The Otaryn Lugrimarek.
It’s held once a year and is the most fiercely competitive sport in the world. It serves as a recruitment program for the Arch-Knights, who accept new recruits through invitation only. They use it because the Otaryn Lugrimarek demands teamwork in order to win. The lifeline for survival in the Arch-Knights.
That’s why this sport is dominated by young nobles who are preparing to enter the Army. Proving you have what it takes to work effectively in a team is guaranteed to at least attract the Arch-Knights' attention. Now, if you want to be invited, you need to prove you’re the best at something among your generation. If you’re a fire elemental, you need to be the strongest fire elemental in your generation.
[[Continue]] “This will be the easiest fight of our lives,” says Iani.
“As long as you stick to the plan,” I say.
“Name one time I haven’t… on second thought, don’t answer that,” says Iani.
“At least one of you is capable of thinking.”
Torro and his five minions approach us. They stand behind Torro and snicker while he smirks at us. All of them are wearing leather armor that conforms to their bodies.
“You’re our first match?” says Iani.
“That’s right,” says Torro.
“Would you look at that, Iani. This will be the easiest fight of our lives,” I say.
“That’s one way to frame defeat,” says Torro.
[[Someone has to tell mom you ran away in embarrassment.]]
[[At least we’ll be capable of doing more than punching something.]]
[[Hasn't dad told you about that arrogance of yours?]] “It’s been a minute since I got to clobber a few heads,” says Iani.
“Try not to clobber yours in the process,” I say.
“I would never… intentionally do that,” says Iani.
“I didn’t know you could intend to do anything.”
Torro and his five minions approach us. They stand behind Torro and snicker while he smirks at us. All of them are wearing leather armor that conforms to their bodies.
“Would you like me to teach you?” says Iani.
“Only if you're capable,” says Torro.
“I assume you’ll be bringing your friends along?” says Iani.
“Probably not. Wouldn’t want them to get in the way of your teachings,” says Torro.
[[At least we’ll be capable of doing more than punching something.]]
[[You won't be saying that after I knock you into the dirt.]]
[[Hasn't dad told you about that arrogance of yours?]] Torro’s left eye slightly twitches. “We’ll see how he feels after today. Let’s go.”
Torro and his minions turn around and walk away. Iani and I exchange surprised looks.
“I think you got to him that time,” says Iani.
“Good. Maybe this time he’ll listen,” I say.
Iani snorts. “I doubt that.”
“We’ll see. Dad said he’ll be here if he can make it,” I say.
“Do you think he will?” says Iani.
I shrug. “I doubt it. He’s hardly been home since the war began intensifying again.”
A voice echoes through the air, “Will all contestants please make their way to the arena.”
[[Head towards the arena.]] Torro snorts. “This is going to be fun. Let's go."
Torro and his minions turn around and walk away. Iani and I exchange quizzical looks.
“Since when did he enjoy losing?” says Iani.
“He’ll have to once this is done,” I say.
Iani pats my back. “I’ve got your back if you need it."
“Thanks, but I won’t need it,” I say.
“You sure?” says Iani.
I nod. “He can’t sustain his aura state for too long. As long as I can outlast him, I’ll win.”
A voice echoes through the air, “Will all contestants please make their way to the arena.”
[[Head towards the arena.]] Torro smirks. “Good thing her precious baby boy will be there to take care of her. Let’s go.”
Torro and his minions turn around and walk away. Iani and I exchange amused looks.
“I think he’s starting to lose his edge,” says Iani.
“If mom finds out what he said, then he definitely is,” I say.
Iani chuckles. “Think she’ll have him clean the dragon cages again?”
“Hopefully she has him clean the Naiar dragon cages this time,” I say.
“That’s just cruel. Those things are disgusting,” says Iani.
I shrug. “It’s not bad as long as you avoid the stench.”
A voice echoes through the air, “Will all contestants please make their way to the arena.”
[[Head towards the arena.]] Torro raises an eyebrow. “Scathing. I hope your punches hit harder than your insults. Let’s go.”
Torro and his minions turn around and walk away. Iani and I exchange somewhat defeated looks.
“At least we’ll be capable of doing more than punching?” says Iani.
“It sounded better in my head,” I say.
