[5 Years Later]
The Justice Kingdom now stands as a beacon of hope for all of Argus. The kingdoms live in peace, life flows smoothly, and our heroes grow stronger and wiser with time.
At the ancient stadium of the Justice Kingdom, thousands of citizens gather each year from every corner of Argus to witness the grand tournament the moment when may be deemed an adult warrior.
Tristian, now the Guild leader, organizes the tournament and steps forward to speak:"Today, like every year, the graduates from the academies and military training schools of the kingdoms will fight the battle of coming-of-age. They will prove their strength and strategy, claiming their place among the legendary warriors. Now, I give the floor to the King of the Justice Kingdom, King Thaddeus."
The King rises, proud and commanding."Thank you, Tristian. Citizens of Argus, I thank you for your presence. Today, our young ones have the chance to give it their all. To leave behind childhood and step onto the harsh path of responsibility and consequence. Every decision has a cost. Every battle demands a price."
"There is no greater honor than to prove your worth, to showcase the fruit of your training, and to rise to the occasion. And so..."
"I DECLARE THE BEGINNING OF THE COMING-OF-AGE TOURNAMENT!"
The stadium shakes with the roar and screams of the crowd. The moment everyone had been waiting for has arrived. Glory, strength and survival, only the strongest will make it through.
The contestants are split into groups of five. Each group will face a Mythical Monster. If they win, they advance. If they lose… they may lose their lives. To participate, one must have completed the basic training (known as the 'Agogi') and be around 18 years old, give or take. The final trial is a ONE-ON-ONE duel. Some of the victors will be chosen to join the military forces of the kingdoms to serve alongside the elite and protect their land.
20 contestants have made it this far, selected from all across the kingdoms of Argus from the frozen Frosten Kingdom in the north, to the blazing deserts of the SandyLane Kingdom in the south.
"It's time for the draw! The teams will be formed at random. Remember: to win, you must act as one no egos, no grudges."
[First Team]
1 GUSTAV
2 SAMUEL
3 LORA
4 NOLAN
5 HERMES
"Ooh! This team looks interesting. All are from the Justice Kingdom except for the young one from the Seliniac Kingdom Nolan," says the referee.
The team has never worked together before. Nolan, in particular, is seeing the others for the first time.
"Looks like this match will be very interesting…"
"Open the gate. Release the beast."
The soldiers pull the levers. The earth trembles. The ground creaks. Something massive is approaching. The contestants freeze in place, motionless. No one even blinks.
BOOMM
"GRAAAAAA!"
The gate opens. A monstrous creature steps out from the darkness. Half man, half bull. In its hands, two enormous battle axes. Its eyes burn with hatred.
"GRAAAAAA!"
The Minotaur charges forward with a roar, its gaze locked on Gustav.
Gustav takes the first step, his hands resting on his swords. Calmly, he builds momentum and becomes one with the wind. In a flash, he launches himself at the Minotaur, drawing both swords with explosive speed. His power surges around him like a wave. The spectators watch breathlessly as the fearsome Gustav lands a swift, deadly strike severing the beast's arm.
"AAAAAAAAA!"
The crowd erupts in cheers.
Gustav turns his back on the creature, unfazed."Your turn, guys."