Adventure Bound: Star Seeker

The quintet delved deeper into the mountain, searching for the elusive city. "What's the name of this city, anyway?" Raen asked Marabel.

"It's called Gem Dome," Marabel replied. "Long ago, it was known as Gem Crown. The city fell into disrepair, and the mountain began to envelop it, hence the current name."

Minerva, the sole lightbearer, led the group. Marabel walked beside Orvell, followed by Raven and Beatrice. Raven leaned towards Beatrice, whispering, "Looks like you've got competition."

Beatrice dismissed the comment. "Orvell wouldn't commit such a crime. Even if he did, I'd punish him and leave."

Raven persisted, "Well, Marabel is a petite girl with pixie-cut hair."

Beatrice countered, "Yes, but that's not his type. I know him well enough to predict his thoughts and finish his sentences."

As the quintet delved deeper into the mountain, the passageways grew narrower and more treacherous. The air became heavy and stale, and the temperature dropped significantly. They huddled together for warmth, their breath misting in the frigid air.

The path was littered with fallen rocks and treacherous chasms. Minerva, their lightbearer, struggled to keep the group from stumbling into the darkness. Marabel, with her keen senses, warned them of hidden dangers, such as unseen pits and lurking creatures.

They encountered monstrous creatures that roamed the mountain's depths. Giant, cave-dwelling spiders spun webs across their path, their venomous bites a constant threat. They also faced swarms of luminescent insects that attacked in blinding clouds.

The quintet fought bravely, their skills and determination tested to the limit. But even with their combined strength, they were overwhelmed. Orvell, the strongest of the group, was injured by a particularly vicious spider.

Desperate, they retreated to a small cavern to tend to Orvell's wounds. They bandaged his injury and tried to keep his spirits up, but they knew they were in grave danger. The mountain was closing in around them, and the city seemed further away than ever.

As they continued their perilous journey, the quintet encountered a formidable obstacle: a gemstone dragon guarding the only path deeper into the mountain. Its scales shimmered with vibrant hues, and its eyes glowed with an ancient power. The dragon, sensing their presence, let out a deafening roar that echoed through the cavern. It was clear that they would have to face this fearsome creature to reach Gem Dome.

The dragon, enraged by the quintet's intrusion, gave chase. Its powerful wings beat against the cavern walls, sending rocks and debris tumbling down. The quintet raced through the narrow passageways, their hearts pounding in their chests.

Cornered in a small room with no escape, Minerva quickly devised a plan. She used her elemental magic to create a wall of solid rock, sealing them inside. The dragon, unable to penetrate the wall, roared in frustration, its breath scorching the stone.

Safe for now, the quintet huddled together, their relief tempered by the realization that they were trapped. The dragon's roars echoed through the chamber, a constant reminder of their perilous situation.

Orvell looked at Marabel with a mixture of concern and admiration. "How will you defend yourself against this beast?" he asked, his voice barely audible over the dragon's incessant roars.

Marabel smiled confidently. "Before I became a full-time tinker adventurer, I was a rogue. So, I always have my set of skills in case I need to defend myself."

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a pair of gleaming daggers. "These have served me well in the past," she said, her eyes glinting with determination.

Orvell, now armed with a newfound determination, nodded. "I'll deliver the final blow. But we need a strategy. We can't just rush in and hope for the best."

Minerva agreed. "Let's use our elemental magic to create a diversion. Raven and Beatrice, you two flank the dragon and attack its weak points."

Raven and Beatrice nodded, their faces grim. "We'll do our best."

Marabel stepped forward. "I'll provide cover fire and distract the dragon. Just remember, we need to work together if we want to survive."

With their plan in place, the quintet prepared for the inevitable confrontation. They knew that the battle would be fierce, but they were determined to overcome this obstacle and continue their quest for Gem Dome. The dragon, sensing the quintet's renewed resolve, roared with fury. It charged towards them, its massive claws outstretched. Minerva raised her hands, channeling the earth's energy. A wall of solid rock erupted from the ground, blocking the dragon's path.

