PROLOGUE
In the times of old, when magic still existed, there ruled six kingdoms, all engaged in a never-ending war. Each wanted to become supreme, but knew it had to eliminate the others before that dream could be a reality.
In those times, there consisted of only six territories. The wind tribe, lead by Queen Gaail, controlled the skies and cloud kingdoms while the realm of the lord of light, Lumar, lay right below them, atop the mountains and the highlands. In the seas ruled Aquion, the aquatic emperor, who also controlled the various islands within its boundaries. Along the shorelines, Tyjora, the fire monarch, commanded, not to mention the copious deserts as well. As for the forests and verdant valleys, Quirr, the earth ruler, dominated. Wodash, the matchless general of darkness, ruled the wastelands and countless subterranean areas.
The six factions have been jealous of each other's powers. Because of that, there have not been any compromises or even anything as simple as peace between them. Those of the light realm envied those in the wind tribe, for they controlled the clouds. The fire and darkness kingdoms have fought on plethora occasions, over mere territory issues. While these quarrels occurred between these four clans, there was an eternal struggle by the earth and water. Each wanted more of the other's land. Earth built and water eroded.
After a while, the various leaders of the empires sought an end the all of the bickering and clashing with one another. They gathered in the only neutral zone, the Plains of Viridia, located in the center of the territories. When the rulers came together, they habitually fought. However, this time, they knew that there is more on the line than before.
In the end, there came a decision for there to be a grand competition, to find out, for now and forever, which kingdom is superior. Tyjora had brought up the idea. Wodash, thinking that his forces would no doubt be victorious, had quickly seconded it. Also not doubting their abilities, the others, one by one, consented to this suggestion.
After deliberations, they decided that each realm would choose three of its best to take part. The tournament would take place as a race of sorts, but no one competing could use any transportation ability, spell, or contrivance. This greatly agitated Aquion, for his people were not as lithe on land.
The course would commence in the plains then change to the verdant hillsides of the earth monarchy. It would then go to the desert of the fire lord's domain, followed by a trip into the wastelands of darkness. That was not all. Afterward, it would lead into island hopping, which spanned across Aquion's territory. To end the journey, one must then travel to the peak of the light emperor's mountain and into the cloud palace of the winds. The first, who entered there, alive, would receive the title of the ultimate tribe for his or her own, instantly forcing all others to forfeit and concede defeat to the champion's kingdom.
Each had a team of three to put into this competition. All the elitists in each clan had a special ability that only those from it possessed. While the darkness soldiers obtained the skill Shadow Stealth, an invisibility charm, the light warrior ascertained the power of Light of Radiance, an incantation that brought forth a brilliant flash of light that temporarily blinded the enemy. The water combatants used the Transcending Wave, a spell that summoned an immense tidal onto the foe. Fire minions had the Blazing Inferno, which encased its victim inside a tower of flames. Members of the wind tribe learned the skill of Gail Storm, which bring a tornado to knock the opponent into the air, where the power of air rules. Just as the others, earth fighters used a power as well; they had Terrain Purge. This spell can elevate the ground levels and impale enemies.
The fates that are unexpectedly chose Xentra, a seemingly lowly mage from the Light realm, to compete in this dire tournament …...