Norme Marcoul's Story

The Scarlet Devil sat with her sister, calmly writing down upon pieces of paper and signing each in her handwriting at the end. These pieces of paper were folded, and then stuffed into envelopes, afterwards being stamped by a wax seal. Her sister on the other hand did her own letters, drawing upon each in crayon and signing each with her name in print "FLANDRE" rather than signing them in cursive like her sister. Still, Remilia did not mind...it was Flandre's own way of doing things, and she couldn't be bothered to scold her on the teachings of refined handwriting at the moment.

"Hmhmhm~ Flandre, who do you suspect will show up?" She asked her sister this simple question, and Flandre looked up, staring off at the ceiling as if it held the answers. "Uhm...everyone!" She replied, causing Remilia to chuckle to herself. "Sure sure..." Was all she could reply with, returning to her writing. Each letter was the same save for the name inscribed upon it.

It read as follows:

Hello! It is my most humble honor to invite you to a party at the Scarlet Devil Mansion. As the host, Remilia Scarlet, I will be providing entertainment, refreshments, alcohol, and food. Dinner will be served first in the dining hall. After dinner, the guests will be escorted to the ball room where live music will be played, dancing is allowed, and a separate section off to the side will be provided for those in need of sitting or who wish to merely relax. Dress code does not matter, however finer clothes are appreciated for those who have them. The party will last the entire night, or until all of the guests have left.

Hope to see you there,
Remilia Scarlet

The letters written by Flandre were included with the finer letter, however rather than having much in terms of writing, it typically contained a picture of the mansion with party balloons, and a small drawing of her and Remilia standing by the mansion.

These letters would be sent out once all of them had been written, they would be sent out, in search of people to be delivered to. There were around a hundred or so, and weren't sent with knowledge of who would receive them. After all...isn't that the best way to meet new people?

A woman was approaching a manor at a snails pace, this woman or more appropriately the android named Hadriel had received a strange letter in her mail box inviting her to a party at a mansion. This party would provide drinks, food, music and dancing. It was strange for her to receive such a strange letter, especially from someone she did not know. She was wary at first thinking it was some sort of trap, but after giving it some though and thinking that other people would be arriving at this part she decided to go to this party.

For this occasion, Hadriel decided to wear a long white dress adorned with blue ribbons and blue stripes. Her usual attire was her armor but for this she decided to wear something less revealing to everyone else, she wanted to be civilized to everyone else but was by no means embarrassed to wear her armor in public. Once she had gotten close enough to the manor she looked at the picture in the latter and looked back at the mansion itself. "This is the place..." she spoke to herself in a emotionless tone before walking up to the manor and up to the front door and just stared at it not certain to knock or wait for more people.

Not far behind the woman, another woman, a Goddess by the name of Ondona wearing her usual pink dress began to skip towards the manor. It had been a while since she was invited to a party, but to be invited to a party by an unknown person was fishy but she decided to join in the chance that she could meet new people. She would soon easily catch up to Hadriel at the front door. "Hello there, my name is Ondona. Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance. She gretted with a smile and a curtsy. Hadriel turned to face Ondona. "Greetings, designated...I mean my name is Hadriel. Pleased to meet you Ondona." she replied with a more happier tone.

As the two stood at the door, there would be the sound of a large lock turning in the door and it began to open with a long creaking sound. "Damnit...I will have to get those hinges oiled again. What a bother" Came a cool voice from behind the door as it opened up fully to reveal a human at the door way with her hands clasped down and infront of her.

This human looked to be decently young, approaching middle age wearing a blue and frilly white maid's uniform and a pair of high heels. Her eyes seemed much wiser as she scanned over the two and gave them both a deep curtsey out of protocol and respect. Her mistress often threw these parties so it was now very much a practiced motion.

"Welcome to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. My name is Sakuya Izayoi, Head Maid of this wonderful home. How may I help you this evening?" She asked, knowing full well about their invitations. This was just her protocol. Her hands dipped down into her dress to pull out a small pocket watch which seemed very ornate and masterfully crafted which hung from a long chain that went into the dress.

The two would turn to face the door when they heard a lock turning, looks like someone noticed their arrival and was opening the door. Once the door opened a woman wearing a blue and frilly maid uniform greeted them with a curtsey. Ondona also gave a small curtsey in response and Hadriel just gave a small wave.

