The gleaming towers of Veridia City rose before me, their polished surfaces reflecting the morning sunlight like beacons. My heart raced as our carriage approached the imposing gates. I''d only been here once before—under drastically different circumstances.


    "First time in the capital?" Eamon Greene asked, noticing my wide-eyed stare.


    I hesitated. "Second, actually. But it feels different this time."


    Different because I wasn''t sneaking in as a desperate fugitive. Different because this time, I wore the emblem of Eldoria Province proudly on my chest, representing our Battle Zone in an official capacity.


    "The Veridia City Battle Zone is ahead," our driver announced, pointing to a massive structure that dwarfed even Eldoria''srgest training facility.


    The building was an architectural marvel—circr in design with tiered seating rising toward the sky, capable of holding tens of thousands of spectators. Banners representing each province fluttered in the morning breeze, creating a tapestry of colors against the stone facade.


    "Impressive, isn''t it?" Eamon grinned at my expression. "Wait until you see the inside."


    As our carriage pulled to a stop, I took a deep breath to center myself. This visit to Veridia wasn''t just about thepetition. It was my chance to reacquaint myself with the city without the pressure of being hunted. To observe, to learn, to prepare for greater challenges ahead.


    Commander Wood was already waiting at the entrance, deep in conversation with a heavyset man wearing the emblem of another province.


    "Ah, Knight, there you are," Commander Wood waved me over. "Meet Stewart from the Central ins Theater Command."


    Stewart eyed me suspiciously. "So this is the new head coach everyone''s been whispering about?"


    I bowed politely. "Liam Knight. It''s an honor to meet you."


    "Save the pleasantries," Stewart snorted. "We''ll see if you''re worth the gossip after the matches begin."


    Commander Wood chuckled. "Always the charmer, Stewart. Still bitter about finishingst three years running?"


    "Speak for yourself, Wood," Stewart retorted. "Your team has been nipping at our heels for those wooden spoons every time."


    I nced between them, catching the undercurrent of their banter. These two weren''t just rivals—they wererades in shared misery, their teams perpetually at the bottom of the rankings.


    "This year will be different," Commander Wood dered, pping me on the shoulder. "Knight here has revolutionized our training methods."


    Stewart raised an eyebrow. "Has he now? Well, I hope for your sake he delivers. Because we''ve made some improvements of our own."


    As we entered the colossal building, I marveled at the central arena—a perfectly circr fighting tform surrounded by tiered seating that seemed to stretch endlessly upward. Team areas were marked around the perimeter, each with its provincial banner hanging overhead.


    "The Eldoria section is over there," Commander Wood pointed. "Get settled in. The opening ceremony starts in two hours."


    I nodded, leading our team to our designated area. The fighters were unusually quiet, their eyes wide as they took in the grandeur of the venue and the caliber of theirpetition.


    "Remember your training," I said firmly. "We didn''te all this way to be intimidated by fancy architecture."


    A few nervousughs broke the tension, and they began unpacking their equipment with renewed focus.


    I was inspecting the fighting tform when a voice called out behind me.


    "Well, well. If it isn''t the mysterious alchemist from the backwaters of Eldoria."


    I turned to find a man in his thirties wearing the colors of Central ins. His athletic build and confident stance marked him as a fighter, but the insignia on his cor identified him as their coach.


    "Ralph Morris," he introduced himself with a smirk. "Head coach of Central ins."


    I maintained a neutral expression. "Liam Knight."


    Ralph circled me slowly, making a show of evaluating my physique. "Hard to believe the rumors about you. They say you''ve turned Eldoria''s joke of a team into actual contenders."


    "We''ll let their performance speak for itself," I replied coolly.


    He snorted. "Inner Strength Greatmaster, they say. Yet I sense nothing extraordinary about you."


    I smiled thinly. This was amon tactic—trying to provoke a reaction, get me to reveal my true capabilities. I''d yed this game too many times to fall for it.


    "Perhaps your senses need refinement," I suggested mildly.


    Ralph''s eye twitched at the subtle jab. "You know what I think? I think you''re a fraud. A country bumpkin who''s convinced a desperate Commander Wood that you have some secret form for sess."


    "Think what you like."


    "Oh, I will." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "And when your team is humiliated tomorrow, I''ll personally see to it that your reputation is destroyed across all nine provinces."


