The Unexpected Challenge

Camelot was alive with chatter and clinks of armor, the kind of buzz that made Merlin's brown eyes twinkle with curiosity. Today, the ancient city had a surprise up its sleeve. While arranging Arthur's sword, Merlin caught the distant shouts of the town crier announcing a grand competition. Now, who could resist Camelot's latest excitement?

"Merlin!" called Arthur, leaning against his favorite pillar. "I think you should enter the fantasy sport competition. Imagine the fun!"

"Me?" Merlin chuckled, fiddling with his untamed hair. "I'd rather cheer from the sidelines."

Arthur's grin was infectious. "Oh, come on! Embrace the challenge! We all know you're capable of surprises."

Merlin pondered, feeling the weight of what Arthur said. Could he do it? Should he?

Suddenly, the earth below vibrated with a deep rumble, almost causing them to tumble. "Did you feel that?" Merlin gasped, eyes widening. What was this foreboding shake under Camelot's soil? Would it change everything?

A Glimpse of Rivalry

Merlin stumbled towards the marketplace, his thoughts jumbled from the quake's aftermath. Arthur, ever the buoyant one, had been dashing towards him, urging him to start training for the competition. “You won’t know unless you try,” Arthur insisted, slapping Merlin's shoulder good-naturedly.

With a resigned sigh, Merlin wandered into the competition grounds. All around him, enthusiastic contestants were practicing and showing off their skills. Among them, a cloaked figure caught his eye. The person had a peculiar air about them, something Merlin couldn't quite place.

As Merlin prepared his entry, he noticed the cloaked figure flitting from contestant to contestant, their eyes gleaming with an unsettling intention. Merlin couldn't shake the feeling that this participant was using sly tactics. What if they were taking unfair magical means?

While Camelot's shaky soil still loomed in Merlin's thoughts, his attention began to share space with curiosity about the cloaked rival. Would this mystery opponent bring more than just competition?