A grand, circular stone arena filled with a large crowd, with several fighters scattered on the sandy floor under a bright sky.

The Arena is an imposing structure, elliptical in shape, built with rough-hewn stone and dark granite that gives it an almost ancient, timeless appearance. Its outer walls are adorned with ornate carvings depicting the kingdom’s military triumphs and its devotion to the Light. Several iron gates mark the entrance, with the banners of the royal family fluttering in the breeze, reminding the people of who holds ultimate power. The arena’s seating is tiered, with the wealthiest members of society and the single noble family occupying the most prestigious section—raised high above the crowd in reserved luxury, offering them the best view of the spectacle below. Their seats are cushioned and sheltered from the sun by large awnings, and they enjoy a private, almost imperial, viewing experience. The lower tiers, where the majority of the spectators sit, are filled with the common folk. They sit on stone benches, with no protection from the sun or the elements. The sound of the crowd here is louder, rawer—filled with anticipation and the chaos of hundreds of voices calling out. The upper tiers are reserved for the poorest, those who have no means of paying for a better seat. These high seats are less comfortable, exposed to the wind, and packed with people. The arena floor itself is a vast open space of packed dirt, stained with the marks of past trials. There are deep grooves where combatants have fought and been defeated, and the air is thick with the smell of blood and sweat. The See more