At the crack of dawn, the long-awaited day of the Universal Tribes' Tournament finally arrived.

Excitement and anticipation had been built for weeks as people made diligent preparations for the epic event. The tournament was to take place within an expansive coliseum with Central Continental serving as the grand venue.

The activation of gateways from all corners of the globe beckoned tournament attendees and exclusive visitors to freely explore the sprawling expanse of the Universal Truce of Unity.

Even for those who opted to remain in their respective settlements, live broadcasts, and radio transmissions ensured that they did not miss out on this exclusive event.

The tournament's venue attracted numerous distinguished guests and competitive fighters from all over the world, who arrived via the massive gateway stationed outside the walls of Central Continental City.

As customary, all superhuman individuals were stripped of their abilities upon entering the city, rendering them as common as any ordinary human being. Unity Guards of Central Continental City were stationed before the gateway, maintaining vigilance to prevent any troublemakers.

This measure was taken to minimize violence and conflicts among individuals in the city while ensuring that law and order were maintained.

***

David and Milla made a successful entry into the city of Central Continental through its accessible gateway. As they stepped inside, they were taken aback by the throngs of people streaming in alongside them.

(Hmm, this event is truly not an exaggeration,) they both thought within themselves.

However, David, upon sensing a sudden suppression of his abilities as he entered the city, felt bewildered. It was his first time in the Universal Truce of Unity, and he was completely unaware of the city's rules and operations. Sensing his confusion, Milla, who was more knowledgeable about the city, offered to guide him as they journeyed further.

MILLA: "Do not worry about your abilities. It's natural to have them get suppressed here." she assured him.

DAVID: "[Examines his body.] Mmm, I see. But how do you get to know of this?.... You've been here before?" David asked in curiosity.

MILLA: "No, not really. But I've heard vast rumors about this city and its wonders. I even once read about it in a book, you know?" Milla replied, shrugging her shoulders.

DAVID: "I never knew you could be this knowledgeable," David complimented her.

MILLA: "Well, the Behugas aren't just savages. But thanks, anyway," Milla responded, adorning a slight smile on her face.

As she and David made their way toward the inner sanctum of Central Continental, they eventually arrived at the main entrance to the tournament.

Two Unity Guards stood watch at the entrance gate, overseeing a lengthy queue of people waiting to pass through the security machine stationed there. This machine was designed to discern between regular guests and tournament contestants, granting access based on their specific requirements and qualifications.

When it was David and Milla's turn to be scanned, the machine swiftly ran a check on them. However, to their dismay, they were both rejected as soon as the scan finished. An error message flashed on the screen, indicating that they were not yet qualified as a team. David quickly understood the reason for the rejection and resolved to rectify the issue.

Disappointed but undeterred, the two teenagers quietly stepped out of the line to search for additional team members to join them in the tournament.

David scanned the crowded surroundings, looking for two more individuals to form a complete team. After a while of searching, he finally spotted two young people - a boy and a girl - standing at a distance to his left. Feeling relieved, he approached them.

The boy had tousled blonde hair and warm brown eyes, appearing to be around the same age as David and Milla. Meanwhile, the girl sported raven-black hair with striking ruby eyes, appearing younger than the others, more akin to an adolescent than a teenager.

Sensing that the two kids were likely facing the same situation as him, David took the lead, anticipating a conversation.

David drew the attention of the two kids with a small wave before introducing himself and Milla. He extended an invitation to the duo to join forces with him for the tournament.

The boy, with tousled blonde hair and warm brown eyes, introduced himself as Austin, a member of the esteemed Daywalker family.

The girl, with raven-black hair and intense ruby eyes, introduced herself as Kiki, one of the youngest members of the prestigious Sunaro family.

Both Austin and Kiki greeted David and Milla with courteousness and nobility, reflecting their high-status backgrounds.

Though the duo were skeptical about David's proposal, they had no choice but to hesitantly accept his offer as team members for the tournament; given the fact that time was not on their side.

With Austin and Kiki agreeing to become his teammates, David proceeded with them back to the line, accompanied by Milla to retake the qualification scan.

As the screening reached David's turn once again, the machine began scanning him and his teammates. This time, the scan was successful, and the AI deemed David and his crew qualified for the tournament. However, before allowing them to proceed, the AI prompted them to register a team name for themselves.

David paused briefly, gathering his thoughts before proposing a question to Austin and Kiki. He asked them about the superhuman hierarchies they currently identified with, hoping it would spark inspiration for a suitable tag team name. However, Austin and Kiki appeared perplexed by David's question, unsure of how their hierarchical status could contribute to the task at hand. Despite finding the latter's request somewhat unconventional, they decided to humor him and provided their answers.

AUSTIN/ KIKI: "[Glance at each other before facing David once more.] We are both at the brawler stage of the saint realm's hierarchy." they both answered in unison.

Following Austin and Kiki's response, David finally came up with a suitable team name. He unveiled a sly smile of confidence, before turning back to face the machine.

DAVID: "We are the 'Pack of Brawlers' and I'll be taking leadership of the team," he gave his response.

After evaluating David's words, the machine swiftly granted him and his newly-formed team access to the coliseum.

Austin and Kiki brimmed with excitement as they finally gained access to the coliseum. Both had faced opposition from their families, who deemed them unworthy of competing. However, by ignoring their families' warnings, they were determined to find a way into the tournament. Now it seemed like their perseverance finally paid off upon encountering David.

Happy to be part of the participants, Austin put on an egotistical attitude and leaned to David's side, casually draping his arm around his teammate's neck with a self-assured smile on his face. Starting a conversation, he's tone took on a slightly cocky edge, his confidence shining through.

AUSTIN: "Be grateful, dude. You just found yourself the most amazing Crestivenian fighter from the Land of Flames." Austin bragged with a wide grin on his face, his teeth almost sparkling stars.

DAVID: "Of course. Who am I to disagree?" David retorted, sarcasm obvious in his tone.

AUSTIN: "Heh, so you doubt me? Don't you know why I was refused from joining the tournament? My family knew that my participation would--"

MILLA: "--Inevitably spell your quick defeat, hence bringing shame and dishonor to the family's name?" Milla abruptly completed the sentence, erupting a slight chuckle.

AUSTIN: "[Face flushes with embarrassment.] W-what? Mind your tone, damsel. That can't be true? I'm the best of best. Else, why would you both come begging me to join you?" he defended himself, denying Milla's remarks.

DAVID: "... Because you needed as much help as we did. But more importantly, something tells me that you could be more than meets the eye," David interjected, seemingly posing a calm smile.

Austin's face lit up upon hearing David's words. He eagerly kept the conversation going, occasionally drawing Milla and Kiki into the discussion as well.

As they approached a massive entrance within the coliseum, David was awestruck by the bustling crowd of both humans and superhumans gathered there. He and his team made their way down a corridor but unexpectedly, they collided with another group of contestants.

A sudden commotion erupted as a pack of competing fighters burst forth from the bustling crowd, heedlessly jostling past David and his crew.

The contestants strode forth with an air of unbridled confidence, radiating an aura of domineering prowess. At the forefront of this motley crew was none other than Bernard, oozing with conceit and disdain.