NOVPUB
Chapter 332: 332
As the cursed clans settled into their positions, a new energy rippled through the arena. The excitement heightened as the next group of competitors made their appearance—those who, in many ways, were the heart of the competition. The normal apelings, backed by the teachers from the academy, marched forward in disciplined rows. Their presence was a reminder that the Elemental Trials weren’t just a stage for the cursed clans but an opportunity for the entire apeling race to grow stronger together.
The academy teachers, towering figures of respect, led the normal apelings with the quiet confidence of those who had honed their power through years of training and research. Among them, some had reached the fourth stage of power, and a few were even in the fifth stage—a level that could rival the natural strength of the cursed clans.
Their leader, a stern yet charismatic apeling named Master Kalim, stepped forward. His presence commanded attention, not because of any elemental affiliation, but through the sheer force of his personality and the respect he commanded from his students and peers alike. His fur, streaked with the scars of past battles, was a testament to the hard-fought experience of a life dedicated to learning and growth.
Beside him walked Lady Elara, a teacher who was known for her expertise in blending science and magic. Her innovations in crafting weapons and tools had given normal apelings an edge in many past competitions. With her silver fur and sharp eyes, she gave off an air of intelligence and precision.
The normal apelings’ entrance was met with cheers from the crowd, but there was also a noticeable tension. They were seen as underdogs, but over the years, they had proven that they were not to be underestimated. The cursed clans watched them closely, knowing that despite lacking elemental powers, the normal apelings had become formidable in their own right.
"Look at them," Ripple murmured, glancing at the academy group. "They’ve come a long way. This should be interesting."
Nwadiebeube paced the halls of his grand castle, his hands clenched so tightly that his knuckles had turned white. His normally calm demeanor was shattered as he gritted his teeth, glaring at the enormous column of light piercing the sky from the distant horizon. The gate had been activated again—by the Apelings, no doubt. Those arrogant beings had always kept the gate’s power to themselves, prohibiting anyone else from using it. But this time, the sight filled him with a deep, seething anger.
For centuries, his people had shared this vast eastern continent with the Apelings, yet not once had they been invited to the annual grand occasions the Apelings hosted. Despite their proximity, despite their history, despite everything, his people were always excluded. It felt like a deliberate slight, an insult Nwadiebeube could no longer ignore.
What fueled his rage even more was the fact that outsiders—people from other continents—had been invited before him and his people. Just weeks ago, the priest of Björn had approached him with a new proposal, one that promised a chance to connect his people with the wider world. Yet Nwadiebeube had turned it down, convinced that maintaining their strained ties with the Apelings would eventually pay off. After all, there was still some connection between them, however faint.
Now, watching the light shoot into the sky, that decision felt like a mistake. His trust in old ties was clearly misplaced. The Apelings had never shown him or his people the respect they deserved, and his patience was wearing thin.
A clearing of the throat quieted the crowd as Ikem stood up, his voice booming across the arena. "Today’s joy has only just begun! After the competition is decided and we crown a winner, a week-long celebration will follow! No need to worry about work—drink to your heart’s content, and find yourself a beautiful companion. I know I will!" He grinned, clearly pleased with his declaration. The crowd burst into laughter, with some of the apelings and godling races chuckling heartily. Meanwhile, Ikem’s own children had their palms on their faces, embarrassed by their father’s shameless proclamation.
Just then, a grunt escaped Ikem as Ursula, seated next to him, stepped on his foot with a smile so bright it could only mask a silent reprimand.
"Now, today’s competition will be a bit different," Ursula announced, her tone authoritative yet cheerful. "As many of you have noticed, the Ember Clan is absent—they’ve been given a special task by the gods. But don’t worry; today’s Elemental Trials will be more challenging than ever. These trials are designed to push the unique abilities of each godling race while allowing them to face one another in diverse and unpredictable environments."
The crowd’s excitement grew, roaring with anticipation. Ikem raised his arm to quiet them once more. "I’m pleased to show you the collective handiwork of all the godling races. The ingenuity of every group played a role in making this competition possible."
At the center of the colosseum, the ground began to shift, revealing a small but intricate replica of a planet. This model hummed with energy, shimmering with the elemental powers of fire, water, earth, wind, and more, each section of the miniature world reflecting the essence of different elements.
As the model rotated, beams of light shot out from it, streaking toward each participant—ten on each side. Those touched by the light caught it in their hands, revealing small badges. An unseen voice passed instructions to them, and each participant carefully placed the badge on their chest.
Suddenly, the seats where the participants had been seated transformed, becoming more comfortable, almost like beds. A thin, protective shield formed around them, glowing softly. The crowd watched in awe as the competitors’ eyes closed in unison, signaling the start of the competition.
One by one, small dots of light emerged from the center of each participant’s forehead, drifting upward toward the planetary prop. This light connected them, linking their consciousness to the elemental realms they were about to enter.
The Elemental Trials had begun.
The inside of the planet replica, where the Elemental Trials take place, is a simulated world crafted from the raw powers of nature itself. Each environment within the replica reflects a different elemental force, creating unique biomes that mirror the strengths and challenges faced by the competitors. To the competitors these aren’t mere simulations; the environments are alive, constantly shifting in response to the energies of the godling races involved.
The flamboyant apeling spoke up this time "Place yours bets, get your snacks while I explain the happening inside the planet’s replica"
"First the elemental zones, The planet is divided into several zones, each dominated by a specific element. These zones blend seamlessly, creating both stark contrasts and gradual transitions from one elemental environment to the next.
"Water Zone is a vast ocean with crystal-clear water that seems to stretch endlessly, dotted with floating islands and powerful underwater currents. The atmosphere is cool and damp, with waves constantly lapping against the shores of islands made of coral and sea grass"
"Earth Zone is a jagged mountains, deep valleys, and forests of stone trees define this rugged landscape. The ground is solid, but tremors ripple through it periodically, causing rocks to shift and cliffs to crumble, making traversal difficult and dangerous".
"Wind Zone. The sky dominates this zone, with floating islands of land suspended in the air by powerful winds. The environment is always in motion, with gusts of wind carrying leaves, dust, and even competitors from one island to the next. Moving through this zone requires agility and balance, as the constant wind makes it hard to stay grounded".
"Fire Zone is an active—a scorched landscape filled with lava flows, volcanic eruptions, and ash-filled skies. The heat is intense, and the ground itself seems to shift and bubble under the competitors’ feet.
Other Elemental Zones: These could include areas influenced by light, shadow, ice, or other exotic elements, each presenting unique trials and environments that test the competitors’ adaptability".
Take a sip of his drink, tha announcer continued "as for the challenges within the Zones: Each element presents its own set of challenges. In the Water Zone, competitors might have to navigate treacherous tides or face sea creatures born from the elemental energy. In the Earth Zone, they might need to survive sudden earthquakes or navigate through crumbling tunnels. The Wind Zone could force them to leap from island to island or resist powerful storms. The environment isn’t just a backdrop—it actively responds to the participants, testing their mastery over their own abilities. Each elemental Zone will have a flag and an irregular timer count to it where the flag has to be captured before the zone changes"
"Team Dynamics is also important, while individual skill matters, the trials are designed to test teamwork as well. Competitors must work together to overcome the elemental challenges in each zone. For instance, a Terra Clan member could create stable ground in the Wind Zone, or a Ripple Clan member might create pathways across lava flows in the Fire Zone. Cooperation between clans is crucial for survival and success"
