The Purs Agros Convention was a spectacle that captivated the entire Xaishen Empire, an annual gathering that drew people from all walks of life—nobles seeking to sponsor new talent, merchants hoping to make lucrative deals, warriors looking for inspiration, and families eager to witness the incredible feats of skill and bravery. The event left everyone inspired, from young children dreaming of their future to veterans reliving their glory days, as they watched the extraordinary feats on display. The Empire buzzed with anticipation as Sanio's grand coliseum opened its gates to the hundreds of hopefuls vying to prove themselves. The coliseum, an architectural marvel, stood as an embodiment of the Xaishen's values—strength, precision, and unity. Towering stone pillars supported the structure, each carved with intricate depictions of legendary battles, symbolizing strength. The precise geometric patterns adorning the walls reflected the empire's dedication to craftsmanship and precision, while the interconnected arches above symbolized unity, bringing together all sections of the arena in perfect harmony. Towering walls of polished stone, engraved with symbols of old constables who had once defended the empire, bore testament to the weight of tradition and honor. The entrance was adorned with rows of blue banners displaying the silver emblem of the constables: the Azure Phoenix, a symbol of rebirth and vigilance.
The entire city of Sanio had transformed into a vibrant festival for the event. Colorful banners hung from every building, each adorned with symbols of the constables and the empire. Street vendors decorated their stalls with ribbons and lights, selling everything from roasted meats to intricate charms. The cobblestone streets were lined with lanterns, and performers dressed in elaborate costumes danced and played music, filling the air with excitement. Children ran through the streets, their faces painted with symbols of their favorite competitors, while adults gathered at makeshift booths to watch projections of the tournament highlights. The entire city was alive with energy, the air buzzing with the sounds of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses as people celebrated the grand occasion. Merchants lined the streets, selling trinkets, charms, and memorabilia of the constables, while street performers entertained the crowds with tricks, dances, and music. The atmosphere was electric, as the city became a melting pot of cultures, each corner alive with a different language, costume, and cheer. Inns were filled to capacity, and vendors hawked their goods with animated fervor, their cries mixing with the jubilant conversations of visitors who had traveled from distant lands to witness the spectacle. Even the stoic officials of Xaishen allowed themselves smiles, swept away by the spirit of the event.
Spectators filled the stands of the colossal coliseum, their cheers reverberating through the arena. Nobles sat in the upper tiers, adorned in their richly embroidered garments, gasping in admiration, while commoners in the lower sections cheered with unrestrained enthusiasm. Children stood on their toes, eyes wide with awe, as they watched the future heroes of the empire step forward. Nobles and commoners alike came from all corners of the empire, excited to witness the next generation of defenders rise to the occasion. Nobles sat in the upper tiers, adorned in their richly embroidered garments, gasping in admiration, while commoners in the lower sections cheered with unrestrained enthusiasm. Children stood on their toes, eyes wide with awe, as they watched the future heroes of the empire step forward. Nobles and commoners alike came from all corners of the empire, excited to witness the next generation of defenders rise to the occasion. It wasn't merely a tournament; it was a rite of passage, a stepping stone for elite constables, a chance to etch their names into the annals of history. The air was thick with excitement and tension as the contestants lined up, their eyes set on the path to glory. Bright streamers fluttered in the breeze, and the scent of freshly cooked skewered meats and spiced buns wafted through the air, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The coliseum itself was a sprawling structure, with multiple arenas for different events, each outfitted with the latest in magical and technological enhancements. Massive projection screens hovered above the coliseum, broadcasting the action to the audience in real-time. Spectators could see every move, every bead of sweat, every expression of grit and determination on the faces of the competitors. The stakes were high, and the expectations even higher.
The coliseum was divided into several sections, each dedicated to a different aspect of the competition. The **Training Grounds**, where contestants could warm up and practice their skills before the trials, was abuzz with activity. Sparks flew as magic users honed their spells, while chi practitioners focused their energies, their forms perfectly disciplined. The **Contestant's Pavilion**, a series of tents and structures on the east side of the coliseum, was where the competitors rested, discussed strategies, and forged alliances. Here, tension mixed with excitement as competitors exchanged glances, some brimming with confidence, others masking their fears.
Cire, Ruby, Kingston, Lian, and Jian stood amidst the crowd of contenders, each adorned in their academy-issued gear. Their uniforms were a mix of lightweight armor and sleek fabric, designed to protect without hindering movement. Cire's uniform bore subtle hints of the Moni family heritage, while Ruby's was adorned with the insignia of her family, the Nguyen. Kingston wore a specially tailored suit that allowed for easy movement, the material shimmering with enchantments meant to amplify his elemental magic. Lian and Jian, twins in both appearance and coordination, wore gear that enhanced their strength and agility.
