THE ASSASSIN'S FLAME

CHAPTER EIGHT

The Continental Tournament's first round commenced, and the participants vanished into diverse realms. Sir Malakai, accompanied by numerous contestants, materialized in a dark, foreboding domain. Magical energy swirled around them, making it difficult to discern their surroundings. Magic surveillances floated above, broadcasting the scene to the audience.

Meanwhile, Alethea stood within a rift, suspended between the sky and earth. Turbulent magical energy enveloped her, yet she appeared unfazed.

"Seems like they were right; the magic energy here almost makes it impossible to know your way around," Alethea said, her voice laced with amusement. "But am I supposed to panic? Huh, such a simple task. I'm not known as a General for nothing."

The audience exchanged perplexed glances. "What does she mean?" someone whispered. "Is she confident or just bluffing?"

Speculation spread like wildfire. "Valtoria will win, as always," a spectator declared. Others countered, "Eldrid has a strong chance." A few brave souls wagered on Avalor.

In the royal box, Prince Elianne, the King, Queen, and Kieran watched with furrowed brows.

"What does Alethea's statement imply?" the Queen asked, concern etched on her face.

"I'm not sure," Kieran replied, "but it sounds like she's hiding something."

Elianne's eyes narrowed. "She's not one to underestimate. There's more to her words than meets the eye."

Before they could further discuss, Alethea acted. Without drawing her sword, she raised her hand, and raw light magic burst forth. The air shimmered as she cast her spell: "Light magic: light portal."

A radiant gateway materialized, and Alethea stepped through it. The portal vanished, leaving behind an empty space.

Time seemed to freeze. The audience held collective breaths. Five seconds had passed.

The host's stunned voice echoed through the arena. "And Alethea, representing Avalor, is the first to exit her realm! Unbelievable!"

Gasps and murmurs erupted. "How did she do that?" "Is that even allowed?"

The King and Queen exchanged shocked glances. Kieran's eyes sparkled with intrigue. Elianne's face reflected a mix of awe and concern.

The host continued, "According to the rules, contestants can utilize any magical means to escape their realm. Alethea has demonstrated unprecedented skill and creativity!"

As the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, Alethea reappeared in the tournament arena, her expression serene.

Sir Malakai, still navigating the dark realm, gritted his teeth. "She thinks she's superior, but I'll show her true power."

The stage was set for an extraordinary tournament. Alethea's unconventional departure had sent shockwaves, and the question on everyone's mind was: What would she do next?

The audience's fervor lingered, still reeling from Alethea's astonishing display. Murmurs and speculations spread like wildfire:

"Unbelievable! She didn't even draw her sword!"

"How did she harness the realm's energy?"

"Is this the true extent of Avalor's power?"

In the royal box, Princess Elianne leaned forward, eyes shining with excitement. "Mother, Father, did you see that? Alethea's strategy was flawless!"

The Queen's expression turned thoughtful. "Indeed, Elianne. She demonstrated exceptional magical control and adaptability."

Kieran's mind reeled, his initial shock giving way to awe. By the gods, she's brilliant. I underestimated her. That wasn't just skill; it was calculated genius. He recalled their balcony conversation, her words taking on new meaning. She wasn't boasting; she was stating fact.

As the crowd continued to buzz, Sir Malakai emerged from his dark realm, his face set in determination. The host announced his exit, and the audience applauded, though with less fervor than Alethea's.

Kieran's thoughts remained fixated on Alethea. How did she grasp the realm's energy so swiftly? Her magical prowess is staggering. And that portal... I've never seen anything like it.

She didn't even draw her sword. That was pure, unadulterated magic. And the way she harnessed the realm's energy... genius."

What if she's hiding something? What if this is just a fraction of her true power?"

Elianne turned to Kieran, a mischievous grin spreading. "Looks like our General has set the bar high, don't you think, Kieran?"

Kieran nodded, still lost in thought. "She's... remarkable. I didn't expect such ingenuity."

The Queen leaned back, her eyes never leaving Alethea's figure. "This tournament just became far more intriguing."

In the stands, spectators continued to analyze Alethea's performance:

"She must have studied the realm's properties beforehand."

"Maybe she has an inside source?"

"Valtoria's champion will still take the crown."

A group of Avalor's citizens, donning their nation's colors, cheered loudly. "Alethea, our General, will bring glory to our nation!"

As the commotion subsided, the host's voice echoed through the arena once more. "The first round's results are in. Alethea, representing Avalor, takes the lead. Sir Malakai, representing Valtoria, follows closely. The remaining contestants will continue to navigate their realms. Stay tuned for the next update!"

The tournament's pace quickened, with contestants gradually exiting their realms. The audience remained enthralled, eager to witness more astonishing displays.

Kieran's gaze drifted back to Alethea, now standing confidently on the tournament grounds. I must speak with her after this. Uncover the secrets behind her strategy. A mix of admiration and curiosity stirred within him.