Raven and Beatrice, armed with their weapons, flanked the dragon and attacked its vulnerable spots. The dragon lashed out, its tail sweeping through the air, but the agile duo dodged its attacks with practiced ease.

Marabel, using her rogue skills, darted around the dragon, throwing daggers with deadly accuracy. The dragon roared in pain, its scales pierced by the sharp blades.

Orvell, biding his time, waited for the perfect moment. As the dragon's guard dropped, he lunged forward, his sword glinting in the dim light. With a mighty swing, he struck the dragon's chest, piercing its tough hide.

As the dragon lay wounded, its eyes filled with a flicker of defiance. With a final surge of strength, it rose to its feet, its scales glowing with an eerie light. The quintet, exhausted but determined, braced themselves for the dragon's final assault.

The dragon unleashed a torrent of fire, its breath scorching the cavern walls. Minerva countered with a wall of ice, but the intense heat quickly melted it away. Orvell, his sword heavy in his hand, charged towards the dragon, but the creature's tail lashed out, knocking him aside.

Marabel, using her agility, danced around the dragon, throwing daggers with deadly precision. The dragon roared in pain, but its rage fueled it onward.

Raven and Beatrice, their weapons raised, fought valiantly, but they were overwhelmed by the dragon's sheer size and strength. The quintet was on the brink of defeat.

Just when it seemed all hope was lost, a sudden burst of energy filled the chamber. A blinding light erupted from the center of the room, revealing a hidden crystal formation. The crystal, infused with the mountain's ancient power, began to glow with an intense light.

Minerva, recognizing the opportunity, channeled the crystal's energy into a powerful spell. A wave of pure light engulfed the dragon, disorienting it and weakening its defenses.

Orvell, seizing the moment, lunged forward and struck the dragon with a final, devastating blow. The creature let out a final, defeated roar before collapsing to the ground, its life extinguished.

The quintet stood victorious, their bodies trembling with exhaustion. They had survived the dragon's final assault and secured their passage deeper into the mountain. As they gazed at the fallen beast, they knew that their journey was far from over, but they were determined to see it through to the end.

As the quintet took a well-deserved rest, they felt a gentle breeze wafting through the cavern. The wind was unusual, given the mountain's enclosed environment. It seemed to be coming from the direction where they had first encountered the gemstone dragon.

Curiosity piqued, they decided to investigate the source of the breeze. As they followed the wind's direction, they discovered a hidden passageway they hadn't noticed before.

The quintet, their spirits lifted by the newfound discovery, proceeded along the hidden passageway. As they emerged from the tunnel, they were greeted by a breathtaking sight.

Before them, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, lay the city of Gem Dome. Its towering structures, made of shimmering crystal and stone, stood as a testament to its ancient glory. The city was nestled within a natural amphitheater, surrounded by lush, verdant forests.

A wave of awe washed over the quintet as they gazed upon the city. They had finally reached their destination, and the journey had been well worth the trials and tribulations they had faced. As the quintet began their descent towards Gem Dome, they noticed peculiar tracks etched into the mountainside. The marks were clearly not those of human feet, but rather the hoofprints of a large animal. Intrigued, they examined the tracks more closely.

"These are the tracks of a horse," Marabel observed. "And they seem quite fresh."

Orvell nodded. "It's possible that the preacher and the child took this route."

The quintet exchanged glances. The realization that the preacher might be in Gem Dome filled them with a sense of urgency. They knew they had to find him and rescue the child before it was too late.

As night fell, the quintet sought shelter in a small, secluded alcove within the mountain. Orvell, ever the practical one, kindled a fire to ward off the cold and provide light. Minerva, with a flick of her wand, conjured an illusionary barrier around their campsite, designed to deter any lurking creatures.

Beatrice, ever the efficient one, began preparing their rations for the night. She carefully portioned out the food and water, ensuring they had enough to sustain them until morning.

