Before finally heading out, I paused in front of the inn's wooden counter. From my thinning backpack, I pulled out a small pouch filled with silver coins.
My eyes briefly flicked to the payment board hanging nearby. The rates weren't steep by city standards—two hundred Piah silver coins per night, with an extra hundred for the special meal.
"Parcival," I called out, prompting the man to turn from the kitchen.
"What is it, kid?" he replied casually.
I placed five hundred silver coins on the counter. "This is for last night. It was five hundred, right?"
Parcival glanced at the coins, then flashed a wide grin. "You're overpaying, Rey! I thought you'd run off like most young adventurers who just learned to sleep under a roof."
I snorted. "I'm not that type. Besides… your wife's soup was too good to pay for with cowardice."
Parcival burst into laughter. "Hahaha! I like honest kids like you. Alright then, payment accepted. If you ever need a place to stay again, come on back. Lusi and I will welcome you anytime."
I nodded with a faint smile. "Thanks, Parcival. I won't forget this."
Behind me, Elfea stood with arms crossed, yawning. "Done with the drama, Rey? If we take any longer, we'll be late for the arena."
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah… hold your horses, Miss Glutton."
The bell tower of Moniyan rang louder, shattering the stillness of the misty morning. Through the bustling crowd heading for the plaza, Elfea and I walked side by side along the cobbled street, weaving past food vendors and artisans arranging their stalls.
It wasn't long before the main arena came into view—a massive wooden stage rising in the center of the square, surrounded by metal fences and barricades to control the crowd. A group of Moniyan soldiers in white cloaks bearing rose emblems stood guard, inspecting each hopeful participant one by one.
I took a deep breath. This was it.
Before stepping forward, I turned to Elfea who stood quietly beside me. "Remember, you're just watching. Don't interfere, no matter what happens in there."
Elfea gave a small nod. Her usually cheerful face was now tinged with tension. "Yeah, I know. But don't do anything reckless either, Rey. The opponents here aren't amateurs."
I smirked. "If I do something reckless, it means I've already lost, right?"
She pouted and folded her arms. "Stubborn as always."
I approached the registration desk, guarded by two Moniyan soldiers. One of them, a man with short hair and a light beard, looked me up and down, clearly sizing me up.
"Name and origin?" he asked sharply.
"Rey. From Hago Village," I answered succinctly.
He raised an eyebrow. "Outsider, huh? Lots of folks try their luck here, kid. Don't end up as bait in the arena."
I held back a retort. I knew too well how often young people like me got underestimated.
"I'm ready," I said firmly, handing over a registration slip from Healer Uryan.
He took the paper and handed me a wooden medallion with a number carved into it.
"Number 42. Prepare yourself. You'll be called when your turn comes."
I accepted the medallion and clenched it tightly in my hand.
Behind me, Elfea shouted, "Rey! Don't you dare lose embarrassingly in the first round!"
I turned and raised a hand. "Just watch me."
The plaza was swelling with energy. I could feel the tension, excitement, and desperate hope in the air from the dozens of participants. But for me, there was only one purpose—to win this contest and carve a path toward the dream I'd been chasing for so long.
Just as I made my way to the waiting area for contestants, the bell of the city fell silent. A booming voice echoed from the main stage.
"Attention, citizens of Moniyan and visitors from neighboring lands!" The voice rang through a magical amplifier mounted atop the bell tower, commanding the crowd's full attention.
Elfea and I paused and turned toward the stage. There stood a man clad in full armor and draped in a rose-emblazoned cloak, flanked by elite guards. In his hand, he held a scroll sealed with the royal insignia.
"By decree of His Majesty, King Grendel the Seventh," he proclaimed, "today, in celebration of the king's birthday, an open tournament will be held for those with strength and courage!"
The crowd roared. But I knew the real excitement hadn't started yet—and I was right.
The man raised a small bottle filled with a glowing pink liquid that shimmered strangely under the morning sun. Even from this distance, I could sense the magical aura radiating from it.
"The grand prize for this tournament is the Elixiran—a legendary potion brewed only once a year. This potion can heal any illness, restore physical vitality, and… is rumored to extend the user's life."
The plaza exploded in awe.
I could hear whispers of envy and ambition swirling around me. Elixiran… even the name alone could drive nobles to madness, let alone commoners like us.
Elfea tugged gently on my sleeve. "Rey… is that the real Elixiran?"
I nodded, eyes locked on the tiny bottle. "It's real. And I have to win it."
"For what…?" she whispered.
I only smiled faintly, offering no reply. Only I knew the reason I stood here, willing to risk my life in front of thousands of onlookers.
The announcer continued. "This is your only chance to obtain the Elixiran without paying an impossible price. But… only one will emerge victorious. Only the strongest is worthy."
Cheers erupted once more. I gripped my wooden medallion tightly, the weight of my goal becoming more tangible than ever.
"Contestants number 40 through 45! Report to the east arena!" one of the soldiers called out.
That was my cue.
I turned to Elfea one last time. "Remember what I said. Just watch. And hold my bag."
I pulled a kitchen knife from my pack, gripping it tightly before handing the bag to her.
But then Elfea took my hand and whispered something. I couldn't quite hear her at first.
"Elfea, what are you doing?" I asked, confused.
"I'm giving you a bit of my fire magic," she said seriously. "I know that kitchen knife won't do much in the arena. Use my magic if you need to."
She let go of my hand and looked down, reading the resolve in my eyes. "Don't die, Rey."
I chuckled softly. "Not yet."
My steps were heavy but certain as I walked toward the east arena. That was where the real battle would begin.
My body felt weighed down, my mind filled with images of powerful opponents awaiting me inside—fighters from distant villages… and even noble-born warriors.