Second World

Jack and Four Winds walked to the center of the arena where some people had been standing there. A few others were walking over the same as them.

Above the spectator seats was a mix of players and natives. One section was reserved for the chiefs of various tribes and important persons within Verremor's governing party. In that VIP section, Jack saw the shaman king, Samuhn Spiritcrier, Umeza Giantkiller, and one of the three war chiefs, Makubwa Mountking. Makubwa's towering frame required him to occupy two seats.

At the top of that section were ten chairs. One was empty. It was the seats in this colosseum reserved for the council of ten, the higher ruling power in Verremor. That empty seat was the prize that was fought for by everyone down here in the arena.

On one of the chairs was an orc who wore some sort of crown made of golden feathers. That orc was the grand chief of Verremor, Kabaka Proudtusk.

Jack wondered if it was okay if he revealed himself and flew up to meet the grand chief right this moment, but he thought that wasn't wise. Too many powerful people here. His intention might be considered hostile. He could be struck down even before he managed to convey his intention.

Four Winds said that if they won, the grand chief would perform the ceremony of legitimizing the winner as one of the Council of Ten in an enclosed room. Four Winds would bring Jack to accompany him. Then, Jack could finally have words with the grand chief.

Sixteen participants stood inside the arena, six players and ten natives. Aside from these participants, an orc who acted as the main referee was also in the arena. jack identified this referee as Makadi Proudtusk, a level 75 rare elite. Makadi instructed everyone in the arena to form a line.

Jack scanned all the participants. Water Lily was dead right about the ones from the player teams. Phithion and Gerion represented Warsong Rising. Vivian and Ursa represented Liberty Fighters.

One thing surprised him, though. Vivian and Ursa both had special classes. Vivian who was supposed to be a Paladin was marked as Crusader Knight. While Ursa who was an assassin was a Shadow Warrior.

Peniel informed Jack that both special classes were normal special classes. Even though they were the lowest rank of the special classes, they were still special classes. This showed that these Dawning Twins were not your run-of-the-mill players.

The five native tribes were represented by their chiefs which was a compulsory requirement. Their levels and grades were the same as what he had learned from Water Lily's information earlier today.

As for their partners, Roho from the Spiritcrier tribe was accompanied by Kilio, a level 75 rare elite. Kali from the Sharpstone tribe was accompanied by Jiwe Sharpstone, a level 78 special elite. Utum from the Slavebinder tribe was accompanied by Kumata Slavebinder, a level 69 special elite. Kisasi from the Thickskull tribe was accompanied by Piza Thickskull, a level 64 rare elite.

'Finally, a native who is lower level than players,' Jack thought, but then corrected, "Well, a lower level than me.'

Jack had the highest level among the players standing there. Since he didn't wear Cloak of Shadow, everyone could see his level. Both the players from Warsong Rising and Liberty Fighters had been staring at him, wondering how the heck this beastmaster leveled up so much faster than the other players. They also wondered why no one had ever heard of this beastmaster nor had information about such a member within Cipher Flight.

Jack didn't pay their stares any mind, he went on and check the last native who accompanied Mkulme from the Giantkiller tribe. When his Inspect landed on this native, he drew a breath.

The last native had the lowest level amongst the natives standing there, at level 61. However, her grade was mythical. Her name was Tumwa Giantkiller.

"Hey, Four Winds, you guys don't have data about that Tumwa fellow?" Jack sent Four Winds a message. "She is a mythical grade, for heaven's sake. With such a native in that tribe, she is for sure will be picked to join this tourney."

"We don't know about her. She also didn't join the last war against Themisphere," Four Winds replied.

'Her tribe probably hide her to shelter her from harm,' Peniel offered her opinion. 'This tourney is safe even if she died, so they didn't mind sending her here to fight.'

Whatever it was, Jack thought the battle against the Giantkiller tribe would be a tough one.

"Be honored, great warriors of Verremor!" Makadi announced. "You represent your tribes to fight for the highest honor in our nation. To claim one of the seats on the Council of Ten…!!"

The crowd cheered upon hearing it, especially the native spectators. Some even hit drums that they had brought from the outside. Jack was surprised the organizer allowed these orcs to bring their drums in here.

Makadi lifted his hands gesturing for everyone to calm down. The commotion waned.

"Sixteen fighters stood in the arena, representing eight worthy tribes, but only one tribe will prevail!" Makadi continued. "The rule is simple. You fight in pairs. You win, and you continue. If you lose, you are out. So, to become one of the Council of Ten, you have to continue winning. The council accepts no loser!"

"No tools and potions are allowed," Makadi said and then turned to the group of players. "Outworlders, you are not allowed to call your native companion. Pets and summons are allowed."

"Don't worry to go all out," He continued while walking toward one side that have something large covered with cloth. "If you die, you will revive again without any loss in level or items. This colosseum possessed an enchantment that ensures that. Now, the council has already determined the order of your fights."

He pulled the cloth, revealing a large wooden board that showed the arrangements of the tourney.

*

Block A1: Cipher Flight Vs Thickskull tribe

Block A2: Liberty Fighters Vs Slavebinder tribe

Block B1: Warsong Rising Vs Giantkiller tribe

Block B2: Spiritcrier tribe Vs Sharpstone tribe

*

"Oh? We have the first match," Jack said.

'Thickskull, eh? Probably it's fate that I continue to be at odds with them,' he thought.

"Do you notice that none of us players are arranged to fight one another in our first match?" Four Winds asked.

"You think it's intentional?" Jack asked.

"I think they want to humiliate us players for joining this tourney. They want to make it so that we are all already eliminated right from the start of the match."

"Hehe," Jack grinned. "Let's prove them wrong then, shall we?"