The Vampire Summoner: Lord of Shadows

Chapter 18: Trial by Shadows

The streets of Shadowhaven were alive with anticipation as dawn broke over the city. Word of the upcoming tournament had spread like wildfire, drawing spectators and competitors from every corner of the hidden refuge. Merchants hawked their wares, gamblers placed their bets, and whispers of the mysterious newcomer, Draven, circulated among the crowd.

Draven, Selene, and Aria stood on the edge of the massive arena carved into the heart of the mountain. The structure was ancient, its stone walls marked with scars from countless battles. Rows of seats filled with onlookers surrounded the central pit, where the tournament would unfold.

"This place thrives on spectacle," Aria said, her tone neutral. "They don't just want strength; they want a show. Give them one, and you'll have the entire city eating out of your hand."

Selene frowned, her arms crossed. "And if he doesn't?"

Aria smirked. "Then they'll tear him apart. Figuratively and literally."

Draven glanced at the two women, his expression unreadable. "I didn't come here to lose. Let's get this over with."

A loud gong echoed through the arena, silencing the crowd. A figure stepped onto a raised platform—a tall man with a booming voice and an air of authority.

"Welcome to the Tournament of Shadows!" he announced, his words amplified by magic. "Today, we witness strength, cunning, and determination. Only the greatest will prevail!"

The crowd roared in approval, their excitement palpable.

"The rules are simple," the announcer continued. "Survive. Win. Impress. Those who fail will be eliminated, and those who succeed will earn the favor of the Broker and the people of Shadowhaven!"

Draven stepped forward, his crimson eyes scanning the other competitors. Warriors clad in heavy armor, rogue assassins with blades hidden in every fold of their clothing, and mages crackling with elemental energy—all of them exuded power and confidence.

"First round," the announcer declared. "A free-for-all. The last ten standing will advance. Begin!"

The gong sounded again, and chaos erupted.

Draven moved with calculated precision, his shadow magic coiling around him like a living shield. An axe-wielding warrior charged at him, but Draven sidestepped effortlessly, his shadows slicing through the man's armor and forcing him to the ground.

A fireball streaked toward him from the left, launched by a mage whose hands glowed with molten energy. Draven raised his hand, the shadows absorbing the fireball before retaliating with a dark lance that sent the mage flying out of the ring.

Selene watched from the sidelines, her eyes narrowing as Draven dispatched opponent after opponent. "He's making it look too easy," she muttered.

Aria chuckled. "That's the point. He's not just fighting; he's sending a message."

As the battlefield thinned, a massive beast of a man armed with a spiked mace roared and charged at Draven. His sheer size and strength made the crowd cheer wildly.

Draven didn't flinch. The shadows at his feet surged forward, wrapping around the man's legs and pulling him to his knees. With a flick of his wrist, Draven sent a wave of shadow spikes crashing down, forcing the brute to yield.

One by one, the competitors fell, until only ten remained. The gong sounded again, signaling the end of the first round.

The crowd erupted into applause, chanting Draven's name alongside the other victors.

"Impressive," Aria said as Draven returned to their side. "But the real challenge starts now. The second round isn't about brute strength—it's about strategy."

Draven raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Before Aria could answer, the announcer's voice rang out again.

"For the second round, our champions will face the Gauntlet!"

The crowd cheered even louder as a series of massive gates opened, revealing a labyrinth filled with traps, illusions, and summoned beasts.

"The goal is simple," the announcer explained. "Navigate the Gauntlet and reach the center. But beware—it's designed to test your mind as much as your body."

Selene glanced at Draven, her concern evident. "This is different. The Sovereigns' power won't help you against illusions or cunning traps."

Draven smirked faintly. "Good. I've been meaning to sharpen my mind as well as my blade."

As the competitors entered the labyrinth one by one, the tension in the arena grew. When Draven's turn came, he stepped into the Gauntlet with purpose, his shadows swirling around him like a protective shroud.

The air inside was thick with enchantments, each step triggering illusions designed to confuse and disorient. Ghostly figures whispered threats, walls shifted to block paths, and traps sprung without warning.

But Draven's focus never wavered. His shadows acted as his eyes, probing ahead to reveal hidden dangers. When an illusion of Malakar appeared, taunting him with visions of defeat, Draven simply walked through it, his willpower shattering the spell.

At one point, a pack of summoned wolves leaped at him, their fangs dripping with venom. Draven dispatched them swiftly, his shadows striking with surgical precision.

By the time he reached the center of the labyrinth, only a handful of competitors had succeeded.

The crowd roared as the victors emerged, their excitement reaching a fever pitch.

"Outstanding!" the announcer declared. "Our champions have proven themselves worthy. But only one can claim victory. The final round begins at sundown!"

As Draven returned to the sidelines, Selene and Aria joined him.

"You've impressed them," Aria said, her voice laced with satisfaction. "But the final round will be the hardest. They'll pit you against the strongest remaining competitor in a duel to the death."

Draven's expression darkened, his crimson eyes gleaming. "Good. I was hoping for a challenge."