The smell of metal and fire still hung in the warriors’ shop. While Valdor inspected a new blade, Arwen and Mayuri split up to search through the shelves.

“You said we were only supposed to buy what we needed.” — Arwen called over her shoulder, eyeing the daggers. — “But you didn’t say I couldn’t pick out something stylish.”

Mayuri raised an eyebrow as she stood by the display of magical amulets.

“Style won’t stop an enemy’s blade.”

“But it might let me die in style.” — Arwen replied with a smile, testing the weight of one of the knives. The dagger glinted with a silvery sheen, perfectly balanced. — “This one… I’ll take this one.”

The salesman, a young apprentice with a scar on his neck, cleared his throat.

“A blade forged from runic silver. Light, yet it cuts deep. Fifty silver coins.”

“Fifty?!” — Arwen replied, without looking away.

The girl hesitated, then shrugged. — “All right, fifty.”

Meanwhile, Mayuri picked up a black metal bracelet set with a purple crystal.

“Does this strengthen magical barriers?”

The blacksmith nodded.

“Yes. But only for those who can control the shadows.”

“In that case, it’s perfect.” — Mayuri smiled gently.

Once the girls had paid, they joined the rest of the team, who were waiting by the door.

Noah yawned, leaning against the doorframe.

“Are you done shopping? Or are you planning to buy half the town, too?”

Arwen twirled her new dagger in her hand, flashing the blade.

“Not half. But the part where the weapons are.” — she said firmly.

“You'd better not leave them behind in a friend's back this time.” — Kael added with a slight smile.

“It was an accident." — she snapped, though the corner of her mouth twitched.

Valdor adjusted the belt holding his new blade.

“We’ll see what other missions there are.” — said Kael.

The walk to the guild was short, but the crowd on the streets slowed them down a bit. By the time they finally reached the familiar building, the sun was beginning to set, and the smell of rain hung in the air.

Inside, it was bustling. Tables full of adventurers, the clinking of mugs, laughter, the smell of food. However, something caught Valdor’s attention right away — a large bulletin board with a crowd gathered in front of it.

“Something new?” — Noah raised an eyebrow.

Kael squeezed his way closer and read the announcement. — “The Imperial Warriors’ Tournament…” — he read aloud. — “Winners will receive an audience with the Emperor himself, a golden prize, and a promotion in rank.”

Arwen furrowed her brow.

“A tournament organized by the Empire? That doesn’t sound good.”

Mayuri stepped closer, her expression turning serious.

“This might be more than just entertainment. The Empire doesn’t do anything by accident.”

Noah smiled broadly.

“Tournament or not — a fight is a fight. If we can prove we’re the best, then why not?”

Valdor looked at him.

“It could be a trap. But it could also be an opportunity.”

At that moment, a familiar voice rang out from the crowd.

“So you did come after all.”

The Wolf’s Blade team stepped out of the shadows beside the bulletin board. Their leader, Arok, was smiling predatorily, his blue hair glistening in the lamplight.

“Well, well... Dragon's Pursuit. New name, shiny new medallions.” — His tone was full of mockery. — “Do you really think you belong in a tournament like this?”

Noah sat up straight immediately.

“You’d better be careful your hair doesn’t catch fire when you start talking nonsense.”

Arok laughed softly.

“Fire? Interesting. But don’t worry, boy. There’ll be no room for words in the arena. Only blood — we’ve won this tournament three times in a row.”

Valdor took a step forward; his gaze was calm but sharp.

“Since you’re not afraid of blood, we’ll see whose flows first.”

The chatter around them fell silent immediately. Even the bard in the corner stopped playing.

Arok narrowed his eyes, and the smile vanished from his face. — “In that case… let’s meet in the arena. There won’t be anyone there to interrupt our conversation.”

“With pleasure.” — Valdor replied.

Mayuri placed her hand on his shoulder.

“Valdor…”

“I know." — he replied quietly. — “But some things can’t be left unanswered.”

Kael sighed.

“So what, are we signing up?”

Valdor looked at the board. — “Yes.” — His expression grew serious.

Noah smiled broadly.

Arwen shook her head, but a spark of excitement glimmered in her eyes.

“Well, at least it won’t be boring.”

Valdor walked up to the registration desk. The clerk looked at him in disbelief.

“Team name?”

“Dragon's Pursuit.” — he replied calmly.

The man jotted something down with his pen. — “You’re registered. The qualifiers will take place in three days. You’d better get ready.”

Valdor nodded.

“We're always ready.”

He turned around, and the rest of the team followed him. Noah stretched, yawning. 

“Three days, huh? Just enough time to practice some fire... And maybe get some sleep.”

“Or both at once.” — Kael muttered.

Mayuri looked out the window at the setting sun.

Valdor stopped, his gaze lingering for a moment on the bulletin board. 

“But no matter what they’re planning… they’ll find out that the Dragon's Pursuit bows to no one.”

They left the guild as the city sank into twilight. A light rain began to fall, and the streetlamps cast a golden glow over the cobblestone streets.

Arwen turned to the rest of the group.

“So what now?”

“Now?” — Noah stretched. — “Now we’re going to grab a bite before Kael passes out from hunger.”

Kael looked serious.

“I’m not that hungry.”

“Sure, because you’re about to eat half the inn." — Arwen snorted.

Valdor laughed quietly.

“Let’s go. We have three days to prepare for something that could change everything.”

In the distance, a red light flashed on the tower of the Imperial Palace. And somewhere in the shadows, someone was watching them through a magic mirror.