Two days ter I was observing my opponents. Vikram met me before the tournament and told me that forty three participants have registered this year. I was supposed to fight once a day and needed to defeat two opponents to qualify for the main part of the tournament. The arena was round and looked like a coliseum from my world.

  We all gathered in the room beneath spectator seats and were waiting for our names to be called out. I wanted to see the other warriors fighting styles, but we did not had such opportunity.

  Finally I heard my name, and got up from my seat. I was the only elf here, and two humans already lost their fights. My first opponent was naga. She was stronger than adventurer that I fought in Adventurer guild, but had no skills of unarmed combat. I defeated her almost the same way I defeated Aarvi.

  Next day only six fights were scheduled, to reduce the number of fighters to sixteen. We all gathered in the same room and drew lots.

  - Numbers one to twelve will be fighting today! - announced to us the arena worker: - You will face closest number to yours.

  My number was twelve. I looked around, but had no idea who had number eleven. Again we all waited for our names and numbers to be called.

  - Number eleven Dinesh and number twelve Avone.

  I gulped. Dinesh - one of the rakshasa who had the most chances of winning the tournament. He got up and looked at me. Higher than two meters, he moved fast and all his movements reminded me a cat.He smirked and left the room. I sighed and followed him. I had no idea if I defeat him. My best bet was for him and Raknar to face each other and for Raknar to lose, but my luck today was the worst. I stepped outside and was temporary blinded by the bright sun. I looked around. Just like yesterday seats around us were filled with spectators. In the on one of the walls was shining a red orb. It was an artifact that prevented the use of magic. I felt it power the first day, even before I reached the arena. Thanks to my training in use of Life and Primordial magic I was good at sensing my mana, but the moment I was under the artifact's range, I was unable to feel or use mana. The artifact was incredibly powerful and could cover the range greater than two kilometers around it.

  When Dinesh came out, crowd cheered, but fell silent when I came out. At least they were not hostile to me. I was unarmed, and felt uncomfortable.

  We walked to the center of the arena and faced each other.

  - Bad luck for you little elf, - Dinesh looked at me from above and stretched. I did not answered, and he did not expect that.

  - Begin! - ordered games master and stepped away from us.

  Dinesh attacked and I was barely able to protect myself. He was like a whirlwind attacking without a break from all possible sides. I blocked his attacks, mostly using my forearms. Without my adamantium vambraces that protected my forearms, my hands would have been covered with bruises. I realize that he was strong, but, thanks to my stats, not as strong as I was.

  Dinesh was experienced and skilled fighter. I stepped back avoiding his attacks. At least he used only fists and not his cws. I was in deep defense when he used his leg to hit me. That was a mistake, I pretended to be weaker than I actually was and easily captured his leg with my left arm. I used my right elbow and hit his knee. I heard loud crack and Dinesh screamed in pain. His leg was broken. I let him go and jumped back. He fell on the ground holding his knee.

  Crowd that cheered for Dinesh felt silent. Game master approached rakshasa warrior and looked at his leg. Dinesh said something, but game master shook his leg.

  - Avone, winner! - he announced.

  Crowd was silent, and I heard Dinesh cursing. I left the arena feeling relieved that it was over.

  * * *

  Adventurer guild master Vikram loudly ughed and saluted me with his cup.

  - You should have seen faces of the spectators, - he ughed so hard that tears appeared in his eyes: - That was something. Most of them could not even follow Dinesh's moves, and then you went and break his leg. That was something!

  - I am gd you enjoyed it. But I would have preferred an easier opponent. How did other fights go?

  Vikram got serious and put his cup on the table.

  - Not much to see. At least not for a B rank adventurer. Except Raknar. He is strong like a bull and skilled warrior, with excellent instincts. I would expect that from a Cloud Temple student, except his berserk like fighting style. If not for his battle instincts, it would have been his weakness. But these two things compliment his style quit well.

  - Sounds bad. So tomorrow we will fight using our weapons. Will we drew lots again to determine our opponents?

