Series: The Mountain: Book 1: The Awakening

Meeting the Competition

On entering the previously empty field, Liam momentarily froze as the once sparse clearing was now filled with several dozen new viewing platforms, all of which were tightly packed with people of various ages that wore the Mountain's crest on their chests. Standing where he'd met the councilors during the first trial now held an impossibly flat spread of land. Lining its circular shape were several banners hanging from tall wooden poles. Flapping crazily in the wind, Liam could just make out a blood red pattern depicting two peaks, one taller than the other, embroidered expertly onto a light blue banner. Separated by singular blank, white banner situated on both sides, a similar set of banners graced the outskirts of the circular arena. However, unlike the banners on the opposite end, these were purely black without any patterns stitched onto its sides. 

Realizing that what he was staring at was in fact the arena he'd be soon fighting in, Liam took a few steps towards it, instantly gaining the attention of the amassed crowd. Tensing up from the intensity of the onlookers stares, Liam balled his fists, nails digging into his palm as he attempted to maintain a tranquil state. Although on the outside he was the epitome of calm, on the inside, anxiety held  firm grip on his now nervous heart. Proceeding towards his destination almost timidly, a sudden wave of booing, insults and other unintelligible remarks assailed his ears as he strode past the sardine-packed stands. Taken aback by the unexpected cacophony, he whirled around, hoping Alice could provide him with the answers he needed or perhaps some form of mental support. However, to both his surprise and dismay, the girl was nowhere to be seen behind him. 

"Guess I'll have to do this on my own," Liam muttered, gritting his teeth as he turned around before resuming his course. 

Trying his best to ignore the constant negative attention being blatantly hurled at him, Liam hastily made his way toward the arena. Finally nearing the outer edge, Liam paused as a faint hum of energy radiated mere steps ahead of his position. 

'Should I enter?' Liam wondered, still blanking out the now faded clamour of the crowd. 

Nervously staring at what he presumed was an invisible barrier, a familiar voice called out, "Liam!"

Immediately recognizing it, he spun in the voice's direction, inner anxiety instantly melting away as the smiling faces of his Xavier, Sylvie and Helen came rushing towards him. Completely blotting out the still insult-throwing audience, he focused his full attention on his approaching companions. 

Unlike during their travels, Herman wore a plain, crudely knitted t-shirt along with a large pair of trousers rather than his usual knightly armour. Muscular in every sense of the word, Herman's sword was now slung over his left shoulder as he barreled towards Liam. Sylvie, who he'd already seen without armour, wore a dark, fitted leggings that capped at her knees with a loose-fitting, matching blouse. Her long, jet black hair was tied into a ponytail, waving to and fro as she jogged over. Like Xavier, she too retained her weapon, though hers was sheathed at her slender waist. Lastly, Liam switched his gaze to Helen. As she hurried over to his position, her long golden blonde hair flowed freely, shining even in the absence of sunlight. Accompanied by a perfectly white smile, her light blue eyes darted excitedly as she neared. Dressed in silk-like garbs similar to those Elder Isabelle had previously worn, the princess smiled warmly as she arrived. 

"You came!" Liam said elatedly as relief replaced anxiety. 

"Like we'd miss this!" Sylvie replied emphatically. 

"It's good to see that you're all well," Liam continued. 

"Not as good as you from what I hear?" Herman said in return with a good-natured slap on Liam's back. 

"No kidding," Sylvie said as Liam recovered from Herman's slightly heavy-handed assault, "I heard you broke the Trial Stone into pieces. A few students were telling me earlier that it's supposedly meant to be unbreakable, until it met you that is."