I Only Tame Dragons

As Horizon and his team strode toward the grand field, every gaze snapped to them, drawn by the gleam of their high-tier equipment.

Their polished armor and weapons, far superior to the average silver-tier gear, caught the sunlight and the attention of every player around them.

"Who are they?" someone murmured.

"Which guild are they from?" another asked, squinting at their unfamiliar symbols.

"Isn't that the team of independent players? I think they're called . . . Nyx's group."

"What? No way—how'd they get their hands on that kind of equipment?"

"They look like a walking treasure trove," someone whispered darkly.

The stares grew sharper, assessing, and calculating. The competition was mere moments away, but the greedy glint in several players' eyes hinted at other ideas.

If it weren't for the competition's imminent start, some might already have tried to take that equipment for themselves.

However, they still have a chance as soon as the competition started.

Lydia shivered slightly, leaning toward Horizon. "Is it just me, or does everyone look like they're sizing us up?"

"Don't worry, my lovely Lydia," said Von, "they're just captivated by your beauty."

But everyone knew it wasn't just admiration in those eyes.

Without a powerful guild backing them, Horizon and his crew looked like prime targets. For independent players with no safety net, it was dangerous to flaunt such rare gear in an arena of competitors.

Despite the whispers and dark stares, Horizon and his team pressed forward, ignoring the growing tension.

"Whoa, there are so many players here," Lydia whispered as they entered the massive field.

Across the field, hundreds of players gathered in their respective groups, eyes glinting with the determination to win.

The crowd erupted into cheers as the host stepped onto the elevated platform, their voice booming through the arena, amplified by powerful magic.

The host wore an elegant, flowing coat adorned with symbols of past victors, their eyes gleaming with anticipation as they surveyed the gathered competitors.

"Welcome, champions, challengers, and fearless fighters!" the host called, silencing the crowd. "Today, you embark on a journey unlike any other—a competition that will test your skills, your wits, and your very will to survive! Now, before we begin, let's go over a few . . . essentials."

The host paused, letting the tension build. "Here, we have but one rule for you, simple yet unforgiving: you are only allowed to bring five items non-stackable with you beside your basic equipment."

Basic equipment meant an armor set, two weapons, one shield, and one accessory.

"That's right—just five for each player. We don't care what they are; they can be potions, extra weapons, enchanted trinkets, extra armor, even spell scrolls. As long as it's only five, you're good to go. This rule will be strictly enforced for each part of the competition, so choose wisely!"

The host raised a hand, their fingers crackling with magical energy, and continued. "Once the game begins, anything you find is yours to keep. Discover rare items, harvest mana stones, take down mighty beasts, and claim their loot—whatever you find within the competition grounds can become your advantage, your trophy, or even the key to survival in the trials ahead!"

They paused for effect, letting murmurs ripple through the audience. "Now, let's talk about the format. The competition is broken down into four stages, each more challenging than the last. In each stage, not everyone will make it to the next. The first part is . .

. The Elimination Run."

With a flick of their wrist, a shimmering map of the battlefield appeared, displaying twisting forests, dangerous cliffs, shadowed valleys, and high, towering walls.

"In this stage, you will race through a treacherous course filled with traps, lurking beasts, and, of course, other competitors. Anything goes. Use your skills, set up ambushes, form alliances—whatever it takes to get ahead. The only requirement is that you make it to the finish line alive within ten days!"

The host let out a sly grin. "But here's the twist: only the first half of you to cross the line will move on. For the rest . . . this is where your journey ends.

So remember, speed alone won't be enough. You'll need to stay sharp, be strategic, and watch your back. There's no mercy out there!"

Everyone was stunned—the Elimination Run was a bold new addition to this season's competition.

The stakes had never been higher, especially with the added twist: a time limit of ten days. That meant the battlefield stretched across a massive, unpredictable terrain with the exit hidden who-knows-where.

The battlefield was fraught with hazards—not just the traps and monstrous beasts scattered throughout, but the most lethal threat of all: fellow competitors.

This lengthy, grueling run meant alliances were inevitable. Larger guilds would naturally seek out other powerful groups, joining forces to strengthen their chances and immediately turn their focus on taking down smaller, less organized teams.

For solo players and weaker guilds, survival would depend on cunning, resourcefulness, and finding the right alliances before it was too late.

