Out of the sixteen competitors for the hunt of the winged, eight were of noble birth while eight were drawn from a fierce competition of commoners. For noble birth, the hunt of the winged was for pride and honor but for commoners, gaining attention from the nobles and the crowd can ensure a scholarship to the Academy.
As much as the academy is for everyone, some substantial costs are needed for weapons, armour, training equipment and not everyone was able to pay that. There is of course a normal course for commoners where they are only taught theoretical aspects on how to use their powers but everyone knows that the real value of the academy lies in the practical course.
The competition between the commoners takes place in the three provinces of Alvonia and the capital and the winners of the competition gets the chance to pick a weapon to aid them in the hunt of the winged. With no formal training of how to use their weapons and what weapon to go for, some of the commoners picked their weapon because it was large and it will make them stand out while others picked weapons based on their practicality.
The name of the eight nobles present for the hunt of the winged are as follows: the third star of the empire, Princess Marina, the daughter of the Marchioness, Rassera Dawnspire, the Duke's daughter, Esmira Montain, the Earl's son, Maldareth Morando, the son of the Viscountess, Kaelrix Nyxar, the son of the Baron of Avero: Jaelric Card, the son of the Baroness of Danora: Norveth Rain and the daughter of the Baroness of Aeloria: Torvonna McQueen.
As per tradition, the names of the commoners were not announced upon entering the arena but Princess Marina spotted two heads of orange hair among those of commoner status.
"The winged for the hunt this year is an earth type." the announcer said and the audience ooed and ahhed.
"And it's physical attributes include white feathers, blue eyes like sapphires, a thin stripe of blue hair on its head and four jewels in its chest. It buries its head in the dirt for food and will rather burrow into the earth than fly. It has a defensive skin like all earth users and will attack once cornered" The announcer said the last part slowly and some contestants shivered.
"Don't worry." The announcer said with a laugh at the few frightened faces.
"Safety is the number one emphasis in the hunt for the winged so if anyone needs saving or if the situation becomes dire, the Makarios hidden in the plains of Dracia will rescue you immediately." the announcer said with a smile and some of the contestants sighed in relief.
"In order for the kills to be counted properly, this liquid created by those blessed by fire serves as a tracking device for each competitor." the announcer said and someone from the audience scoffed and said "Well that is all they're good for."
Holding his chair in a death grip with his wife's palm over his hand, the Sun of the empire tried to keep his composure.
Not missing a beat, the announcer continued talking and everyone's attention eventually went back to him.
"A drop of this liquid on the ore of your weapons serves as an identifier for the confirmation of your kills." the announcer said and all 16 children nodded in understanding before dropping some of the liquid on the ores of their weapons.
"The time limit for the hunt is two hours and in three seconds the gate to Dracia will open. Do your best and remember health is wealth." The announcer said with a smile before suddenly shouting "3".
When the number 3 was shouted suddenly, three different actions were taken by the contestants. Some froze from the suddenness of the announcement, some ran forward to get a head start and some walked in confidently like they had all the time in the world.
"And it has begun!" the announcer said and the audience roared.
"In order for our dear guests to see what is going on beyond the gate, I call on the Makarios, Galen Murphy." The audience said and the audience cheered.
Stepping into the centre of the arena with a blue ore the size of a beastia's heart, Galen Murphy muttered a few words and the plains of Dracia appeared before the audience in steam on all sides of the arena.
"May the hunt begin." the announcer said and the audience roared.