed, recording my magical signature and current power level.
She frowned at the reading. "A rank? That'll put you in the upper bracket. You sure about this? The people you'll face..."
"I'm sure."
"Your funeral." She marked something on her ledger. "You're competitor forty-seven. Bracket assignments will be posted in ten minutes. First match is tomorrow at sunset. Don't be late."
