Chapter 60: Realm Tournament

As Xavier and his group landed their majestic phoenixes in front of the grand coliseum, a wave of murmurs swept through the gathered crowd. Warriors and elders from over fifteen of the strongest clans had assembled, each eyeing the newcomers with curiosity and a tinge of wariness. The phoenixes, with their radiant plumage and regal presence, only added to the mystique surrounding Xavier and his friends.

"Who are they?" one elder whispered to another. "A clan bold enough to bring phoenixes must be formidable."

"They're not wearing any clan insignia," another noted. "Could they be rogue warriors? Or perhaps a hidden power emerging for this tournament?"

As the group dismounted, Xavier's commanding presence drew most of the attention. His striking appearance and the sheer confidence in his movements made him the center of speculation. Jessica, standing by his side, with her icy beauty and aura of a mystic warrior, only fueled the intrigue.

Before the group could enter the main hall, a few elders stepped forward, their robes flowing elegantly as they approached with respectful nods.

"Greetings, travelers," one of the elders, a silver-haired man with piercing green eyes, began. "I am Elder Viren of the Jade Serpent Clan. I couldn't help but notice your grand entrance. May I ask which esteemed clan you hail from?"

Another elder, a woman with a sharp gaze and the insignia of the Obsidian Flame Clan embroidered on her robe, chimed in. "It's rare to see phoenix riders outside of ancient lineages. Your clan must be quite extraordinary."

Xavier offered a polite yet guarded smile. "We are of the Soul Clan," he replied, his tone calm but firm. "And while we appreciate your interest, we prefer to keep our focus on the tournament ahead. We wish you luck in the competition."

The elders exchanged curious glances at the mention of the Soul Clan, a name unfamiliar to most. Still, they nodded respectfully.

"Well met, warriors of the Soul Clan," Elder Viren said. "May your strength shine in the battles to come."

With that, the elders stepped aside, allowing Xavier and his companions to proceed. The group walked with purpose, their steps measured yet confident, as they made their way to the grand hall. Inside, the atmosphere was alive with energy.

The hall was a massive chamber filled with warriors, scholars, and spectators from all walks of life. Vibrant banners representing each clan hung from the towering walls, and the air buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the occasional flare of spiritual energy as warriors displayed their strength.

Xavier led his group to a quieter corner, where they could observe without drawing further attention. As they settled, he scanned the room, his dragon eye discreetly analyzing the spiritual strength of the competitors. Many were formidable, but none intimidated him.

Jessica leaned closer to Xavier, her voice low. "The competition here is fierce, but I don't see anyone who can match you."

Xavier smirked. "We'll see. This is just the beginning."

The crowd suddenly hushed as a gong sounded, signaling the arrival of the tournament officials. All eyes turned toward the elevated stage at the front of the hall, where a robed figure stood, ready to deliver the tournament's instructions.

As the voice echoed through the grand hall, a chilling stillness swept over the room. The air itself seemed to thicken, and even the most seasoned warriors felt an unnatural weight pressing down on their shoulders. Xavier's skin prickled as a surge of unease washed over him. For the first time since awakening his spiritual powers, he felt something foreign: fear.

The voice, deep and calm like the eye of a storm, carried an authority that seemed to seep into every corner of the hall. The figure speaking was cloaked in shadow, yet his presence was undeniable. As he stepped into the light, gasps echoed through the crowd.

"I am Void God Malakar," the figure declared, his golden eyes scanning the room with an intensity that made even the strongest warriors avert their gaze. "I will be overseeing the Five Thousandth Realm Tournament."

Xavier's heart raced, his dragon eye instinctively activating to gauge the being's power, only to be overwhelmed by a cascade of energy so immense it was incomprehensible. This is what a Void God feels like… he thought, his fists clenching. He was no stranger to powerful opponents, but this was an entity far beyond anything he had faced before.

Malakar continued, his voice unwavering and deliberate. "This tournament will consist of three rounds, each designed to test your strength, strategy, and resilience. The first round is a martial arts competition, a straightforward test of skill and power. However, there is a twist."

The crowd remained deathly silent, hanging on his every word.

"If a competitor participates in a round, they are barred from participating in any of the following rounds," Malakar stated, his golden eyes narrowing. "Choose your participants wisely. The balance of power in this tournament will be determined not only by strength but by your decisions."

Whispers began to ripple through the hall as the implications sank in. Strategies that had been carefully planned were now thrown into chaos.

Xavier glanced at his group, their expressions mirroring the uncertainty he felt. Jessica's icy demeanor seemed to falter for a moment, her brow furrowing in thought. Mara and Felix exchanged uneasy glances, while Liana's fists tightened as if ready to fight then and there.

"I will allow you all one hour to strategize before the first round begins," Malakar concluded, his gaze sweeping over the crowd like a predator surveying its prey. "Do not disappoint me."

With that, the Void God turned, his form dissipating into a swirl of black mist that seemed to devour the light around it. As soon as he disappeared, the oppressive weight in the air lifted, and the hall erupted into chaos.

