Yarol's arena was awe-inspiring. Truly a place Percy wouldn't mind fighting to the death in.

It was built on a ledge, white stone blending in with the mist. Above it, Percy finally got to see the creatures that flew on top of the mountain.

They were huge gray birds, each the size of a truck, armed with sharp bronze talons and a hooked beak.

The metallic sheen of the beast and its echoing screech made him gawk as they walked up the hill to the arena.

Dresden glanced at him and smiled. "Stymphalian bird. They were a gift to my great-grandfather from House Valtyros."

"Evil things," Thalos muttered, a murderous gaze in his eyes. "I hope they won't come down here. I wouldn't like to kill your beasts."

The Count waved away Thalos' apprehensions, pointing at the mists surrounding the mountain.

"Those mists are special. They have been passed down in my family for generations. It is a powerful spell that commands the minds of lesser creatures. It keeps them up here and we feed them consistently."

Thalos still kept his eyes on the bird, daring them to come closer. A smile tugged at the corners of Percy's lips as they entered the arena.

The stone vibrated with the voices and energy of the people. He could see into the center of the space from the entrance. People lined the stone steps and there were flashes of fire dancing through the air.

Dresden led them up a flight of steps and into a VIP room, where Percy was able to see the full Arena.

The seats of the arena were packed with people clapping and encouraging the young spiritmancers in the center.

Under the supervision of a white-robed member of the Spirit guild, each child was guided to cast spells.

One boy swung his hand through the air and fire swirled in response. A whirlwind of red flames danced over the stone floor of the arena.

The supervisors cast a wind spell that created an illusory monster. A great boar with ivory tusks and brown shaggy fur. The illusion was so strong that the ground shook in response to its charge.

The boy pointed at the boar and his flames swirled around the beast, trapping and incinerating it.

The crowd rose and applauded him, their infectious energy made Percy clap too. He took a seat in the spectator's box.

Other nobles were here, but all their children were down in the arena. They glanced at Percy and the Count but reserved their comments, applauding weakly for the boy.

He turned to the Count with confusion. "Shouldn't I be down there with the rest of the kids?"

"Only if you want to," Dresden clarified, sitting beside him. "If you think it's below you I understand."

Does he think I'll pretend to be humble and go down there? This isn't below me, I just don't want to do it.

He hummed in agreement before reclining into the seat, ignoring Dresden's smirk, and searching for Flynn.

At the back of the crowd, her fiery red hair stood out instantly. She was hovering around while others were called up, glancing at her family in the stands.

George was as energetic as ever, standing and yelling as Hack performed [Solid Stance], his father's favorite spell.

Ura was beside George, smiling giddily and mouthing encouragement to Flynn.

She's gonna be too afraid.

Percy got up and walked to the edge of the VIP box, drawing all the eyes of the nobles, and raising confused whispers.

The crowd in the stands below rose and began pointing at him, their voices jeering at him to come down and show himself. All the children in the center of the arena noticed this.

His eyes met Flynn's and her amber eyes widened immediately. He was still here, so she better put on a show.

Flynn nervously squeezed through the crowd, apologizing meekly and raising her hand to get the supervisor's attention. The man took a look at her and picked someone else.

But a majority of the kids here were still trying to get a hang on casting so eventually the man had to pick her out and give her a chance.

He lowered his ears to hear Flynn describe her spell's effect. The supervisor's face scrunched up in confusion, but he shrugged and sent her up, yelling something to his colleague.

An illusion was created for her to cast against and Percy read the chant on her lips with surprise.

"Restless pulse of the earth, stirring beneath all that stands still. Slumbering belly, punish the idle."

It was a short spell, made by Percy himself, based on the curse in the temple of Gaia. It was a weaker version that he had given to Flynn. But he thought she was given a better spell back at the temple.

The illusory beast began sinking and flailing into the ground after just a second of stillness. People clapped, but it wasn't the flashiest spell.

Percy gave her an enthusiastic round of applause though, confusing everyone watching them. George and Ura were also on their feet.

Flynn blushed shyly before bowing and hurrying to the back. Hack bumped into her and said some encouraging words. She smiled before glancing back at Percy.

Did she lie about getting a nice spell in the temple, or did she change her mind when she got to the pillar?

Well, it was a nice thing to do.

Either way the small gesture touched Percy's heart. Dresden unfortunately picked this moment to ruin his relaxing viewing of the showcase.

The Count rose to his feet, walking to the edge of the VIP box to stand with Percy. His voice rose and the entire arena was silenced. Though it sounded normal in his ears, Percy had no doubt Dresden's voice reached the entire crowd.

"My dear subjects, in an effort to make things more exciting and engage Lord Perseus, I have decided to add some new events and rewards to our showcase."

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