The sun rose over Nyvaris, bathing the kingdom in golden light that glinted off banners, statues, and enchanted crystal spires. The city was alive like never before. Trumpets echoed from the castle walls, magical displays painted the skies, and every district buzzed with anticipation.
This was it—Day 3, the official beginning of the Nyvaris Grand Tournament.
The streets were lined with decorations, glowing ribbons floating in the air, sweet aromas from vendors, and children laughing as they ran between game stalls. Magical musicians played vibrant melodies at every turn.
Enchanted projection crystals had been installed across the city, providing real-time displays of the tournament arena for everyone, even those who couldn't secure seats inside.
Citizens gathered in open plazas and taverns, sitting on picnic blankets or stools, eyes glued to the crystal displays.
Citizen #1: "Did you hear even some Demon Lords might enter the fights?"
Citizen #2: "Really?! I thought they'd just watch!"
Citizen #3: "I heard the Lion King Carrion signed up!"
The massive arena held tens of thousands, nobles in gilded balconies and commoners in steep terraces. Floating runes glowed above, projecting the battlefield in brilliant detail.
All eyes turned as Queen Elmesia walked onto the central platform, regal in a flowing sapphire gown adorned with arcane runes.
Elmesia (voice magically amplified): "Welcome, honored guests, proud warriors, and sovereigns of our world. Today, Nyvaris becomes the heart of unity, celebration, and strength. Let this tournament be a memory etched in time, a festival of joy and might!"
Thunderous applause erupted.
Following her speech, Shuna, dressed in elegant ceremonial robes, appeared before a glowing crystal podium.
Shuna: "Presenting the rulers and champions who grace us with their presence!"
Each name she announced drew cheers, magical fireworks, and spotlight enchantments:
Queen Elmesia of Sarion
Varvatos
Rudra, Emperor of the Eastern Empire
Velgrynd, the fire dragon
Velzard, The White Ice Dragon
Leon Cromwell, the Platinum Saber
Luminous Valentine, the Queen of nightmares
Guy Crimson, the Crimson King
Milim Nava, the Destroyer
Draguel, the Temporal Lord
Ramiris, Queen of the Spirits
Carrion, the Beast King
Frey, the Sky Empress
Clayman, the Puppet Master
Dino, the Lazy Sloth Lord
The king of Falmuth
Gazel, the king of Dwargon
The king of Blumund
The king and queen of Siltrosso
Etc.....
The crowd roared in amazement at the sight of so many powerful figures gathered together.
Spectator #1: "Look! That's really Milim! She looks so much cuter than I imagined!"
Spectator #2: "That red-haired man... that must be Guy Crimson. He looks terrifying."
Despite the awe they inspired, the Demon Lords were surprisingly relaxed.
Guy Crimson, walking with Rain and Misery, took his time strolling through the noble stands. Most gave him a wide berth, eyes avoiding his. His gaze, however, was soft today, lips curled in an amused grin.
As he walked, he crossed paths with Varvatos, who stood with Velzard and Elmesia.
Guy (smirking): "I've seen many things in my existence... but this? This festival? I must admit, Varvatos, I've never seen anything quite like it. The food, the wine... out of this world."
Varvatos (chuckling): "Then I hope you savor it fully. Why not let Rain and Misery enjoy themselves too? This is a celebration."
Guy paused, looked back at his ever-present aides.
Guy: "You're right. Rain, Misery. Go. Enjoy yourselves."
Both women looked at each other, grinned, then took off instantly, sampling street food and sweets like excitable children.
Milim was already bouncing from stall to stall.
Milim: "Whaaa~! Look at all this FOOD! I didn't even know there were this many types of snacks in the world!"
Luminous, walking gracefully alongside Hinata, smiled lightly.
Luminous: "This place is truly dazzling. Even I feel... at ease."
Hinata: "Don't get used to it. We have a long road ahead after this. But... yes. It's lovely."
Leon, usually reserved, seemed lighter, savoring a fine wine and chatting with local nobles.
Draguel had relaxed his stoic demeanor, laughing heartily with some warriors.
Ramiris flew up to Varvatos, blinking with curiosity.
Ramiris: "There are fairies here! But I don't know them! Are they from another realm?"
Carrion, meanwhile, smirked as he handed a disguise mask to an official.
Carrion: "Put me in the bracket. I'm going in masked. No one needs to know. Let's see if the fighters here are any good."
Frey, regal and graceful, marveled at the city's floating gardens.
Clayman, sipping sparkling wine, narrowed his eyes as he attempted a subtle enchantment—only to feel a divine backlash.
Clayman (muttering): "Hmph. Something's blocking all manipulation magic. I suppose... I really must behave myself."
He sighed and leaned back on a luxurious cushion, genuinely watching the festivities.
Dino, as expected, was in a public bath, food and drink floating next to him on trays.
Dino: "Best. Day. Ever. Wake me up when the finals start."
The first round was Magic Duels.
Shuna called the names, and warriors took their places in the circle engraved with arcane runes. Spectral barriers shimmered to prevent collateral damage.
Match 1: Arven of Ragna vs. Zeri the Flame Caller
The crowd gasped as fireballs, wind spears, and defensive runes clashed midair. Arven manipulated lightning with whip-like precision, while Zeri conjured pillars of fire. After a fierce exchange, Arven's speed won him the match.