When she introduced herself, the two soon replied. "My name is Hadriel." Hadriel greeted first. "My name is Ondona, it is a pleasure to meet you Sakuya." Ondona greeted afterwards with a smile. "Anyways is this where Remilia Scarlet lives? We were invited to a party and were told to visit the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Is this the correct place?" She asked politely, trying to confirm if this was indeed where the party was held. Just to make sure she also showed Sakuya the letter.

Norme approached the mansion, dressed in fancy attire he had borrowed from his father. The lush and high-class red robes he wore were the kind that only top-ranking mages would be allowed to wear. With fancy gold trim and jewelry laden into the fabric, each one a powerful enchanted focus, wearing the robes made one appear far stronger than they actually were; the jewels empowering their magic, adding to the regal air wearing them provided. The black gloves were also sleek, and enchanted heavily to provide protection against magical backlash, with a pair of like enchanted boots that could reduce fatigue involved in casting of magic. He still had his trademark goggles, though they were not being worn at the moment, and he was otherwise identifiable to anyone who knew him.

At his side was Jezebeth, a supernaturally beautiful woman with red skin wore a similar outfit to his, only colored black. The robes also had their shoulders missing, creating a unique look with the detached sleeve, as well as a cut in the center starting above the chest, and striking down to the stomach, clearly a choice made for appeal more than protection. Her horns were hidden under the hood the outfit had, shrouded by it and her long brown hair. Otherwise, the rest of the parts to the robe were the same as Norme's. The woman had her arm wrapped in his, clinging to his side like a partner more than anything.

Compared to Norme's worried look, the woman seemed fine, if not almost devious. "Jez... No funny business while we're in there, okay? I have no clue why we were invited, but I won't turn down such a thing. Just be on your best behavior, and we'll get through this just fine."

Jezebeth pouted for a moment. "Oh, but I was hoping we'd get to have a dance or two... Just you and me, shortstack~"

Norme cringed and sighed. "Geez... You're hopeless." The two would approach the door behind the others, with Norme giving a friendly, if nervous, wave, opposite Jezebeth's more refined one.

"At the risk of repeating questions already asked, is this the Scarlet Devil Mansion? We received an invite to a party, and wanted to make sure we had the right place."

Stepping down the stairs of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Remilia wore her standard attire due to its already regal appearance and being well suited for such occasions. Her shoes clacked against the stairs, finally reaching the bottom of the steps and smiling to the guests who have entered. It appeared as if Sakuya already opened the front door...very good, very good.

"Welcome, all of you...my name is Remilia Scarlet as you saw in your invitations I'm sure you received. I'm the host of this party, and I really do hope to serve our humbled guests to the best of our abilities." She gave a small curtsy with her skirt, smiling and standing up straight once more...some more, heavier foot steps were coming up the basement stairs.

Opening the door positioned next to the stairway, Flandre opened the door with a big smile. This was the first time she was allowed to participate in one of these parties in forever! She took up a position behind her older sister, hands behind her back.

"Hehehe...hiya hiya!....I'm Flandre! She waved, then placed her hand back behind her again.

Remilia maintained her composure, and took a deep breath. "Now, first we're to eat dinner. If you have any dinner requests other than the standard, please inform me or my head maid Sakuya here."

Blake entered wearing full black tie, unsure of why he was issued an invitation, or how these clearly well-off people knew of him or, presumably, of his work. Regardless, he'd been too intrigued not to attend. He smoothed lapels that needed no adjustment and tugged at a bow tie that was immaculately knotted, before taking in the large interior, and the guests within, with a clinical gaze.

Townsend walked through the door a soft green glow from the sockets of his yellowed skull. Thick leathery flesh throbbing ritualistic inscribing connected it to his shoulders. His coat tailed uniform had seen better days but it was sewn together with careful hands.

A plain if elegant voice threw strong reverb as the jaw moved, "Deep apologies for a late arrival, Madam. I admit I had not expected to receive mail and travel is difficult."

Townsend walked to beside Blake and examined him with a crackle of arched orbital bone. The sockets were hollow but the penetrating glow had the sense of a quiet approving eye.

