A tournament.
An actual tournament.
I'm trying very hard to keep my expression neutral, but internally I'm buzzing with excitement. This is a staple of adventure manga. The tournament arc.
I'm thinking about all the classics. The one with the martial arts competition where fighters kept powering up mid-match, revealing new techniques and transformations. That series where competitors climbed a tower while fighting each other. The underground fighting tournament where supernatural abilities clashed in brutal matches.
Every good adventure manga has a tournament arc. And now there's one happening right here.
I glance at Takeshi. His eyes are bright, his posture forward. He's clearly interested.
[Takeshi] "A tournament! That sounds amazing! I'd love to test myself."
His competitive side is showing.
Aiko and Yuki don't seem as enthusiastic. Aiko looks interested but not particularly excited. Yuki just continues eating, unbothered.
[Yuki] "Sounds like a lot of fighting."
[Aiko] "It might be interesting to watch."
Guess Yuki doesn't care much for action-focused stuff.
Queen Vorath leans back in her chair.
[Vorath] "The tournament is divided into two days. The first day is for students only. They compete against each other, test their skills, see how they measure up against their peers. The second day is the main event, open to everyone. We've already held preliminary rounds, but if anyone here is interested in participating, I'd be willing to seed you directly into the bracket."
She looks around the table.
Eldrin shakes his head.
[Eldrin] "It's been a while since I've fought in such competitions. I'm not interested in returning to that. I'll have to pass."
[Lucien] "I'll pass as well. It would be unfair for me to participate."
Seraphina just keeps drinking her wine, completely ignoring the conversation.
Lukewarm responses all around.
This is it. My chance.
[Wright] "I'd love to join."
Everyone at the table stops. Heads turn. Eyes lock onto me.
The kids look excited. Takeshi grins. Yuki and Aiko perk up with interest.
Everyone else goes pale.
[Eldrin] "Wright, if you join, the outcome would be obvious. There wouldn't be a competition."
[Lucien] "I agree wholeheartedly. Your participation would eliminate any sense of fair contest."
Seraphina actually sets down her wine glass.
[Seraphina] "For once, I agree with the brute completely. You cannot join that tournament."
Sylphaeris floats closer, her expression unusually serious.
[Sylphaeris] "Wright, you joining would endanger the participants. Seriously endanger them."
Queen Vorath nods.
[Vorath] "There wouldn't be anyone foolish enough to fight you."
She pauses.
[Vorath] "I've fought many battles in my life. Led armies, faced powerful opponents, survived wars. And yet every battle-honed instinct in me is screaming the same warning. Do not challenge you."
That's a lot.
My dream of participating in a tournament arc shatters instantly. Just gone. Crushed before it even started.
But wait. Maybe there's another option.
[Wright] "What about an exhibition match instead? Not part of the tournament, just a separate demonstration."
Queen Vorath considers this.
[Vorath] "If there's anyone willing to fight against you, then sure. It would be interesting to watch."
I look around the table.
Eldrin turns his head away, suddenly interested in the view from the window.
Lucien finds something fascinating about his plate.
Seraphina picks up her wine glass again, not meeting my eyes.
Sylphaeris literally drifts backward, floating away from the table.
I look toward Yuki. Ignatia was on her shoulder a moment ago. Now the small dragon is hiding behind Yuki's chair.
[Wright] "Come on, really? None of you?"
Silence.
[Wright] "Not even a friendly sparring match?"
More silence.
Damn. This option won't work either.
My tournament dreams, completely destroyed.
---
We finish lunch. The food was excellent, the conversation eventually moves to other topics, but I'm still mourning my lost opportunity.
[Vorath] "So Takeshi will be joining the student tournament tomorrow?"
[Takeshi] "Yes! I'm really looking forward to it."
[Eldrin] "It'll be a good chance for you to see how much you've grown. Test yourself against peers."
[Lucien] "The experience will be valuable. Combat against varied opponents builds adaptability."
[Aiko] "We'll all be there to watch and support you."
[Yuki] "Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great."
We leave the restaurant. The kids are heading back to the academy to look at available classes and possibly join any that are in progress.
[Takeshi] "We want to check out the combat training courses."
[Yuki] "And I want to see what magical theory classes they have."
[Aiko] "I'm interested in the healing and support courses."
The rest of us decide to explore the city.
Queen Vorath walks with us to the street.
