The Grand Finale

The vast coliseum was alive with palpable anticipation. Thousands had gathered, an expanse of faces from every corner of the four nations, filling the stands to their very limits. A cacophony of cheers, chants, and thunderous applause echoed in harmony, revealing the audience's eagerness for the grand final battle.

Above the sea of spectators, flags representing the four races - Humans, Orcs, Elves, and Dwarfs - fluttered spiritedly. Yet, among the crowd, two figures stood out. Sitting in a specially designated area, two older individuals watched with pride-filled eyes. They were none other than Eliss's parents, both adorned in elegant attire that hinted at their esteemed status. The glint in their eyes was unmistakable: it was a mix of parental pride and hope for their daughter's success.

Eliss's mother, Mirena, clutched her husband's hand, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and concern. "She's grown so much, hasn't she, Thalen?"

Thalen, a tall man with a sturdy build, smiled gently, "Indeed. It feels like she might be able to get back on her original path. Look at her now, representing the entire human race."

Lirena nodded, a tear glistening in her eye.

"I just hope she remains safe."

Thalen squeezed her hand reassuringly, "She's strong, just like her mother. And she has good comrades beside her. They'll watch each other's backs."

The two shared a heartfelt look, their silent hopes and prayers for their daughter lost in the overwhelming noise of the eager crowd.

The battleground was an architectural marvel. Sprawling over several acres, it was much larger than the typical arena. Enchanted barriers rose high, shimmering faintly, ensuring that no stray spells or weapons would endanger the spectators.

The terrain was diverse, crafted to mimic the varied landscapes of the world: there was a dense forested section, its trees tall and shadows deep; a simulated mountain range, complete with treacherous paths and high vantage points; a wide river with rapid currents, its waters crystal clear; and an open plain, where visibility was unhindered.

At the center stood a grand tower, its top reaching almost to the height of the coliseum's walls. Flags of the four participating races fluttered at its peak, and a large crystal orb sat embedded in its structure, likely to monitor and broadcast the events within the vast battleground.

. . .

As the horn sounded, signifying the start of the final battle, the human team quickly circled together. Each member was keenly aware of the gravity of the moment.

"We know the orcs' strengths. They're physically dominant and move as a united front," began Amukelo, "But they can be impulsive, preferring head-on confrontations."

Eliss added, "Their mages mainly rely on power spells. They might lack the finesse and subtlety we've trained for. We can use that."

Lyon adjusted his grip on his spear. "Right. In direct combat, they'll try to overpower us. We need to avoid getting cornered."

Ksara interjected, "Their unity is their strength. If we can disrupt their formation, create confusion, we might stand a chance at picking them off."

Kael, always the thinker, said, "We should be prepared for multiple scenarios. If they aim for a strategic position, like the mountains, some of us should be ready to intercept. At the same time, we should keep a distance team, ready to launch surprise attacks."

Amukelo nodded, "Agreed. We keep them guessing, stay fluid, adapt to their moves. Let's stay connected mentally and always be a step ahead."

. . .

From the opposite end of the vast arena, the orcs moved as one, a formidable mass of green-skinned warriors, each step synchronized. Their burly forms, outfitted in dark leather armor adorned with tribal insignia, seemed even more menacing as the sunlight glinted off their weapons. The two orc mages stayed centrally positioned within their group, their staffs glowing faintly.

They navigated towards the foot of the mountains, a strategic point that would give them a vantage view of the entire arena. The rocky terrain, with its craggy outcrops and sporadic clusters of trees, would provide them with view of the whole area.