Xavier took a deep breath, his heart still pounding. He turned to his group, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his chest. "We need to regroup and figure this out—fast. This changes everything."

Jessica nodded, her expression resolute. "We need to decide who participates in which round, and we can't afford to make a single mistake."

"Agreed," Xavier said, his dragon eye glowing faintly as he scanned the room. "Let's find a quiet place. We're going to win this, no matter what it takes."

As Xavier stood amidst his group, his mind raced with possibilities. While the others debated strategies, Xavier turned inward, speaking to Elior in his mind.

"Elior, what if the rounds are structured to test different levels of teamwork and individual prowess?" Xavier asked. "Three participants for the first round, two for the second, and one for the third. It makes sense for a Void God's idea of balance and challenge."

Elior's voice resonated calmly in Xavier's mind. "It's a reasonable theory. Malakar's demeanor didn't suggest random chaos. If you're right, each round would increase in intensity and personal stakes. The third round would demand the strongest warrior—someone like you. Trust your instincts."

With newfound clarity, Xavier raised his hand, silencing the group's rising chatter. "Enough," he said, his voice firm but calm. All eyes turned to him, sensing the gravity of his thoughts.

"I think I've figured out the Void God's game," Xavier began. "The rounds aren't just about skill; they're about strategy. My gut tells me the first round will require three participants, the second two, and the final one."

The group exchanged confused glances before Liana spoke up. "Why do you think that, Xavier? He didn't say anything about the number of participants."

Xavier's dragon eye flickered as he answered. "Think about it. A martial arts tournament testing teamwork first, then paired synergy, and finally, the ultimate test of individual strength. It aligns with the idea of balance and escalating difficulty. My gut has never been wrong, even when facing the unknown. Void God Malakar may be powerful, but he wasn't cryptic about his intentions."

Jessica folded her arms, her icy blue eyes studying Xavier intently. "If you're right, how do you suggest we approach this?"

Xavier took a deep breath. "Mara, Eddie, and Felix will handle the first round. You're strong individually, but together, you've proven you're a formidable team. Jessica and Liana will take on the second round. Your synergy is unmatched—ice and wind working together flawlessly. And I'll take the third round. If it comes down to one person, it has to be me."

Mara raised an eyebrow. "You're putting a lot of faith in your gut, Xavier."

"I am," Xavier replied, meeting her gaze. "But my instincts have never failed me, and I've faced enough challenges to trust them, even against a Void God."

Jessica smirked, a hint of pride in her expression. "Alright, Xavier. We'll trust your gut. But if you're wrong—"

"I'm not," Xavier interrupted confidently. "Now, let's focus. We have an hour to prepare, and we need to be at our best. This tournament isn't just about winning; it's about survival."

After an hour passed, Void God Malakar's voice reverberated through the grand hall like a thunderclap. "Now that you have planned," he said with a calm, chilling tone, "have three participants from each clan step forward and proceed to the arena. Await your names to be called for combat."

A wave of astonishment swept through the room as clans scrambled to organize their teams. The Soul Clan stood silent, their surprise evident only in the raised eyebrows and knowing glances exchanged between Jessica, Liana, and Mara. Xavier had been right. His prediction of three participants for the first round was spot on.

Jessica leaned toward Xavier and whispered, "You really are scary sometimes, you know that?"

Xavier smirked. "Told you, my gut doesn't lie."

Without hesitation, Mara, Eddie, and Felix stepped forward, their confidence unwavering. "We've got this," Mara said, cracking her knuckles. Eddie and Felix nodded in agreement, their eyes blazing with determination.

As the three Soul Clan warriors approached the shimmering portal that materialized in the center of the hall, Malakar's voice echoed again. "Enter the portal. Your battles await."

The trio stepped into the portal, vanishing in an instant. Moments later, all other participating clans sent forth their chosen three, each group disappearing into their respective portals.

Once the last team entered, the portals dissolved into nothingness, and a massive screen appeared in the center of the hall, its surface flickering to life. The clans gasped as the screen displayed a sprawling, circular arena bathed in golden light. Mara, Eddie, and Felix could be seen standing confidently in one section of the battlefield alongside warriors from other clans, each team occupying a distinct segment of the arena's perimeter.

Jessica leaned closer to Xavier, her gaze fixed on the screen. "Looks like they're preparing for individual matches. They're calling the names."

One by one, names were announced, and participants stepped forward into the arena's center. The crowd in the hall watched intently, murmuring among themselves as each clan's representatives displayed their martial prowess.

Felix was the first from the Soul Clan to be called. He strode confidently to the center, his calm demeanor masking the intensity of his focus. His opponent, a burly warrior from the Flame Lotus Clan, smirked arrogantly.

Xavier crossed his arms, his sharp gaze on Felix. "He'll be fine. Felix has been itching to test himself against someone stronger."

The first bout began, and the hall erupted with excitement as Felix unleashed his techniques with precision and ferocity. The screen showcased every move, every strike, and every counter, enthralling the audience.

The Soul Clan members watched intently, their faith in Mara, Eddie, and Felix unshaken as the first round of the tournament unfolded.