The roar of the crowd was overwhelming.
More than fifty thousand people filled the arena seats—rows of carved stone and polished platforms that stretched up the walls of the massive cavern. Banners representing the four academies floated overhead, enchanted to ripple gently despite the lack of wind.
Magical screens hovered above the field, projecting enhanced views of the battlefield below, powered by glowing mana conduits embedded deep into the stone.
A man floated to the center platform—tall, dressed in robes of deep blue trimmed with silver. His voice, amplified through a magical array, echoed through every corner of the arena.
"Welcome, citizens of Tharvaldur and honored guests from across Vaelterra!"
"Today begins the Grand Inter-Academy Tournament!"
The cheers shook the walls.
