Rin's eyes narrowed as he gazed out at the roaring stadium.
Virelion Arena,capable of seating a hundred thousand,was brimming with excitement. Flags of the Empire fluttered in the air, each embroidered with the golden emblem of the Solas bloodline. Security was tight. Imperial guards stood like statues around the upper levels, and members of the royal guild were scattered strategically throughout the venue. This wasn't just a tournament. It was a spectacle of dominance.
Rin had barely stepped into the VVIP observation hall before the atmosphere shifted.
The chamber was a luxurious enclosure, built high above the arena floor. Crystalline walls offered a perfect view, while hovering projection screens displayed every corner of the stadium. Plush seats were arranged in arcs, each one reserved for someone who mattered. And many of those seats were already filled.
The Third Prince, Ryvaris Solas, was the first to rise. Broad-shouldered and smirking with a confidence only power could afford, Ryvaris approached with arms open. "Prince Rin," he said, voice booming, "the shadow of the North finally graces us! What an honor!"
Rin returned the smile with a careful measure of charm. "The honor is mine, Your Highness. This is quite the event."
"Wait until it begins," Ryvaris grinned. "I saved something special for your arrival."
More nobles came forward. Some greeted him with reserved nods, others with polished courtesy. But one man stood out.
Lord Isen Varros.
He was all silk and polish, his every word dipped in flattery. "Ah, Prince Rin! The resemblance to your noble father is striking. And Lord Kaelion,what a general! What a commander! The Solas family is the pride of this world!"
Rin smiled thinly. He already knew who the man was,head of the once-great House Varros, the noble family that had ruled the lands now governed by Kaelion. Isen's obsequiousness was overplayed, like a merchant trying too hard to hide his desperation.
He's hiding something, Rin thought, while giving a diplomatic nod. No one praises a family that hard unless they're afraid,or guilty.
Before Rin could probe further, the announcer's voice boomed across the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the Empire, honored nobles, and revered guests of the Solas family,welcome! Today's event is sponsored by none other than His Highness, Prince Ryvaris Solas! And in attendance, we are graced by three more royals: the renowned Prince Rin Solas and princess Ilyra solas… and His Imperial Highness, the Fifth Prince, Sevrian Solas!"
A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd.
The lights dimmed slightly as the arena floor prepared for the first match.
"Our opening fight," the announcer continued, "will be between two condemned criminals from the northern tribes,both accused of treason and attempted assassination of a Solas royal member!"
The gates opened below. Two ragged, heavily scarred men stepped onto the sand. Their limbs bore the signs of torture,broken fingers, old lashes, and bones that had healed incorrectly. But their eyes still burned with defiance.
Ryvaris leaned forward with a grin. "This one's for you, Rin," he said. "I made it the first fight because these lizards had the audacity to plot against the Solas name."
Rin's expression didn't shift. He offered a faint smile. "How thoughtful. It is… quite something."
The bell rang.
The larger of the two fighters erupted into a frenzy, smashing his opponent to the ground. Blood sprayed. Bone cracked. The smaller man's screams ended as his skull was crushed like wet clay.
The crowd roared with approval.
Rin remained still, eyes cold. He wasn't surprised. Ryvaris had always loved bloodsports, and to him, anyone not of the White Draconic race,or not under a Solas banner,was little more than livestock.
The matches continued. Slaves against monsters. Criminals against each other. Sometimes, normal men thrown in just to entertain. All of it orchestrated for applause and amusement.
Rin, however, had other concerns. His focus remained locked on Lord Isen Varros. Every attempt at conversation was twisted and redirected. Isen would dodge real questions, feigning ignorance or drowning replies in praise of the royal family. He was a master of misdirection,but too desperate to hide it completely.
I need more information, Rin thought. And I need it fast.
Suddenly, a monstrous roar shook the arena.
A towering beast,scaled, horned, and chained at the wrists,smashed into a small monster opponent, obliterating him in a single blow. The crowd went wild.
"Hah!" Ryvaris slapped his thigh, grinning. "I guess that one was too powerful!"
Rin chuckled. Then, he turned his head and said smoothly, "Then how about this,if I defeat it, you owe me a dinner."
Ryvaris blinked, surprised, then broke into laughter. "Oh? Are you actually going in, Rin?"
"Only if you allow it."
The prince's laughter echoed through the hall. "Well then," he said, rising to his feet, "let's give the people a real show."
Rin stood calmly, eyes on the monster below. But his thoughts were elsewhere,on Lord Varros, on Kaelion, and on what this fight could earn him.
The real games had only just begun.