Rebirth: Over the Horizon

The Village was filled with a massive amount of people.

Those nearby gawked in awe and amazement at the appearance of the Twelve and their Chosen.

Though it is unusual for new competitors to enter so close to the start of the Games, it was safe to say that none would object after the intervention of the Twelve themselves.

The organizers of the Games are soon on hand to register the candidates for the events of their choice.

There was little time to prepare before the first events, and the crowds would make it difficult to find lodging and supplies.

In addition to the athletes and artists themselves, the games always attracted throngs of spectators, from dedicated sports fans to the devout who wished to honour the Twelve through the games.

"I wonder if it is even fair for me to participate in the poetry contest."

Callia ponders. "I suppose I should show my true talents."

"But I will not withhold my blessings of inspiration from the others. It would not be right."

"That\'s very honourable of you, Callia." Chen Xi says encouragingly. "Personally, I\'ve always wanted to participate in the contest of chefs."

"If it hadn\'t meant journeying so far from family, I would have tried my hand at it long ago."

Embris seems in as poor a mood as ever, eyeing the crowds with disdain and irritation.

"I used to sponsor a promising theatrical company. They performed at my castle every summer."

"I am sure I can find a winning troupe who will accept my patronage."

Chen Xi looks a little confused and asks "… Patronage? Does it count as winning if you don\'t compete personally?"

Embris waves her hand dismissively. "The laurel goes to the sponsor."

Colosson looks predictably enthusiastic about the athletic competitions. "I\'ve taken the golden laurel in pankration for the last two games."

"My victory is a foregone conclusion. None can match my strength or tactical brilliance."

Dannis, on the other hand, seems quite excited at the prospect of participating in the musical contests.

"I took the silver laurel in the last game\'s instrumental music competition."

"I was robbed of the gold, I assure you. This is a fine opportunity to correct that injustice."

Qora looks at Dannis appraisingly. "I was thinking of entering the dance competition."

"Perhaps you could provide me with musical accompaniment? I am certain that would be worth some credit in Edurmon\'s eyes."

While they work out the details of their collaboration, Mute paces back and forth with obvious nervousness. What event would she attempt?

Daedala says "I understand there is a sailing contest? I\'ve been working on blueprints for a new kind of small ship."

"If there\'s time…" Without bothering to finish her thought, she runs off to find materials for her project.

Velara just laughs and shakes her head.

"She knows I\'m here, right? And the sailing contest is the one she wants to tackle? The girl\'s not as smart as she thinks she is."

\'I should probably participate in Marathon.\'

Adam thought and walked towards the athletic field. Even though his AGI stat is not high as his STR and INT it\'s still his 3rd best.

As for dancing, cooking, acting doesn\'t even consider.

Sure, there is another game pankration, but colosson is participating in that game.

Adam is sure not the match of this giant\'s strength. Even though he can defeat him in a real fight.

The chances of defeating him with pure strength ate very low.

So, the best option left open for him was to run.

Marathon

It is a test of both speed and endurance.

It is a gruelling race through the hills just outside the village, covering a distance of just over twenty-six miles.

Often, runners fail to complete the race at all. Only the most disciplined athletes have any hope of victory.

Both in the real world and the VR world.

As the competitors stand in their position, Adam\'s ears rang of familiar boasting.

"No mortal can ever hope to match Colosson\'s speed and strength!"

The other runners are visibly annoyed by his bragging but also intimidated by racing against such a legendary warrior.

When everyone is prepared to begin, an officiant signals the start of the race by throwing a flag into the air.

The competitors charge ahead, and the race is on.

As soon as the race starts, Colosson starts to run like a bull.

\'Does he think, this is a 100m race?\'

Adam couldn\'t help but feel eager to overtake, but he still controls himself and maintains his steady pace.

But that wasn\'t the case for the other racers, they charge ahead of the other runners, sprinting as they spend their reserve strength for the long haul ahead.

"Do not try to catch Colosson, little mortals!" The giant taunts them, laughingly. "You will only tire yourself out!"

Adam keeps his pace, when the race was at the end and there was only a little over 3½ miles, he starts to run at his full speed.

But, to his surprise there was a man who kept pace with the giant throughout the entire gruelling twenty-six miles, never allowing himself to succumb to fatigue.

When there was 1 mile left Adam had already run before the man and giant long ago.

The officiants immediately declare him as the winner of the marathon, bestowing the golden laurel upon Adam at the victory ceremony once the race is concluded.

But, surprisingly the second place winner was the man from before.

Adam also witnessed how he came second, his wit was very high.

When both of them were only 30m apart from the finish line, this man sprinted forward and blocked the way for the giant to run.

Colosson couldn\'t do anything but accept his defeat silently.

"Congratulation on winning the first place" the man offers a handshake towards Adam.

Adam holds his hands while shanking it he says "Same to you."

"Care to say your name?"

"I am Adam crystal."

"Name is Killan, from the Lica village."

"Can you tell me the name of that girl?" he points his fingers towards mute who was standing in the row cooking competition.

"I saw that you both came together, that\'s why I am asking you?"

"Don\'t wanna!"

"..."

Hearing his reply, killan didn\'t know what to say...

\'Did he expect me to do an uncle job for him?\'

Adam thought and snorted.