Raven, meanwhile, took out her journal and began writing letters to her crew. She wanted to let them know of their location and the progress they had made in their quest. As she wrote, a sense of longing filled her heart. She missed her comrades and yearned for the day when they would be reunited.

Orvell turned to Marabel, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Tell me, Marabel, what made you decide to switch from being an adventurer to a traveling tinker?"

Marabel smiled. "Well, I've always had a knack for tinkering with things. I enjoyed fixing broken gadgets and creating new inventions. But as an adventurer, I didn't have much time to indulge in my passion."

She paused, taking a deep breath. "Then, one day, I realized that I wanted to focus on what I loved. So, I decided to leave the adventuring life behind and pursue my dream of becoming a traveling tinker."

Orvell nodded, impressed. "That's a bold decision. I admire your courage."

Marabel continued, her voice a bit quieter. "I also have a confession to make. Before I became a tinker, I had a bit of a problem with kleptomania."

Orvell raised an eyebrow. "Kleptomania?"

Marabel nodded. "I used to steal broken items from people, just to fix them. I know it was wrong, but I couldn't help myself. It was like a compulsion."

Orvell looked at her sympathetically. "I understand. It's a difficult condition to overcome."

Marabel smiled. "Luckily, I was able to get help and break free from that habit. Now, I use my skills for good, helping people and making the world a better place."

As the first rays of dawn painted the sky with hues of pink and orange, the quintet awoke from their slumber. The fire had died down, leaving only a bed of warm embers. They stretched and yawned, their bodies stiff from the night's rest.

"Let's get moving," Orvell said, his voice filled with anticipation. "We still have a long way to go before we reach Gem Dome."

The quintet packed their belongings and set off on their journey. The mountain's interior was a labyrinth of winding tunnels and cavernous chambers. They navigated the treacherous terrain with caution, their eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of danger.

As they ventured deeper into the mountain, the air grew colder and the passageways became narrower. They encountered several dead ends and hidden traps, but their determination remained unwavering.

Finally, after what felt like hours of trekking, they emerged from a tunnel into a vast, open chamber. Before them, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight filtering through a crack in the ceiling, was the city of Gem Dome. The quintet had reached their destination.

The quintet descended into Gem Dome, their hearts filled with excitement. The city was a bustling metropolis, teeming with people from all walks of life. The streets were lined with shops and stalls, selling everything from exotic goods to magical artifacts.

The quintet wandered through the marketplace, their eyes wide with wonder. They admired the intricate carvings on the crystal statues, the dazzling array of gemstones, and the powerful magical equipment on display.

Marabel, ever the tinker, was particularly fascinated by the mechanical devices on sale. She examined a peculiar clockwork automaton, its gears whirring and its eyes blinking. "I wonder what it does," she mused.

Orvell, with his warrior's eye, was drawn to the weapons and armor. He inspected a gleaming sword, its blade etched with intricate runes. "This looks like a formidable weapon," he said.

Minerva, with her elemental magic, was interested in the magical components and ingredients. She purchased a handful of rare herbs and crystals, planning to use them in her spells.

Raven, with her keen senses, was on the lookout for any unusual items. She spotted a peculiar necklace, its pendant shimmering with an otherworldly light. "I sense something powerful about this," she said, her voice filled with intrigue.

Beatrice, ever the diplomat, was more interested in the people than the goods. She engaged in conversation with the merchants and locals, learning about the city's history and culture.

As the quintet explored Gem Dome, they realized that the city was more than just a place of commerce. It was a melting pot of cultures, a place where people from all walks of life could come together and share their experiences. The quintet, their curiosity piqued, continued their exploration of Gem Dome. As they ventured deeper into the city, they began to notice something peculiar. The people they encountered seemed...off. Their movements were a bit stiff, their expressions a bit too perfect.

A growing sense of unease settled over the group. They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with suspicion. Finally, Marabel spoke up. "Something's not right," she said. "These people...they don't seem quite human."

