The atmosphere was grand and lively. All sorts of spectators from the four corners of the Highest Mortal Plane all converged toward its center. Many had been travelling for many months, all waiting for this day.
With this being the first ever Co-Coronation Games, a neutral sight was an absolute necessity given the weight of the proceedings. As such, there was only one obvious answer: The Four Kingdoms Institute. Although this academy had only been founded eighty or so years ago, its prestige had spread far and wide. In just two generations, the graduates of The Institute had all left their mark on the Plane, each becoming an outstanding figure.
The Institute's grounds were massive, housing dozens of large glass buildings, gardens and rivers. It was a paradise rivaling any of the four Sects, yet it was founded and ruled by a mortal without an ounce of cultivation. Many speculated that Headmaster Leopold would soon die and have to choose an heir, after all, he had founded this Institute when he was forty years old, meaning his 120th birthday had already come to pass. As a mortal, no matter how well he took care of himself, he wouldn't live much longer. Because of this, many graduates of the Institute saw the Coronation Games as a stage to catch his eye.
Among the Princes, many had various advisors who had graduated from the Institute. Since the Sects were only allowed minimal involvement in these affairs, relying on the mortal world was their best bet.
The crowds converged, all pouring into a recently built arena. As an academy for scholars, the Institute obviously hadn't had a suitable area for battles, it was only after four Kingdoms pressured the old Headmaster that he was forced to allow them to begin construction.
This coliseum of sorts wasn't as simple as it seemed. Rumors had it that the Divine Vessel Sect Masters had made moves during its construction. Various hidden treasures of the three Sects were poured into it, including objects mortals rarely if ever saw, including Small Realms, Visual Memory Jades, and other astounding feats of engineering. Although these paled in comparison to the capabilities of the Immortal Planes, for mortals, they seemed like feats of God.
Hours later, the crowds had finished jostling over seats and settled down with excited expressions. They had been worried about seeing the action in an arena that was over a kilometer in diameter, but they relaxed after seeing the large translucent screens that hovered in the air. It seemed they would be able to see everything.
Aside from the various excited expressions, there were also those filled with a fidgety nervousness. These were the individuals that bet large amounts of money and resources. For them, today would decide whether they could live out the rest of their lives in comfort, or in poverty. Those who bet on Kingdoms as a whole were slightly better off, but those who placed bets on individual Princes were sitting on pins and needles.
Down below, the various Royal Families were given the best seating arrangements along with their Pillar Clans. Each monopolized a corner of the arena, preventing conflicts from breaking out earlier than they should.
"Mom, here, have something to eat." Hagan helped him mother, First Princess Dahlia to her seat, trying to get her to eat from a plate of fruits he brought over. To the side, Mai tried to do the same for her mother. It seemed that even after so many years, the two women Ryu had once called elder sister still hadn't forgiven themselves. Despite being only about thirty years old, they both looked to be well past forty. None of their youthful exuberance remained, replaced entirely by a thin will to live. It seemed that any small nudge could shatter even that resolve.
The three Princes saw the state of their elder sisters, but couldn't say much. The Tor Clan knew very well what had pushed them to this state. Whether or not they'd ever have their lively elder sisters back was reliant on today's events.
To King Tor's side, located further to the front, two youthful young men nearing their middle-ages stood, exuding killing intent. These two would normally never leave the Sect, but after these events, they had no choice but to. They were none other than Outer Sect Elder Cato and Adorjan, both of whom had now been promoted to the Inner Sect. They were the husbands of the two Princesses.
As for King Tor himself, his once brown beard had gained more than a few greying hairs. His brown eyes had lost their sharpness and his olive skin paled slightly. Over the years, his cultivation talent had slowed, eaten away at by a Heart Demon he couldn't shake. This, too, was likely his final chance.
It was at this moment that a platform appeared in the skies, protruding from the outer reaches of the battle arena. All of the quiet talks were silenced as thousands of eyes focused on an old, wizened man wearing flowing golden robes. This man was none other than Headmaster Leopold!
"I thank those who have come today, you have truly given this old man face." The voice was calm and unhurried but carried an undeniable forcefulness. "I will make these matters clear, although I have disciples within the Tor and Viri Kingdoms, there will be no favoritism. The rules have been hidden until this day and have been designed by this old man taking into account the treasures provided by the three Sects.
"You will be tested for your will and perseverance, as well as your talent and your leadership. Although this old man is not a fan of combat, I must also uphold the previous traditions of the Coronation Games and not deviate too much. Still, your minds will be necessary this time around.
"Come forward, Princes of this Highest Mortal Plane!" Headmaster Leopold's voice boomed.
The Princes of the Kingdoms stepped forward without hesitation. Three Princes of Tor Kingdom, two Princes of Opes Kingdom, and one Prince each for both Viri and Lantes Kingdom. Although many wondered how absolute fairness would be guaranteed under such circumstances, everyone believed in the Headmaster's abilities. As such, everyone had relaxed expressions on their faces. Whether it be Prince Atticus' sly, lewd smile, or Prince Silas' lazy, almost sleepy one, both remained unchanged.
"Good!" The Headmaster nodded to himself. These were truly Princes, each had their own refined aura. They were worthy of representing the younger generation of this Highest Mortal Plane. "This old man will now explain the first trial you all will face."
Just as the Headmaster was about to begin, the shocking call of a bird shook the battle arena. Those who understood the matters of the martial world paled. It was actually a Second Order Beast! However, when it was seen that a young man of unbridled arrogance leapt from its back despite being hundreds of meters in the air, these matters were immediately forgotten.
He descended to the grounds below like a leaf in the wind, his long white hair billowing behind him.