Kelvar stepped into the training circle, his purple tentacles coiling tight against his body. The warrior clans of Tetrelis would follow him only if he earned it. Today, he would prove himself again. A challenger waited across the dirt floor, fists raised. Kelvar's blue skin caught the light as he moved forward. His mother's human blood made some doubt him, but his strength would silence them. He wanted absolute loyalty from every clan. Nothing less would do. The challenger lunged. Kelvar's tentacles shot out, wrapping around the warrior's arms and legs. He lifted the fighter off the ground and slammed him down hard. Dust rose from the impact. The warrior pit had seen countless fights, its edges lined with weapons and armor from past battles. Alien crystals jutted from the walls, reflecting the struggle. Kelvar pinned his opponent with one tentacle across the throat. The challenger tapped the ground twice. Kelvar released him and stepped back. Around the pit, warriors from different clans watched in silence. Kelvar turned toward them, his crystal crown catching their eyes. Beyond the training grounds stood his palace, all dark blue stone and gold trim. Blue flames burned at its entrance, never going out. This was where he would gather every clan leader when the time came. But first, they needed to see what he could do. He walked to the center of the pit and raised one hand. A bell tower loomed nearby, its dark structure covered in thorny vines. Kelvar nodded to a guard, who pulled the heavy rope. The bell's deep sound rolled across the land, calling more warriors to come. They would all see him fight. They would all know his strength. One day, every clan on Tetrelis would answer when he called.