Alex returned to the waiting area, removing the dirty armband from his first battle.
Grim (80cm form) was curled on his shoulder, apparently satisfied with the victory.
"First. Victory. Easy."
"Too easy," Alex murmured. "But it was Round One. It'll get harder."
He scanned the area—other competitors resting, some watching ongoing battles through windows overlooking the arena.
In the stands, he saw Raven and Emily applauding. Raven gave him a thumbs up.
He smiled under his hood.
"NEXT BATTLE!" the referee shouted. "COMPETITOR 31, SARAH, VERSUS COMPETITOR 18, MARCUS!"
Not his fight yet. He had time.
Alex sat on a bench, watching other matches through the windows.
Most were competent but not exceptional. Levels 35-42 mostly, basic strategies, decent coordination with companions.
Nothing he couldn't handle.
Then he saw a battle that made him stop.
A competitor with three companions—Golem, Elemental, and Wolf—coordinating them perfectly.
[Dorian Ashcroft - Level 48]