Behind him a slight girl left left heated footprints on the stone outside when walking in. Shining glints of light disperse into the black of the dress from the bodice ringed by blue light. A thin black rim of translucence coils the bottom surface of the dress. That blackness there smoulders to pull constellations of glints about to recompose behind them.

Townsend raises a hand flat to introduce, "It is my duty to introduce Okuu, The Scorching, Troublesome Divine Flame, Searing Divine Flame and Subterranean Sun."

Normally Okuu would never have been caught dead in a dress like she wore. It was impractical and worse it made fighting even more dangerous. So why put herself in one she had to get specifically custom made so her jet black feathery wings could fit in it and not be constrained. Nonetheless she normally would have not opted for such finery, or even have come here. In fact when she got the invitation she strongly debated not going. This was because most in Gensokoyo mocked her and called her 'Bird Brain' this did not help her temper which was volatile and if she got angry well having a Nuclear Reactive Cannon on her left arm meant that essentially she was dangerous to piss off. Yet people still did it.

So what changed, she had been ready to fling it into the bin until she saw an advert:

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After seeing that, she had made the difficult choice and bought a dress after calling. Of course she did not feel amazing about this choice, but very much evidently the person who took the job clearly could handle it.

Norme was somewhat nervous seeing the many other people here. He felt entirely unaccustomed by comparison, and was not at all used to the high end parties. Jezebeth took it all in stride though, savoring a chance to mingle among others in plain sight.

"Quite the array of others here, hmm, shortstack?" She whispered to Norme with a teasing tone designed to throw him off. He wasn't having any of it however, whispering back. "Yeah, they all look pretty noble. One even has wings, just like you do! I hope this all goes over well... I prepared my best spells just in case, but our goal if trouble starts is to flee. Remember the safe word too."

Jezebeth nodded. "Yeah, yeah. We'll flee, even though it isn't as fun. I'll be sure to use the safe word. 'White Knight' is fitting for what it's a safe word against."

Norme sighed and nodded as Jezebeth giggled lightly.

Sakuya smiled as each guest had arrived into the Scarlet Devil Mansion while curtsying to each of the new occupants who entered "As my Mistress spoke, please give me your food orders and I shall place them into the kitchen. The menu for this evening is an assortment of Cakes and Confections as well as a wide array of teas" She said and took out a pen and paper to start writing while her eyes shifted to Okuu.

She immediately remembered who she was and what she has done previously, remembering the nearly blowing up of her home and the various threats. "Hello Okuu wonderful to see you as always! Welcome to the Mansion. Please remember to be on your best behavior. I will be keeping my eye on you very closely this evening" She said and gave her a big, bright smile while she patted her pocket.

Remilia looked upon the patrons to this party with a wide smile upon her face, the kind of smile a business owner gives when they witness a successful project they've been working towards. She placed her hands behind her back as she spoke up to the crowd in a calm and soothing voice used for only the most respected guests she had invited over.

"If you'd please follow me, I'll lead you to the dining hall. There is no seat order, however the first seven seats are reserved for staff." Saying this, she turned around and began walking towards the dining hall with the expectation that the rest of the guests would follow...after all, wandering around in a stranger's home would be rude, would it not?

Flandre slowed her pace, intending to examine the various other guests that had been invited with a childlike curiosity...she very rarely went out of the basement...after all, often times when she did she was dyed in a scarlet hue that wasn't her own. And she was to blame. She stared particularly at the wizard boy and his red girlfriend, causing Flandre to think to herself. "I wonder if they'd like to play with Elisia...~"

Hadriel and Ondona walked together into the mansion, following Remilia to the dining room. One the two arrived in the dining room they passed the first seven seats and sat on the eighth and ninth seats. Once seated the two remained quiet however Ondona decided to strike up a conversation with Hadriel to pass the time. "So Hadriel, is this your first time at a party?" Ondona spoke as she looked at Hadirel. "This is my first time at a public gathering, I have never really been one to go out to have parties." She replied as she turned to Ondona. The two then went on to chat about a plethora of other things such as their hobbies, what they like, and how their day has been.

Townsend bent a small bow at their hosts turning to walk to Okuu. The green eyes fixed on her to offer his arm and soft leather glove.

Townsend's voice was quiet, "If I may, miss Okuu, If wish to follow our host miss Remilia I will show you to your seat in the dining hall."

