The bells and trumpets rang out over Munera Garden. The sounds echoed between the cliffs, creating ripples in the water that cut deep into pools upon the rocks. The sky was clear, barely a cloud in sight, and the clamor around the arena could be heard for kilometers, towards the forests in the west and the artificial island in the south which was currently under construction.
“Welcome, one and all to the Grand Final of the Semi-Annual Winterveil Echoes.” An announcement rang over the crags above.
“Remember that last round the champion from two years ago, Bjorn Vista, fell to the newcomer Geno Fallenfire, who is now up against the worn warrior Solomon Winters - A fine and practiced wizard indeed, who has recently returned from their solitude in the northern Nimbus Sea. “
A shout from an old man sitting near the bottom of the stands broke the single sided conversation between the willing spectators and the commentator.
“You’re too kind, young sir… I am merely a hermit, back to see the changes in society as it’s happening…”
The announcement continued.
“If the two fighters could take up the arena, either corner…”
The old man stood up and waddled to one corner of the square arena. A muscled, looming warrior stood from the stands and descended towards the opposite corner. They sauntered down to their position and stretched their arms.
“Remember, as always, fight to submission, not death. You may submit by dropping your weapons and dispelling all magic circles, then tapping the ground with your left fist… do both parties agree?”
The warrior shouted “Bring it on, I’ll give you a fight you won’t forget… this will be a legendary battle told throughout years until the end of Winterveil itself “
The old man nodded, “I believe it shall be…”
The shout of the announcer rang out again. “Then let me invite the Queen of Winterveil to begin this match.”
Sitting in the stands a finely dressed woman rose to her feet.
“If I may, let the Grand Finals of the Winterveil Echoes begin.”
The crowd cheered and the warrior drew their sword.
The old man smiled.
“Sword Draw, Ocean Dream”
Slashes of air began to fly, however the old man stood still, conjuring circles of magic to block attacks. He drew a wooden staff, carved perfectly with a metal phoenix crowning the top.
“Sword Draw: Double Strike”
“Spirit Technique: Silent Death”
More explosions and attacks flew.
The warrior dashed forward quickly, attempting to hit the old man with his blade. However the hermit acrobatically avoided the slash with ease.
Geno Fallenfire was undisturbed by the action, and masterfully withdrew from their attack and drew a second katana.
“Warrior: Rage Form, Draconic Target.”
The old man smiled “Well well, youngun, I hope you realise how much you learn in solitude. Equinox Imbuement: Soulless Gambit.”
The old man stood his ground and an aura of lilac appeared around him, creating a veil. The warrior took a slash, his sword shattered against the silken barrier.
“Light Magic: Merciful Reign”
The man slammed his staff on the ground and conjured chains of pure light around Geno, who panicked and reached for the ground.
But suddenly, the staff fell to the worn surface of the arena.
The chains dissipated with a burst. The smiling hermit kneeled to the ground, and gently rapped their knuckles of their left hand against the solid stone floor.
“I submit.” He announced. “It would be unfair for the prize money to be wasted on me… for I, Solomon Winters, am an old man, yet you, Fallenfire, are young and able. Nobody in this competition would have ever had a chance against me, but I do hope they at least were brought a little excitement by my escapades… ohh well… I’ll be seeing you… or not…”
And in a burst of light and shadow, Solomon Winters was gone.
“That, Ladies and Gentlemen, was a fight to never forget!”
Cheers broke out from the crowd, and even the young Prince of Winterveil was seen clapping.
“All cheer for the winner of the seventy fourth Winterveil Echoes, Geno Fallenfire!”
