The seaside of Coastal City is a tourist location filled with hotels and tourist traps, occasionally downtown in the urban housing district the sounds of dominoes falling and cards being slapped down can be heard with laughter, light arguing, and clinking of bottles as atmosphere. Inside the Dolphin Hotel Exhibit Hall sees Don Onyx hob-nobbing around with dignitaries and people in masquerade, big smiles and shining cuff-links; business cards and greasy palms. In the backdrop sees staging for his press conference of the competitors. The Emerald Championship is shining in the center of the tables surrounded by microphones and flowers as the stars have yet to take their seats.

Man in a masquerade: Mr. Onyx, we certainly have great expectations for your event.

Don Onyx: It’s going to be a big event, lots of cash to be earned and women to kiss. Or men if that’s your pleasure. I hear you’re a big fan of certain baked meals…

Man in a masquerade: We don’t talk that business Mr. Onyx. Not here.

The man in the masquerade was visibly upset as Don Onyx patted his back.

Don Onyx: I’m only teasing, only teasing. This will be a clean promoted event. So many of the sports in this world are too narrow focused, not seeing the forest for the trees. I plan to change that. Promoting is about promoting a product. I got my start promoting garage bands, bought and sold contracts to make my fortune.

Man in a masquerade: And buying debt contracts as well.

Don Onyx: Broad Strokes my friend, broad strokes. Ah! Here come my stars.

The two were nearly blinded by the backflash of the camera as they captured the competitors entering the hall.

Norman Rhineholdt, Eagleland’s Chess Champion, from Valentine he dabbled in Chess in High School. When the country’s competition for chess announced their tournament, his mother encouraged him to sign up. And by the surprise of everyone, including himself, he won the competition. The All Eagleland Boy hoping to win the Emerald Title for his mother.

Bartholomew Pudgrey Esquire, Foggyland’s Chess Champion, from Winters at the Snow Wood Boarding School. An eighth generation Pudgrey of the region that had the pressure from his family to upload the name’s standard. His father a banker, his grandfather a banker, so on and so forth. Instilled to have deep knowledge of numbers and planning. Chess was mandatory to become an expert, his great great great great grandfather held the World Chess Championship for 30 years. High standards for the young man, who’s destined to face Norman in the future.

Hector Juanito, the World Middleweight Champion of Boxing as recognized by World Boxing Enterprise. Hector is your average athlete that made a name for himself in Anuac Boxing, Holding the Anuac Athletic Commission Middleweight Title since he was 17 until he challenged for the World title at 21, beating the previous champion Marvin Dempsey in the 5th round by TKO after a punch burst open Marvin’s eyebrow. The Emerald Championship is just a forward goal, no resting on laurels.

George Vanny is the WBE #2 Ranked Middleweight Boxer, brought into the Onyx Cup to essentially be Hector’s dance partner. George is from the Northeast of Eagleland, also growing up near a coastline he’s familiar with training for this type of environment. Going through the ranks, George hasn’t had standout victories but he’s been consistent at getting the judge’s decision.

Tom Hiddleston, the Eagleland Fighting Championship Heavyweight Champion came from Twoson in the Midwest of Eagleland. A regular Joe who helps out at the Meager Livin’ Farm near Peaceful Rest Valley. Was an Amateur wrestler in college, not quite making it very far in tournaments. Really bloomed once he was taken under the wing of a Judoka who was scouting at the wrestling matches. When EFC started, they were desperate for fighters and Tom was one of the first applicants. There he faced Jiu Jitsu and Karate fighters until winning his big championship match against Charles Lidel. With no defenses yet, he hopes to win the Emerald Championship to establish his validity as a fighter.

Franky Dental, the Heavyweight Champion of PRODE in Edo. He’s a naturalized citizen of Edo after meeting his wife there 12 years ago. Franky was formally a bouncer for a club in Kamurocho, and was pushed to try PRODE as a hobby after winning some underground fights. He makes good money, and that’s all he’s hoping for as his wife is pregnant with their 2nd child. That’s why he joined the Onyx Cup, the signing bonus check alone allowed them to live in Edo comfortably for at least 8 months.

Mick Gage the old stalwart of the upper Northeast Independents, and a former VBW Champion. Mick is here for one thing and one thing only, violence and drugs. He already plans on selling the Emerald Championship at a pawn shop.

Gale Earndhart the 3rd, the legendary racer in southeast of Eagleland. His father and grandfather were racers for most of their lives. Driving anything with wheels. Stock cars, go-karts, Indy cars, you name it. Gale’s father is famous for narrowly escaping a hard crash into the wall at Daytona, if he was even a millimeter off, he’d have died. Racing for the Onyx Cup was approved by the Racing Commission of Eagleland as awarding points for the yearly Driver’s Cup. Racing is in his blood, it’s what he does. Nothing else matters.