Iani pats my head. “Stay behind me. I’ll keep you safe out there.”
I slap his hand away. “Screw you.”
“I’m just trying to help. We all have off days sometimes,” says Iani.
I glare at him. “The only thing that’s off is—”
A voice echoes through the air, “Will all contestants please make their way to the arena.”
[[Head towards the arena.]] I stand before the central pillar. Wind begins circling under my feet and lifts me to the top of the pillar. Iani jumps onto the pillar to my left. His aura shines blue as it emanates from his boots before disappearing.
The rest of our team also makes it onto their pillars. Two men stand on our left flank, and two men stand on our right flank. They are spaced three pillars away from Iani and me.
Torro’s team also make their way onto the pillars. Torro stands directly ahead of me. Three of his minions stand to my left, and the other two stand to my right.
“Iani,” I say.
“Yeah?”
[[Never mind.]]
[[Keep those fighters on the left off of me.]]
[[Help out the left flank, and call if you need backup.]] A small ball of fire descends into the center of the arena. Everyone assumes their fighting positions. My eyes fixate on Torro.
After what feels like an eternity, the ball of fire explodes with a loud bang. Everyone rushes forwards at once.
Wind circles under my feet and propels me from pillar to pillar as I charge towards Torro. His aura shines red as it emanates from his boots. He jumps from pillar to pillar.
As we draw closer, a ball of wind forms in my hand. It launches forward when I thrust my hand towards Torro. Torro’s aura stretches across the pillar he’s standing on. He barely flinches when the ball of wind hits him.
Torro smirks as he launches himself off the pillar aiming, to kick me.
[[Hit Torro with magic.]]
[[Jump to the right.]]
[[Jump to the left.]]“You got it,” says Iani.
A small ball of fire descends into the center of the arena. Everyone assumes their fighting positions. My eyes fixate on Torro.
After what feels like an eternity, the ball of fire explodes with a loud bang. Everyone rushes forwards at once.
Wind circles under my feet and propels me from pillar to pillar as I charge towards Torro. His aura shines red as it emanates from his boots. He jumps from pillar to pillar.
As we draw closer, a ball of wind forms in my hand. It launches forward when I thrust my hand towards Torro. Torro’s aura stretches across the pillar he’s standing on. He barely flinches when the ball of wind hits him.
Torro smirks as he launches himself off the pillar, aiming to kick me.
[[Duck]]
[[Hit Torro with magic.]]
[[Jump to the right.]]“I doubt I will,” says Iani.
A small ball of fire descends into the center of the arena. Everyone assumes their fighting positions. My eyes fixate on Torro.
After what feels like an eternity, the ball of fire explodes with a loud bang. Everyone rushes forwards at once.
Wind circles under my feet and propels me from pillar to pillar as I charge towards Torro. His aura shines red as it emanates from his boots. He jumps from pillar to pillar.
As we draw closer, a ball of wind forms in my hand. It launches forward when I thrust my hand towards Torro. Torro’s aura stretches across the pillar he’s standing on. He barely flinches when the ball of wind hits him.
Torro smirks as he launches himself off the pillar, aiming to kick me.
[[Duck]]
[[Hit Torro with magic.]]
[[Jump to the left.]]Something moves in the corner of my eye.
I look to my right and see Iani redirect a rock towards Torro. Torro goes to jump at me, but I cup my hands in-front of me and a powerful blast of wind slams into him. His aura barely spreads across the pillar in time.
He grunts, and a red light begins emanating from his chest plate.
“Your aura shield won’t save you this time,” I say.
The rock slams into Torro’s left arm before he can respond. He cries out in pain and his aura spreads across his entire body. Rage fills his eyes as he lunges at me.
[[Jump towards Iani.]]“Incoming,” says Iani.
I jump forward as a rock bounces off the pillar I was standing on. To my left, Iani is fighting another Atulan warrior in hand-to-hand combat. A mage stands back while he creates rocks and launches them towards Iani.
Iani effortlessly deflects or punches through the rocks using his aura shield. His eyes never depart from the man he’s fighting.
“Don’t get distracted,” says Torro as he jumps towards me.
[[I'm not.]]
[[I was about to say the same to you.]]
