The excitement for the tournament was slowly building up, like a rolling snowball going downhill at a fast pace while picking up size and momentum. The people had been calm before. The only place that was always filled with conversations was the markets. But now, it felt as if thousands of bees were buzzing all through the streets and in the houses as discussions popped up like mushrooms after a heavy rainy season. Hushed whispers and loud debates could be heard in every tavern.
The annual talent competition was one of the many great events the people looked forward to in Kegal. Especially those relatively powerful families with their young heirs participating. Some other natives of the town with no powerful background had also awakened strong magic hearts; they too would be trying their luck in the tournament this year. As a result, everyone from every class was talking. However, the commoners usually didn't have much luck to try with in the first place. Mostly because of their abilities not being sufficient enough.
There were only two slots for the winners. First place and second place—that was all to it. That meant the best of the best. There was indeed a very thin line between fame and "thanks for risking your life to participate."
How could they, the common folks with no incredible bloodline or powerful backers, win and take any of the two spots? It was simply impossible. The true participants in this competition were the heirs of all the nearby clans, those who had been born with gold spoons in their mouths and resources and techniques at their disposal. The rest were simply cannon fodder. They were just numbers to prolong the event and entertain the crowd. Another thing that excited the people, besides the incredibly difficult-to-obtain opportunities, was the amazing fights.
All kinds of amazing techniques and beautifully colored magic hearts would be on display. The elders of the clan also made all necessary preparations so that the tournaments would be exciting. Not for the people of Kegal, but for their guests. It wasn't just a simple sparring match, not until the last rounds. That would have been boring and cliché at best. The first rounds were interesting, original, and creative. Giving a different type of excitement every year.
Whether it was anxiousness for the participants jumping over spikes and dodging flaming arrows or disbelief at the intimidating task of facing a mighty beast, the tournament was a whole day of pure entertainment, food, laughter, and cheering. This ecstatic feeling was the motivating factor for those with no participating relatives. This was what made them cheer their lungs out. There were six surrounding clans that fought for power and supremacy in the Evernight region. The competition was fierce, and the political struggle was real.
At this time, the Bancroft clan was the most capable of the six; hence, the competition was held in their city every year. Representatives of each clan would come to watch the tournament, and on some rare occasions the patriarchs themselves would make an appearance, causing the crowd to gaze in awe at their long beards or powerful aura. But none of these people was the star of the show. Not the talented heirs or the struggling common folk that made up the numbers. Not the patriarch or their representatives. Not even the winners of the tournament. The true stars were the visitors from other regions.
The sect leaders. These sects were like clans but much larger. They went around recruiting talent.
Anyone hand-picked by a sect would receive their cultivation resources, support, and protection and soar to new heights. This was everyone's goal.
The sect leaders were only a few most of the time. Sometimes only one person came. But when they made their appearance, the scene they caused with their display of power was jaw-dropping. Some of them had pets. Don't let the term fool you. These pets were powerful creatures that had been tamed by beast tamers. They sold for extravagant prices, and some were even more powerful than their master.
The only thing keeping them under control would be the bond shared between beast and beast master. These were tattoos imprinted by beast teamers. Another factor was that all these sect leaders were either unnaturally majestic, fearsome-looking, or too beautiful/handsome. With that kind of nature coupled with their teamed beasts at their side.
Who wouldn't be amazed? Kyle sat in his bed looking through the ceiling that had been blasted through by Kane after he was showing off the Eclipseheart.
Hopefully rain wouldn't fall while he was waiting for the tournament. There, he would make his brother pay.
He was bored again. Just like every other day before, with his mind furiously thinking of how to occupy his time.
Then he had an idea. Calling Julie, he asked her to head to the market and buy him something special after he gave her every last penny he had and mentioned what he wanted.
He was already expecting the puzzled look she gave him. Julie left in a hurry, eager to buy the item and see what her master was planning to do with it. Kyle, meanwhile, searched the small room for a needle. If he just went up on the stage of the tournament, wouldn't he be recognized instantly? With his father practically the host of this whole tournament.
He might use his authority to thwart Kyle's plan, so Kyle decided to be creative; his new invention would prevent that trouble. He had received a revenge mission from the system, and it was targeted at his brother. But what about his father and his ex-girlfriend? Would he let them off the hook? What could he even do to patriarch Kabal? This man was his biological father as far as he knew.
He wasn't so sure anymore. Maybe he was adopted and would have to investigate his past.
Kabal had not attacked him. But his refusal to take action when those things happened caused significant damage. He could rely on the rules of the tournament and the part that Kabal wouldn't attack him after he was done with Kane.
As for Kane, he was nothing but a weakling. Dealing with him would be easy. If he performed well, he was sure one of the sect leaders would protect him, and Kabal would be able to do nothing. After all, these sect leaders were more powerful than the patriarchs. Kyle smirked, thinking of how creative he could make his payback.