Santedona: Shaking Hands With Chaos

Welcome to the world of Santedona. Here, the various peoples of humanity agreed that the very existence of war was harmful, killing those who should never died. And thusly, centuries ago, the various nations agreed that they should find a different method of conflict resolution. It was because of this pact, The Futura Treaty, that the seven largest nations, Keirem, Tiltaal, Choraen, Feress, Hahtloi, Toryen, and Wuuro, agreed that violent conflicts would be resolved by a single combatant (since known as a Warrior) dueling another single combatant. This would greatly reduce casualties, allow conflicts to be resolved in a more civilized manner, and herald the creation of the world's favorite spectator sport, Grand Duels.
Many years later, the addition of a supporting mage (since known as a Guardian) to assist the Warrior created the now-famous soulbound duo that would duel another soulbound duo in a Grand Arena, for the sake of their country.

Eric Chevalier is an inhabitant of the nation of Toryen, and has recently completed his training to become a Guardian. He is viewed as one of the most powerful Guardians entering circulation this year, though he is a bit old for the trade at the age of nineteen. Like most of his fellow Guardians, he's been trained for this day all his life.

Mei Fukui is an inhabitant of the nation of Toryen, and has been a fully-trained Warrior for two months now. Though she shows exceptional prowess with her spell-sword stance, a massive failure at her first Exhibition doomed her to the title of amateur, and her young age of 17 was certainly no help.

Recently, one of Toryen's Elite Soulbounds was lost in a stunning defeat which cost both participants their lives, so the nation's council has done the customary of choosing to host a tournament to decide which of the fresh faces this year brings will take their place.

[WARNING!! This story contains Blood, Violence, Crude Language, and some Mature Themes. Discretion is advised]