[[Crap.]]A rock hurtles towards him. His aura covers his fist, and he punches through it.
In-front of us, Iani smirks at Torro as he engages another Atulan warrior in hand-to-hand combat. A mage stands back while he creates rocks and launches them towards Iani. Iani dodges them as he fights.
“Don’t get distracted,” says Torro as he jumps towards me.
[[I'm not.]]
[[I was about to say the same to you.]]
[[Crap.]]“Incoming,” says Iani.
I try jumping to my left, but I’m too slow. A rock slashes my right arm as it flies past me.
I scream out in pain as I jump to the left. Behind me, Iani fights another Atulan warrior in hand-to-hand combat. A mage stands back while he creates rocks and launches them towards Iani.
Iani effortlessly deflects or punches through the rocks using his aura shield. His eyes never depart from the man he’s fighting.
“Don’t get distracted,” says Torro as he jumps towards me.
[[I'm not.]]
[[I was about to say the same to you.]]
[[Crap.]]Another ball of wind forms in my hand as I near Iani. I cast it towards the mage throwing the rock. He doesn’t see it coming, and the wind knocks him off the pillar, and he tumbles towards the ground.
“Switch up,” I say as I land next to Iani.
The Atulan warrior tries to lunge at Iani, but I send him flying back with a powerful gust of wind. Iani’s body glows blue like Torro, and they lunge at each other. They begin fighting in fierce hand-to-hand combat, but Torro is slower because of his injured arm.
“Damn you,” says the Atulan warrior as he jumps at me.
I smirk.
[[Jump between Iani and Torro.]]
[[Jump backwards.]]A spinning disc of wind forms under me. As I do a backflip onto the platform behind me, the disc races across the arena and sweeps the mage’s legs. He tumbles off of the pillar.
As Torro jumps for me again, a small burst of air flips me over his head. I kick his back and land on the pillar behind him. He stumbles but quickly catches himself.
I cup my hands and a powerful blast of wind slams into him. He turns towards me as his aura envelops his entire body.
“Damn aura shields,” I say.
Torro lunges at me through the wind tunnel.
[[Jump backwards.]]
[[Hang in there for just another moment.]]A disc of wind forms under me. As I do a backflip onto the platform behind me, the disc races across the arena and sweeps the mage’s legs. He tumbles off of the pillar.
As Torro jumps for me again, a small burst of air flips me over his head. I kick his back and land on the pillar behind him. He stumbles but quickly catches himself.
I turn and head towards Iani.
“Switch up,” I say as I land next to him.
The Atulan warrior tries to lunge at Iani, but I send him flying back with a powerful gust of wind. Iani’s aura starts to consume his body, but Torro pounces on him before it can do so. They begin fighting in hand-to-hand combat, but Torro quickly overpowers him.
[[Jump between Iani and Torro.]]
[[Hang in there for just another moment.]]“Cover me,” says Iani.
His aura consumes his body as he kicks Torro backwards. Torro grunts but catches himself. Torro’s aura also consumes him. They engage in fierce hand-to-hand combat.
The Atulan warrior Iani was fighting tries lunging at him, but I knock him back with a powerful gust of wind. Another rock flies towards me. Dozens of small blades of wind form next to my head and shoot towards the rock. It splits into pieces and the blades continue towards the mage.
He creates a rock wall around himself which tanks the blades. A larger windblade forms under my feet. As the Atulan warrior comes for me, the larger blade flies towards the mage as I do a backflip onto the pillar behind me.
The blade sheers through the rock and knocks the mage off his pillar. Before I can see what happened to the mage, the Atulan warrior kicks me in the chest and knocks me off my pillar.
[[It's on you, Iani.]]“Be sure to leave some for me,” says Iani.
“I make no promises,” I say.
“Should I wait on the sidelines then?” says Iani.
“It would spare you from the embarrassment that’s to come.”
Torro and his five minions approach us. They stand behind Torro and snicker while he smirks at us. All of them are wearing leather armor that conforms to their bodies.
“You mean there’ll be a greater embarrassment than you?” I say.
Torro sneers. “Yeah, if I don’t smash your face in the dirt in the first five seconds of the match.”
