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761 - Announcement of the Participants
🕑 Added 2024-10-15 09:21:57 +0000 UTCBy the third week, the construction of the Colosseum was finally completed, and the remainder of the week was devoted entirely to testing to ensure everything met the necessary standards. Both sides pushed every available system to its limits, stress-testing the arena’s components, shielding, and environmental controls.
This wasn’t just about verifying functionality; it was also a matter of trust—or the lack thereof. Both sides were highly suspicious of one another, meticulously scanning for any hidden backdoors or subtle sabotage. No one wanted to risk the possibility of a sudden disadvantage due to an exploit or unseen manipulation. Both sides scrutinized every circuit, magic circle, and protocol, working tirelessly to confirm that nothing had been tampered with and that the arena was truly neutral ground.
While the systems were being tested, Liasas met once again with the negotiator to finalize and deliver the list of contenders, a requirement that had to be fulfilled before the construction period ended.
“The list of participants from the Conclave’s side has been completed and is as follows,” Liasas began.
“For the Xor’Vaks, it will be Princess Seraphina. For the Valthorins, Vaxerion. The representative of Zelvora will be Xylor. The Trinarians have chosen Zynarel, and for the Symmetra, it will be Liyora. The Erythians will not send an individual but will deploy their sentient weapon, NO: 70. From the Galvinith, Yzara will enter the arena, and the Shadari have selected Zyran. The Elara will be represented by Vaelthar, and the Feryn have sent Lunaris. The Yrral Coalition has opted to field Mecha 765, with its weapons limited to those meeting the established rules...”
Liasas continued listing the names of the remaining contenders from the other four civilizations. With each name spoken, the members of the Conclave in leadership positions—those with access to intelligence about these individuals—could feel the blood draining from their faces. A sinking realization settled in as the enormity of the situation became clear: each of these contenders was among the top one hundred strongest in their respective civilizations and, at the moment, the most powerful individuals available in the sector.
The implication was unavoidable—no one on the Conclave's side was holding back. This was an all-in strategy. The upcoming fight would not be a contest but a brutal demonstration, a one-sided massacre in the making. Many leaders who didn’t decide to fight and had selected the basic agreement suddenly found themselves losing any desire to even witness the battle.
The citizens of the Empire, unfamiliar with the strength or reputation of the names just mentioned, were nonetheless aware that their opponents would field their strongest contenders. The names listed were likely to be the most formidable warriors available.
Attention quickly shifted back to the negotiator, as both sides eagerly anticipated the announcement of their representatives. Reactions varied: some displayed keen interest, others scoffed in mockery, while a few appeared bored or indifferent.
Liasas, too, was among those waiting with bated breath for the opposing side to begin naming their fighters, her curiosity piqued about who they would choose to compete.
“From the Terran Empire, there will be only one participant,” the negotiator announced. Liasas's expression shifted to one of surprise, but the negotiator pressed on, unfazed. “I, Emperor Aron Michael, will be the sole contender,” he declared, gesturing to himself with a confident nod.
To say that both sides were surprised by his declaration would be an understatement of monumental proportions. Liasas was particularly taken aback, realizing that not only was the Terran Empire sending a single participant to face the strongest individuals from each civilization, but that the participant was none other than the emperor himself—Aron Michael, the very leader with whom she had been negotiating throughout this entire ordeal.
This revelation suddenly pieced together the puzzle she had been trying to solve. From the outset, Aron had made every decision independently, without consulting anyone else, no matter the demands from the other side. It all clicked: only a leader with absolute power could afford to act so decisively, especially one with dominion over the entire government.
Meanwhile, the citizens of the Empire reacted with a mix of emotions. They were shocked to learn that their emperor would face off against individuals whose true powers were still unknown to them. Despite the assurances of his strength, many felt a gnawing worry. If Aron were to fall in battle, the empire he held together might plunge into chaos, a prospect that frightened everyone—supporters and dissenters alike—who had finally begun to enjoy life free from the constant fear of survival.
The reactions of the chosen fighters on the Conclave's side were as diverse as their backgrounds, each reflecting their unique personalities. Some were eager to face off against the emperor, their minds already racing with visions of victory and glory. Others felt a simmering anger, perceiving the single combatant as an affront that belittled their capabilities; they longed to make the Terran Empire regret its decision by exacting revenge on their leader and dismantling the empire in the process.
Among them, the Vlathorins and Xor'Vaks exhibited a different mindset. They were not just excited but elated at the prospect of battling the emperor of the opposing side. For the Vlathorins, defeating Aron Michael would mean regaining their lost honor, a chance to prove their worth in the eyes of their peers. Meanwhile, the Xor'Vaks saw this confrontation as an opportunity to punish those who had dared to speak their leaders' names in vain, an act they would not forget easily.
“Are you sure about that?” Liasas asked, her tone now more respectful than before.
“As far as I remember, the agreement allowed for such situations,” he replied calmly, his demeanor unchanged despite his theoretically higher position.
“What happens if you lose in the first fight and are unable to continue?” Liasas asked, regaining her composure. It was a question on many minds, as the fight agreement lacked a clause for breaks, apart from the twenty-minute intermissions to check for structural issues in the Colosseum.
“Should I lose a fight by accepting defeat or die before the next match, you will be considered to have won all subsequent fights,” he answered, demonstrating that he had already contemplated this scenario.
“Understood. We accept your participation, and you have until the end of the construction period to add more fighters,” she stated respectfully.
“Thank you,” he replied, standing up and making his way back to his ship, which immediately set course for the Colosseum, where he intended to inspect the completed structure.
Liasas remained silent, simply watching his ship as it moved away. With the construction of the Colosseum now complete and the participants officially announced, everyone was permitted to explore the arena and familiarize themselves with the surroundings during the testing period. The tests conducted posed no interference with the Colosseum’s operations, allowing participants to assess the layout and prepare for the upcoming matches.
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