  - Yes. That makes things more fair. But for now you wanted to learn about Wind sword style. It involves using two bdes and mostly round movements.

  - Can you show it to me?

  - Some of it. I myself spend some time in Cloud Temple. But I am not a master.

  - Is Raknar?

  - Not yet. But he is close. Genius student, you could call him. Let's go. I will show you what I know.

  We spend three hours in the training grounds. Vikram used two curved bdes and demonstrated me some of the movements that he remembered. Mostly they were wide ranging movements that followed one another without pauses. Then we spent time fighting. I used two of my swords trying to find possible weaknesses in Vikram's sword uses.

  - You are good with a sword, but not a master. At least you know how to use two swords, and your skills assist your movements. But you ck training. Or I should say ck training that sts years and also experience.

  - Most of the time I spend in dungeons, fighting monsters.

  - And you also use magic. Am I right?

  - Yes.

  - That is common problem, or advantage for adventurers. A lot of experience fighting monsters that influences their fighting style. Well you are the best I got. Let us hope that you can st long enough.

  After my training I returned to tavern. Milligan and his bodyguards were still outside, and I took out my high elf nguage dictionary. I fell asleep refreshing high elf nguage.

  Next day matches were supposed to start after midday. I spent some time with my party members and Milligan walking around the Rakshasar capitol, but left them te in the morning.

  Sixteen fighters gathered in the same room and we again drew lots. Eleven rakshasa, one djinn and three naga fighters were left. My number was fourteen. I closely watched Raknar and knew that he drew number three. Which meant that if no one will defeat him, we will meet in the final fight. If I st long enough.Today everybody arrived with their weapons. Raknar had two curved bdes and he was wearing heavy cuirass, that protected his back, chest and stomach. He was shorter than Dinesh, but much bigger and heavier than me. Aura of violence was around him, and everyone tried to stay farther away from him.

  None of the fighters talked to each other, and only some of them angrily gred at others, trying to scare us.

  Game master wrote down our numbers and names and happily grinned.

  - Get ready boys and girls. Today starts a real deal. You will all stay here until I call you. No fighting each others. Anyone who starts something will be disqualified, - he nodded at two guards: - They will keep an eye on you, just as before. Now, let our two first champions proceed!

  That was his usual threat, but it was working. Other fighters stayed away from each other, and to my surprise until now no fights broke out outside the arena.

  First two fighters went outside, and I closed my eyes. I was one of the st and had some time. Fights sted for almost two hours when my turn came.

  - Avone. Gurd. You are next, - announced game master. My opponent was another rakshasa. But this one was armed with huge axe, and had broader shoulders than most of his race. Around two times broader shoulders than I had.We went outside and faced each other.

  - Men and woman of our great town! - announced game master. I did no knew his name, and he introduced himself just as game master. He was another rakshasa. His voice was loud, and he looked like someone used to be in the center of attention.

  - Now, we will see the fight between Avone from Adventurer guild. Female elf who defeated our former rising star Dinesh. Her opponent is brave Gurd, who arrived to our town with one goal, to win this tournament. Please welcome our warriors!

  Crowd cheered and whistled. When cheering became quieter game master announced beginning of the battle. Gurd started with wide ssh that could cut me in two. Avoiding his attack, getting closer to him and sshing his leg, turned out to be easy.

  Gurd fell on the ground. He tried to get up, but I touched back of his neck with my sword. He stubbornly tried to get up anyway, and I pushed my sword deeper in his neck, drawing blood. I looked at game master, and he nodded.

  - Avone! The winner!

  Crowd booed, not satisfied with short and boring fight. I did not care and quickly left arena through the second door, where I was met by Vikram.

  - You are not good at pying with the crowd.

  - No. Not my talent.

  He sighed.

  - Well I told you to st long, not to become popur. Came with me, you can watch the st fight.He took me to the spectator seats. There were no empty seats, but we could stand between them and watch the st fight.