The atmosphere was electric, and even the usually aloof Kingston seemed affected by the crowd's enthusiasm. The sound of hundreds of people cheering, chanting, and calling out the names of their favorite contestants created an overwhelming wave of energy that threatened to sweep them away.
"Remember," Ruby said, her voice steady as she looked at Cire, "this isn't just about winning. It's about making a statement."
Cire nodded, his chaotic grin showing no fear. "I plan on making quite the statement, don't worry."
"Try not to get yourselves killed," Kingston muttered, his eyes scanning the crowd. "There are a lot of talented contenders this year."
Ruby gave a nod, her expression hardening. "We've trained for this. We know what we need to do. Just stay sharp."
Kingston smirked, but there was a hint of unease behind his eyes. "Easier said than done."
The tournament officially began with a blare of horns that echoed across the coliseum. The overseer of the tournament, a regal figure adorned in ceremonial robes of azure and gold, rose from his seat at the center platform. He raised his hands, and the crowd fell into a hushed silence. His voice, amplified by the enchanted crystals embedded around the coliseum, boomed across the arena.
"Welcome, one and all, to the Purs Agros Convention! Today, we bear witness to the courage, strength, and honor of our young contenders. Let the trials begin!"
The crowd erupted in applause, and the ground beneath the coliseum shifted as the arena floor transformed. Massive stone platforms rose from the ground, forming the first stage of the competition: the Elemental Obstacle Course. The platforms extended into towering walls, flaming pillars, and water-filled channels, each section representing a different challenge the contenders would face. The magical mechanisms beneath the coliseum rumbled, their movements causing the very earth to shake, a testament to the empire's technological prowess.
### **First Phase: Elemental Obstacle Course**
The **Elemental Obstacle Course** was known for its difficulty and its role in filtering out the weak from the strong. It was designed not only to test the physical abilities of the contenders but also to push their control over their powers—be it magic or chi. The first obstacle was a **Wall of Raging Waters**, a thirty-foot-high torrent that crashed down from an enchanted archway. Each contender would need to find a way to climb the wall, despite the continuous downpour.
"Ready?" Ruby asked, her eyes on the course ahead.
"Born ready," Cire said, cracking his knuckles. Kingston gave a reluctant nod, while Lian and Jian took deep breaths, mentally preparing themselves for the challenges ahead.
"Then let's show them what we've got," Ruby said, her voice a mixture of determination and resolve.
With that, the contestants moved towards the starting line, the cheers of the audience spurring them on as they prepared to face the first of many grueling trials.
The horn blared, and the contestants surged forward, their faces set with determination. Cire took a deep breath, channeling his chi, feeling the energy spread through his limbs. As he approached the **Wall of Raging Waters**, he could feel the mist spray against his face. The water was relentless, crashing down with a force that made it hard to breathe, let alone climb. Cire's eyes narrowed as he observed the shimmering surface of the wall. He took a moment to analyze the movement, his mind calculating the exact points of weakness.
Ruby, right beside him, wasted no time. Her hands ignited with **Crimson Flame**, and she plunged them into the water, her fiery chi evaporating the torrents just enough to create small pockets of steam. She found her footing, her movements quick and deliberate. The crowd roared as they watched her ascend, her determination shining through the cascading waters.
Kingston, a few steps behind, took a different approach. He gathered **Aqua Aegis**, a swirling barrier of water, around his hands. With a flick of his wrist, he manipulated the torrent, using the water to create stepping stones. He moved swiftly, his usual aloof demeanor replaced by a look of fierce concentration. His barrier absorbed the force of the water, allowing him to navigate the torrent with remarkable ease.
Lian approached the wall next, her hands glowing with **Earth's Embrace** as she molded stone-like protrusions from her armor, using them to anchor herself against the crashing waves. She moved with strength and purpose, each grip digging deep into the wall, while her eyes burned with determination. Jian followed close behind, his approach more analytical. He used **Wind's Ascent**, sending concentrated gusts of air beneath his feet to lift him and propel him upwards. His steps were light, his form fluid, moving like a leaf carried by the breeze.
The next obstacle was the **Flaming Pillars**. Tall columns of stone stood between the contenders and the next section of the course, each wreathed in a ring of fire. The flames, enchanted with **Spirit Blaze**, roared and crackled, their sound a constant reminder of the danger. The intense heat pressed against their skin, making it difficult to breathe, and sweat dripped from their brows as they prepared to cross. The searing warmth seemed almost unbearable, adding to the tension as each contender focused on their next move. The intense heat distorted the air, making it hard to breathe, and the searing warmth seemed to press against their skin even from a distance. Falling here would not just mean injury but could mean elimination from the tournament, and the very thought of slipping into the inferno sent chills through the competitors.