Orvell nodded. "I think you're right. Their movements are too mechanical."

Just then, a group of "people" passed by. As they drew closer, the quintet realized the truth. They were not people at all. They were human-sized golems, their bodies crafted from stone and metal, their faces animated by intricate clockwork mechanisms.

The golems moved through the city with a sense of purpose, their tasks programmed into their artificial minds. They were unaware of the quintet's presence, their focus solely on their assigned duties.

The quintet stood in stunned silence, their minds racing. The city of Gem Dome was not inhabited by people, but by an army of golems. And they were the only humans in the city. The quintet, while initially surprised by the revelation, realized that the golems were not a bad thing. In fact, they were a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient civilization that had created them.

The city of Gem Dome, filled with these lifelike golems, was a marvel of engineering. The golems performed all the tasks necessary to keep the city functioning, from tending to the gardens to maintaining the infrastructure. They worked tirelessly, their movements precise and efficient.

As the quintet explored further, they encountered golems engaged in various activities. Some were crafting intricate jewelry, while others were tending to the city's vast library. There were golems who served as artisans, musicians, and even scholars.

The city was not just a place of machines. It was a living, breathing ecosystem, powered by the tireless efforts of the golems. The quintet realized that the ancient civilization that had created them had left behind a lasting legacy. Gem Dome was a testament to their ingenuity, their skill, and their unwavering belief in the power of technology. As the quintet continued their exploration of Gem Dome, they began to question the golems about the preacher and the child. They approached several golems, describing the human and the child in detail.

The golems, their responses programmed into their artificial minds, scanned their memories. "We have not seen anyone matching that description," they replied in unison.

The quintet exchanged worried glances. If the preacher and the child were not in Gem Dome, where could they have gone? The mountain was vast and dangerous, and the thought of the child wandering alone filled them with dread.

Orvell suggested they split up and search different areas of the city. "Perhaps the preacher and the child have found refuge somewhere," he said.

The quintet agreed. They divided into pairs, each group taking a different direction. They searched high and low, questioning the golems and examining every nook and cranny of the city.

Orvell, feeling a growing sense of urgency, decided to venture out on his own. He wandered through the city, his eyes scanning the crowds of golems for any sign of the preacher and the child.

As he passed a small park, he noticed a young golem playing with a ball. The golem was smaller than the others, with a more childlike appearance. Orvell approached the golem and asked if he had seen anything unusual.

To his surprise, the young golem nodded. "I met a human," he said, his voice small and hesitant. "He was looking for directions to Dia Castle."

Orvell's heart leaped. "Do you remember which way he went?" he asked eagerly.

The young golem pointed towards the western side of the city. "He said he was going that way," he replied.

Without hesitation, Orvell turned and followed the direction the golem had indicated. He knew he had to find the preacher and the child before it was too late.

Orvell raced through the streets of Gem Dome, his heart pounding in his chest. He followed the direction the young golem had given him, his eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of the preacher and the child.

Suddenly, he spotted them. The preacher was running, the child clutched tightly to his arm. The crowd around them was growing denser, the golems gathering in the sun to recharge their batteries. Orvell pushed through the crowd, his determination fueled by a sense of urgency.

He tried to call out to the preacher, but his voice was lost in the din of the crowd. The preacher and the child were disappearing into the throng of golems, their figures becoming increasingly difficult to discern.

Orvell knew he had to act fast. He sprinted through the crowd, dodging and weaving between the golems. His lungs burned, and his legs ached, but he refused to give up. He had to find the preacher and rescue the child.

Orvell, his lungs burning, finally caught up to the preacher. With a burst of energy, he tackled the man to the ground. The preacher struggled to break free, his eyes filled with fear.

To Orvell's surprise, the child was nowhere to be seen. "Where is the child?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

The preacher, his breath ragged, replied, "I gave him to the Dia guards. They said he would be a sacrifice to the gods of Hearthward, to appease their wrath and bring blessings to the land."

