Tales of Astora: Legacy

Chapter 50: Challenges

Chapter 50: Challenges

In the eastern part of the Whispering Forest lied a colosseum. It was said that Baldo, God of the Beastmans, also known as the God of War, has built this place for anyone who wanted to challenge him. After Baldo left however, the arena was used to host an annual fighting contest between all the beast tribes. All the brawls must adhere to the rule which dictated that anyone who killed his opponent would be disqualified and exiled from his tribe. This helped keep the fight to a friendly level without anyone die for the last thirty years.

There was no political power at stake. The tournament's only purpose was to give all the tribes a reason to reunite once a year. If they had a conflict with each other, it would be solved in the arena. The winner would of course be hailed as the Champion and would be recorded in the Hall of Fame, just like Baldo who was the first and undefeated Champion.

But now things have changed. Never has the tournament held so much importance. The clan leader of the Champion would become the king of the beastmans, something that was not common for the race.

Just a few moments after opening its gate, the stadium has already been filled with the audience. Some came to support their champion of their respective clans. Others, mostly didn't belong to one of the four main clans, came to see their future king. Sitting high above the audience were the leaders of the four main clans who have gathered here along with their best warriors.

"It has been more than ten years since we chose our last Champion Arshe...and now here we are again." chief San of the Kom clan spoke.

"You heard anything from him recently?" asked chief Loo of the Rin clan.

"Nah, last time I spoke to him was ten years ago before he left without any reason. He would not even tell me about his journey to the demon continent either...That damn son of mine!" San sighed.

"If he is here I don't think we would need to organize this tournament in this first place" said chief Gon of the Wen clan.

"Haha I am not so sure about that!" the final chief, clan leader Zen of the Quin laughed.

"Oho did you find some hidden talent recently? Like a cat?" Loo grinned.

"I am surprised you have already heard of her. Can't underestimate the intelligence force of the rat clan."

"Hehehe, we rats may be smaller than you but none could beat us in the art of running."

"Not so sure I would be proud about that. You can't run forever!" said Gon.

"Now, now, let's not begin to fight even before our champions. I just want everyone to remember that it doesn't matter who will win or lose today. What matters is that after this we will all unite under one banner to deal with the incoming invasion. So I ask that you leave aside your personal conflicts for now until the threat is over." Being the eldest of all clan's leaders, chief San tried to keep the peace.

"Agreed"

.....

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming here today for this special occasion. This tournament is not like any others. For the chief of the winning clan will become the next King of the beastmans and will lead us to our victory against those bastards elves." The announcer spoke loudly from the arena.

But let me delay no longer what we have all been waiting to see. Here come the champions! Please give them a round of applauses!"

The announcer shouted excitedly as he pointed toward the opening gate of the colosseum. Four individuals revealed themselves as the sunlight brightened their faces.