The Golden Colosseum roared with anticipation.
Designed to hold more than one hundred thousand people, the colossal arena was already filled to the brim. Spectators occupied every tier of the enormous stands, from the lowest rows near the battlefield to the highest private balconies reserved for nobles, guild leaders, government officials, and influential families.
Banners from academies across the world fluttered in the air.
Massive mana screens floated above the arena, displaying the names and crests of the participating academies. Camera drones hovered throughout the colosseum, recording the crowd and broadcasting the event to millions of people watching from their homes.
The opening ceremony of the Inter-Academy Competition was about to begin.
Excited voices echoed throughout the colosseum.
People discussed the odds.
They debated which academy would win.
They shouted the names of famous young rankers.
Some had placed enormous bets.