Match 2: Sylva of the Glade vs. Kairo of the North
Sylva summoned vines and wood spirits to bind Kairo's ice constructs. Kairo retaliated with frost barriers and a giant ice hammer. The duel ended in a draw after time ran out.
Spectators cheered wildly. Some began making bets.
Citizen: "Put me down for 20 gold on that masked fighter—he's gotta be someone big in disguise!"
Meanwhile, Rimuru, dressed in a casual cloak, wandered the arena grounds with a skewer in hand.
He eventually bumped into Varvatos, who was impressed by Rimuru's earlier performance.
Varvatos: "Rimuru! There you are. Come. I want to introduce you to some people."
He led him into one of the nobles' pavilions where many of the Demon Lords gathered casually.
Rimuru blinked as he entered the space filled with overwhelming auras.
Varvatos: "Everyone, this is Rimuru, he is the one that came up with the idea of the festival."
Guy Crimson turned his crimson gaze on Rimuru.
Guy: "So you're the one who came up with this. Interesting."
Milim (grinning): "YOU! You're strong, right? Fight me later!"
Luminous (with a rare smile): "Unassuming... and calm. I like that."
Leon: "You're hiding something. But you're not dangerous. Yet."
Carrion: "You fighting in the tournament, kid? I'd like to cross fists."
Frey: "Mysterious... but polite. I see why Varvatos brought you."
Draguel (nodding): "You have good balance. Presence without pride."
Clayman (sipping wine): "Hmph. Another wild card. Wonderful."
Ramiris: "You smell weird. Are you human?"
Rimuru (sweat-dropping): "Uhhh... something like that."
Varvatos patted Rimuru on the back.
Varvatos: "Make some memories today. This is history in the making."
As the sun began to set behind the towering peaks of Nyvaris, painting the sky with warm hues of gold and crimson, the first day of the Grand Tournament drew to a close. The final round of the Magic Duels had just ended, and the names of the victorious fighters were echoed through the floating projections across the city. Applause thundered through the arena as the crowd rose to their feet, excitement still buzzing in the air.
With the tournament over for the day, the people of Nyvaris spilled into the lantern-lit streets. Restaurants and food stalls lit up like constellations, steam rising into the cool mountain air, rich with the aroma of grilled meats, sweet pastries, and spiced wine.
Guy Crimson, having enjoyed the tournament more than he expected, was now walking along the upper promenade with Velzard, Elmesia, and Varvatos. His demeanor remained commanding, but there was a rare trace of ease on his face.
Guy (quietly, to Varvatos): "This city... it's a jewel. You've truly outdone yourself, King of Ancient Power."
Varvatos (smiling): "Coming from you, King Crimson, I will take that as the highest compliment."
They passed a luxurious restaurant where Leon and Luminous were seated on a terrace table overlooking the plaza, their conversation casual but tinged with interest.
Luminous: "You saw the one called Rimuru? He doesn't belong to any known nation… and yet, there's something ancient about his soul."
Leon: "I noticed. I also noticed Guy was... amused. That rarely ends peacefully."
Not far from them, Carrion, now without his disguise, had gathered a group of fellow warriors at a bustling tavern. Laughter echoed as tankards clanked.
Carrion: "A toast! To the masked warrior who totally wasn't me and still kicked tail out there!"
Fighters: "To the mystery brawler!"
In the prestigious Marble Springs of Nyvaris, several leaders were indulging in the famed mountain hot baths. Draguel, shoulders relaxed, leaned back against the rocks with a rare, serene expression.
Draguel: "Even the wars of the past feel like echoes here."
Floating softly across the surface was Dino, arms lazily behind his head, a tray of desserts drifting nearby.
Dino: "This... this is the life."
Frey was seen later, not in the baths, but enjoying a nighttime carriage ride through the glowing streets, admiring the city's magical lanterns. Next to her, Ramiris was still buzzing with excitement, pointing at everything with wide eyes.
Ramiris: "Did you see those fairy shops!? I swear I saw one selling flower-magic popcorn!"
As night fell, the Royal Orchestra of Sarion took center stage in the grand amphitheater near the central plaza. Magical instruments floated in the air, played by elves and humans in dazzling robes. The air resonated with symphonic power.
Milim, sitting cross-legged on a bench with sticky desserts in hand, stared in awe.
Milim: "Whoa... this music is... actually super nice."
Shuna, having changed from her announcer robes to a flowing evening kimono, sat nearby with Hinata, both quietly enjoying the performance.
Hinata: "This place has a strange way of calming even warriors like us."
Shuna: "It reminds me why peace is worth protecting."
The night ended in a blazing spectacle of fireworks—magical in nature, each burst painting symbols and legendary creatures across the sky. The crowd below roared with amazement.
Rimuru, now sitting on the grass beside Varvatos, looked up silently. The glow of the lights reflected in his eyes, a small smile on his face.
Rimuru: "It's... beautiful."
Varvatos: "Enjoy it. In this world, moments like this are rare... but here in Nyvaris, we've made it possible."
Some children danced below, laughing with joy. Nobles watched from their private balconies. The Demon Lords, for once, were not feared—just revered. The people of Nyvaris would remember this night as the beginning of something magical.