Chapter 47: Combat of Fire and Blood (1)

As Nikolai and Ophelia entered the arena, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The roars and cheers of the crowd reverberated through the cold winter air, a cacophony of voices that only grew louder as they approached. The scent of blood and sweat hung heavily, mingling with the icy chill that seemed to cut through the very air they breathed. This was the place where warriors from all over Celestian kingdoms and empires came to prove their mettle. The strongest of them all would stand victorious, and later that night, the imperial regal Castle would host a grand banquet in their honor. Nikolai's grip on Ophelia's hand was firm as they made their way toward the main stage, where his family was already seated. As they approached, his father's eyes met his, and Alexander's lips twitched in displeasure. His grip on the armrest of the throne tightened, clearly annoyed by Nikolai's arrival. The presence of a dragon in the sacred event of the tournament only added to his frustratio