  Two rakshasa fought each other with curved bdes. They were not novices, but far from being masters. They both wounded each other, and fight ended when one of them almost cut off another's arm. Wound was deep and heavily bleeding.

  Game master announced the victor and today's fighting came to an end. Vikram offered to take me to the tavern, and I agreed. We left the coliseum, and talked on way back.

  - If that is all that he got, I do not see any problems, - I mentioned, my opinion about tomorrow's fight.

  - Neither do I, - agreed with me guild master: - Do not think that you will lose quarter final fight. But in the semi-final you will met the djinn

  .- Is he good?- Yes. Worth opponent for you. Skilled sword master. Can't say how high his level is. At least he does not look evolved, but dangerous fighter.

  - Can you tell me something about his fighting style?

  - He uses a sword. Had a dagger on his belt, but did not use it until now. Not much to say about his style, not some famous one. But his sword technique was good. Defeated his opponents using his skills, not brute strength like you st opponent. And if you defeat him, you will need to face Raknar.

  - Anything else to say about him?

  - No. Same as before. Skilled, dangerous and wild.

  - Let me know if you notice something.

  - I will.

  We reached my tavern, and Vikram promised to meet me tomorrow after the fights as well.

  My next fight went as predicted. I avoided my opponents attacks and again wounded his legs. But on the fifth day of the tournament I faced the djinn. His name was Ishaan. His sword was simir to mine. I also decided to use just one bde, and we took simir stances.

  Game master introduced djinn as Ishaan - travelling sword master, who walked the path of the sword and wondered around Rakshasar searching for enlightenment. When our fight began, we carefully eyed each other searching for the opening. Ishaan was not wearing any armor, and his silk clothe did not look like an artifact. Unlike him I did not see his fights, and had no idea how capable he is.

  Djinn attacked first. We exchanged several attacks and counter attacks and separated. He was skilled swordsman, but I noticed that unlike me he was using ordinary steel sword. It might be a sword of excellent quality, but did not look like an artifact.

  I attacked him first and after exchanging an attack aimed my next hit at his sword. Ishaan blocked my attack, but his sword broke into pieces, and I cut his shoulder. He jumped back and looked at his sword. He put his hand on his dagger, but I shook my head. He exhaled and bowed.

  - I surrender, - he turned to game master. Surprised game master nodded and announced my victory.

  - Avone is the winner! Tomorrow, for the first time in many years, an adventurer will fight in the final fight of the tournament!

  Some people in the crowd cheered, but it felt like most of them were unsatisfied. I could understand them. I was an elf, not even a member of one of Rakshasar races. And Vikram was right. My skills at satisfying the crowd were pitiful. I bowed to Ishaan and left the arena.

  Vikram waited for me and sighed when we met.

  - You won again. But do not feel offended. Your fights are the most boring ones.

  - Good then, that you are not paying me.

  He ughed: - That's true. Fine. Let me take you to your tavern. You have big day tomorrow.

  - Worried about me? Two rakshasa that spend time around tavern are yours?

  - Noticed them, ha? Just a small precaution. My retionship with Ares combat school is not that good. They do not like us much. Like Ashgrin Adventurer academy and Knight academy, as I heard.

  - I see. Nice to know that you care so much about me.

  - My people also followed your friends. Just in case.

  - Good. How did Raknar's fight go?

  - Could have been better. He killed his opponent. Sliced his throat open.

  I shattered. That was first death of the tournament. Vikram cpped my shoulder.

  - Stay brave, little elf. Too te to back out now.

  Guild master accompanied me to the tavern, and I spend the rest of the day inside. Better to avoid trouble as much as I can. Next day I again spend the morning with my friends, walking around the town. I noticed two adventurers, who were following Milligan and felt relieved. Better to have people from Alven, in case of trouble. After making sure that Milligan was safe, I left for coliseum.

