The Grand Hunter Arena towered above the city skyline.
Its massive dome could hold more than three hundred thousand spectators.
Today, it was packed.
Hunters from across Aetherion had gathered for one reason.
The beginning of the World Hunter Tournament.
Inside the arena, giant holographic screens floated above the battlefield.
Crowds roared with excitement.
"This year's tournament is going to be insane!"
"They say the strongest young hunters have already arrived."
Standing near the competitor entrance was Kael Varyn.
He looked around calmly while observing the other fighters.
Every single one of them radiated power.
Some had elemental auras.
Others carried legendary weapons.
One thing was certain.
None of them were weak.
Suddenly a loud voice echoed across the stadium.
"Welcome, hunters!"
A tall official wearing the insignia of the World Hunter Association stepped onto the central platform.
The crowd quieted instantly.
"This year's tournament will determine the strongest hunter under level 100."
Massive screens lit up above the arena.
"Before the battles begin…"
"…allow me to introduce the Top 20 Young Hunters participating this year."
The crowd leaned forward in excitement.
Top 20 Young Hunters
Kaizer Stormborn — Lightning Elemental
Astra Valeris — Arcane Bloodline
Darius Ironclad — Berserker Bloodline
Sylas Mindveil — Telepath Bloodline
Nyx Umbrael — Void Bloodline
Leona Solaris — Fire Elemental
Raiden Voltaris — Lightning Elemental
Viktor Runeblade — Arcanist
Helios Dawnblade — Light Elemental
Fenric Bloodfang — Berserker Bloodline
The announcer paused dramatically.
"And now…"
"The remaining challengers."
Kael Varyn — Berserker Bloodline
Iris Frostveil
Orion Shadowstep
Magnus Earthshaker
Selene Moonweaver
Kade Stormreaver
Draven Nightfall
Lyra Windwhisper
Talon Grimfang
Zarek Voidborn
The crowd exploded into cheers.
"That lineup is insane!"
"So many elite bloodlines!"
But Kael's eyes narrowed when he heard the last name.
Zarek Voidborn.
His system suddenly reacted.
Warning
Bloodline Hybrid Detected
Kael frowned slightly.
"A hybrid?"
That meant someone who possessed two bloodlines.
Extremely rare.
And extremely dangerous.
The announcer continued.
"Now…"
"The tournament brackets will be revealed!"
The holographic screens changed.
Names began appearing across the massive bracket board.
Kael looked carefully.
His first opponent appeared.
Round One
Kael Varyn vs Talon Grimfang
Kael raised an eyebrow.
Another berserker.
Across the competitor hall, a massive man with wild hair grinned at him.
It was Talon Grimfang.
The man cracked his knuckles and laughed.
"Well well…"
"Looks like my first opponent is the Abyss Breaker."
Kael smirked slightly.
"Looks like it."
The tournament had finally begun.
And the first battle was already set.