“You might. I’d be too impressed to see you can count that high,” I say.
“I can’t wait to hear you cry to mom when I’m done with you,” says Torro.
[[Someone has to tell mom you ran away in embarrassment.]]
[[You won't be saying that after I knock you into the dirt.]]
[[Hasn't dad told you about that arrogance of yours?]] Iani jumps backwards as I shove him with a gust of wind. Torro lunges at me, but it’s too late. The Atulan warrior crashes into Torro as they are both midair. They’re unable to catch themselves and they both tumble to the ground.
I look around and see only the four fighters to my right at the start of the match remain. They’re engaged in an intense magical battle. As Iani and I make our way over, the two enemy combatants accept defeat. They willingly jump out of the arena.
[[That was easy.]]"Congratulations, Erias and Iani."
A man dressed in black armor that conforms tightly to his body approaches.
"Who are you?" I say.
"My name is Daris Turo. I'm the head of the Arch-Knight training program. I think you might have what it takes to join."
Iani and I look eyes as our jaws drop. A giant grin spreads across Iani's face.
"Thank you, sir," says Iani as he shakes Daris's hand.
Daris extends his hand towards me, "Your father would be proud."
I shake his hand with a trembling arm.
[[It begins.]] “Erias, look out,” says Iani.
I duck and turn around to see the Atulan warrior Iani was fighting jump over me. Before I can react, a boot kicks me in the side of the face. The world spins as I tumble to the ground.
I groan as I look up and see Torro staring at me with a smug look on his face. Iani tries kicking him in the head, but Torro catches his boot.
“Shi—” says Iani.
Torro throws him down between the pillars. A blast of air shoves me backwards as Iani lands where I was lying. Iani stands up and dusts himself off.
“Well, that didn’t go according to plan,” says Iani.
[[There was a plan?]]Iani races towards us before we can react.
He yells to us. “Guys, guys, guys.”
“Oh no,” I say.
Iani jumps onto the ground in-front of us. He holds the trophy in our faces. His face is beaming with pride.
“My ticket into the Arch-Knight training program,” he says.
"Congrats," I say.
"Do you know what this means?" says Iani.
"That we need to lock you in a cellar," says Torro.
Iani snorts. "I think we've all learned you don't have what it takes to do so."
Torro and I roll are eyes and shake our heads before walking away.
[[It begins.]] “Damn you,” says the Atulan warrior as he jumps at me.
I smirk as I jump between Iani and Torro. I try to push Iani to the side with a gust of air, but he’s too slow. The Atulan warrior crashes into Iani and Torro knocking all three of them to the ground.
I look around the arena and see only the four fighters to my right at the start of the match remain. Their engaged in a fierce magical fight. As I make my way over to them, another ball of wind forms in my hand.
It flies towards one of the mages and knocks him off the pillar. The remaining mage accepts defeat and jumps off his pillar.
I smile to myself.
[[It's good to be the best.]] Time around me slows as my feet slip off the pillar. The Atulan warrior snears at me. I swing my arm towards me and a gust of wind slams into the Atulan warrior. He stumbles forward, and I grab his arm, dragging him down with me.
“Damn it,” says the Atulan warrior.
We both grunt as we land on the ground next to each other. The Atulan warrior quickly picks himself up and glares at me before walking away. I look up and see Iani and Torro still fighting.
Torro glances in my direction. At that same instant, Iani punches Torro in the side of the head. He grunts and stumbles and Iani kicks him off the pillar before he can recover.
Torro lands on the ground with a heavy thud. His aura shield disappears.
I look up, “Good job, Iani.”
He waves his hand before running off. Torro gets to his feet.
“I don’t know what’s worse. You winning, or him,” says Torro.
“Think you can handle the gloating of another you,” I say.
“Let’s get out of here before he comes back,” says Torro.
[[Agreed.]]A Matter of Pride
A game by Ethan Locke
[[It begins.]] That’s why I’m here. There’s no greater honor for nobility than to join the Arch-Knights. After today, I’ll be one step closer to achieving that dream. It will all depend on how much support Iani can give me.
He and my brother are both Atulan warriors. Unlike mages who focus on controlling their mana, Atulan warriors focus on controlling their aura. When they enter a state called an aura state, their physical senses and capabilities are enhanced. They also become much more resistant to physical and magical attacks.
