Hero of Darkness

In the opening match, Kahn, also known as Atreus, faced off against his first opponent, the Elephant kin named Gaja Ekdantay of the Ganesha tribe.

This tribe consisted of many descendant species of Behemoth, whose ancestors resembled mammoths. However, over time, the Ganesha tribe had evolved to look like other beastskins, with the exception of their distinctive elephant heads.

The upcoming match was highly anticipated by many, as both combatants were skilled Close Quarter Combat (CQC) warriors. One was an Earth elemental Warhammer warrior, while the other was a Water/Ice elemental Brawler warrior. It promised to be an intense showdown of strength and skill.

As the two fighters walked into the center of the arena, they were greeted by a legendary rank formation that had been set up across the entire space. It was clear that this match was going to be something special.

Gaja Ekdantay, was an imposing figure with dark grey skin that towered over Atreus at a height of five meters. He sported a feather headdress adorned with a combination of white, red, and blue colors that added to his intimidating presence.

His most distinctive feature was his two one-meter-long curved tusks. To match his impressive stature, he wielded two massive warhammers, each adorned with spikes that extended outward.

As Atreus sized up his opponent, he couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding.

However, he quickly composed himself, knowing that he had trained for this moment and was ready to face any challenger that came his way.

Though the Elephantkin was taller and more physically imposing than Atreus, he was not intimidated by his opponent's size or strength.

As the two combatants circled each other, Atreus noticed the skill with which the Elephantkin wielded his giant warhammers. Despite their size, he swung them with impressive speed and precision. Atreus knew he would have to rely on his agility and quick reflexes to evade his opponent's powerful blows.

However, there was a twist. In a not so surprising move, both combatants were suddenly enveloped by a powerful energy field and transported to a different pocket dimension.

But the excitement didn't end there. In fact, the arena was capable of replicating the entire environment and world energy of the fighters in real-time.

The audience would be able to feel the intense battle between two 5th-stage saints as if they were fighting right inside the arena in front of them. They could even feel the elements of nature as if they were present in the fight.

Every single member of the millions-strong audience would experience the rush of the battle as if they were the ones fighting themselves. This was the magic of the Tribal Tourney, a truly unique event in their culture.

This experience was not limited to the arena either. Anyone willing to pay the ticket fee could also experience the same feeling across the entire empire. Nodes that broadcasted the match would carry the same sensory experience to billions of viewers across the empire.

It was no wonder that the Tribal Tourney was such a highly-anticipated event in their culture. Even the weakest citizens could feel the surge of power like they were saints themselves in this format of fight, instead of just spectating it. This feeling was too intoxicating, and as a result, the money amassed through the event was astronomical.

But the event served another purpose too. People could evaluate which combatant was a better and more skilled warrior, since they experienced the entire battle themselves. This led to intense discussions and debates among the audience, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling event.

In the end, the Tribal Tourney was much more than just a competition between two warriors. It was a unique experience that brought people together from across the empire, allowing them to share in the excitement and power of the fight. It was a celebration of strength and skills that left the audience with a sense of awe and admiration for the fighters who participated.

Thud!

"Surrender before I accidentally kill you." Gaja growled.

Atreus replied with a smirk, "Funny, I was going to say the same thing."

Gaja was not amused, and with a swift movement, he got into battle position. The two combatants were then sent into a deep forested region to fight, and as they arrived, both activated their domains.

Gaja could create warhammers of earth element while Atreus activated his Waterblade Hurricane, which people assumed was his domain. Both had strong domains for beginner 5th stage saints, and the audience could feel the power emanating from them.

BANG!!

The forested region came to life as the two warriors battled each other. The trees swayed and the ground shook with each blow, as Gaja swung his warhammers with great force and Atreus countered with his water blades.

The battle was intense and both fighters were evenly matched, with neither gaining the upper hand.

As the fight continued, the audience could feel the energy of the battle growing stronger. They could feel the elements of nature being manipulated by the combatants as if they were standing right there in the forest with them.

Despite Gaja's size and strength, Atreus held his own, using his Waterblade Hurricane to deflect the warhammers and launch powerful attacks of his own.

The battle raged on, with neither combatant able to gain an advantage.

The audience was on the edge of their seats, caught up in the excitement of the fight. The air crackled with energy, and the forested region around them seemed to come alive with the intensity of the battle.

Gaja taunts as he continues to charge forward.

Kahn smirks and responded... "Not a chance."

He then unleashed a powerful Azure Dragon Fist made of permafrost from his domain, forming a towering wave that crashes towards Gaja.

But Gaja was quick to react, using his warhammers to create a protective barrier of earth around himself.

The fist collided with the barrier, causing a massive explosion of ice and earth.

As the dust settles, Gaja emerged from the debris, seemingly unscathed.

Kahn's eyes widen in surprise as he realizes the extent of Gaja's strength and durability.

Without hesitation, Gaja charged towards Kahn with his warhammers at the ready.

Kahn grits his teeth and prepares for the impact.

However... This was all just within his expectations.