Orvell's heart sank. He had been so focused on rescuing the child that he hadn't considered the possibility of a sacrifice. "Hearthward?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

The preacher nodded. "It's an ancient ritual, a way to appease the gods and bring blessings to the land."

Orvell knew he had to act quickly. He couldn't let the child be sacrificed. He stood up and turned to face the preacher. "Where is the Dia Temple?" he demanded.

The preacher hesitated, his fear evident in his eyes. Finally, he pointed towards the western side of the city. "It's located in the heart of the city, near the ancient ruins," he said.

Orvell nodded. He knew he had to hurry. The sacrifice might already be underway. With a renewed sense of purpose, he turned and ran towards the Dia Temple.

Orvell burst through the gates of the Dia Temple, his heart pounding in his chest. The temple was a massive structure, its walls adorned with ancient carvings. In the courtyard, a group of golems stood guard, their weapons drawn.

Orvell, his sword drawn and his shield raised, prepared for battle. He channeled his magic, his eyes glowing with a fiery intensity. With a word, he enchanted his sword and shield, imbuing them with elemental power.

The golems, sensing Orvell's hostile intent, advanced towards him. Their weapons glinted in the sunlight, their movements precise and efficient. Orvell met them head-on, his sword flashing in the air.

Orvell, his sword a blur of motion, fought the golems with fierce determination. He dodged their attacks, parried their blows, and counterattacked with deadly precision. One by one, the golems fell, their metallic bodies crumpling to the ground.

The battle was intense, but Orvell's skill and strength prevailed. He had faced countless foes in his time as a magic knight, and he had never backed down from a challenge. This was no exception.

With the last golem defeated, Orvell stood alone in the courtyard of the Dia Temple. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and metal, the remnants of the battle. He knew he had to hurry. The sacrifice might already be underway.

Orvell pushed open the heavy doors of the temple and stepped inside. The interior was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from a few flickering torches. He could hear the chanting of voices, growing louder as he drew closer.

Orvell knew he had found the place where the sacrifice was taking place. He had to act quickly, before it was too late.

Orvell burst into the chamber, his sword raised. The room was filled with golems, their faces turned towards a raised platform. On the platform, a young priest stood over the child, his hands glowing with a mystical light.

The scene was not what Orvell had expected. It was not a sacrifice, but a ritual. A ritual to turn the child into a Gem Child, a living embodiment of the city's power. The child would become the predecessor of Dia, the king of Gem Dome, ensuring the city's eternal existence.

Orvell's heart pounded in his chest. He couldn't let this happen. He raised his sword, his voice filled with determination. "Stop!" he shouted, his words echoing through the chamber.

The priest turned, his eyes widening in surprise. He recognized Orvell, the human warrior who had defeated the gemstone dragon. The golems, their programming activated, moved to intercept Orvell.

But Orvell was too quick. With a flurry of blows, he dispatched the golems, their metallic bodies crumpling to the ground. The priest, seeing his guards defeated, turned and fled, disappearing into the shadows of the temple.

Orvell approached the platform, his eyes fixed on the child. The child, his eyes closed, was bathed in a soft, ethereal light. The ritual was almost complete.

Orvell knew he had to act quickly. He reached out and grabbed the child, pulling him away from the platform. The light that had surrounded the child dissipated, and the child's eyes fluttered open.

The child looked at Orvell, his eyes filled with confusion. Orvell knelt down and gently took the child's hand. "It's over," he said, his voice soft. "You're safe now."

The child, his fear replaced by a sense of relief, nodded. He looked up at Orvell with a grateful smile.

Orvell knew he had done the right thing. He had saved the child from a fate worse than death.

Orvell, his heart pounding, faced the priest and the five golem warriors. The priest, his eyes filled with a dark intensity, began to channel light magic, a blinding radiance that filled the chamber. The five golems, their weapons raised, charged at Orvell in unison.

Orvell, his sword drawn and his shield raised, met them head-on. He dodged their attacks, parried their blows, and counterattacked with deadly precision. The golems were powerful, but Orvell was a skilled warrior, his reflexes honed by years of combat.

