Passing through the Silver Section, the guards saluted the group, just as they had back in the Bronze Section. It seemed that even here, the Silver Tigers commanded immense respect.

"You guys are really prestigious," Aren said.

"This is only a small branch of the Silver Tigers," Aoi replied. "The Silver Tigers are a highly elaborate special force within War God City."

As they moved deeper into the Silver Section, the contrast between it and the Bronze City became increasingly clear.

It wasn't just cleaner.

It was more advanced.

More secure.

More refined.

The streets were wider, the buildings sturdier, and the people carried themselves with confidence. Businesses here were clearly of a higher class, far removed from the rougher atmosphere of the Bronze Section.

But even so, the Silver Section paled in comparison to the Golden Section.

And unlike the bridge that separated Bronze from Silver, there was no clear physical divide between Silver and Gold. The transition happened almost seamlessly. One moment they were still in Silver territory, and the next, everything subtly changed.

The housing became grander.

The guards remained the same ones stationed in the Silver Section, but here they looked sharper, more imposing, more dangerous.

The architecture reached its peak here, blending medieval design with modern efficiency. These weren't just houses, they were estates.

"There isn't a drastic difference in appearance between the Silver and Golden Sections," Aoi explained. "The true difference lies in who lives here."

She continued as they walked.

"The Golden Section is occupied by those who control the city, top officials, influential figures, and organizations that have their hands in the running of War God City itself."

After fully entering the Golden Section, Aoi led them toward their destination.

They passed through several streets before finally stopping.

A massive manor stood before them, its front marked with an emblem, a silver tiger carved boldly into the structure.

"This is our base," Aoi said.

The walls surrounding the estate rose over ten feet high, reinforced with metal bars. Guards patrolled along the perimeter, and Aren could already see activity inside, members jogging, sparring, and engaging in various combat drills.

When they reached the gate, it split open smoothly, allowing them inside. The Silver Tiger members stationed there saluted immediately, fists pressed to their chests as the group passed through.

"Is this where we'll be staying?" Aren asked.

Aoi shook her head.

"No. Even for you, outsiders aren't allowed inside the Silver Tiger's base."

She continued calmly.

"We only need you to fill out some paperwork to finalize the task we were assigned together. After that, you'll be free to go."

Then she added.

"But remember, you're not permitted to leave the Golden or Silver Sections and return to the Bronze Section. It's for your own safety."

Aren nodded.

Not that he truly cared.

He already knew that sooner or later, he'd be back in the Bronze City. But for now, he had no reason to argue, so he listened and played along.

The group was led into the building and straight into a lounge. It was spacious, with couches, a table, some books on shelves, and a calm, beautiful scent that allowed them to relax.

Everyone could finally rest. Aren threw himself into a couch. Everyone sat down, a certain unease within them, and Aren could tell.

"So what happens after here?" Kira asked.

"Well, after we get to know the full details about what we are meant to do here, then we'll be on our way," Aren explained.

"So why bring us here? Why not have everything done before we got here? They could have told us," Aiden said.

"They want to be sure that Aren can't leave or try to escape," Zero spoke. "Right now, we are inside what I would like to call an open cage."

"There is no law or rule stopping Aren from leaving this city, but he surely can't leave, if you understand what I am saying."

"So even when they tell him the full details of whatever they want, he can't do anything about it because he can't leave." She finished explaining.

"Right on the money," Aren said as he sat up. "I already know that some sort of tournament thing is coming up, and I am meant to be part of it," he said calmly.

"Tournament? Could you be talking about the War God Tournament?" Kira asked.

"Yup, you know about it?" Aren asked.

"Yes. Elena would always talk about how her father was once one of the winners of the tournament. She told me everything that her father told her."

"The tournament is simply a scouting stage for the biggest organizations and even the Sacred Palace. They use it to see who their next prospects are before the Third Trial, which is known as the trial where the gods start watching," she explained.

"I believe everyone can participate in the tournament and fight for glory, but a select few are forced into participation, which I'm guessing is the case for Aren."

"I see, that would make a lot of sense. He is strong," Raze stated.

"Yeah, but how did they know that?" Aiden asked.

"I don't know, but I'm sure I'll find out soon. But for now, we'll see how this goes."

"Also, since the competition is for everyone, how about you guys all participate? I'll need your help for some things, and for that to happen, I need you all to participate."

"You don't have to aim for the top, but join for a bit," Aren said.

"Huh? Not aim for the top? Impossible, I'm not letting you win that easy," Aiden said.

"Yeah, I want to defeat you," Raze stated.

"I also want to win," Athena said with her head down.

Aren smiled. "Fine, then come on, all of you. Let's see who will survive long enough to fight me," he said with a smug expression.

Knock knock.

Two knocks came from the door, and then it opened as Aoi walked in, followed by someone else. They came into the room and shut the door behind them.

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