[Vorath] "I need to attend to some matters, but I'll send someone to pick you up at your residence later for the banquet. Around sunset."
[Wright] "Sounds good. Thank you again for everything, Your Majesty."
[Vorath] "My pleasure. Enjoy exploring Thornhaven!"
She heads off in one direction. The kids head back toward the academy. Our group stands in the street, looking around.
[Seraphina] "So, where shall we explore first?"
[Liora] "I'd like to see more of how they've integrated nature into the city."
[Vesper] "I want to find somewhere comfortable to sit."
[Eldrin] "Let's just walk and see what we find."
We start walking through Thornhaven.
The city is even more impressive at ground level. The massive trees we saw from above are everywhere, their trunks wider than most buildings. Structures are built around them, platforms extending from the branches at different heights. Bridges and walkways connect the tree-based buildings to ground-level structures.
We pass through a market district. Stalls and shops line a wide street, but many are built into the trees themselves. Vendors sell goods from carved-out sections of living trunks, merchandise displayed on shelves that are part of the tree's structure. Other stalls hang from sturdy branches overhead, accessible by ramps and stairs.
Fresh produce. Meats and fish. Handcrafted tools and weapons. Magical supplies. Clothing in styles suited for different races. Books and scrolls. Jewelry.
[Seraphina] "Oh, this is delightful. Look at that craftsmanship!"
She stops at a stall selling ornate jewelry. The pieces incorporate natural materials like polished wood, stones, and amber.
Vesper gravitates toward a shop selling magical components and artificing supplies. She examines various crystals and enchanted materials, actually looking interested for once.
We continue through the market. Beast folk of all varieties move between stalls. Humans, elves, dwarves, even a few demons. Everyone going about their business.
A waterway runs through this section of the market. Maybe ten feet wide, lined with smooth stones. The water is clear and flows gently. Small boats carry goods along it. Merfolk swim alongside, occasionally surfacing to speak with vendors near the water's edge.
[Liora] "The water integration is beautiful. It serves both practical and aesthetic purposes."
[Eldrin] "And it provides access for aquatic races without forcing them to use separate areas."
We cross a bridge over the waterway and enter a different district. Workshops line the streets, many with open fronts so passersby can watch the work being done.
A blacksmith hammers at an anvil, sparks flying. The forge is built into a stone outcropping. A woodworker shapes timber, her tools moving with practiced precision. The workshop is built around a tree, using its trunk as a central support. We see a weaver working at a loom. An enchanter inscribing runes onto various objects. A leather worker crafting armor pieces.
[Lucien] "The skill level is high. These are experienced craftsmen."
[Seraphina] "And the integration of their workshops with the natural environment is quite artistic."
Vesper stops at the enchanter's workshop, watching the rune work with focused attention.
[Vesper] "That's a modified amplification array. Interesting approach."
The enchanter looks up, notices Vesper's interest, and they start discussing technique. I can't follow most of it, but Vesper seems engaged. Really engaged.
[Vesper] "I'm going to stay here for a bit. Look around the shop more. See what else they have."
[Liora] "I'll stay nearby. You tend to find trouble without meaning to."
[Vesper] "I don't need supervision."
[Liora] "I know. But the last time you were left alone in a workshop, things escalated quickly."
[Vesper] "That was different."
They wave us off and Vesper disappears into the workshop with the enchanter, already deep in conversation about array configurations.
The rest of us continue on.
We find ourselves in a garden district. Less built-up here, with more open space. Trees grow more freely, their branches spreading wide. Gardens fill the spaces between them, carefully maintained but designed to look natural.
Pathways wind through the gardens. Benches are placed at scenic spots. Streams flow through channels, creating small waterfalls and pools. Flowers bloom everywhere.
[Sylphaeris] "It's so peaceful! The natural energy is really strong here."
She spins in the air, then suddenly darts off toward a particularly vibrant flower bed.
[Sylphaeris] "Ooh, I want to check something out! I'll catch up with you later!"
And she's gone, disappearing into the gardens.
She always finds her way back. We continue walking through the gardens for a while. It's relaxing.
Eventually, the gardens give way to another street. Buildings become more prominent again. Restaurants and cafes line the street. Some cater to specific dietary needs, others offer mixed cuisine. We pass a place that specializes in fish dishes. Another that advertises flame-grilled meats. A cafe with delicate pastries and teas.