But physical survival was only part of the challenge. Ten days in the field meant limited supplies and constant danger. Food, water, and shelter would be as vital as weapons or magic items, making the choice of those five items even more crucial.

They could craft makeshift shelters, forage for fruits, and even hunt for meat from monsters they defeated—but the terrain was a complete mystery.

No one had any idea where they'd be teleported or what dangers lurked beyond the first step. Who knows if there was even food and water.

Each region might hold dense forests, desolate wastelands, frozen tundras, or blistering deserts, and adapting to these hostile environments would be a matter of survival.

Would they bring essentials for survival or arm themselves to the teeth? Would they favor defenses or gamble on offense?

The right choices could mean life or death in this brutal, merciless run.

And so, with hearts racing, each player steeled themselves, eyes set on the upcoming competition.

The crowd gasped and murmured as the host leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Do you have what it takes to survive? Are you prepared to face whatever lurks in the shadows? Then gather your courage, brace yourselves, and may the strongest among you rise to the challenge! Let the games . .

. BEGIN!"

With a roar from the crowd, the competitors readied themselves, weapons in hand and hearts pounding as they prepared for the Elimination Run.

From the ground, towering pillars etched with ancient runes rose, each one anchored by a high-ranking Elven mage.

The mages chanted in unison, casting an unbreakable Blood Oath to ensure that the competition was fair and no outside interference occurred that would tamper the competition.

Their magic opened a rift—a portal to a dimension beyond Eternia, untouched and unknown, where the players would face both the wilderness and each other.

Somewhere within that alternate realm lay the hidden exit. And they had only ten days to find it.

Before the contestants, a swirling, massive wormhole opened, shimmering with strange, foreign light. The host's voice echoed over the awestruck crowd.

"You have exactly one hour to decide on your five items," the host began, his voice booming. "Remember, this portal enforces the rules. If you attempt to carry in more than five items, the spell will detect it and block you from entry. Trust me—this is High Elven magic. Cheating won't work. Violators will be instantly removed from the competition and barred from future events."

The players exchanged wary glances, already calculating what they might need. The host continued, his tone turning serious. "Once inside, your groups will be scattered to random locations across the dimension. We've designed it this way to ensure that no massive alliances dominate the weak from the start. Every guild, every team, will have a fair shot."

The crowd murmured in excitement and anticipation as the host's words sank in.

"This isn't just a test of strength," he went on. "Survival, cunning, and adaptability will be your allies. Within this realm, food may be scarce, shelter even scarcer, and monsters—plentiful. There will be no safety nets. You will have to fend for yourselves, hunt for your own provisions, and build shelters where you can. Your only goal: reach the portal exit.

How you get there is up to you."

He paused, letting the magnitude of the challenge settle over the contestants.

"Take advantage of every opportunity. This arena was designed to be unforgiving but fair. So make your choices wisely—this hour is your last chance to prepare. Good luck, competitors! May your skill and spirit guide you to victory."

The players watched as the hourglass began its countdown. This was it—the true test awaited.

Horizon and his team huddled tightly, their faces intent as they reviewed their items one final time. The recent announcement had shifted their plans, forcing them to reassess each choice, weighing every item against the unknown challenges they'd soon face.

Each of them decided to bring a [Great Harvest Apple], the rare fruit of the Apple Tree Dragon. Massive in size, it would serve as their primary provision, enough to sustain them for days.

Beyond its hearty nourishment, the apple carried potent regenerative properties, capable of healing injuries and curing any debuffs—a true treasure, far surpassing any ordinary potion.

It's very handy in this competition.

For their second and third slots, they each packed an extra weapon and a backup piece of armor. This contingency was essential—if any of their equipment broke, was stolen, or lost in battle, they would always have a replacement.

No one could afford to be defenseless, not in this battlefield.

The fourth slot held a life-saving item, something unique to each of them, hand-picked to ensure survival in critical moments.

Finally, the fifth and last slot was reserved for a personal item. In Horizon's case, he had chosen his trusted Forging Tools.

Who knew what rare materials might lie hidden in this new world? If he encountered the right resources, he would be prepared to forge on the spot.

As the hour came to an end, the host's call rang through the air. Horizon looked at each member of his team, a fire in his gaze as he nodded. They were ready.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Together, they stepped forward, disappearing into the swirling portal, each bracing for whatever lay on the other side.