All players were invited to a special island created for esports' needs—Enheim.
It was so vast that it could store an entire country.
The island floated high in the skies, surrounded by puffy and calm clouds that stirred the hearts of any fantasy lovers upon coming in here. Ordinary folks and everyone else were astounded upon noticing the island's nest.
It was so serene and peaceful.
Conversely, the environment within Enheim's only city, which was named after the island, was different.
Getting close to its threshold was enough to hear various businesses' advertisements. The shouts inviting people to check the goods booming across the marble thoroughfare, bouncing off into the alleys and side roads.
Players could take over the empty facilities and buildings to start their businesses for the entire esports tournament! It had been a rat race to get the best spots!
The entire city was sculpted from marble, inspired by the mythology's Olympus, meaning players were the only ones who could taint the serenity of this place.
Their greed and desire to earn money and fame were enough to turn even the polished marble black.
"How did you get your spot here, Sushi God? It's so close to the arena that it's the best! You even managed to get a deal with drinking companies?!" a merchant player asked.
Sushi God broadly smiled, "It's because Archer is my client!"
Behind Sushi God was the enormous arena, enough to store at least eighty thousand players.
It was so white that it sometimes appeared like the gates to heaven. Unique intricate clouds hang around the arena, enhancing the simple view human brains can produce.
The arena was circular, with the white sand inside.
There was a smaller, circular arena for the participating teams to showcase themselves.
Of course, the event had yet to start.
The seats, however, were full as many players came here with their families and friends to watch the new esports event together. The rest could watch it from the restaurants, streets, or other places, so long as they remained on Enheim's boundaries.
If that was not to their liking, they could log out and watch from streaming services.
However, a special feature was about to be announced that would compel many who had logged out to return to the game to view the esports scene from within.
Inside the arena, in one of the participants' rooms, Casual Clowns were waiting for the opening ceremony.
Shaw stared at his game system.
He whispered, "It keeps going up... North America's Enheim is estimated to have at least three hundred thousand players. Online streaming services' combined number of views is close to one million! It didn't even begin!"
Prince chuckled, "Nervous, my rival? It's because the opening ceremony has our generation's most popular singer opening it. She has been given access to the game master's privileges to participate in the opening ceremony. Her art shouldn't disappoint. I pray she doesn't disappoint me."
"I'm only slightly nervous because we're coming out last! It's like everyone's eyes will be on us! We'd better just come out, wave at everyone, and start this event! Who cares about some singer?!" Shaw replied.
"See? You're nervous," Prince sneered.
While Shaw mostly talked and spit about numbers, everyone else silently sat and mentally prepared for the show. They were, of course, also stressed.
Only Prince didn't seem to be intimidated in the slightest.
The white steel defended his vital points and joints. The rest was encased in tight red leather armor, representing SWalker's original skill, which he was fond of.
At last, the opening ceremony began.
The darkness draped over the entire arena.
Various colors burst from the arena's floor.
And then, here she was, the most famous singer of the generation whose voice, beauty, and charisma had stolen the hearts of many men and women, boys and girls, elders and children.
Her performance was straight from the fairy tale.
She flew around like a fairy, coming close to everyone cheering at her. She waved, smiled, and took over the scene in its literal meaning. All effects prepared by the game company and her team paled compared to her.
She was The Enchantress, Kate.
After her performance and a few lesser-known artists, it was time for the esports event to start!
Only one person could begin it.
The Game Master Of North America's Department.
Her steps rang aloud as she walked to the rim of her balcony adjacent to the highest pillar of the white arena. In a few seconds, she appeared to everyone at the arena or watching from somewhere else.
Her long brown hair was held up in a bun.
Her complexion was pale, but that was what those game masters were known for.
She wore a friendly smile that appeared too benevolent to some as if she were personally thanking them for coming here despite her not even looking at them.
She wore a black tuxedo.
Because she was a well-endowed woman, the top threatened to pop open at any moment.
While many were drawn to that womanly part of her, Jake, Sin, and a few other participants narrowed their eyes at the status above her head.
[Bellamende(Game Master)(North America Division) Lv. ??? HP: ??? MP: ???]
'Just coincidence... or is there more to it?' Jake thought.
At the same time, Bellamende spoke.
Her voice reached everyone as though she had put headphones on everyone's heads.
"Enheim is delighted to host and welcome everyone here. It brings joy to my heart to see that so many of you are invested in the story of The Legend Enigma Online and interested in its competitive side. I'd love to express my thanks to everyone from the bottom of my heart."
She bowed. "Thank you for being a part of our story." She raised her upper body up and smiled at everyone. "It's time to make history in the competitive and friendly environment—esports! I'll expend care to ensure that competitiveness and enjoyment remain the main priority throughout the event, from The Seventh Division to The First.
The Seventh Division also holds a special meaning, as it's the first division to participate in the international tournament and face off against other continents, which has been impossible until now.
The Winner Of The International Tournament will be able to open a path to the other continent of their own choice for a month, on top of getting the prize."
Goosebumps went through everyone.