Hakatakawake, real name Shoichi Ichiyama, is a sumo wrestler of the Ryukyu Kansai Stable. He’s relatively young for the sport at 20 but he’s got healthy knees and strong weight. He’s charmed the female audience with his good looks and strong muscles. His most famous picture is when his veins in his arm veins popped during a sumo match that went wild on Edoese Social media. He's humble about his success, using it when trying to advocate for the rights of Edoese Citizens against bureaucracy.

Don Onyx: Well, if you'll excuse me.

The man in the masquerade stepped back and into the crowd before disappearing, as Don Onyx took the stage with the competitors. All smiles and circumstance as they all seated for the press conference.

Reporter: Mr. Onyx! How much of a gate do you hope this event does?

Don Onyx: It’s my first event as a promoter, but our estimations are high!

Reporter: Mr. Hiddleston! The EFC apparently didn’t sanction this fight, according to Dana Wheft. Any comments on that?

Tom Hiddleston: I’m not defending the Heavyweight title so it shouldn’t be a problem. My contract with them isn’t exclusive or has no non-compete clauses.

Reporter: Mr. Vanny, do you expect this to also go to a judge’s decision?

George Vanny: Of course I’m going to try and go for the win, I’m not looking to leave it to chance. Kinda… kinda insulted you asked that.

Reporter: Mr. Onyx! Are you able to reveal Mr. Gage’s opponent?

Don Onyx: I am! And believe me when I say this is my crown jewel of this event!

Don Onyx stood up and extended his arm to the entrance, beaming with pride.

Don Onyx: Ladies and Gentlemen! I present to you! A Legend not only among Eagleland, but around the World! A Legend among the stars! A beast slayer, a giant among giants, a King in so many words! The husband of heralded beauty, and friend to a sensation of more! Half Bad, but all Dude! A World Champion of not just one, but three planets! The All Eagleland Eaglelander! Tack Angel!

Tack Angel & Makoto Angel walked through the entrance and was near blinded by the flash photography, he posed with his arms out yelling a triumphant roar as Makoto held his waist close to her. They walked up to the staging as Tack momentarily turned his back to the press to talk with Makoto, who rubbed his eyes for him gently, blinded by the flashes. Norman Rhineholdt actually stood up from his seat and shook Tack’s hand, apparently already a big fan. Gale Earndhart the 3rd apparently just laughed loudly at the whole event, amused by the introduction. Tack took a seat and Makoto sat on his lap, arm around his shoulders. Don Onyx was all smiles, as some of the other competitors were unamused.

Reporter: Mr. Angel! We certainly didn’t expect you here in Coastal City! EBW doesn’t come here, opting for beach locations like Summers.

Tack Angel: I didn’t expect it either, but I was made a generous offer. Makoto and I talked it over and thought it’d be a good idea. She’s really supportive.

Makoto leaned her head on his and rubbed his far arm, pressing her body against his.

Makoto Angel: I won’t be here for the event, just wanted to support him for today. I always wanted him to try new things, like he does for me. So we support each other in that aspect.

Mick Gage: Oh goody goody, got the two luv boids pawing at each other. Prick.

Tack & Makoto ignored the comment as they faced forward.

Don Onyx: I wanted the best of the best for this tournament and I got the best.

Mick Gage: You wanted the best and you hired this himbo with his bimbo wife?

Tack & Makoto Angel: Hey!

Tack Angel: That’s my wife you’re talking about pal, don’t call her a bimbo.

Makoto Angel: He’s not a himbo, he’s very kind and intelligent. He’s emotionally broad.

Mick Gage: Says the broad, hey since you’re dressed like a Goth IHOP worker, why don’t you fetch me a pancake stack, eh? Or would you rather give me your pancake you got up top there?

Tack stood up as Makoto hopped off his lap, before Tack could do anything Makoto went to move to slap him but was stopped by Hakatakawake.

Hakatakawake: Onigai ojou-san, yamete kure.

Makoto Angel: Hanashite!

Tack Angel: Hey get your hands off my wife!

Hakatakawake did release Makoto, but Mick Gage instigated by tossing his water glass towards Makoto, which was blocked by Franky Dental’s body, which got wet. Tempers were starting to flare, as Don Onyx smiled. Bartholomew Pudgrey Esq. already left the table without a word, as Hector Juanito pulled Mick Gage away.