As he fought the golems, Orvell kept an eye on the priest. He knew that the priest's magic was a threat, but he couldn't afford to take his eyes off the golems. He had to protect the child at all costs.

The battle was intense, a whirlwind of steel and magic. Orvell fought with a ferocity he had never known before. He was outnumbered and outmatched, but he refused to give up. He was fighting for the child, for the city, for the very soul of Gem Dome.

One by one, the golems fell, their metallic bodies crumpling to the ground. The priest, seeing his guards defeated, retreated to the back of the chamber. He raised his hands, his eyes glowing with a sinister light.

Orvell knew what the priest was about to do. He had to stop him. With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, his sword raised high. The priest, caught off guard, was unable to react in time. Orvell's sword struck the priest with a force that sent him flying across the chamber.

The priest landed with a thud, his breath knocked out of him. He looked up at Orvell, his eyes filled with fear and hatred. He raised his hands, his fingers twitching.

Orvell knew what the priest was trying to do. He was about to unleash a powerful spell, one that could destroy them all. Orvell had to act quickly. He charged at the priest, his sword raised high.

The priest, desperate, unleashed his spell. A blinding light erupted from his hands, engulfing Orvell in a wave of energy. Orvell felt a searing pain, his body wracked with shock.

But he refused to give up. He pushed through the pain, his determination unwavering. He raised his sword and struck the priest one final time. The priest, his body weakened by the spell, collapsed to the ground, his life extinguished.

Orvell stood alone in the chamber, his body trembling with exhaustion. He had defeated the priest and saved the child, but the battle had taken its toll. He was badly injured, his strength nearly depleted.

He turned to the child, who was watching him with wide eyes. The child was safe, but Orvell knew he needed help. He had to find a way out of the temple and get medical attention.

With a final surge of strength, Orvell staggered towards the exit. He knew that his journey was far from over, but he was determined to see it through to the end.

Orvell, his body aching from the battle, made his way back to the city of Gem Dome. As he approached the city gates, he noticed that the guards were more vigilant than usual. They seemed to be on high alert.

Orvell knew he couldn't simply walk into the city without raising suspicion. He needed a disguise. Luckily, his friends were waiting for him outside the city gates.

Minerva, with her elemental magic, conjured a cloak of invisibility, cloaking Orvell from the guards' sight. Beatrice, with her quick thinking, pulled out a set of disguise kits. She painted Orvell's face and hair to make him look like a local merchant.

Raven, with her keen senses, scanned the surroundings for any potential threats. Marabel, with her tinkering skills, created a fake merchant's badge.

With the help of his friends, Orvell was transformed into a convincing disguise. He slipped past the guards and entered the city.

The quintet, their mission accomplished, made their way back to the inn. They carried the child with them, ensuring his safety.

Beatrice, as Orvell's wife, tended to his wounds with gentle care. She cleaned the cuts and applied healing herbs, her hands moving with a practiced touch.

Minerva, using her elemental magic, conjured a healing potion. She poured the potion into a small vial and handed it to Beatrice. "This should help speed up his recovery," she said.

Raven and Marabel, ever vigilant, took turns patrolling the streets of Gem Dome. They kept a sharp eye out for any suspicious activity, especially anyone who might be looking for the child.

As the days turned into weeks, Orvell slowly recovered from his injuries. The child, now safe and cared for. The quintet was able to send the child back to Hearthward where he belongs by asking a local traveling merchant who was headed that way. Of course they paid the merchant for the trouble.

The quintet, their adventure far from over, returned to Gem Dome. Their quest was not yet complete. They needed to find a piece of a star, a relic of immense power.

Marabel, with her natural charm and persuasive abilities, decided to set up a pop-up shop in the city's bustling marketplace. While selling her wares, she would discreetly ask the locals about the star fragment.

