Chapter 3 – The Princess of Flame and Glory
The sun rose behind Visal Kai's Grand Colosseum, painting the skies in hues of fire and gold. From above, the kingdom looked like a glowing jewel — spiraling towers, floating bridges, and enchanted rivers that shimmered under the light.
But today… all roads led to the Colosseum of Celestia.
People flooded the streets. Tourists, nobles, warriors, merchants, and foreign royalty — all drawn by a single event.
The Grand Princess Contest.
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[EXT. ROYAL AVENUES – MORNING]
Colorful banners fluttered. Magical carriages lined the gates. Floating boats carried guests from the sky kingdom above.
Vendors shouted in ten languages, selling enchanted food, rare weapons, and shimmering souvenirs with the princess's symbol — a red flame wreathed in blue lightning.
Even the desert tribes of Arzamin, and the Ice Monks from Frostveil had sent warriors. Rumors flew like spells:
> "The Hero of Westvale is entering!"
"I heard a 120-year-old Seigmaster from the forest temples came just to see the princess…"
"Even the Kingslayer of Rhoem is here. That man fought dragons naked!"
The energy in the air was electric.
---
[EXT. COLOSSEUM OF CELESTIA – NOON]
The Colosseum loomed ahead, carved from celestial stone and ancient crystal. Seventy thousand seats, with enchanted pillars holding illusion screens above for distant viewers.
Kael stood among the crowd with wide eyes. His cloak flapped in the breeze. Rayden was next to him, grinning, already chewing on fried phoenix wings.
"This is insane," Kael said, stunned. "So many people…"
Rayden nodded, mouth full. "And all for a woman who can probably punch a dragon unconscious."
Kael blinked. "Wait, what?"
Rayden wiped his hands. "You'll see."
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[INT. ROYAL STAND – HIGH PLATFORM ABOVE THE ARENA]
A hush fell as a deep trumpet echoed.
The King of Visal Kai entered.
Tall, with a cloak of midnight blue and golden armor engraved with world runes. His crown shimmered with red, blue, and white gems — symbols of the Three God Magics.
People stood.
Even the holy priests bowed. The arena held its breath.
Then he raised a hand.
"Citizens of Visal Kai… and those who traveled across the continents!"
The stadium thundered with cheers.
"Today, you stand on the grounds of fate. the Kingdom of VishalKai opens its royal gates for the greatest contest in the world."
He paced slowly.
"Not merely to decide a marriage… but to seek a successor. One who may one day sit upon this very throne."
Gasps echoed.
"And to earn that right… you must first survive the fire of battle. Against each other… and finally—"
He paused dramatically.
"—against the undefeated flame of this kingdom. My daughter."
The crowd erupted.
Kael squinted. "She's really going to fight?"
Rayden grinned. "Yup. Told you she was a beast."
---
[INT. ROYAL STAIRWAY – MUSIC SWELLS]
A wave of rose petals and magic wind flowed across the arena as she stepped out.
The Princess of VisalKai.
Clad in a gown forged from mythical phoenix silk, trailing behind her like a flame. Her eyes were narrowed, sharp, and unreadable. Her aura made the air shimmer.
She didn't smile.
She didn't wave.
She just walked — elegant and powerful — surrounded by twelve female knights in glowing armor.
Even the High Priest, known for his vow of purity, looked away blushing and whispered, "Forgive me, O Gods…" as he clutched his staff harder.
Rayden whistled. "That's not a princess. That's a damn boss beast by sensing her enormous mana."
Kael stared. Something about her felt overwhelming… and yet familiar. His eyes itched with mana. For a second, they nearly glowed — but he blinked and stopped it.
The Princess sat on her throne, high above the battlefield, and raised a single hand.
The contest… had begun.
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[INT. COLOSSEUM FLOOR – MOMENTS LATER]
A large crystal stood in the center, glowing softly.
A mage in ceremonial robes spoke:
"Only those who spark the Mana Crystal shall be deemed worthy. Place your hand. Let the mana within judge your fate."
Candidates lined up.
The crowd held its breath.
One by one, warriors placed their hands. Some made it spark — blue light. Others… nothing.
Out they went.
Kael whispered, "So this is how they filter…"
Rayden nodded. "A mana pressure test. Clever. Can't have a thousand people swinging swords at once."
By the end of the test, from over 1000 hopefuls, only 73 remained.
All high-level warriors, mages, priests, and… one very lazy older brother in red armor chewing jerky.
---
[INT. REGISTRATION CHAMBER – NIGHT BEFORE FIGHT]
Rayden sat on a bench, twirling his token — No. 49.
Kael paced nearby. "You're seriously going to do this?"
Rayden stretched. "Gotta earn that prize somehow. A nice little castle for you. Maybe a study room. No more roasted rats for dinner."
Kael laughed nervously.
But deep inside… he felt something stir.
A voice.
"You're not just here to watch… are you?"
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[INT. COLOSSEUM – THE NEXT DAY]
A new day.
A roaring crowd.
The Grand Contest was set to begin.
Huge illusion boards flashed names. Paired battles. Magical boundaries. Healers on standby.
Six intense rounds. Survival of the fittest. Magic, strategy, brute force — everything was allowed except assassination or mind control.
At the top of the board, in a red box:
"Final Battle – Winner vs. Princess Kaelira Kai"
Kael stared at her name.
Rayden tapped his shoulder. "Try not to fall in love when she sets me on fire, okay?"
Kael chuckled.
But deep inside, the blue glow threatened to rise again.
This wasn't just a contest.
This was the beginning of something far greater.
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TO BE CONTINUED…