  People in the town were celebrating st day of Ares' tournament, and road closer to coliseum was packed with people. Vikram met me on my way to it, and I got a feeling that he was waiting for me.

  - Any st day advice?

  - Try not to die.

  I sighed. That was good advice, but I expected something more helpful. Servants that worked in coliseum met me at the entrance and took me to separate room. It had table covered with food and two jugs. One with wine and other filled with water. I felt hungry, but decided not to eat. Just in case if food was poisoned. I waited until one of the servants knocked at the door.

  - It is your time.

  I nodded and followed him. Approaching arena I heard the crowd. I was the first one to go outside, and to my surprise heard some welcoming screams.

  - And now let us welcome Raknar the great! Former student of Cloud Temple. Prize student of Ares combat school and champion that conquered the dungeon. Welcome our brother Raknar!

  Crowd loudly screamed, and Raknar waved to his people, after entering the arena.

  Was I supposed to wave as well? I was so nervous that could barely walk straight, and completely missed the fact that I also had supporters in the crowd.

  Raknar looked at me and smirked.

  - I hope you prayed to your god and are ready to die?

  I did not answer and prepared my two swords. Raknar also took out his two curved bdes, and we got ready for the fight.

  - Begin! - announced game master.

  Raknar grinned and began his attack. He skillfully attacked, using both of his swords. Without my Dual wielding skill and training, it would have been hard for me to keep up with attacks from both sides. Raknar was confident. His attacks were fast and sshes heavy. I could keep up with him, but had to retreat several times, to avoid his attacks. He mostly left his torso exposed, and I used the opportunity for attack. My main sword hit his armor, but did not left even a scratch on it. Probably his cuirass was an artifact. Raknar just ughed at that and intensified his attacks. I missed one, and he cut my hip. Wound was not deep, but it bled.

  Raknar ughed and licked my blood from his bde. I stepped back and pretended to be in pain. I lowered my right arm with my main sword and touched the wound. Raknar jumped at me. He was keeping his swords on the sides. His chest was exposed, and I used the opportunity to stab him. Raknar grinned. My movement left me exposed to his bdes.

  My Armor ssher sword pierced his cuirass and went deep inside his chest. Raknar shivered and stepped back. I pulled out my sword, and blood run down Raknar's cuirass. He fell on his knees, and his sword fell on the ground. Crowd fell silent. He touched his wound and looked at me with surprised eyes. I used sword in my right arm and cut off his head. It flew up and rolled on the ground. People in the crowd screamed, but I did not listen. I turned around and left the arena.

  Vikram shook his head, when he saw me.

  - Gods. You won, but talk about disappointment. You got lucky that some of those fools in the crowd could not reach you.

  - Could you at least bandage my leg first?

  Vikram ughed and took me to the infirmary. Old rakshasa healer took care of my leg and bandaged it.

  - Can we leave now?

  - No, - Vikram ughed: - First you are expected to go to Ares temple. God will grant you his reward there.

  - Fine. When should we go?

  - Soon, - he ughed: - Give game master some time to pacify the crowd.

  We waited in the infirmary until game master joined us.

  - By the gods Vikram! Where did you found this elf? She will be recorded as most disappointing champion. Half of the crowd wanted to hang her. Other half was semi entertained.

  - She won, - shrugged Vikram.

  - But she killed Raknar.

  - He would have died anyway. She just relieved him of suffering.

  - I know that. But not all of the people do, - he ughed: - It has been a long time since I have been so entertained. Congratution little elf. You are this year's champion. Let us go to the temple, so you can receive your victory. But take my advice and leave the town. People from Ares combat school are little angry with you.

  - Thank you for the warning. I will follow your advice and leave tomorrow. But could you spread the news that I will leave in ten days? - I turned to Vikram.

  - I can do that.- That is smart, - ughed game master: - Follow me now.

