Shadows of Ascension

24. Prelude to Battle

As the day of the tournament drew near, Aiden, Luca, and Drake found themselves amidst a bustling crowd of hunters, each one eager to prove their worth in the upcoming battles. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as participants from all walks of life gathered to test their skills against one another.

"We've got quite the competition ahead of us," Luca remarked, his eyes scanning the diverse array of hunters assembled before them.

Aiden nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering on the seasoned warriors and battle-hardened veterans who stood ready to face any challenge that came their way.

"Indeed," Drake chimed in, adjusting the straps of his rusty armor. "But I've got a feeling we'll make quite the team."

One by one, the hunters introduced themselves, exchanging nods of acknowledgment and sharing tales of past victories and defeats. Among them stood Raelyn, a C rank hunter known for her lightning-fast reflexes, and Gideon, a towering figure whose mastery of earth magic was legendary.

As the hunters mingled and exchanged pleasantries, Luca approached a group of seasoned veterans, engaging them in conversation about their previous tournament experiences.

"So, what's your strategy going into the battle royale?" Luca inquired, his tone casual yet curious.

"We plan to stick together as a team," one of the hunters replied, his voice filled with confidence. "Strength in numbers, you know."

Meanwhile, Aiden struck up a conversation with Maya, a spirited D rank hunter who wielded a pair of enchanted daggers with deadly precision.

"You seem pretty confident for a D rank," Aiden remarked, impressed by Maya's demeanor.

"I may be a D rank now, but I'm determined to prove myself," Maya replied, her eyes gleaming with determination. "And who knows? Maybe I'll even catch the eye of a sponsor."

As the chatter continued, the organizers of the tournament took to the stage to outline the format of the upcoming battles. The tournament would commence with a battle royale, pitting 25 teams against each other in a fierce struggle for survival. Only eight teams would emerge victorious, while the remaining seven would face elimination.

"The stakes are high," Luca remarked, his voice tinged with excitement. "But I have faith in our abilities. We'll make it through to the next round."

With their preparations complete and their resolve hardened by the challenge that lay ahead, Aiden, Luca, and Drake stood ready to face whatever trials awaited them in the tournament of hunters. The stage was set, and the battle for glory was about to begin.