The two combatants eyed each other closely as they waited for the official to start the match.
"BEGIN!!" Shouted the announcer.
The white robed young mage immediately started by throwing a fireball at his opponent.
Tempus blocked the attack with a barrier before hurling a lightning bolt in retaliation.
The two continued to throw varied attacks at one another until Tempus managed to land the first hit with a series of fast paced bolts.
As the two combatants prepared to face off against each other for the second round.
Storm heard two men arguing fiercely.
"Look, sir!! This is completely out of my control!!
How was I supposed to know my fighter was going to get injured in a practice bout!!"
"Perhaps you should have invested into better dampening runes then!!
Fact is, you signed a contract and were expected to provide a fighter for the tournament!!
We're short a combatant now, and this is going to cost us!!
Cost that will be coming out of 'your' pocket if you can't provide what you promised!"
"What I supposed to do, Roland!?
My fighter can't fight in his current condition!?"
"Enter yourself then if you have to!!
Just get me a fighter or pay the penalty fee for breaking contract!!"
The arena official stomped away and the other mage sighed in response.
A crazy idea suddenly occurred to Storm and he quickly excused himself.
He approached the contractor, who was still mumbling to himself in annoyance.
"Excuse me!?" Asked Storm.
The man turned to him.
"What is it, sir? I'm quite busy at the moment?!"
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation?
Sounds like you have quite a dilemma."
The man glared at Storm.
"Are you trying to gloat? Because I don't have time for it!!
I need to find a replacement fighter, and I need to do it fast!!" Said the man.
"I'd be willing to fight on your behalf. " offered Storm.
"You?!"
The man inspected Storm's appearance.
"You seem capable, but why would you be willing to do this?
And what kind of skill do you have?
I can't just take up any unknown mage off the street? I've got a reputation to uphold!"
"I'm with the Arcanium. A new member, specifically. " answered Storm
This particular news seemed to catch the man by suprise.
"I'm honored, but I have a small team.
I can't afford the services of an Arcanium mage."
"Ohh, I don't want any money!" Said Storm.
"You don't?
Then why would you want to take part in the tournament?"
"I want that Lightning core!" Replied Storm.
"Usually there's a salary agreement between the team and the combatant.
That way you get something even if we lose.
You realize that if you fail to win the tournament, you'll get nothing for your trouble?"
"I don't intend to lose." Replied Storm.
The man considered his options before replying.
"All right! It seems I have little choice in the matter!
Seems Lady Fortuna favored me today. "
Mimereus and Kalipso chastised Storm as he leftt the arena with the man.
"What do you think you're doing, Storm!!" Shouted Mimereus.
"Taking part in a tournament!!?" Answered Storm.
"I told you that absorbing it would be a bad idea for you!!"
"I didn't say I was going to absorb it!!
But that core would still be useful, wouldn't it?" Asked Storm.
"Well.. yes... but..." Started Mimereus.
"Nevermind that!! You're supposed to keep a 'low' profile, Storm!!
Your magic is not at the level expected of an Arcanium mage!!
And now you'll be showing that off to a crowd of spectators!!" Chastised Kalipso.
"I've been practicing, and you know I've been getting better!!
Besides, I have you two helping me, don't I?!" Asked Storm.
The two passengers fell silent for a moment.
"So, your expecting us to help you cheat your way through the tournament!!" They both shouted simultaneously.
"Not at all. You'll just be giving me 'advice', that's not against the rules is it?" Asked Storm.
"It's not. But it's not exactly sporting either!!" Muttered Mimereus.
"Who cares about 'sport' we need every advantage we can get if we're going to win against the humans!
Consider this aiding me to secure supplies for the resistance. " said Storm.
"Fine!! But you owe us!!" Muttered Kalipso.
With Mimereus and Kalipso's begrudging approval, they made their way towards the side entrance.
They climbed down a flight of stairs and entered a large waiting area.
Several different mages were all assembled and waiting in the room.
Storm and his new 'business partner ' ignored them and walked straight to the event official.
"Hope you're here to tell me you found a combatant for the tournament?!
Otherwise we have nothing to talk about!"
"It just so happens that I do have a combatant.
We'd like to register. " said the man.
The official eyed Storm suspiciously.
"Hope you know what you're signing up for, sir and that he didn't just grab you off the street?"
"I volunteered actually!" Replied Storm.
"Did you? Well, your reasons are your own but I must warn you that even though we take every precaution to ensure the safety of our combatants.
Accidents have been known to happen.
The arena accepts no responsibility for any injuries you may aquire while taking part and that you do so at your own risk?" Mentioned the official.
"I understand. " replied Storm.
"Under what name and organization should I register you?"
"Sebastian Hawthorne, of the Arcanium. " replied Storm.
"Now the man was especially curious why Storm was taking part.
Arcanium mages rarely came down to take part in the blood sports."
Storm could tell the man was itching to ask more, but much to his relief, the man didn't pry.
"All right!! Please wait until your name is called before making your way to the battleground."
The official left to give the details to the announcer above.
"Leaving Storm alone with his new business partner. "
Storm sat down and waited as several different mages were called up for their matches.
He watched the returning fighters after each match and took stock of their appearance while he tried to guess their skill and threat level.
Eventually, the moment Storm had been waiting for had arrived.
"Sebastian Hawthorne and Simon Calborum!! Please report to the combat pits!!" Called a man.
Storm got up and walked towards the official, he handed Storm a red Sash and pointed him to the correct door.