A young mage walked into the area before the mages guild itself, grimacing a little. At his side, a Succubus on his arm. She seemed rather affectionate, which was likely the catalyst for his apparent discomfort.

Norme, my Norme. Now that we're here in Questrios City, standing outside the Mages Guild, what shall we do together?

The Succubus crossed her arms, her fiery hair intensifying its orange glow as she adopted a confident look. It was clear she was a demon through her orange skin, orange eyes, and pointed ears, as well as her tail and her cloven hooves. Her nails, though not long, seemed sharp and ready, likely able to be used as claws, and she stood slightly taller than the young mage she accompanied. She wore some kind of armor, though it looked demonic in origin, and was made of dark-colored metals and thick brown furs. At her waist was a spellbook, chained to a belt she wore that also held two small pouches and a small case.

We shall enter the Grand Magi Games. I've been in the shadow of my siblings when it comes to magic, and a stage like this will finally let me prove that I am just as capable as they are! Of course, it's thanks to your help. I really do value it, and I'll be counting on you during this tournament just as much.

The young mage replaced his grimace with a confident look of his own. He was a Human, and he was likely raised on Origin, but something seemed off. He also dressed about as expected by a mage; in robes befitting a scholar. A robe, belts, tunic, and shawl, all coordinated in blues, greens, and beige. He also wore brown boots and had a hat that was quite large compared to himself. His hands were covered by brown gloves, and he too bore a tome at his side, as well as small pouches and cases of his own. He was slightly shorter than the demon that accompanied him, but it seemed he was in control of their choices.

Norme began walking to the Headquarters itself so he could sign up, trying his best to not be approached by the other people in the area, and Jezebeth clung to his arm as a romantic partner might.

I'm always glad to help you, Norme. Of course, I already know you're stronger than your family. No offense, but they were kind of lackluster when I met them. Ahaha! Hahaha!

If no one hailed them, they'd enter the Mages Guild Headquarters.

Brand was slightly taken aback by the unusual greeting from ‘Rulo’, however he didn’t react much and instead shrugged it off. “In some places people kiss each other on the cheeks, there’s nothing weird about it. Nice to meet you, Rulo, Tavlin,” he said, beaming at the two of them.

The fire mage probably looked like a fool to those more experienced, especially Azaken, since he’d seemed not even slightly suspicious. Not that it mattered, since Azaken wouldn’t have needed his spell in order to cause some chaos. Brand would be happy to oblige either way.

The pyromancer grinned, stepping back from the queue as he twirled his hand around in the air. A small, delicate trail of fire danced around it, which crackled as it morphed into a ring of embers. He tossed this up into the air above, where it exploded like a small firework, forming the shape of a golden phoenix, which beat its wings once or twice before disappearing in a flurry of sparks.

He got a good scolding from a few of the other mages waiting in line (partly due to some of them being singed by sparks) but overall no real harm done and he looked quite pleased with himself, although he was still none the wiser to Azaken’s magic.

Not long after, he had registered, thankfully being in no serious trouble, and was standing outside the HQ like before, chatting to anyone who’d put up with him.

Azaken was happy to see his actions taking success, as he loved the sight of chaos. It was something he enjoyed, the chaos that people could create, and how they could react in different and unique ways, and he especially loved seeing people surprise him. He loved that the most, the fact people could keep surprising him.

The event in question got the attention of everyone else though, including Astral and Luna, finally breaking up their fight.

"Hey, watch it!"

They also responded in unison, further strengthening Ixa's belief that they were great friends.

However, it seemed that little display caught another's attention as well.

"Alright people! Enough dawdling about!"

This voice spoke with wisdom and age, but also had a fierce power and spark inside of it. One that might make people want to obey, to listen, and to not interrupt him.

This was the voice of the Mage's Guild leader, Aedrios Gale.

"Alright everyone! Come on in and get registered already! It wont be too much longer till the games start, so you don't want to procrastinate it!"

Hearing the voice of their old master, both Astral and Luna practically snapped to attention, and did not dawdle in the slightest. Many others followed them, entering the Guild Building and its truly magical and fantastical nature. Even from the small view through the doorway out there, one could see books flying past, floating lights, and of course...breathtakingly attractive male and female receptionists.

"You may converse inside if you please, but lets at least get this started!"

