Openning Ceremony

The teams entered the arena to thunderous applause from the audience. More than a hundred teams, each with a medium to big number of individuals, occupied the wide area. The arena was illuminated by spotlights from innumerable cameras, which recorded every moment of the intense competition. 

"So many powerful teams," said Sol, beaming with wonder.

"Are you feeling overwhelmed?" Nioh looked at her and asked quietly. 

With hesitation, Sol adjusted her crown and nodded. 

"It's alright," he told her, gesturing up. "Just look at your grandma up top." 

Her eyes followed his finger to the platform hung far above. With its elaborate carvings and a faint, pulsating light, it sailed through the air with ease. 

The two dukes stood on either side of the Queen, who was magnificent in her royal regalia as she stood on the stage. 

With her silken garments and deep sapphire blue and gold threads that glistened like sunlight on water, the Queen stood tall. An ethereal radiance emanated from her crown, a sophisticated combination of metal filigree and crystalline shards. Her penetrating eyes swept over the arena with a peaceful command, her face a mask of calm strength. 

On her right stood Duke Tush, a tall man with a pronounced jaw and an unending frown. There seemed to be a tiny pulse of electricity in his crimson armor, which was inscribed with mystical symbols. He exuded a certain air due to his broad shoulders and the enormous war hammer strapped on his back.

On her left was the pinnacle of sophistication, Duke Duval. Wearing sleek, advanced armor that shone obsidian black, he moved with precision and purpose. He stood with a sense of deliberate menace, the twin energy-field blades at his sides crackling faintly. 

The trio was speaking to the boisterous audience while projecting confidence and authority.

--

"The bastard is participating in the Summer Hunt?" Duke Tush leaned toward the Queen, his voice a low, venomous whisper.

"I don't control what your offspring does," the Queen replied evenly. "Why do you care about mine?"

"You're even letting the twins associate with him," Duke Duval added, a hint of disdain in his tone. "You've lost your edge, Sister-in-law."

The Queen turned her gaze toward him, her lips curling into a cold sneer. "Do you think by baiting me, I'll turn against the monarch so you can reap the benefits? Let me remind you, Duval, the bastard is now your responsibility."

Her sharp words silenced both dukes, leaving no room for further discussion.

"It is time," the Queen declared, raising her hand. "Let's activate the biocore."

The air rippled as the suspended platform started to hum, resonating with a low-frequency vibration. Together, the Queen and the two dukes moved forward in unison.

Their energy flared to life as each held out a hand toward the sky. The sky was pierced by a brilliant beam of the Queen's sapphire-blue aura. Duke Duval's obsidian-black energy twisted upward, completing the triad, while Duke Tush's crimson energy followed, blending with hers like molten fire.

High above the arena, the three beams came together in a dazzling burst of light. As the energy triggered a massive mechanism hidden deep within the living island, the sky itself appeared to ripple.

With a deep, resonant rumble, the transformation began.

Massive living lands started to emerge from the deep water, causing the ground to tremble. 

Precisely, entire tracts of land broke apart, creating a complex web of smaller islands that hovered over the water, bound together by an invisible power.

 The water levels surrounding the archipelago dropped dramatically, revealing coral reefs that shimmered with bioluminescent colors, creating an underwater light show.

The main island was surrounded by futuristic, sleek mechanical barriers that rose from the depths like protective, glowing domes. Pearlescent sand beaches appeared, their surfaces glistening as though they were covered in stardust.

The fine details of the newly formed terrain were shown on holographic maps projected by enormous arrays of drones and satellites high overhead. 

The once-unified living island had transformed into a sprawling archipelago.

The crowd roared in awe as the entire scene unfolded like a dream of science fiction come to life.

"Welcome to the Summer Hunt," the Queen's voice echoed across the arena, amplified by unseen technology. Her tone was commanding yet filled with an air of calculated excitement.

Nioh smirked, glancing at Sol. "See? Nothing to worry about."

Duke Duval stepped forward, his presence commanding as he spoke into the microphone. "Warriors, the hunt has begun! You must defend the archipelago and prove your worth as fighters." His voice carried through the arena, a low rumble that demanded attention.

"Team leaders, step forward and draw lots for the area under your jurisdiction. Failure to protect your assigned zones will result in elimination from the next phase of the hunt."

One by one, team leaders ascended the stage, reaching into the ominous black box to draw plaques that determined their fates. The names of the areas, along with the teams assigned to them, lit up on massive screens, inciting a wave of murmurs and speculation among the spectators.

"The teams in Area Five look well-balanced," one viewer remarked.

"Yes, but it's a relatively easy region to defend," another replied.

The chatter intensified as Nioh Glev stepped onto the stage. His movements were calm yet deliberate, and his silver hair caught the light as he approached the box. The crowd's whispers grew louder.

"Nioh Glev? The illegitimate son of the monarch? He's actually participating in this hunt?"

Their intrigue drew the attention of others nearby.

"His team only has five members. Is the main branch of the Glev family truly in such decline?"

"But they have Iris Grimes and Cryo. Both of them performed exceptionally four years ago," one man countered. "Still, why would fighters of their caliber join a team like his?"

On stage, Nioh reached into the box, drawing a plaque and turning it over to reveal the inscription. His golden eyes flickered with faint amusement as he read aloud, "The Devil's Enclave."

The crowd erupted.

"Damn! They really drew the short straw!" someone exclaimed.

"The Devil's Enclave is the most treacherous zone to defend. It's a death sentence!"

"It's worse than that," another chimed in. "They're up against Kudra and Rolo from the Pax Alliance. Their team will be outmatched by sheer numbers."

"And the Alliance is led by Prince Pax himself," someone added grimly. "There's no way they'll make it past the area defense stage."

Another voice broke in, "Wait—Cyanide from the Order of the Crow is in that zone, too. A neutral party might even the odds."

"Cyanide? He placed in the top three last edition," a spectator recalled. "He won't let the Pax Alliance sabotage his hunt without a fight. This is going to get interesting."

"I agree," another said eagerly. "This group is the one to watch—treacherous terrain, dark horses, powerhouses, and inevitable drama. Let me pin the camera feed for that zone."

As the team assignments became clear on the screens, the audience speculated wildly, and the arena was alive with excitement. Nioh's group and the other three members assigned to the Devil's Enclave meanwhile boarded a ship that was headed for the hunt's initial phase.