A deafening silence suddenly fell over the colosseum as shadows began to swirl above the highest platform. The temperature dropped noticeably, and even the most hardened warriors in the crowd seemed to tense.
Elder Rainer Solrenn, the Arbiter of Justice, stepped forward on the Council's platform. His voice, magically amplified, rang out across the arena with absolute authority.
"CITIZENS OF THE SIX KINGDOMS. WELCOME TO THE TOURNAMENT OF POWER."
The champions' eyes were drawn to the massive obsidian throne at the center of the Council's platform. There sat The Judge—17 feet and 8 inches of imposing presence, his smooth, unsettling face visible even from this distance. He remained completely motionless and silent, his piercing gaze fixed upon the arena below.
"BEFORE YOU STAND THOSE WHO CLAIM TO REPRESENT THE FAILED UNIVERSES—REFUGEES AND PRETENDERS WHO BELIEVE THEY CAN CHALLENGE THE NATURAL ORDER," Elder Solrenn continued, his words carrying the weight of judgment.
The crowd's reaction was immediate and hostile. Jeers and threats rained down upon the champions, but they stood firm.
Elder Corvus Myrik, Guardian of Military Affairs, stepped forward next. "THE TOURNAMENT WILL CONSIST OF 1V1 COMBAT. ONLY THE STRONGEST WILL REMAIN!"
Marcus Voidhammer leaned toward his teammates. "Should have figured the tournament would have nothing to do with actual team combat."
Elder Haldan Vross, Master of Law, raised his hands for silence. "FAILURE MEANS MORE THAN DEFEAT. IT MEANS THE COMPLETE AND FINAL ERASURE OF EVERYTHING YOU CLAIM TO PROTECT. SUCCESS..." He paused, his gaze shifting meaningfully toward The Judge's silent form. "SUCCESS MEANS YOU WILL HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT TO FACE THE ECLIPSE SOVEREIGNTY ALONGSIDE US. NOT AS EQUALS, BUT AS INSTRUMENTS OF THE TRUE ORDER."
Lyxa felt her teammates tense around her. The terms were clear—victory didn't mean freedom. It meant a different kind of servitude.
All eyes turned to The Judge, who remained as motionless and silent as a statue. His inability to speak—a consequence of his battle with Malakar 400 years ago—only added to his terrifying presence. His silence was more intimidating than any proclamation could have been.
Elder Astris Caldean, Keeper of Peace, gestured toward the arena floor. "THE FIRST ROUND WILL BEGIN TOMORROW! THE MATCHUPS WILL BE DISPLAYED ON THE VISUAL BOARD."
The Tournament of Power had begun, and the fate of all existence hung in the balance. Above them all, The Judge watched in complete silence, his piercing gaze holding secrets that four centuries of voicelessness had only deepened.
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and then Add to home screen.