Ruby was the first to leap forward, her **Blazing Lotus Step** propelling her from pillar to pillar with the grace of a dancer. Each step seemed to synchronize with her heartbeat, her body a blur of crimson, her chi acting as an extension of her own will. Her figure seemed almost ethereal, the flames around her merging with her own aura, giving her the appearance of a mythical phoenix soaring through the inferno.
Lian, on the other hand, moved with the power of a raging bull. Her **Earthen Armor** shielded her from the scorching heat as she powered through, her muscles straining with each jump. She landed heavily on each pillar, her raw strength and resilience a stark contrast to Ruby's graceful movements. The crowd watched in awe as the two vastly different approaches played out, each contender displaying their unique prowess.
Kingston, meanwhile, took a more calculated approach. His hands moved in a fluid motion, gathering energy for his **Tempest Surge**. With a snap, he released concentrated bursts of water at each pillar, extinguishing the flames momentarily as he leaped from one to the next. His movements were precise, almost methodical, each jump measured and calculated.
Jian, who had watched his sister with keen eyes, decided on a different approach. He used **Gale Glide**, a wind technique that allowed him to move almost weightlessly. He stepped onto each pillar with a soft, barely noticeable touch, the wind beneath his feet cushioning his landings and allowing him to avoid the searing heat. His agility and precision drew cheers from the crowd, who marveled at his fluid, almost effortless movement.
The third obstacle was the **Chasm of Shadows**, a wide gap that spanned nearly the entire length of the arena. The bottom of the chasm seemed to vanish into darkness, and enchanted illusions made the depths shift and swirl, giving an eerie, disorienting effect. The only way across was by using the ropes suspended overhead, which swung precariously above the abyss.
Ruby grasped the rope firmly, her muscles flexing as she swung herself across. She kept her eyes focused on the other side, refusing to glance down at the swirling illusions below. The crowd held their breath as she moved, each swing bringing her closer to the other side. With a final leap, she landed safely, turning to see the others make their way.
Cire took a deep breath before leaping onto the rope. He used **Iron Grip**, a chi technique that strengthened his hold, ensuring he wouldn't slip. His swings were strong and controlled, his eyes never wavering from his goal. As he neared the other side, he released the rope, flipping through the air before landing in a crouch, a confident grin on his face.
Kingston, ever the strategist, used **Water Whip** to create a stabilizing line that anchored to the opposite side, reducing the sway of the rope. He moved across with steady precision, his eyes focused, calculating each movement to minimize risk. Lian, relying on her brute strength, swung herself across with powerful motions, her determination evident with every movement. Jian followed, his **Wind's Ascent** helping him maintain his balance as he glided across with agility and finesse.
### **Second Phase: Major Elimination Match**
By the end of the first phase, only about a third of the original contestants remained. The overseer's voice echoed through the arena, announcing the beginning of the **Major Elimination Match**. The platform shifted once again, the obstacles retracting to reveal a wide-open battleground divided into several smaller rings. In each ring, groups of five would face off, and only the last person standing would move on to the next stage.
The stakes had never been higher, and the atmosphere in the coliseum shifted as the audience leaned forward, their eyes glued to the rings where the matches would take place. The Major Elimination Match was designed to push the contestants to their limits—not only physically but also mentally. It was a test of combat skills, adaptability, and endurance. There was no time limit; only when one contender remained standing would the match be over.
Cire found himself facing four other contestants, each one wielding a different weapon and technique. A burly man with a massive axe charged toward him, his weapon glowing with the energy of **Stone Cleaver**, an earth-based chi technique that caused the very air around it to vibrate. Cire sidestepped the powerful swing, his body flowing like water as he dodged the attack. He could feel the force of the axe as it cleaved through the space he had just vacated, a gust of wind rustling his hair.
With a swift counter, Cire used **Piercing Fang**, a concentrated chi strike aimed at his opponent's side. His palm shot forward, and the impact sent the man sprawling, his axe clattering to the ground. The crowd roared, and Cire could feel the surge of energy from the audience, their excitement feeding into his determination. He knew he had to stay focused; there were still three more opponents to deal with.
Another contestant, a lithe woman wielding twin daggers, darted toward him with blinding speed. Her daggers were infused with **Shadow Slice**, leaving trails of dark energy with each slash that seemed to distort the air around them. Cire ducked and weaved, his movements a seamless dance of evasion, each twist and turn calculated to avoid the deadly blades. He could feel the darkness of her energy brushing against his skin, a cold, unsettling sensation.
