Adventure Time Rebellion: Fight for the Throne

Chapter 51: What in the World Is This? (1)

Unexpectedly—and without any prior announcement or warning—the Great Fire Queen issued a public decree that sent shockwaves through the Fire Kingdom: a combat tournament would be held, open exclusively to the most promising young talents the kingdom had to offer. The purpose behind it? Still an utter mystery. No official reason was provided. No hints. No explanations.

Naturally, this vacuum of clarity only fueled the wildfire of speculation.

In a land already brimming with heat and tension, the imaginations of the Fire people ignited. Everyone had their own version of the truth. Some believed it was a festival of blood and glory, a grand entertainment spectacle to distract the populace. Others whispered that the Queen was using the tournament to bolster the royal court's prestige and remind the other nations of its might. And some even went so far as to suggest that this was a quiet diplomatic move—an attempt to send a subtle message of peace and openness to the Golden Sun Sect.

Rumors spread like lava through the veins of the kingdom, morphing with each retelling. But no matter how loud or confident the theories became, not a single one came even close to uncovering the real truth—the one locked deep inside the guarded heart of the Fire Maiden herself.

What few knew, however, was that Finn had already signed up the moment registration opened. In fact, he was the very first name on the list.

According to the official announcement, the competition would cap at exactly 9,221 fighters. A very specific number, deliberately chosen and strictly enforced. Once the final slot was filled, that was it. No more. No exceptions. Not even a royal pardon could alter the registration cap.

But the real question burning in everyone's mind wasn't who could enter—it was what the victor would win.

According to the Fire Queen's right-hand and enforcer, the infamous Blazing Blade, the rewards for winning the Fire Dragon Tournament weren't just rare—they were unprecedented. The champion wouldn't merely walk away with a trophy or a meaningless title. No, they would claim the mantle of "The Fire Dragon"—a title with weight, history, and authority.

And the ceremony that followed? It would be held in the heart of the royal palace itself, overseen by the Queen in person. She would bestow the champion with a relic of immense value—a one-of-a-kind, high-tier shield forged from ancient materials and considered one of the palace's most treasured artifacts.

But that wasn't all.

The winner would also be given a position of significant influence within the palace hierarchy, working directly under the Blazing Blade himself—a rank that would place them among the kingdom's elite.

And as if that weren't enough, they would be awarded a quarter kilogram of Pure Star Crystal.

A quarter kilogram.

Even hearing it sounded unreal. The stuff was so rare it was practically myth. To offer that much at once bordered on the insane.

And for that exact reason... it raised suspicion.

It sounded too good. Too deliberate. Too tempting.

Finn knew that better than anyone.

Sure, he wanted that shield—he could already imagine how powerful it must be—and yes, the Pure Star Crystal would supercharge his progress like nothing else. But the truth was, there was another motive behind his decision to enter.

He wanted an audience with the Fire Queen.

A direct meeting. Face to face. He didn't know what would happen after that—he wasn't trying to predict the outcome. He wanted to leave room for the unknown. Let the moment surprise him.

Two weeks remained until the tournament began. That meant just fourteen days to grow stronger.

No excuses. No distractions. If he wanted to stand a chance against older, more experienced combatants—some of whom might be up to ten years his senior—he had to push himself beyond his current limits.

Yes, he was considered a prodigy. A freakishly powerful force for someone his age. But raw talent wouldn't be enough. Not here. Not with what was at stake.

He sat quietly atop a massive rock on the outskirts of the Fire Kingdom, surrounded by scorched hills and volcanic winds, staring out at the horizon with his thoughts spinning. He waited—hoped—for a sudden quest trigger. Maybe Sika would drop something on him. Maybe a monster would attack. Something. Anything.

Nothing happened.

He let out a long, tired sigh.

Apparently, if he wanted to grow stronger, he'd have to do it the old-fashioned way: go back to Ooo and train. No shortcuts. No miracles. Just sweat and effort.

Maybe he'd stumble onto something useful there, something to push him past his current ceiling. But for now, the answer was clear.

Time to head back.

Of course, part of him had hoped—fantasized even—about sneaking into the Fire Palace just to meet the Fire Princess again. Maybe catch her off-guard, force a conversation.

But reality crushed that dream fast.

Compared to the Candy Kingdom, this place was built like a fortress. Its defense systems, elite warriors, and mana sensors were on a completely different level.

In many ways, the Candy Kingdom thrived on its political and economic leverage. It didn't need overwhelming power to dominate. Its influence came from strategy and technology.

But the Fire Kingdom? It ruled by force. By sheer, scorching might.

And yet... that contrast was exactly what made the Candy Kingdom so formidable in its own right. Without brute strength, it had still managed to lead most of Ooo, coordinate allies, and keep its crown shining at the top.

Even Finn had to admit—silently, to himself—that what he pulled off back in the Candy Kingdom was a fluke. A once-in-a-lifetime miracle.

The heavenly luck that had smiled on him that day? Enough to crown a thousand dogs as kings.

The giant guard who died first hadn't even activated his final combat mode. He'd thought the situation didn't warrant it. There weren't many guards that night, and the banana guards? Laughably weak.

The second guard did trigger his ultimate move—but died within minutes. If he'd lasted longer, Finn would've been in serious trouble.

And the binding spell that had momentarily trapped him? Pure magic—not a tech lock. That was the only reason Sika had been able to break it so easily.

In short, the Fire Kingdom wasn't the Candy Kingdom.

And if Finn tried to repeat his little break-in stunt here—at his current level—he'd be annihilated.

So this tournament? It was his golden ticket. His one real shot at getting in.

And that meant he had to win. No matter what it took.

No matter who he had to beat.