The sun of Ziula rose with its violet-tinged hue, bathing Finar's home in a calm, gentle light. The companions awoke to the scent of dough baking on heated stones. The breakfast table Finar had prepared was filled with varieties of jam extracted from the nectar of volcanic flowers, and cheeses made from the milk of mountain creatures.
As they finished eating, Nerar entered carrying elegant metal crates.
Nerar:
"You can't travel in those worn-out rags. I've brought you Ziulan Travelers' garments."
He opened the crates to reveal clothes made of smart fibers—black, threaded with blue and gold lines that glowed when they moved. The companions put them on, and Pikos stood staring at himself in a mirror in disbelief.
Pikos:
"I feel like the king of the jungle! Do these fibers stretch after eating? That's the most important question!"
Darius:
"Look at me, Ortinus—I look like a hero from the legends my mother used to tell."
Ortinus (feeling the fabric):
"They're incredibly comfortable and light, as if they weigh nothing at all."
After a warm farewell to Finar, the group set out. Nerar told them the journey would require Exchange Crystals (the currency of the Second World) to buy supplies and advanced weapons. Their destination, therefore, was Siwar, the most prosperous trade city in this sector.
When they arrived, the people of Acadia were struck dumb by the city's beauty: twisted glass buildings, flying boats powered by crystal energy, and markets bustling with thousands of strange beings and wondrous devices.
Nikos:
"Wow… the harbor of Actanos looks like a poor fishing village compared to this marvel."
As they wandered through the market searching for work, they were blocked by twelve young men wearing the uniforms of a local Martial Arts School. Their leader, Leoner, looked at them with contempt.
Leoner:
"Look at these clowns walking with the foolish, primitive grandson of Simoru… The stench of snow stag reeks from your hides. Do you really think clothes make you warriors?"
Darius:
"At least our smell is better than your stench of arrogance. Step aside."
Another fighter (mocking):
"Oh, the little monkey can talk! Go clean the beast stables—that's the kind of work fit for your likes."
Ortinus was about to draw his sword, but a firm voice stopped everyone.
"Enough noise in the public market."
A man of imposing presence stepped forward, carrying behind his back a long, slender staff of gleaming silver, inlaid with red flame crystals.
Nerar (whispering):
"That's Blater… the city's constable, and one of Ziula's finest Sniper-Staff marksmen."
Blater:
"The laws are clear. No fighting among civilians. If you want to prove your strength, the official arena is open."
Blater turned to Ortinus and his companions with curiosity, then said to Leoner,
"Since you claim superiority, why not duel them?"
Everyone agreed, and they headed to the grand arena under Blater's supervision. Hundreds of citizens gathered to watch the "foreigners" face the school's warriors.
Blater climbed onto the platform and announced loudly,
"As the overseer—and since the teams are unequal in number—the bullies will choose only six out of twelve. The winning team will receive 100 crystal pieces, granted by the city treasury to encourage martial spirit!"
Pikos's eyes lit up at the reward.
"One hundred crystals? That buys a mountain of meat!"
Blater began announcing the matchups amid the crowd's cheers:
Nerar vs. Miona (an agile fighter from the martial school).
Ortinus vs. Leoner (the bullies' leader, with that strange laugh).
Darius vs. Batro (huge and powerfully built).
Romilius vs. Belas (a tactician-style fighter).
Pikos vs. Banon (a fighter who looked extremely fast).
Nikos vs. Rogos (an expert in chain weapons).
Blater:
"The first match begins now! Nerar versus Miona… to the arena!"
The massive bronze bell rang. Nerar took his fighting stance, while Miona leapt lightly, drawing small energy daggers. Silence fell over the arena as everyone waited for the first strike.