    I met his gaze without flinching. "Bold words from someone whose team has been fighting to avoidst ce for three years."


    Color rose in his cheeks. "This year is different."


    "On that, we agree."


    Ralph''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Have you heard about the new rule this year? No? Well, let me enlighten you." His smile turned predatory. "Head coaches must also participate in at least one bout."


    I kept my expression neutral despite my surprise. This was unexpected.


    "The Martial Guild announced itst week," Ralph continued, clearly enjoying my reaction. "Toote to change coaches now. Which means you, Mr. Alchemist, will have to step onto the tform and fight."


    "Is that supposed to concern me?" I asked calmly.


    Ralphughed. "An alchemist against trained fighters? Yes, it should terrify you. I personally requested to be matched against you. I look forward to breaking a few of your bones."


    I smiled, genuinely amused now. "I ept your challenge with pleasure."


    Something in my tone made him hesitate. For the first time, uncertainty flickered across his face.


    "Mock me all you want," he recovered. "But remember my words when you''re lying broken on this tform tomorrow."


    As he stalked away, Zane Avery approached from behind me. <strong ss="story-note-vis">This сhаptеr''s truе sоurсе is Мy Virtuаl Librаry Еmpirе (М|V|LЕМР-YR).</strong>


    "That was Ralph Morris," Zane said, his expression grave. "He''s not just talk—he''s a formidable fighter."


    "I gathered as much," I replied.


    "Are you worried about the new rule? We didn''t prepare for this."


    I shook my head. "I can handle myself."


    Zane looked unconvinced but didn''t press the issue. "There''s another problem. If coaches have to fight, our strategy might be affected. Commander Wood was counting on you focusing solely on supporting the team with your alchemy."


    "It changes nothing," I assured him. "I''ll still provide everything the team needs and fulfill my obligation as apetitor."


    The massive gong at the center of the arena rang out, signaling the hour before the opening ceremony. Teams began assembling in their areas, adjusting uniforms and performing final equipment checks.


    Commander Wood rejoined us, his expression troubled. "Knight, I just heard about the coach participation rule. Thisplicates things."


    "Not necessarily," I countered. "It might actually work in our favor."


    "How so?"


    "No one outside our team knows my true capabilities. They see me as merely an alchemist—a support role. Their underestimation gives us a tactical advantage."


    Commander Wood didn''t look convinced. "Ralph Morris is no pushover. He''s been Central ins'' champion for three years running."


    "Trust me, Commander. I won''t embarrass Eldoria."


    He studied my face for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. But remember our agreement—"


    "Second ce," I confirmed quietly. "I haven''t forgotten."


    As Commander Wood walked away to address the team, I turned my attention back to the arena. Various officials were now entering, taking their positions in the elevated boxes. Among them, I recognized insignias from the Martial Guild, government ministries, and several prominent families.


    Thispetition was more than a simple tournament. It was a political showcase, a demonstration of provincial strength and status. The perfect stage for ambitious men to make their mark—or to fall spectacrly.


    I was absorbed in these thoughts when Zane suddenly grabbed my arm, his face flushed with excitement.


    "Knight! Look up there!" he hissed, pointing toward the highest observation box.


    Following his gesture, I spotted a distinguished older man entering the box reserved for the most honored guests. Though dressed simply inparison to the ornately clothed officials surrounding him, there was an unmistakable aura of power radiating from his tall frame.


    "Is that—?" I began.


    "Ignazio Bellweather!" Zane whispered reverently. "The Sixth Elder of the Veridia City Martial Guild himself!"


    My pulse quickened. Ignazio Bellweather was more than just a high-ranking official—he was a living legend, one of the most powerful cultivators in the known world. His presence here elevated the significance of this event immeasurably.


    As if sensing my scrutiny, Bellweather''s gaze swept across the arena and, for the briefest moment, seemed to lock with mine across the vast distance. A slight furrow appeared in his brow before his attention was imed by another official.


    That momentary connection sent a chill down my spine. Had he sensed something about me? Or was it mere coincidence?


    "This changes everything," Zane muttered beside me. "With Elder Bellweather watching, everyone will be fighting at their absolute limit."


    I nodded slowly, my eyes still fixed on the legendary figure. "Yes. Everything changes now."


    And in that moment, I knew my n for a calcted second-ce finish had just be significantly moreplicated.