  We went outside and musicians that were waiting for us started pying their instruments. Rakshasa and human women wearing white dresses danced in front of us. People gathered on the street, cheering for the champion, on our way to the temple. I waived to spectators, and game master told people about my brave deeds. I noticed Milligan and my party members among the people and grimaced. Did not expect to see them. I pretended that I did not see them and turned to other side and waved to the people.We approached the temple. It was surrounded by columns, and whole temple was made from marble. It was beautiful, and reminded me antique greece temples.

  High priest was waiting for us. He spoke of bravery and how much Ares admired true warriors. Then he welcomed me to go inside, so I could receive my reward.

  - Go inside and prey at the altar,- he told me, and I went up the stairs.

  I stepped through the doors and my surroundings changed.I was inside semi-dark room. There were torches, but they were far apart and gave just enough light for the room not to be in complete darkness. In front of me was a throne, made from human skulls. On it was sitting dark haired man in ancient greek armor.

  - Well, well, well. It has been hundreds of years since a female won my tournament. And adventurer at that. An elf, not even a naga.

  - God Ares?

  - Yes, before your eyes is the great god of war himself. You defeated my chosen one and won my tournament. Congratutions elf! - his voice was deep, loud and intimidating.

  - I got lucky. My opponent made a mistake.

  - Yes. I was observing the fight through his eyes. His defeat was pathetic. He pced too much faith in his artifacts. I will need to choose better next time.

  I hoped that he did not pn to offer me the job.

  - Well. How can I reward you? What do you wish for? An artifact? Cannot give you a skill. You already have enough.

  - Can you increase my levels?

  - Just one. That is the limitation that we have. If this is your choice, then I will grant you life force necessary to reach the next level.

  - Thank... - I started thanking him, but found myself back in the temple. Guess he was busy. I went inside and approached the altar. It was white and also made of marble. I noticed some blood stains on it. I kneeled near it, and spend some time pretending that I was praying.After it I went outside and thanked the priest.

  - Please except my gratitude. Great god spoke to me and granted his reward.

  Crowd cheered, and priest announced that tonight will be a feast for all people of Alven. Priests of Ares brought out tables and pced on them food and wine. They also prepared bonfire and were getting ready to roast there whole bull.

  I stayed for a short while, but left as soon as I got an opportunity. On my way to the tavern, I visited Adventurer guild and asked permission to use leveling crystal. Surprised receptionist took me to the leveling room, and I used the crystal. My level increased to seventeen and I got a choice to increase my Mana rapid recovery or Hunting skill. I chose to increase my Hunting skill and thanked the receptionist.I went outside and smelled the air. My sense of smell improved. Colors around me also seemed brighter and my hearing was sharper. I read that Hunting skill at novice level improved use of the bow and spear. At basic level it improved senses of smell, hearing and eyesight. At advanced level it helped to move in the forest, making footsteps quieter and helped choose the path that left less tracks. At master level it was supposed to help finding animal, monster and other creatures weak spots. I chose to learn the skill to learn how to track living beings, but the skill was more useful than that.

  I returned to tavern and met my friends there.

  - Cheers to new champion! - welcomed me Trevor. I snapped at him and ordered everyone to follow me upstairs.

  - You were participating in the tournament. And even won, - said Milligan.

  - I heard that there will be a celebration. Free food and drinks, - added Luara.

  - We are not going. I am afraid that my victory angered my st opponents friends. We are leaving tomorrow at first light.

  - What! - started Milligan, but I did not listen.

  - We spend enough time here. Luara are our supplies ready?

  - Yes.

  - Good. Then get some rest. We are leaving early. And stay inside tonight. No one leaves the tavern.

  - I do not understand, - asked Milligan: - Why did you even participated in the tournament?

  - Consider it a favor to Alven Adventurer guild master. You probably noticed his people. They were keeping an eye on you,- I looked at Luara and she nodded.

  - I was wondering who they were.

  - Now you know. That will be all. Prepare to leave tomorrow.

  Milligan was not satisfied, but no one argued. Trevor, Milligan and Alfred left to their room and Luara and Al started to gather their things.