They aren’t invincible. Like a muscle, they need to strengthen their aura to grow stronger, just like mages do with mana.
But there’s an argument to be made that Torro is the strongest Atulan warrior of our generation.
“You ready, Erias?” says Iani.
[[About as ready as you are.]]
[[I was born ready.]]
[[Not as ready as you are.]]Four men run up to us as Iani and I walk outside. The stone bleachers surrounding the arena are full of cheering people. Torro’s team walks to the other side of the arena.
The arena is a square of 18 x 18 wooden pillars that stand 10 to 15 feet tall with five-foot gaps in-between them. Each pillar is capable of barely fitting two people on top of them.
A man wearing brown robes stands on a rocky platform that hovers above the ring. A glowing ball floats in-front of his mouth. Men and women dressed in blue robes stand on floating platforms that circle the outskirts of the ring.
[[Fly into the arena.]]
[[Jump into the arena.]]My arm trembles as I take the trophy. The crowd roars with even greater thunderous applause when I raise the trophy into the air. Daris pats me on the back before leaving. I make my way towards Iani and Torro, who stand at the side of the arena.
“Congrats, Erias,” says Iani.
“What did the recruiter want,” says Torro.
I smile. “He wanted me to let you know that the both of you have some work to do before you can join me in the Arch-Knight training program.”
"There's always room for improvement," says Iani.
"Whatever," Torro says as he stomps away.
[[It begins.]] I squat down as Torro’s leg swings overhead. He lands on the pillar behind me.
A spinning disc of wind forms under my feet. As I backflip unto the pillar behind me, the disc races towards Torro. The blade disintegrates the moment it hits his aura.
“How pathetic,” says Torro.
Hundreds of windy needles form around my head. Torro’s eyes go wide before his aura spreads across his entire body. The windy needles fly at him. Most of them disintegrate against his aura, but a couple of them break through and slice Torro’s arms and chest.
I smirk.
[[How's that for pathetic?]]
[[Guess that shield isn't so invincible.]]
[[Losing your focus are we?]]I squat down as Torro’s leg swings overhead. I smack my hands onto the pillar and a gust of air shoots above me. Torro catches himself three pillars behind me.
A spinning disc of wind forms under my feet. As I backflip unto the pillar behind me, the disc races towards Torro. The blade disintegrates the moment it hits his aura.
“How pathetic,” says Torro.
Hundreds of windy needles form around my head. Torro’s eyes go wide before his aura spreads across his entire body. The windy needles fly at him. Most of them disintegrate against his aura, but a couple of them break through and slice Torro’s arms and chest.
I smirk.
[[Now who's pathetic?]]
[[Guess that shield isn't so invincible.]]
[[Losing your focus are we?]]Utilizing the gusts of wind under my feet, I quickly jump to the pillar on my right. Torro lands on the pillar behind the one I was just on.
A spinning disc of wind forms under my feet. As I backflip unto the pillar behind me, the disc races towards Torro. The blade disintegrates the moment it hits his aura.
“How pathetic,” says Torro.
Hundreds of windy needles form around my head. Torro’s eyes go wide before his aura spreads across his entire body. The windy needles fly at him. Most of them disintegrate against his aura, but a couple of them break through and slice Torro’s arms and chest.
I smirk.
[[How's that for pathetic?]]
[[Now who's pathetic?]]
[[Guess that shield isn't so invincible.]]Utilizing the gusts of wind under my feet, I quickly jump to the pillar on my left. Torro lands on the pillar behind the one I was just on.
A spinning disc of wind forms under my feet. As I backflip unto the pillar behind me, the disc races towards Torro. The blade disintegrates the moment it hits his aura.
“How pathetic,” says Torro.
Hundreds of windy needles form around my head. Torro’s eyes go wide before his aura spreads across his entire body. The windy needles fly at him. Most of them disintegrate against his aura, but a couple of them break through and slice Torro’s arms and chest.
I smirk.
[[How's that for pathetic?]]
[[Now who's pathetic?]]
[[Losing your focus are we?]]The voice from earlier booms in the air, “Ladies and gentlemen, give a round of applause to this year’s Otaryn Lugrimarek champions.”
