Days Left Until the Tournament: 17
The skies above Stratos Haven crackled faintly as morning light spilled through the floating city's windows. Ren stretched lazily, eyes half open, when a sudden vibration ran through the entire house.
A sharp whistle echoed from the walls.
"Uh, anyone else feel that?" Kaelen asked, stepping into the living room.
Raidon was already watching a hologram glow from a crystal orb that floated in the middle of the room, shimmering with electric blue energy.
"It's starting," he said quietly. "The tournament trailer."
✦ The Trailer Begins
The orb expanded into a full projection, casting a shimmering image in the air above their heads. A deep voice began to speak — not just any voice, but one that sounded like it had been forged by thunder itself.
"The Grand Tournament of Realms begins in 17 days. 128 fighters. 20 Rounds. One victor. The fate of the realms trembles in your hands."
Clips flickered rapidly:
A massive coliseum floating above the clouds.
Fighters from distant lands summoning beasts, weapons, elements.
A cloaked figure splitting the sky with one slash.
Monsters howling under a red moon.
A thunderstorm swallowing a mountain whole.
"But this year… the game has changed."
The screen turned black.
Suddenly, a fiery wheel spun in the center. Jagged and ominous, each section was glowing with a new title.
The Wheel of Hell.
"Every 4 rounds… the Wheel spins.""Each spin unleashes a Trial.""You may fight blind, fight silent, or fight hunted."
It slowed on one tile. A new clip played.Darkness covered the arena. You could barely see a thing… except the glowing red eyes of night-vision monsters crawling from the shadows.
"Trial Example: SURVIVE THE NIGHT.""No light. No escape. Just you… and them."
✦ Silence in the Room
The trailer ended.
Nobody spoke for a few seconds.
"What kind of messed-up game show is this?" Sakayanagi muttered, arms crossed.
Shigan rubbed the back of his neck. "We already got trials chasing us in the real world… now we have to face surprise ones mid-tournament?"
Kaelen stepped forward, his eyes focused. "It's not just strength they want to test. They want fear. Adaptability. Madness."
Ren smirked a little. "Let them bring whatever they've got. We've survived worse."
Raidon didn't say anything. He walked to the window, staring out at the swirling clouds.
"The Wheel of Hell has old origins," he finally spoke. "It was created by the Realm Judges. They believe real warriors are revealed when everything is taken away from them. Light. Sound. Hope."
"And if we lose?" Shigan asked.
"Then you don't move forward," Raidon answered, turning around. "Or worse—you don't leave at all."
✦ Later That Evening
The team gathered around the food-carpet once more. Tonight's dishes were comforting:
Veilleaf Curry – soft, spicy, made from herbs that calm the nerves.
Cloudgrain Rolls – light, stretchy bread with thunderberry jam.
Sparkbite Fizz – a cold, blue drink that snapped on your tongue like lightning.
And for dessert, Echofruit Slices, said to help memory—something they knew they'd need soon.
They ate mostly in silence, their minds stuck on the Wheel.
Sakayanagi finally spoke. "Let's make sure none of us go in blind. We've got 17 days. Let's train for more than just raw power."
Ren nodded. "We train for the unknown."
✦ Final Moments
Before sleeping, Ren stood outside on the ship's upper deck, watching the clouds shift like ocean waves. He thought of the tournament. Of the monsters. Of that glowing wheel spinning in the dark.
Then he whispered to himself:"Let the wheel spin. We'll be ready."
To be continued...