We stood inside that same white room—yes, the one where we first teleported into this strange world. Somehow, being back here sent shivers down my spine.
"So, this is the announcement room?" Rudransh asked, glancing around.
Riri nodded. "Yes."
The room was packed this time. A diverse crowd filled every corner—humans, half-human-half-animal humanoids, and even some creatures that didn't look like they belonged anywhere near civilization.
A chameleon-like creature stood upright like a human, his green, scale-covered skin glistening faintly under the room's white light. His slit-pupil yellow eyes shifted independently, scanning the crowd with a sly grin. He gripped a megaphone in his webbed hand, while his long tail swayed lazily behind. His sharp teeth peeked out between curved lips, giving the impression he was always on the verge of saying something cunning.
Standing just behind him—like imposing bodyguards—were two humanoid figures with muscular builds and beast-like faces. One had shorter, sand-brown fur covering his body, pointed ears angled sharply upward, and a deep scowl etched across his face. The other was taller, with long, dark-brown mane-like hair, piercing eyes, and an even more intimidating glare that made him look ready to tear apart anyone who crossed them.
Near the far end of the room, there was a long wooden table with two wooden chairs. On the table rested an open book filled with neat handwriting, an ink pot with a feather quill standing upright inside it, and a small blot of dried ink on the surface. Sitting on the chairs were two beings that looked like dogs with human bodies—one with skin-colored fur, the other with black fur. Both wore traditional stolae that gave them an oddly formal look.
We approached the table.
Riri pulled out the royal slip the king had given us and presented it to them.
The skin-colored fur dog-faced being's eyes widened. "So the King allowed them to register?"
The black-furred one tilted his head. "You must be some close relatives to him."
Jatin stepped forward. "Nope. We just saved his daughter from dying."
The black-furred being raised an eyebrow. "So you're just lucky."
Jatin folded his arms. "Don't waste our time. Just do it fast."
Ayush sighed. "You need to work on your temper. It might become a problem for us."
Jatin grumbled, "Since the day I came here, all these half-human, half-animal creatures have annoyed me a lot. The first one I met literally tried to kill me."
The skin-colored dog-faced being pulled out a parchment and feather. "Names?"
We gave them one by one.
After hearing our names, he tilted his head. "You're from a different region? Never heard of these weird names before."
Riri answered, "Yes, they're from a different region—one beyond both Northern and Southern Pangea."
The black-furred being muttered, "We still don't even know everything about our own world. Looks like there are still many undiscovered places."
The skin-furred one continued, "Alright, what's your team name?"
We looked at each other.
"Team name?" I echoed.
Jatin raised a hand. "Brotherhood of Evil. Sounds good, right?"
Ayush frowned. "What do you mean by evil?"
Rudransh grinned. "What about MuscleRiders?"
Rizu shook his head. "Nah. Doesn't sound right."
I stepped forward. "What about BrothersForever?"
Everyone looked at me.
Shon nodded. "It sounds good."
Ayush smirked. "Yeah, it's much better than the previous suggestions."
Rizu gave a small smile. "Fine by me."
Rudransh grumbled but gave in. "Okay. If you all insist."
Riri laughed lightly. "Even though I'm not your brother, it's really a good name."
I felt myself getting flustered at all their praise, though Rudransh's burning glare was still focused on me.
Jatin added, "Yeah, I almost forgot that you're also participating with us."
Riri looked visibly disappointed. "You forgot? I'm the one who insisted you form an alliance with me."
Ayush stepped in. "Don't take him seriously. He never thinks before speaking."
Jatin blinked. "Was that a compliment or an insult?"
Ayush shrugged. "Depends on how you take it."
The skin-furred being scribbled the name BrothersForever with feather and ink.
"You're successfully registered," he said. "Auditions are over, so you're lucky. You skipped it thanks to the King's referral."
He handed us a small scroll.
"Tomorrow is the first round. Be here early and check the fighter list. You'll see who's up against whom."
The black-furred being stood and walked over to the chameleon. He whispered something in its ear.
The chameleon blinked, smiled awkwardly, and raised the megaphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said loudly, "we have new registrations—granted entry by the King himself."
Gasps and murmurs erupted around the room.
"Registration? After auditions are over?"
"King gave someone special treatment?"
"That's so unfair! I'm jealous!"
The chameleon waved his arms. "Calm down, everyone. I'll now repeat the rules—for our new entries."
The room fell into a strange silence.
"There will be a total of eight rounds," he announced. "Originally, five teams were selected after the auditions. Now we have six. Each team has seven members. Every day, there will be three one-on-one battle matches held in the amphitheaters. There will be a one-week gapbetween each round, giving fighters time to recover and prepare."
He paused.
"One member from each team will participate in each round. If a fighter knocks out their opponent, their team receives 20 points. If no one is knocked out within 30 minutes, no points are awarded. If both are knocked unconscious, it's a draw and each team gets 10 points."
"Remember," he added, "no killing allowed. Kill your opponent and your entire team is disqualified."
My throat suddenly felt dry.
"The first seven rounds are one-on-one," he continued. "The eighth and final round is between the top two teams with the highest points. That match will decide the ultimate winner."
He raised his voice dramatically.
"The winning team receives one million Asp coins!"
Jatin's eyes widened. "That's too much."
Ayush crossed his arms. "That's enough to live a luxurious and peaceful life here."
Rizu muttered, "I agree with the luxurious… but not the peaceful."
The chameleon smirked. "Also… the winning team gets permission to enter the Forest of Darkness in Southern Pangea… and hunt the Avatar of the Black Serpent—Scar. And, if successful…"
He paused for effect.
"Princess Liliana will choose her groom from among the winning team members."
Everyone's eyes went to Shon.
He immediately turned red.
The chameleon nodded. "Tomorrow, I'll announce the team matchups for Round One. Be ready."