The large hologramic screen flickered once then the view of the gates to the forest came into view. Below, everyone stopped whatever they were doing, excitement having spread through the whole court.

Participants were all gathered outside the numerous gates. Bets were also placed, but this time it was different. The official line consisted of the top fifty contenders. Everyone was now rooting for their best hunters.

But that wasn’t the most anticipated part of the competition. The top ten participants were yet to arrive.

"I can feel the tension in the air, captain, " Javier said, his breath heavy.

The excitement in his tone could not be missed. He looked around at the other participants, but he wasn’t fully focused on them; just like everyone else, he was waiting for the main contenders to arrive.

Beside him, Poller was strung in tension. Although he had decided to participate, everything was now getting to him as more people arrived. He lifted his arm to shield his eyes from the burning sun as he got a good look at the participants.

There were a lot of them, if he could estimate more than a thousand. The large number was understandable with what lay in wait if any of them won the competition.

With the wish from the queen, their lives would change. There is no greater aspiration than that for anyone.

One could wish for endless money, moon crystals, or even a status as part of the kingdom’s nobility. All commoners dreamt of being nobles. Being a noble meant they would get all the others pretty easily.

This was why even the lowest of the low would rather enter the forest and pray to the moon goddess for a sort of miracle than to sit and watch others rise.

While this might be applicable for commoners, nobility also had different wishes. They neither lacked in money nor status. Most of them would either ask for more moon crystals, or a private aether well. Some would ask for an imperial army escort as they went on their adventures.

Others would ask for marriage, especially to those of higher status in hopes of climbing the status ladder.

The most daring would ask for a seat near the throne, maybe a councilor or a minister of sorts as long as they could freely enter the palace. Some would ask for the secret development route of the kingdom.

It was just an array of wishes for the winners.

"It’s going to be a lot more tense than the last year because of the convergence of the kingdoms," Poller said," I heard the other kingdoms might decide to also give a free wish to the winner of the kingdom. "

Javier’s gaze widened. He skidded to a halt and turned to face him.

"How, isn’t that a little too much. They should choose the top three then."

He shrugged.

"How am I supposed to know what those giants are thinking," he replied.

"That doesn’t matter, I know you’ll win this time."

A sharp almost sarcastic laugh slipped out.

"I doubt that but I’ll give it my all."

Poller had never won any of the other competitions but he’s always been among the top ten over and over again. He was hopeful this time even with all the giants breathing down his neck.

He wanted to at least accomplish something, not just be known as the forest guard.

The two conversed for a few more minutes until everyone’s attention was pulled away by something else. They were all looking in one direction. The two followed suit.

The sound of drums and trumpets spilled from the screen that was connected to the only tower near the forest. The screen had been placed there for the convenience of those who didn’t want to enter the forest but still wanted to see without leaving for the nearest city.

Gasps filled the air, as the anticipated participants who had the biggest chances of winning finally arrived. Just like during the first day, their images were shown as they all landed at their chosen gates.

The entire Spitting harrows was surrounded by a barrier. It wasn’t the best but it helped reduce or delay beasts whenever a beast tide occurred.

There were ten main gates into the forest but those weren’t the only gates. Smaller gates stood in the intervals of the large gates.

The ten gates were portals but a frame had been built around them to make it look like a gate. The smaller gates were normal.

Only those above A class were usually allowed through the main gates while everyone else was required to enter through the numerous smaller gates.

The first person shown was Human, a famous one at that. Igrad Neill, a Fire manipulator from Gladia, the First kingdom. He was the rising champion among humans and was believed to have the ability to be the next Flame sovereign.

He was the crown prince of Gladia.

Short red hair framed his face, his equally red eyes looking down at everyone with disinterest. The moment he came into view, shouts from humans dominated the Court and the grounds as a whole.

He took the place at the first gate.

The next person shown was a dark elf woman. Purple hair flowed down her back, which seemed to move with the wind. She had an arrogant smirk and blew a kiss to the audience the moment it got to her.

"Marry me please!" Shouts vibrated the moment she had appeared and it just grew louder.

Sandy Glaris, A well know hunter. She was the last competition winner and was known for her extensive knowledge of the harrows. No one really understands her element since it’s rarely seen how she kills her opponents.

The cheers died down as the screen moved to the next scene.

A Fox beast skin.

Amerula Sindiah had the stature of a thirteen-year-old, with light blue hair and eyes but he was famous for his body strength. He is believed to be a few steps away from becoming a grand master.

Seven fox tails floated behind him, a testament to his strength.

After him, another was shown, Simion, the Chancellor’s son. He stood in front of the seventh gate, lost in thought. Cheers from the dark elven side vibrated again. He was known for his mastery of lightning.

The next to be shown was, Caius but he wasn’t alone. Yander stood beside him.

"Saintess is there!" Someone shouted.

"The goddess has blessed us."

"The saintess will win for sure."

"Who’s that next to him?" Javier asked Poller.

"It’s the new saint of the High elves, it seems another marriage is at bay," Poller answered his gaze focused on Caius, who seemed to be a little confused.

All the nine gates were occupied but there was still one that wasn’t... it had not been used in years because of where it led. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

The tenth gate.

Poller shifted slightly, a small sigh escaping him.

"It seems his highness has been left with the worst gate," he said, his voice filled with something akin to pity," I hope he doesn’t enter through it."

His eyes widened when the screen shifted to the tenth gate. At the top of the gate, someone was floating above it face calm.

"This is suicide."