Ixa, who also heard all of this, looked at Ryder.

"Looks like its time to enter!"

Shinku however, while following, didn't quite feel himself...and Akamaru meanwhile made a call.

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Lyrian went and met the people who had parked, along with several immigration workers from the Origin Immigration Agency. Lyrian kept a cool look around these people, all of who had legendary class paperwork skills that should not be underestimated, with various documents ready to be filled out and completed.

"Welcome to Origin. My name is Lyrian LeCross, Enforcer".

One of the people next to him came next to Lyrian, and kneeled as a clip board and some papers, along with a pen, were presented to him.

"Archon LeCross! Please use mine!"

"Thank you. But no need to use my rank here. After all, our guests wont know the rankings most likely..." he said, keeping a cool voice. One might noticed his clothes were a bit more old fashioned besides the boots, but that the katana on his side practically radiated a supernatural power.

Turning back to the guests, he continued to speak.

"Now then, we just need some registration information and some forms filled out, like for parking, which should only take a few minutes, and then we could guide you to the Mage's Guild to register for the Grand Magi Games. Sounds good?"

Tavlin made his way to the desk and began looking over the paper work as he took a clipboard and went to sit down and filled things out. The questions on the form were just the basic information and didn't ask for anything too personal, so Tavlin wasn't too worried. He returned the clipboard and went to do a little exploring.

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Meanwhile, Aneko made his way to the front desk and noticed the boy who introduced himself as Lyrian LeCross the enforcer of the guild. He was a little awestruck to see another feline since he hadn't seen one since he escaped from Aonia. He could tell that he wasn't Aonian like himself, but he still felt a kinship to other feline races. He walked up to the boy who looked to be a little older than him, though not by much.

"Hi, Lyrian, I'm Aneko. You're a feline race too! Where are you from? I'm from Aonia. You're the first feline I've seen since I left there." Aneko gushed getting a little over excited, his lack of social skills starting to show as he hadn't spent much time with other people but had been training his powers alone. His fluffy tail swished back and forth as he got excited by the idea of making a new friend.

Elysia didn't notice much of anything, having gone in lecture mode at Snowflake's question. It wasn't until it was her turn to register that she was forced to focus on something else. She stared at the clipboard. The questions weren't all that outlandish, being basic information, but then again, her circumstances weren't that ordinary either.

"Hmm, Age huh..?", she muttered, "Even if I don't count my time 'outside', I lost track after the first few millennia." In the end she decided to cast a cantrip to divine her actual age. Her initial attempt at casting it failed. She had forgotten to account for the fact that her own universe was destroyed, and the root of the spell was set there. It wasn't until she had her magic direct the query to the Seed she was host of, that she got an answer to her question.

Of course this DID include her time in the Void. She couldn't help but stare at the number. Changing the query, she got the actual answer. It changed the amount of years less than she had hoped, but she wasn't going to lie about it, no matter how much she was tempted to.

Her casual modification of magic hadn't gone unnoticed by most, some actually being able to divine the extent of what she just did.

"So... Age: 28754-years-of-relevant-existence...", Elysia continued muttering. After that she went to planet of birth. Here she simply put down 'Fysalda'. and when it came to the Location of said world(Space Sector and/or Plain of Existence) she had no choice but to put down N/A.

She had to skip a few other answers to questions, for lack of having them, until she finally finished by signing the Waiver. She wasn't all that worried about her 'life' all things considered. Mostly because she was outside of that cycle, simply being. A true immortal.

As people stepped up and took some registration forms, a strange vortex appeared on the ceiling. For a moment, nothing came through, and then it closed. Nothing happened, so people shrugged their shoulders and disregarded it....until another vortex opened up, and Jaune, Demor, and Iviri fell through.

"Owww...."

"Could someone please get off of me?!"

"Jaune! Kimaru! Thank goodness, I just detected a spike in interference with the neural lin..."

And then, as if on cue, a huge stream of fire emerged, centered around a red haired boy (Shinku) like a flaming snake, with extreme hostility. There was no precursor incident (aside from Azaken's brainwashing from earlier that morning), and no trigger. It just happened immediately, and then struck out towards the audience. Its brilliant flames flaring with life....and then, several swords launched out from the flames and changed up the attack entirely.

