Mobile Suit Gundam: Blood Price

Tournament Arc: Princess Prim

The kingdom of Feoh is lively tonight. The kingdom of Feoh, bathed in the warm glow of torchlight and twinkling lanterns, hums with anticipation as citizens wander in the busy streets. The air is filled with the aroma of delicious food and laughter, as vendors sell their wares and people mill about, eagerly discussing the upcoming tournament.

Mika leisurely walked through the busy streets. If someone would looking at him, they would compare him to a ghost as he expertly dodged and weaved through the people in the jam packed streets of Feoh.

Mika is in no hurry but he had a goal tonight.

To scout out the competition for tomorrow.

As Mika continues on his way, he catches sight of a particularly bustling area where the crowd seems to be thickest. Curiosity piqued, he decides to investigate further. Following the flow of people, he finds himself in front of a huge encampment.

Mika frowned as he got closer.

Mercenaries, to be specific, Black Dog Mercenaries.

A mercenary band that is growing in popularity due to their head-on defense against the monsters of the Dark Queen Olga. Whenever there's a fight with these monsters, they are always close by. These made them heroes in the eyes of the Seven Shield Alliance.

But nothing is truly kind in this world. He have heard of rumors. Bad rumors. They say the Black Dogs take collateral as payment to their "protection". Failure to pay means they will act... unsavory.

Even Maribel and Marion are suspicious of the group.

Sneaking into the camp, Mika ventured in. The Black Dogs' encampment is a bustling hive of activity, with mercenaries hurrying about, tending to their horses, sharpening weapons, or simply laughing and drinking around campfires. A few tents and makeshift buildings dot the area, including what appears to be a command center where several important-looking figures confer in hushed tones. Mika carefully skulks through the camp, trying not to draw attention to himself.

As he moves deeper into the encampment, he catches glimpses of some of the fighters who are supposed to participate in the tournament tomorrow. The captain of the Black Dog Mercenaries, a burly man named Vult, sits on a throne-like chair, surrounded by his lieutenants.

"Tomorrow is the day, men. The day of the beginning of my journey to touch those heavenly tits of that Goddess. Hahahaha!" Vult's boisterous laughter echoes through the camp, earning him dirty grins and lewd comments from his subordinates. Mika scoffs inwardly, unimpressed by the captain's crass remarks. As he continues to survey the scene, he takes note of possible adversary tomorrow.

"Hahaha, you got that right, Boss! I'm so jealous! If you win, you can actually get to touch Celestine's tits!" One of Vult's lieutenants, a scrawny looking man named Hicks, shouts, his voice carrying across the camp.

Mika's eyes narrow as he focuses on the man. An insidious grin forms on his lips. He knew of Hicks, albeit not well, but enough to know that he was an ambitious and untrustworthy individual. Tomorrow, Mika would make sure to keep an eye on him.

"Ehem, need I remind you both of why you two are entering the tournament?" Vult's second lieutenant, a robed man named Kin, coughs.

Mika knows him. He was hailed as a prodigy in the Kingdom of Ken. A mage of incredible talent and ingenuity. He would later join the Black Dog Mercenaries.

Vult scoffs. "I know, I know. Win the tournament and request full access to the Hidden Archives." He said, rolling his eyes.

Mika nods to himself as he listens to their conversation. The Black Dogs have a clear objective: Win the tournament and request access to the Hidden Archives of the castle where the Goddess Celestine resides.