“You’ll notice each construct has a unique style,” the Alpha said as she began to explain what we were watching. “Although each Hindel will manifest a construct unique to them, the type of structure will fall into three classifications.

“The first will be the contestants that create a realistic representation of what you might find if you swam the ocean’s depths. The reefs, plant life, and fish are all modeled on real life.

“The second type will create a vignette based on fantasy or horror. Sea monsters, serpents, and Krakens will populate these constructs.

“The final type will add realistic weather effects to their constructs. Hurricanes, whirlpools, and tsunamis will add depth and motion affecting the ocean itself.”

“What about this one,” I asked using my control over the arena to highlight and expand a construct that I found fascinating.

The Hindel had created an area that took advantage of the ocean depths, and surface waters - crashing waves, and skies raged within a storm. A ship battled the weather and water, caught in a whirlpool as the tentacles of a Kraken tried to sink it.

Explosions of spirit stones launched from cannons and ship sails filled with wind aspected Qi fought against the elements and the monster. A battle of endurance that the ship and those powering the ship were slowly losing.

Each revolution of the whirlpool drew it closer and closer to the center of the whirlpool and oblivion. The Kraken only hastened the ship’s demise by destroying masts and yardarms as it flailed tentacles madly to gain purchase.

“That is a construct using all three classifications. It is one of the hardest to create, made even harder because the Hindel decided to create an actual battle scene. The need to fight weather, wave, and monster requires a finely honed skill and a mind capable of projecting the intricate details the changes of each type of construction will have upon the other,” the Alpha answered.

I wasn’t certain if the tone I heard in her voice was one of surprise or satisfaction. She did seem impressed with the thought and ability that went into building something that was so intricate. The precision required and the intelligence needed to adapt the projected model over time required the ability to multi-task, probably proof that that specific Hindel had learned to partition his mindscape.

Some signal must have been given that I hadn’t detected because the display we were watching began to morph. The ship still battled for survival, but the edges of the construct began to morph, moving to absorb the modeled worlds that it abutted.

“The finalist for this competition will be the last ten Hindel to remain, the others eliminated if their constructs are destroyed or absorbed. The ability to maintain the model that you have created, while expanding your area of control requires a steadiness of will and emotion that is vital for any consort.

“Whoever claims the position will be responsible for my guards, the safety of my pod, and able to answer any challenge to my right of rule. They will also become a father to my offspring, our children fed Queen’s milk and automatically enrolled in pods of Hindel that have been blessed with luck and the ability to raise a new generation of Alpha and Consort.”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Does a consort serve as a Dao companion then?” Wu Chen asked.

“He does. We will merge our cultivation techniques, his control over water and sound supporting my control over mind and karma,” Alpha answered unhesitatingly, not concerned about what others might do with that information.

Prince Wu Chen seemed surprised that she answered so easily. Perhaps, the Alpha’s he had interacted with before had not been so open about their society. That they were willing to share this information now might relate to the effort I had made to make them welcome and my willingness to shape the arena so that they could compete in this tournament.

The changes to schedule and structure were easily accomplished, but the Alpha might see that differently. My willingness and ability to host the event that would decide her Consort might be considered no small favor.

“You can see some of the weaker competitors already losing control of their constructs,” the Alpha pointed out. “The event is open to everyone, but we don’t coddle them. If they want to compete, they have to face those Hindel that are powerful, talented, and well trained.”

We watched in fascination as the different vignettes began fighting against each other. Scenes of pods of whales swarming and attacking monsters became common. The initial construct that I had noticed was most effective in destroying his neighbors. The whirlpool that he had created enlarged as he encroached on other’s territories, becoming a giant maw of relentless appetite.

Strangely, no matter how many neighbors that Hindel managed to eliminate, the ship that he had constructed to fight the elements and the Kraken continued to fight. Its desperate drive to escape was punctuated with the occasional flash of explosion as it continued to launch spirit stones and cores to buttress its attacks.

The sheer determination it took to battle other contestants to claim their projected models while maintaining the control and precision to keep that ship from being claimed by the whirlpool or destroyed by wave or Kraken was impressive. I didn’t know what events were planned after this one but based on the strength of will exhibited during this battle, I would bet on this person to win it all.

“Do the Hindel engage in betting?” I asked now that I had thought of it. “And if they do, do they bet on events like this?”

“We do,” the Alpha replied, “I, of course, need to remain neutral today, but my staff and aids have placed bets on a few of their favorites.”

“I’ll have to remember that next time,” I lamented, “If you have anyone that can supply a list of names, and the odds that have been set, I think you will find Elves happy to part with their money.

“I would certainly bet a few cores on that Hindel,” I said as I focused on him as he continued expanding his domain.

“Akil,” Alpha said turning to her aid, “inform the bookmakers to provide odds for the remaining two events. Have them set up a temporary post at one of the booths Baroness Jai has provided. It will be informative to see how the Elves access this event, another olive branch the Baroness has offered to elevate our standing.”

“Zui,” I replied instantly not to be outdone by the Alpha and before the Prince or Patriarch could interfere, “have Bob configure a passage to the betting booths for the Hindel. Allow them to collect bets, and once the odds for the next matches have been determined, have our own people allow betting with those same odds.

“We will not charge or collect any of betting the profits for those two events. All monies collected as bets are to be turned over to the Hindel. They will be responsible for payouts and the accounting necessary to determine how interested our fellow Elves are in something like this.

“Gwen, have an arena-wide announcement made once this phase of the competition is over letting those in attendance know about the additional betting opportunity.”

The Patriarch was doing an admirable job of hiding her emotions and thoughts, Wu Chen not so much. He was barely managing to suppress his rage, the jealousy he felt at the easy interaction between the Alpha and me ready to explode.

I understood his anger. I really did.

The demands for change that the Hindel had already made concerning interactions between our two species were already fomenting anger and resentment. Watching me interact with the Alpha and seeing me bridge the divide between our two people again, and so effortlessly must have been infuriating