But at that same time, a huge gust of wind seemed to knock the flames away and restore piece, even blowing the figure who had been hidden by fire and smoke out of sight...

"Whew...that was close...now, stay still!"

In truth, Jaune had just sped Shinku to the opposite side of the room to get out of eyesight while he figured out what the hell just happened. Of course, most people might miss it, but anyone with exceptional perceptive abilities might have noticed.

Iviri was still confused about what happened, but so where many others. Ixa just stayed by Elysia and hoped to not get involved. Plus, he was not a big fan of fire.

However, it was at this point that the leader of the Mage's Guild, Aedrious Gale, appeared.

"Do not worry. Sometimes, magical anomalies happen in these areas. Please stay calm and know that you are in no danger here, as the security people already had barriers and other countermeasures deployed to deal with the situation if needed. Now then, since I am here, and you are all here, does anyone have any questions about the Grand Magi Games that will be hosted soon?"

Despite his age, he spoke loudly and clearly to everyone, and given his height, towered over most if not all of the people there.

Rayia made her way at last into the mage guild hq. Mages of all sizes and sorts where rushing around to get sighed up and settled in. Any that could sense it would feel a darkness coming from Rayia has she walked into the hq. The Red armored figure of Kassandra soon joined her side have had finished filling out the docking paper she joined her mistress.

"Some of these are just kids..." Muttered Kassandra.

Rayia was silent making her way to the nearest table. "So is this where I sign up?"

Needless to say, Demor was a little surprised by being warped to the Mages Guild Headquarters via portal stone... or whatever it was that got him here. Landing on his stomach, the Male Drachini rolled to his feet, and then stretched out his body, now fully relaxed and clean from his time at the baths with Iviri and Jaune. His tail swished out behind him, likewise stretching as he yawned, revealing sharp teeth. As he finished he licked his lips and crossed his arms over his chest, blinking slowly.

Looking around, Demor took in the area around him, and each individual he could see, or smell, or even just magically sense. There was a massive amount of magic energy in the area, and he sensed that the games would prove to be quite the spectacle to be a part of, let alone to watch. A bolt of lightning sparked around his body, arcing around his shoulder as he became eager, and he shivered with excitement.

"Well, that's one way to make an entrance I suppose..." he commented finally before turning to Iviri, offering the boy his tail to help him to his feet if he hadn't already made it there yet.

Norme, currently seated in a chair, finished filling out his form as Jezebeth peered over his shoulder, an inquisitive eye trained on the paper.

Well, Norme, it seems the host has made himself known. He's got a powerful aura though, so you'd best be on guard.

Norme looked up and filled out the last part of the sheet, completing it.

Urgh. Just being in the room with him is oppressive. Well, we'd best listen carefully. Some questions may give us the information we need to take note of.

Norme glanced at one of his gloved hands, a look of determination crossing his face as Jezebeth placed her own like hand on top of his, surprising him. The faint glowing marks embedded in each were identical.

Jezebeth...

Oh, my Norme. Remember we share our power, and my power is far more intense than any lowly demon you may have ever known; it's a power you have to your name as well. We'll succeed for sure, and I've got your back as long as you have mine. That's a part of this connection, right?

Yes. You're right. I think he's about to speak more, let's ready ourselves, and commit everything he says to memory.

Brand chuckled at the flaming apparition that had appeared. He was as lost as anyone else in guessing where it had come from but he felt motivated to take a humorous approach to the situation.

“Pyromancers, am I right?” he remarked. Whether his joking was appreciated was little concern to him, so long as he wouldn’t get in trouble with the authorities. Well, at least not too much trouble.

His attention however was mostly focused on the arrival of new mages directly into the room that had just occurred. Having now registered he thought he might as well get to know the other contestants, if they were social anyway.

“Well, that was more unusual than taking the front door!” he joked as he approached Demor and Iviri.

"And here we are, the moment we have all been waiting for! The Grand Magi Games has begun! Here in the QuestZone Colosseum at Questrios, we are here now to celebrate, or participate, or just enjoy the Grand Magi Games! I am your well known reporter, Trisha Adler, here with ONINet, the Original News Intelligence Network! We are here live for the very start of the event, hosted by the Mage's Guild, and sponsored by more companies and organizations then I can say in one go! So you can see the list of sponsors below, and probably across the stadium on various ads! In addition, I believe those companies and organizations have even offered to pay all of the expenses for certain contestants in exchange for wearing clothes that feature their brand! Now...oh, look! The Guildmaster, Aedrios Gale, is standing up from his center position to make a speech!"

