The group walked through the bustling heart of Silvergate City, their footsteps echoing along marble-tiled pathways as they approached the Coliseum of Talents — a massive structure shaped like a coiled dragon, its eyes glowing crimson, watching over every soul who dared to challenge its stage.
Inside the grand registration hall, the officials sat behind long counters, flanked by enchanted beasts and crystal golems. A line of warriors, mages, archers, and all manner of cultivators wound around the pillars, their eyes filled with hunger — hunger for glory, for recognition, and for power.
Selene stepped forward and handed over a golden token. "Group of four. Name: Skyshade."
The official inscribed their details in a floating sigil.
"You're registered. Preliminary battles begin in two days. Report here at dawn."
Zairon let out a soft whistle. "Skyshade, huh? Not a bad name."
Selene smirked. "Temporary. We'll see if you prove yourself worthy to wear it."
That evening, they returned to the inn — a quiet, upscale place on the outskirts of the mage quarter. Zairon stepped out to the balcony of his room, the night air brushing past his face.
He stared at the stars above.
"Two days, huh? That's enough time to try something…"
He sat cross-legged, entering a deep state of focus. Thoughts swirled. The Sovereign Slash had power — overwhelming might — but lacked precision. It wasn't enough. Not for what was coming.
He envisioned a new technique.
"Something that doesn't just hit hard. Something that builds up pressure… momentum… a force that can't be stopped once it begins."
He pictured a massive wave of energy building up, compressed into a singular arc. A slash not just of power, but of absolute dominance.
A crescent.
A burning edge.
A force of devastation.
His spiritual energy surged — golden threads of light wrapped around him as the foundations of a new technique began to form.
"You'll be called…"
"Crimson Crescent."
A slash so fast, so violent, that even enemies of a higher rank would feel the fear of being torn apart. A technique designed to transcend limits, a manifestation of Zairon's unyielding ambition.
By the time dawn neared, 2% of the technique had already been formed.
He exhaled.
"This tournament… will be my testing ground."