Tension in the waiting room

It was finally the day of the tournament and John felt even more determined than before. After meeting one of the children of the Emperor, as well as the other powerful people in the Empire, John now understood that he wasn't a dragon among men, but a frog in the bottom of the well. 

'Even knowing all that I will keep moving forward.'

John held the talisman that his childhood friend gave him. He grabbed hold of his wooden sword and alongside the other geniuses headed for the arena were the tournament would be held. 

...

The yearly tournament had no name but most people have called it the gathering of geniuses, the other people call it the Emperor's stage. There were many names for the tournament since it didn't have an official one.