As she chatted with the merchants and passersby, she learned that many had heard rumors of the star fragment. Some believed it was hidden deep within the city's ancient ruins, while others claimed it was guarded by a powerful creature.

One merchant, a grizzled old man with a twinkle in his eye, hinted that the only person who truly knew the whereabouts of the star fragment was King Dia himself. He suggested that the quintet might need to seek an audience with the king to learn more.

The quintet, intrigued by the old man's words, decided to follow his advice. They knew that meeting with King Dia would be no easy task, but they were determined to find the star fragment, no matter the cost.

Beatrice, her voice filled with concern, turned to the others. "Dia might not be too pleased to see Orvell," she said. "Remember, he's holding Grimstone, the gem that sealed him away."

The others nodded in agreement. They knew that Dia, as the king of Gem Dome, was a powerful and influential figure. He might not welcome the presence of a human who had played a role in his imprisonment.

Orvell, however, remained determined. "We have to try," he said. "The star fragment might be the key to stopping Behem."

The quintet knew that meeting with King Dia would be a risky endeavor, but they were willing to take the chance. They had come too far to give up now.

Minerva had then thought of an Idea as she remembered seeing flyers about a gladiator arena where Dia would often come by to watch and fulfill fighters dreams of working in Dia's castle as a guard.

Beatrice and Orvell disguised themselves as gladiators, while the others disguised themselves as traveling merchants who had come to watch the fights.

Beatrice went undercover as the gladiator named Bella, while Orvell used the alias V. They concocted a backstory for Bella, portraying her as a warrior who commanded the power of rime to defend her country from flame giants. As for V, he was a mysterious knight who wielded powerful enchanting magic.

The roster consisted of fifteen gladiators who would fight to the death. Some of these gladiators were dangerous criminals, including rapists, kidnappers, and murderers. They hailed from various regions within the realm of Grass Mark.

During the event, King Dia was present. Beatrice and Orvell had assumed he would have a more intimidating appearance, but he resembled an ordinary golem. The first few fights featured powerful warriors who showcased their raw talents. Then it was Beatrice's turn.

She faced a human from the western coast of Grass Mark. The human wielded dual daggers and wore minimal armor, indicating their background as an ex-rogue. The fight began with Beatrice drawing her greatsword and delivering a massive swing of frost spikes, but the rogue's agility allowed them to dodge the attack.

The rogue appeared behind Beatrice, but she remained vigilant. Beatrice immediately blocked the backstab attack by summoning a wall of ice. The two then engaged in a sword fight. Although Beatrice was on the defensive, the rogue's swift and deadly attacks only inflicted minor injuries.

Beatrice saw an opportunity and swung her greatsword, but the rogue's skill allowed them to block the attack with their dagger. However, the powerful swing injured the rogue's left arm, possibly breaking a bone.

Now Beatrice knew she had the upper hand as the rogue left arm was useless to them. So Beatrice began swinging away with her massive Greatsword, each swing consisting of sheer power and frost summoning. Beatrice then was able to do a finishing move by encasing the rogue by trapping their feet with frost to limit their movement and Beatrice with one final swing, she was able to defeat the rogue. She wasn't happy about doing it but she had no other choice as it was Beatrice and Orvell's job was to get the attention of King DIa.

After four fights it was Orvell's turn, and he went up against an archer who was a keen shooter. Orvell had to find a way to close the gap between him and the archer. The archer was able to hail many arrows in the sky and Orvell was able to outrun and shield some of the arrows. Overall Orvell came out winning his fight. After five more fights there were only four gladiators left. And in the waiting room, Beatrice and Orvell saw that they were up against one another. But they obviously can't kill each other. So they had to advise a plan to make it look like one of them had died. Beatrice and Orvell had to ask Minerva as they were waiting for their match, to see if Minerva could conjure a spell that could fake their death. To which Minerva can. So Minerva casted a spell Onto both of them as a safety net. Later that day, it was Beatrice versus Orvell, and these two have never fought one another before besides sparring, so it was a blessing to the two to see how much they have grown when they first met.