Challenges of the Aether: Call of the Abyss

Chapter 32: The Cult Of Ithaque

 With the matches not starting until later in the morning, Sylvia and I decided to make the most of our time before heading to the arena. After finishing our tea, we agreed to get breakfast before anything else.

After breakfast, Sylvia and I decided to meet with the rest of our group. We planned to catch up with each other and do some stretching before the fights began.

Arriving at the arena, we found everyone gathered just outside the entrance. The area was buzzing with excitement with the other challengers there. Scarlet, Jacob, Edger, and Hadger stood in a small, open space. They waved us over with smiles.

"Morning, everyone!" I called out as we approached. "How's everyone feeling?"

"Good morning!" Scarlet replied. "We're just getting ready to watch the matches. It's a good chance to talk and help with stretches before everything starts."

Sylvia and I joined them in their warm-up routine. We all did some stretches and light exercises, easing any stiffness from the previous day's matches.

"We've been enjoying the festival, haven't we?" I said, looking around at all the people about.

"Absolutely," Jacob agreed. "It's been amazing to see so many people coming together for this event. And the food stalls—don't get me started on those!"

Pearl laughed. "And let's remember the performers and entertainers. It's been a great mix of competition and celebration."

As we continued stretching, we turned our attention to the matches. We discussed potential opponents. After chatting and stretching with the group, Sylvia and I made our way toward the waiting area for the competitors. We exchanged final words of encouragement with our friends before they headed off to find their seats in the stands.

"Good luck out there!" Edger called as she and the others made their way toward the arena. "We'll be cheering for you!"

"Thanks!" I replied, waving as they disappeared into the crowd. Sylvia and I walked opposite, heading toward where the competitors gathered before their matches.

After parting ways with Sylvia, I continued doing light stretches to keep my muscles limber. I noticed a figure across the waiting area as I continued my routine. It was the boy with the rosy blond hair. He was standing by himself, his gaze fixed on me.

I hesitated for a moment, considering whether to approach him and introduce myself or ask about his unusual fighting style. Before I could decide, the announcer entered the waiting area, gathering our attention.

"Attention, competitors!" the announcer's voice boomed, cutting through the murmur of conversations. The announcement was unexpected and immediately drew everyone's attention.

"There has been a slight change to the tournament brackets. Due to the number of injury dropouts and other issues, we're adjusting the format for the final rounds."

Confusion and curiosity passed through the waiting area as competitors exchanged puzzled looks. I glanced at Sylvia, who seemed just as confused as I was.

"We've decided that, with the remaining eighteen of you," the announcer continued, "we will be holding a free-for-all battle to determine the winner. The last person standing in the arena who remains conscious will be declared the victor."

I could feel the weight of the new challenge settling in. A free-for-all battle was a significant departure from the one-on-one matches we had been preparing for. It would require a blend of strategy, adaptability, and endurance to outlast the competition in an unpredictable setting.

Sylvia and I exchanged determined glances. "Looks like things are about to get even more interesting," I said, trying to inject some optimism into the situation.