CHAPTER 3 - WARRIORS OF HALA

THE mock battle tournament took place in the middle of the Lezana forest. The massive grassland was perfect for the event; gigantic trees sprawled in the battlefield’s perimeter made it safer for the spectators watching nearby. Healers were on standby in case of emergency. Although they were less worried about any casualties, shapeshifters heal faster than normal humans as long as they do not lose at least seventy percent of their blood.

Malaika scrutinized every participant as possible, measuring her capability to win just in case she would face one of them in the match. Some players seemed familiar faces. According to the insignia embroidered in the warrior’s uniform, she knew they came from a well-known clan of their tribe.

Everyone looked prepared and eager to win, just like what she felt. This event would be the ultimate test to see how much she had improved from her rigorous training. This kind of two-day event happened every four years, and it was her first time to join. Even her father was completely against it. She promised she would prove herself worthy even without special ability.

Zuyesh Thronsden, the Tribe Leader of Hala, welcomed the guests and participants. He appeared delighted as he witnessed the number of people gathered around the battlefield. The Chieftain elaborated on the mechanics of the battle.

“Today’s event will have two categories, first is to test your battle strategy, and second is for teamwork. However, we didn’t expect the overwhelming numbers of participants, and we need to cut it into one hundred players only,” the tribe leader paused, and the crowd murmured in surprise.

“Warriors, do your best, and we will immediately proceed to the second round. Arbiters are everywhere to avoid heavy casualty. They will determine if someone is out in the game,” he continued.

Malaika nodded in silence and waited for the signal to begin. Her father gave a furtive glance in her direction after his speech. It was Alleki who gave the last instructions before he formally started the mock battle.

“Warriors, get ready. Let’s begin!” Alleki’s voice reverberated, and the match began. Participants went berserk and found an opponent they could easily take down to complete the quota allowed to advance into the next round. Some shapeshifted into their respective form, and others were in their defensive stance in their human form.

Malaika composed herself and remained calm while tightly holding her sword. She specifically chose this weapon because she hinted that there would be close combat today, and she was right.

After the commander gave the signal, three wild animals ran into her—a black bear that was ready to strike its deadly claws, a hyena that immediately jumped trying to lose her balance, and a deer with a unique pattern of antlers that looked lethal if she made a wrong move.

Malaika guessed that these three thought she couldn’t defend herself well because she lost her ability to shapeshift—a wrong decision to target her because, in one swift move mid-air, her sword made a fatal strike of slicing her opponent’s body simultaneously when she made a full turn.

Another group of wild animals and human opponents launched an assault. She got three daggers and threw them at her attackers. She never missed and hit them on their chest.

“Come on!” she whispered. Her eyes were more focused on the movements around her.

The intensity of the battle soared high. Those who could transform into flying animals gained the advantage in their position on air. After they hit their opponent, they would fly back.    

Malaika observed Pierre and Seti fight side by side a few meters away from her. And Yulli, in his massive wolf’s form, easily beat his opponent. He would roar after he eliminated one opponent to another. She could see the fear in the air, and when he transformed back into his human form, he brilliantly showed his combat skills.

Malaika rolled on the ground and smelled the sweat dripping on her body, trying to defend herself. Not that bad that this round, all she did was a defensive battle. There was chaos, and everyone did their best to survive.

The Arbiters checked every deeply wounded participant and could not fight any longer. As their number decreased, Malaika just needed to wait until the one-hundred-person quota would be selected.

Indeed, her strenuous training never betrayed her. She manifested a tremendous amount of energy defending herself. She suffered scratches to her right arm, but it was not fatal.

When the first round finished, they chose the eligible candidate to advance on the second round. Every participant made a halan salute of putting their right fist on their chest.

The second elimination round started swiftly, right after the chaotic rumble. The mechanics were different this time.

“The second elimination will be a battle between teams. Group yourselves into five. This time, we will see your battle strategy as one squad.” Alleki reminded them before the battle took place.

Malaika knew the teammate she would choose. And before she could convince them, Yulli hurriedly went to her side along with Seti and Pierre. They greeted each other and checked each other’s wounds. Gladly, all of them were in pleasant condition.

“Seems like we’re on each other’s mind.” Seti smiled.

“We need one more participant for us to be completed.” Pierre looked around, but it seemed all other warriors had grouped themselves already.

“See that? Royals are teaming up together.” Yulli gazed in a specific direction where five warriors from the well-known clan of their tribe.

“You seem to forget, we are royalty, too.” Seti rolled her eyes and flipped her hair in a ponytail.

“Well, not me.” Yulli shrugged and smiled, “But I can defeat a royalty,” he sounded so confident.

“What about me? A royalty without shapeshifting ability.” Malaika jested out, but they seemed unhappy about the joke.

“Let’s look for another warrior.” Pierre was looking around, ignoring what Malaika was blabbering about.

Just before they could get another teammate, a plump-looking man hurriedly ran to their side—his trousers covered with blood.

“Excuse me, can I join you?” the man said. He looked hesitant, but he tried to smile.

“Sure. What’s your name?” Malaika asked.

“I’m Kane Gunther. I believe my combat skills can contribute to the team for us to win.” He hesitated for a moment, “Although I can’t easily use my shapeshifting ability on this battlefield.”

“You are from the Gunther clan?” Pierre curiously asked while rubbing his stubbles, “If I’m not mistaken, your clan can transform such an underwater creature.”

“Well, sort of.” Kane slightly shrugged.

“That’s pretty cool. What is your attribute?” Seti examined the man, and she seemed amused.

“My attribute is usually in the form of a whale.” Kane proudly said.

Pierre could not help himself burst into laughter, “Sorry, I don’t want to be mean. You’re amazing, Kane. My name is Pierre from the clan of Amherst.”

“I know you are from the infamous Fox clan.” Kane did not mind Pierre’s reaction.

“All right, team. I guess we’re settled. Let us discuss our battle strategy.” Yulli interrupted.

They introduced themselves to Kane and immediately planned their defense and attack, mainly suggested by Yulli. Soon after, the second elimination started.