The great colosseum trembled with anticipation.
From the high stone towers encircling the arena, banners bearing the crests of ElderGlow, Crowgarth, Wyrmere, and Thornevale fluttered against the dusk breeze.
The sun had nearly set, casting a golden-red hue across the sky as the final warmth of the day kissed the stadium's arches.
Then came the voice.
A loud, commanding voice from a man standing atop a stone platform elevated above the center of the arena—the announcer, robed in silver-trimmed black.
His voice echoed with magical amplification, reverberating through every seat and corner of the massive structure.
"Welcome, students, guardians, honored Deans of the various academies, and respected guests from all around! The long-awaited Inter-Institutional Contest of the Four Great Academies now begins!"
"Woaaaahhh!"
"Yesss!!"
Thunderous applause followed from the upper tiers where non-contestant spectators and academy staff had gathered to observe the games.
