The sky was clear, and the crowd roared from the stands of the Supreme Magic Academy. Flags waved in the colors of each team, and the atmosphere was electric. The long-awaited Triennial Festival had begun, and the first event was none other than the frantic and dangerous Monster Race.
Each participant had to ride their familiar through a magical course filled with obstacles, wild creatures, and elemental traps. The goal wasn't just speed, but also control and endurance.
—Participants to the center of the track, —announced the amplified voice of Professor Clover, acting as master of ceremonies.
Among the names called, three stood out: Ares, mounted on Blue, his majestic blue fire dragon; Agust, advancing confidently atop his ice wolf, fast and lethal; and Emma, gliding with grace atop her sorcerer raven, a dark creature with wise eyes and shimmering wings.
At the sound of the starting gong, the race erupted in a burst of excitement.
Blue launched like lightning, slicing through the sky with brutal force. Ares, with a mix of focus and adrenaline, controlled the flight with a confidence that even impressed his rivals.
Agust followed close behind, his wolf weaving between rocks and icy gusts like a white shadow. The prince clenched his teeth, refusing to let Ares take first place.
Emma, more tactical than fast, used illusion spells to dodge traps and distract wild monsters along the way. Her strategy allowed her to pass several competitors and stay among the leaders.
A field of fire suddenly appeared in the final stretch. While the others hesitated, Ares shouted decisively:
—Blue, dive!
The dragon dove headfirst, piercing through the flames without fear, while his rider shielded his face with an enchanted cloak. It was a risky move, but it gave him a decisive lead.
With one final push, Blue crossed the finish line in a whirlwind of blue fire, followed closely by Agust's icy wolf. Emma came in fourth, just seconds behind third place, panting but smiling.
—First place goes to Ares! —shouted Clover with excitement— Followed by Agust, and in fourth, Emma. What a way to start the festival!
From the stands, Dana bit her lower lip, watching Ares with sparkling eyes full of emotion.
—He's changing, —she whispered— and I like him more every day.
Liana, seated beside her, didn't respond. Her eyes were fixed on the sky, where the dragon was descending with its rider. But her gaze wasn't one of admiration… it was one of conflict.
The tournament had just begun. And with it, the emotions that would make this festival… unforgettable.