The crowd erupts in cheers as the four of us who remain raise our fists into the air. A trophy floats into the center of the ring.
“It’s all yours,” says Iani.
“What is?” I say.
“The trophy. It’s all yours,” says Iani.
“Why would it be all mine?” I say.
“You’re the one responsible for eliminating Torro. It’s only fair you take the trophy home,” says Iani.
“That only happened because you held Torro in place. You should be the one taking it home,” I say.
“It seems we're at an impasse. Should we just grab it together?” says Iani.
[[Grab the trophy.]]Iani extends a hand and pulls me to my feet.
“Well, I figured his attention was focused on you, so I could sneak attack him,” says Iani.
“Is that before or after you accounted for the heightened reflexes,” I say.
Iani pauses for a moment. “Before.”
I shake my head as we make our way out of the arena’s sandpit. The crowd erupts into cheers as we exit.
The voice from earlier booms in the air, “Ladies and gentlemen, give a round of applause to this year’s Otaryn Lugrimarek champions.”
I look up and watch as Torro holds a trophy above his head. A man dressed in black armor that conforms tightly to his body approaches him.
“Is that an Arch-Knight?” Iani says.
I sigh.
[[I'm never going to hear the end of this.]]The voice from earlier booms in the air, “Ladies and gentlemen, give a round of applause to this year’s Otaryn Lugrimarek champions.”
The crowd erupts in cheers as the four of us who remain raise our fists into the air. A trophy floats into the center of the ring.
A man dressed in black armor that conforms tightly to his body approaches. He grabs the trophy when he passes by it.
"Congratulations, Erias," he says.
"Who are you?" I say.
"My name is Daris Turo. I'm the head of the Arch-Knight training program. I think you might have what it takes to join."
My heart skips a beat. “I would be honored.”
“I’m sure you are. Here,” Daris hands the trophy to me.
[[Take the trophy.]]The crowd erupts into cheers as we make our way out of the arena sandpit.
The voice from earlier booms in the air, “Ladies and gentlemen, give a round of applause to this year’s Otaryn Lugrimarek champions.”
I look up and watch as Iani holds a trophy above his head. A man dressed in black armor that conforms tightly to his body approaches him.
“Is that Daris? The head of the Arch-Knight training program?” says Torro.
[[We most definitely need to get out of here.]]I stand before the central pillar. A burst of air launches me up as I jump. I grab the top of a pillar and pull myself up. Iani jumps onto the pillar to my left. His aura shines blue as it emanates from his boots before disappearing.
The rest of our team also makes it onto their pillars. Two men stand on our left flank, and two men stand on our right flank. They are spaced three pillars away from Iani and me.
Torro’s team also make their way onto the pillars. Torro stands directly ahead of me. Three of his minions stand to my left, and the other two stand to my right.
“Iani,” I say.
“Yeah?”
[[Be sure to watch my back out there.]]
[[Keep those fighters on the left off of me.]]
[[Help out the left flank, and call if you need backup.]] “As long as you do the same,” says Iani.
A small ball of fire descends into the center of the arena. Everyone assumes their fighting positions. My eyes fixate on Torro.
After what feels like an eternity, the ball of fire explodes with a loud bang. Everyone rushes forwards at once.
Wind circles under my feet and propels me from pillar to pillar as I charge towards Torro. His aura shines red as it emanates from his boots. He jumps from pillar to pillar.
As we draw closer, a ball of wind forms in my hand. It launches forward when I thrust my hand towards Torro. Torro’s aura stretches across the pillar he’s standing on. He barely flinches when the ball of wind hits him.
Torro smirks as he launches himself off the pillar, aiming to kick me.
[[Duck]]
[[Jump to the right.]]
[[Jump to the left.]]Torro makes his way over to us with the trophy in hand. He’s grinning ear to ear.
“Did we learn anything today little brother?” says Torro.
I roll my eyes. “Only that you’re going to be insufferable until the day you die.”
Torro scoffs. “As if. That’ll come when that recruiter sends me my invitation into the Arch-Knights training program.”
I sigh. "I bet dad will be happy to see that," I say as I walk away.
[[It begins.]]