[Seraphina] "We should note some of these establishments. The culinary scene seems quite developed."
Then she stops mid-step, her attention caught by something ahead.
[Seraphina] "Oh my. Is that... imported wines?"
A shop with elegant signage advertises a wine selection from across the continent, complete with suggested pairings.
[Seraphina] "I need to investigate this immediately."
She's already moving toward the shop.
[Lucien] "I'll go with you. To ensure you don't buy out their entire inventory."
[Seraphina] "I would never do such a thing."
[Lucien] "You absolutely would do such a thing."
[Seraphina] "One time. That happened one time."
They disappear into the wine shop, already bickering.
We keep walking. The street curves, following the land's contours. We pass an apothecary, a bookshop, a general goods store.
[Eldrin] "Thornhaven really is impressive. They've managed to build something truly inclusive here."
[Wright] "Yeah, it's different from anywhere else we've visited."
Then, ahead, I see a familiar sight.
A building with a distinctive sign. A sword and staff crossed over a shield.
The Adventure Guild.
[Wright] "Well, would you look at that."
We approach the building. It's constructed in the same style as everything else in Thornhaven, built partially around a large tree. But the architecture is more standardized, clearly following a typical design.
[Eldrin] "The Adventure Guild has branches in most major cities across the continent. They serve as a hub for adventurers, posting requests from various clients, managing rank assessments, and providing support services. Thornhaven's branch is particularly active due to the surrounding wilderness and monster territories."
[Wright] "Makes sense. Plenty of work for adventurers here."
[Eldrin] "Indeed. The guild also serves as neutral ground between nations. Adventurers from any country can operate here without political complications."
[Wright] "Let's check it out."
We head toward the entrance.
The inside is exactly what I expected from an adventure guild. The main hall is large and open, with high ceilings supported by wooden beams. Request boards line one wall, covered in papers of varying colors. Probably indicating different rank requirements or urgency levels. Tables and chairs fill the center of the room where adventurers gather to eat, drink, and discuss jobs.
The place is busy. Adventurers of all types crowd the space.
A group of beast folk warriors sit at a table, their armor showing signs of recent combat. Wolf, bear, and tiger beast folk, all built for strength. They're laughing loudly, sharing drinks and stories.
Near the request board, a human mage in flowing robes studies the available jobs, her staff leaning against her shoulder. She's young, probably early twenties, with the focused look of someone taking this seriously.
A dwarf in heavy plate armor sits alone at the bar, methodically eating a meal. His axe rests against the counter, well-maintained and clearly used often.
I spot a demon adventurer talking with what looks like an elf partner. They're reviewing a map spread out on their table, planning something.
Two merfolk sit in a corner. Their tails have been transformed into legs, and they move with the slight awkwardness of people still adjusting. They're in conversation with a human wearing light leather armor.
At the far end of the hall, a long counter serves as the reception area. Several staff members work behind it, processing paperwork, answering questions, and handling various administrative tasks.
We approach the counter. A young woman stands behind it, human, with brown hair pulled back in a practical ponytail. She looks up as we get closer, her professional smile already in place.
[Receptionist] "Welcome to the Adventure Guild. How can I help you today?"
[Wright] "Just looking around. We're visiting Thornhaven and thought we'd stop by."
[Receptionist] "Of course! Feel free to look at the request boards if you're interested in taking on any jobs, though you'll need to register first if you're not already members. The dining area is open to everyone, and—"
She stops mid-sentence. Her eyes lock onto Eldrin. Her expression shifts from professional courtesy to complete shock.
[Receptionist] "You're... you're..."
Her voice drops to almost a whisper.
[Receptionist] "Eldrin? The Skyblade."
Eldrin nods calmly.
[Eldrin] "Hello. It's been some time since I've visited a guild hall."
The receptionist's hands move to her face, covering her mouth. Then she spins around.
[Receptionist] "Please wait here! I need to... I'll be right back!"
She practically runs toward a door behind the counter, disappearing into what must be the administrative offices.
[Wright] "Well, that was a reaction."
[Eldrin] "I may have been fairly well-known in adventuring circles before I retired."
A moment later, the receptionist reappears, slightly out of breath.
[Receptionist] "The guild master is coming! Please, just... please wait!"
She looks flustered, excited, and maybe a little panicked all at once.