He waited for an opening, his eyes tracking her movements with precision. When she overextended on one of her attacks, Cire struck with **Thunder Palm**, a burst of electrical energy that coursed through his arm and into her chest. The force of the strike sent her reeling backward, her daggers slipping from her hands as she fell to the ground. The shock was enough to disorient her, and Cire took a moment to catch his breath, his heart pounding in his chest.
Meanwhile, Kingston's opponents were finding it difficult to land a blow on him. His **Tempest Flow** technique allowed him to move with a fluidity that made him appear almost untouchable, his body seeming to dissolve into water with each strike that came his way. His opponents—a spear-wielder and a swordsman—tried to corner him, but Kingston's movements were too swift, too unpredictable.
With a flick of his wrist, Kingston summoned **Stormcaller**, a swirling vortex of wind and water that enveloped his opponents. The vortex disarmed them, their weapons clattering to the ground as they struggled to maintain their footing. Kingston moved in with precision, his strikes quick and decisive, each blow aimed at incapacitating rather than harming. The crowd watched in awe as he dispatched his opponents with the grace of a seasoned warrior, his expression calm and focused.
Ruby's match was a fierce display of her fiery prowess. Her opponent, a spear-wielder, attempted to keep her at bay with swift, lunging strikes. The spear glowed with the energy of **Lightning Lance**, crackling with electrical energy that arced through the air with each thrust. Ruby, however, was undeterred. She closed the distance with **Blazing Lotus Step**, her body enveloped in flames as she moved with relentless speed.
Her movements were a blur of crimson, each step leaving behind a trail of fire as she closed in on her opponent. The spear-wielder tried to react, but Ruby was too fast. She struck with **Inferno Strike**, her fist engulfed in flames as it collided with his chest. The force of the blow sent him sprawling, his spear clattering to the ground. The heat of her flames was intense, and the crowd gasped as her opponent struggled to rise, ultimately conceding the match.
Lian faced off against a formidable opponent wielding a large hammer. The man swung the hammer with the force of **Earthquake Smash**, the ground beneath them trembling with each impact. Lian stood her ground, her **Earthen Armor** absorbing the shockwaves as she braced herself. She could feel the vibrations travel through her body, her muscles straining as she held her stance.
With a powerful roar, Lian countered with **Mountain Shatter**, her fist colliding with the hammer with a force that sent cracks spiderwebbing across its surface. The impact reverberated through the arena, and her opponent's eyes widened in shock as the hammer shattered, the pieces falling to the ground. Lian didn't hesitate; she followed up with a powerful kick, sending her opponent crashing to the ground, unable to continue.
Jian, in his ring, faced a heavyset brawler whose fists were covered in gauntlets glowing with **Iron Fist**, a technique that enhanced the strength of each punch. The brawler moved with surprising speed, his fists swinging in wide arcs as he tried to corner Jian. But Jian's **Zephyr Step** kept him just out of reach, his movements light and unpredictable, like a leaf caught in the wind.
Jian's eyes were focused, his mind calculating every movement of his opponent. He waited for the right moment, his body coiled like a spring. When the brawler lunged forward, Jian used **Cyclone Kick**, a spinning kick that sent a gust of wind toward his opponent, knocking him off balance. Jian moved in with precision, delivering a series of quick strikes that left his opponent dazed and disoriented. With a final well-placed kick, Jian sent the brawler tumbling out of the ring, securing his victory.
The Major Elimination Match was intense, each contestant giving it their all, their skills and techniques on full display. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, their cheers echoing through the arena as one by one, the contenders were eliminated. By the end of the matches, only thirty-two contestants remained, each one having proven their worth through sheer determination and skill.
The overseer's voice echoed once again, announcing the next phase: **The Team Battle**. The remaining contestants were divided into eight teams of four, each team needing to work together to overcome their opponents in a series of tactical battles. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, the crowd eager to see how the contestants would fare now that they had to rely on teamwork rather than individual prowess. The bonds between the contestants would be tested, and alliances would be forged and broken in the crucible of the next trial.
The day ended with a flourish, the overseer's final words carrying a promise of even greater challenges to come. The cheers of the crowd filled the coliseum, their excitement palpable as they eagerly awaited the next phase. Cire, Ruby, Kingston, Lian, and Jian exchanged glances, a mix of exhaustion and determination in their eyes. They knew that the next challenge would test not only their strength but also their ability to trust one another.
Cire clenched his fists, feeling the lingering energy of his chi coursing through his body. He looked at his friends and smiled. "Let's get ready," he said, his voice filled with resolve. "We've made it this far, and we're not stopping now."
The others nodded, their expressions hardening with determination. The next phase of the Purs Agros Convention awaited, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead—together.