At the Black Tower of the Forge's annual grand event, the "Black Tower New Star Cup," the spectator stands were buzzing with excitement.
A circular, floating spectator platform was suspended a hundred meters in the air, where nearly five hundred apprentices whispered to one another.
Below them lay a massive, simulated battlefield of urban ruins.
The competition grounds of the Black Tower of the Forge were open to the public, so junior apprentices and members of other schools could also come to watch.
In the very center of the spectator platform, a giant Magic Light Curtain displayed the scene below.
The best seats in the front row were reserved for several professors of the alchemy school.
Mercer Iron Star was among them. He leaned back in his chair, his brass mechanical arm particularly conspicuous, his expression unreadable.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the finals of this year's most thrilling event, the Black Tower New Star Cup!"
