1 The Genesis

Attention! The King of Fiendra, King Victor Masters, has fallen. The Genesis Tournament will take place soon, at the Hawkeyes Stadium for registration and the starting of the first task. I repeat,

The King of Fiendra, King Victor Masters, has fallen. The Genesis Tournament will take place soon, at the Hawkeyes Stadium for registration and the starting of the first task. Thank you."

The messenger announced and left as the newspaper merchants roam around selling their newspapers to the civilians. People murmured and gossiped about the shocking news.

Fiendra is a country in the far east. Our story starts here after a king dies, a tournament shall take place. Fiendra is home to humans and different other creatures. The tournament allows all creatures as long as they are above the age of 21.

Vaska is the capital city of Fiendra. Which the story shall take place here.

"That'll be 5 silvers, sir." Jean Egorov said to his customer.

His customer gave the exact amount and took his apples then left. He too heard the news and events about to happen.

"Jean!" A young man's voice was heard from behind. Jean waved at him as he approached.

"Hey what's up Jake?" Jake Grey is a childhood friend of Jeans.

They've known each other since six years old thanks to their families' businesses as farmers.

"Nothing much. Have you heard the news?"

Jake said and grabbed an apple and ate it. "Yes and that'll be 10 silvers,"

Jean said as he took out his hand waiting for Jake's pay. "No, it isn't. It's 5 silvers! C'mon for your bestie please" Jake said and clapped his hands together as though he was begging.

"Fine then 5 silvers," Jean said, and Jake pouted as he gave Jean the silvers. Suddenly a man about their age appeared from behind and grinned

"Don't be so harsh on him Jeany!" Said the Alex. Alex Rogers is also a friend of the two. His family owns a bar called "Jolly Rogers Pub".

"Whatever Alex" Jean replied.

At the end of the day, they met up at Alex's bar for drinks. The whole pub is crowded with drunks yelling and drinking. Jake and Jean sat at the counter while Alex stood behind the counter preparing rum for him and his friends.

"I need to get more rum. Wait here"

Alex said and ran to the back looking for more bottles of rum. Then suddenly a woman came in and approached the counter. She's pretty with silver-blonde hair and blue eyes. She sat beside Jake and Jean and they stared at her as she looked left and right when she noticed the two.

"Umm... May I help you?" She spoke and they both spoke in unison,

"Sorry to stare, would you like a drink?" As they spoke the woman laughed at them. "No thank you."

They nodded awkwardly "I'm looking for Alex Rogers, is he here?" She said and they both shook their heads "Oh, I see" she said and cleared her throat. "I'm Jean and that's Jake" Jean introduced themselves and Jake waved at her.

"I'm Clara Scarlet, nice to meet the both of you" she smiled sweetly.

They talked about the shocking news when they found out that she will carry out the sixth task and nurse the injured as well. This became their motivation to join the tournament. She glanced at the clock. She grabbed her stuff in a hurry and spoke, "I'm sorry boys, I have to go. I'll see you guys soon!" She ran to the door and left. Jake and Jean watched the door in awe.

"Dang" Jake muttered. Alex came back to the counter and placed the rum on the counter. "We ran out so I had to buy more," Alex said and noticed that his friends are starting at the door.

"Something wrong? What did I miss?" he said and drank waiting for an answer, "A pretty lady was here," Jake said and drank. "Who?" Alex spoke while cleaning the counter. "Clara Scarlet," Jean said and drank all of his rum in his pitcher.

Alex watched them in shock but stayed quiet. "So, you guys going to participate?" Jake said casually changing the subject.

"Sure," Jean said. "How about you, Alex?" "Sure... Why not?" Alex replied with a smile on his face.

"Alright! Since my best buddies are up for it, then me too!" Jake said and raised his fist in the air and grinned.

They all laughed at his optimistic behavior. "I'm going to be filthy rich and don't worry I'll spare you some gold" Jake joked around and the three friends drank the whole night away.

"WAKE UP BLOODY BASTARDS!" Jake shouted waking his two best friends up. It's afternoon and they're currently asleep in Alex's household.

"What time is it?" Alex groaned hiding under the blankets.

Jean and Jake slept on separate futons on the floor beside Alex and one of them, Jean is still asleep.

"NOON! NOW GET THE HELL UP!" Jake shouted as though he was hurrying. At first, none of them move. Then they just realize that the registration of the tournament is at noon. Alex rolled off the bed landing on Jean.

"Thanks for the landing!" Alex said. "Ouch!" said Jean and got himself up and start preparing.

They quickly changed and grabbed sandwiches from the kitchen then ran as fast as they could to the stadium.

When they finally arrived, there were creatures of all kinds. Seeing this much made them regret their decisions. However, they still wanted to participate even if their lives are on the line.

"I'll register for us," Alex said and walked away. Jake and Jean waited for Alex to finish then looked around hoping to see Clara.

"Good afternoon gentlemen!" A voice spoke and caught the attention of the participants.

"It is so depressing to hear, Our king, My brother, is dead." The announcer said and everyone fell silent.

"He was a glorious king, may he be remembered and loved even after death. But let us sorry not! One of the contestants here shall be crowned king. For him, the victor will win this tournament and be crowned king in the spot. After finishing 7 tasks, the victor is to be crowned the very next day. If none survives, then it is up to the election. The survivors of the last challenge who has been disqualified."

Albert Masters, the duke, announced. He looked at his pocket watch and spoke yet once more.

"Two minutes from now, the door shall open, leading you to your first task. And the genesis of the new heir of the kingdom awaits behind these very doors." He reminisced as though remembering a joyful memory. The large wooden oak door open and the men waited for the last announcement. "I wish you all good luck. For the new king of Fiendra!" He said and all the participants ran towards the door pushing each other aside.

'Who shall be king?' Jean thought and got past the door along with his friends beside him.