All present were the cream of the crop.

The best of their generation in their regions.

Thus, they naturally had the right to be arrogant, yet here, they could not.

It's not that they didn't want to, rather they couldn't afford to.

For the slightest bit of carelessness can easily result in their defeat.

Time passed on as all the remaining teams finally gathered.

Serra's team had also arrived.

"Hm... This is a grand gathering."

Lilia spoke solemnly.

The rest nodded.

"It's a pity that our reinforcements couldn't arrive in time."

Luisa noted.

"True. It would have eased the pressure."

Seileen said with a laugh.

"They'll definitely be fuming has they known it would be just as grand as the elders said."

Aies laughed playfully.

Serra merely smiled.

Haha... Apparently, this world is far more advanced than my own world... Then again, the benefits of a united world is that the talents of various fields could access each other's knowledge and combine it with theirs. After the unification of the world, this world entered a golden age in terms of technology.

He thought as he remembered his own world.

When I return... I'll have to act personally and hasten the advance of my world.

Just as Serra was thinking of improving is world, the noise suddenly quieted down.

In the main platform, an aged old man walked forward.

He had long white hair and a long white beard.

He was truly aged and ancient yet he seemed to emanate immense power.

Despite his wrinkled face, his eyes held a strong light, brimming with life.

All present stared at him in excitement, showing awe, reverence and respect.

The Founder, Ren.

The conqueror who united the entire world as one and raised a mighty empire that held the entire world in it's sway.

As those who live in this world, they couldn't help but feel respect and curiosity towards the true king of the world.

Serra was silent as he gazed at his old disciple who rose to prominence.

Though he seemed aged, he still saw the smiling face of the boy who used to help him around.

"Master, how should we handle todays work?"

"This fish is so delicious! Your cooking is so much better than that stinking chef! Shouldn't we own a restaurant instead of a pharmacy?"

"Master, Damian is looking for you again. He got injured in a fight earlier... Also, it's definitely not my fault!"

And, he remembered his eyes the time they separated.

"Master... Will you return here one day? Then I'll wait for you. When you return here, I'll end the chaos and become an emperor! By then, there would be no need for war! I won't cry. After all, I'm a man. Isn't that what you taught me?"

Such strong will along with a strong light resided within those eyes.

You've truly grown. Ren.

He thought.

As he gazed at him, he made sure to hide himself well.

He made himself seem ordinary.

Ren, the true ruler of the world, gazed at the teams participating with profound eyes.

"It's been many long years since the chaotic war that engulfed the world ended... And many years since this first tournament began. This tournament holds immense value not only for your future but also for the empire and our very world."

His words shook the hearts of all who listened except one person.

"Each tournament, there would be numerous talented youths. Dazzling figures who are destined to lead this world one day. Such figures are like rocks. Gold and jewels are hidden within stone and sand. Only with pressure could they possibly truly shine."

Everyone listened as emotions welled up in their eyes.

"And this tournament is that pressure. Through this tournament, I hope many of you present will ultimately shine. Prove to me that you're not rusted rock destined to fade into dust but jewels of the kingdom that will continue to shine for ages!"

His voice shook the heavens as numerous roars came out from the hearts of all present.

Amidst the thunderous cheers, Ren simply nodded calmly.

"Excellent! You all symbolize the hope of this empire, nay, the entire world! Let the tournament begin!"

With that, the opening remarks finally ended.