ALl of the cameras cut to the center judges table, where Aedrios Gale had stood up.

"We are here today to let everyone here today use their magic to their fullest. Remember, today, it is not just about magical strength! It is about creativity, cunning, cleverness, charm, aesthetics, talent, skill, hard work, and so much more! For we are not just brutish warriors or powerful artillery, we are those who have honed and mastered our gifts to their fullest! We are those who had taken our talents, our aims, beyond what most view our gifts as being used for! We are those who will seek out the unknown, find unexpected ways to use what we have, and aspire for greatness beyond simple means!"

With those words, he sat down. It appeared for today, the judges would be Head Mage's Guild Leader Aedrios Gale, Second Prince Acara Verrevia, and Local Mage's Guildmaster Donna Roux. Meanwhile, in terms of announcers, there was Allo Aurios, the reporter herself Trisha Adler, and Lyrian LeCross.

"Now then, lets go and watch the contestests as they come on out!" she announced, and surely enough the contestants hurried onto the field. There had to be at least one or two hundred, a large number to keep track of, with mages of all types. Men, women, old and young, it seemed like people across the galaxy had come to compete. Some even looked rather intimidating and scary, as if they had experienced hundreds of battles and wars.

ANd in the center of all that, the Master of Ceremonies, Sola Arken, stepped onto...

"Oh my...look! Its Sola! Sola, sign my cup!"

"Sign my shirt!"

"Sign my napkin!"

Suddenly, the audience went into a blitz for someone who was not even competing. That was just how popular Sola was as a pop idol.

"Now now, calm down everyone! Otherwise, I wont be able to do my bit and get the games underway!" he told everyone with a charming wink. The audience calmed down in an instant, far quicker then anyone else had expected to be possible. "Now then, I am here to announce the first event for the competitors! That is right, the first one right off the bat! After all, we have too many people here right now to introduce everyone! And iv been told that it is rather fitting I introduce this one...because event number one is a talent show and popularity contest!"

With that, the crowd cheered even more until Sola waved at them to let him continue.

"After all, while the Mage's Guild has plenty of people who can fight, the primary focus is not fighting but magic! The Grand Magi Games is about magic and creativity, about spirit, not about who is stronger! So, here is the deal! You gotta use your magic and abilities to put up a great show, dazzle the crowd and get their interest, win their hearts! Be charming and sweet, cool and composed! But don't worry, because its not just a popularity contest but also a talent contest! You can pass either by getting enough votes from the crowd, or by impressing the judges with your talent! So make sure you stand up, but do remember to play it safe! Be fair everyone, and I will appear afterwards! And if everyone behaves and enjoys the game properly, I even get to be in charge of the halftime show!"

And with that, Sola Arken hopped off the stage and into the back, since he was told this event would be impossible if he remained in the crowd's sight apparently.

And of course, as if by fate, pretty much everyone who was at the Mage's Guild together earlier would be going up with the first group...though it was pretty much guaranteed many of them had not expected the first event to be like this.

Emerin looked at Altian, and had a wicked and playful smile. "I got a great idea!"

Jaune meanwhile looked at Shinku, and had a mischevous grin. "Game on".

Allo just sighed, and hoped no one would trigger his ability.

Nao started to do some stretches before anything began.

Iviri meanwhile was rooting from the sidelines, though he was not sure who he should be rooting for. Demor? Ixa? Rivyan? So he rooted for all three.

Ixa just looked back at Elysia. "I think this will be a ton of fun!"

Azaken meanwhile may have used his highest of stealth and discression ability, and pumped a small amount of an oderless, colorless, soundless, tasteless hallucinogen into the field to see what sort of mayhem would occur...though, when he saw everyone else get pumped up, he couldn't help but decide to compete for real.

Luna and Astral were also doing stretches, as they glared at each other from their friendly rivalry.

And Cyrus was preparing himself for a grand show, interested in participating in such an event. Teh revelation of the first event had only pumped him up more actually.

And so, the Grand Magi Games....began!