The Fighting Arena

By noon, the arena announced that the matches would start in the evening and everyone who had signed up were supposed to be present. 

Moon decided to head to the back of the arena and prepare for his fight. The arena buzzed with excitement, its stone walls reverberating with the chatter and anticipation of the gathered crowd. As Moon made his way to the rear, he was taken aback by the sheer number of people packed into the area. Though he knew that all the towns and villages were participating, he had not anticipated such a large turnout. It seemed as though everyone was eager to prove themselves.

Moon weaved through the throng, the air thick with the mingled scents of sweat, dust, and anticipation. He sized up the competitors, his eyes scanning for any hint of a worthy opponent who could challenge his newly acquired powers. As he maneuvered through the sea of faces, his eyes fell on someone familiar. His heart skipped a beat. There, amid the crowd, stood his brother. 

Upon closer inspection, Moon realized that all his brothers were present. His shock grew, for he had believed the competition to be solely for commoners. Nobility rarely mingled with commoners, making their presence here all the more surprising. He knew he had to avoid trouble, so he decided to sneak away quietly. But just as he was about to slip away, his brother’s voice cut through the noise.

"Hey, look, isn’t that Moon, the loser, over there? What is he even doing here? Don’t tell me he wants to compete too," his brother laughed loudly, drawing the attention of the others.

One of the older brothers called out, "Hey Moon, come over here. Why don’t you greet your lords?" Moon, not wanting to escalate the situation, headed toward them and bowed respectfully.

As he turned to leave, the eldest brother stopped him. "Hey, are you really here to compete?" Before Moon could answer, he continued, "No, it can’t be. You’re probably working the event, right? Come on, get me some water, will you? I’ll throw in a tip, perhaps a gold coin. That will be plenty for you, right? Hurry now, my throat is running dry."

Seizing the chance to get away, Moon pretended to fetch water and disappeared from their sight. He found a secluded spot to stand by, hidden from their view, as he waited for his match. 

"Now, they will not get me here. I am sure they will not waste their time on me. Although, why are they even here? I should probably ask someone around," he thought to himself.

With that in mind, Moon scanned the crowd for someone who did not look too hostile and approached them. "Oh, you mean the nobility? I heard that they are going to have a match to find the strongest who will be the crown prince. That’s why they are here today. I also heard the top commoner will get to fight the nobility and will be awarded 200 gold coins. I wonder who the lucky person will be," the person explained.

It dawned on Moon that the prize money was likely what had drawn so many people to join the competition. After thinking for a while, he realized this was his golden opportunity. If he could fight his brothers and prove himself, perhaps he could regain his father’s favor and restore his mother’s honor. With his newfound power, he felt ready to face any competitor that may come his way.

The arena was a spectacle of grandeur and anticipation as the announcer’s voice echoed through the space, captivating the attention of every spectator. The vast coliseum was alive with energy, its stone walls adorned with banners that fluttered in the breeze of the crowd’s fervor. The stands were packed with a sea of faces, ranging from the curious to the excited, their collective cheers creating a thunderous roar that reverberated off the arena’s high walls.

"Ladies and gentlemen, demons and demi-demons alike," the announcer’s voice boomed, crisp and clear. His words cut through the din of the crowd, commanding attention. "Welcome to today’s tournament competition! We have a remarkable assembly of contestants, from the nobility to the commoners. We eagerly await a dazzling display of magic and combat skills that will showcase the true art of fighting. Let’s hope this tournament is as thrilling as it promises, bringing out the adrenaline in all of us!" The announcer’s voice rose in enthusiasm, his words drawing an even louder cheer from the crowd.

A wave of excitement swept through the arena, the spectators' cheers blending into a cacophony of noise that filled the air. "Today, we will determine the strongest among the commoners and crown the prince. The top commoner will be awarded 200 gold coins and will gain the rare privilege of training to be a part of the Demon King’s army. Additionally, the top twenty commoners will have the chance to join the Demon King’s army and will each receive 50 gold coins. Give it your all and do not back down!"

The crowd’s roar intensified, their applause and shouts a rhythmic pulse of anticipation. The arena itself was a marvel, an expansive circular pit of sandy earth, marked by glowing magical runes etched into the ground. The sand shimmered under the bright, enchanted lights that illuminated the space, casting a warm, golden glow over the entire area. High stone walls encircled the arena, their sheer height creating a natural amphitheater that offered every spectator a perfect view. Magical barriers shimmered at the edges, their faintly iridescent glow indicating the boundaries of the combat zone.

As the announcer’s final words faded, the first pair of contestants emerged from the waiting chambers, stepping into the arena with a mix of determination and resolve. Their armor clinked softly, and the air around them crackled with the energy of their preparation. The crowd’s cheers swelled once more, echoing through the arena as the combatants squared off.

Moon, standing in a shadowed corner of the arena, watched with rapt attention. His heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves. The scene before him was a whirlwind of activity and sound, a living, breathing spectacle that promised both danger and opportunity. He observed the combatants closely, their every move and magical display a potential lesson for his own forthcoming battle. The energy in the arena was electric, a vibrant, pulsing force that seemed to echo Moon’s own anticipation.

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