Silvergate's annual Rookie Tournament kicks off with a high-level Earth-tier treasure, the Fire Lotus, as the prize. Xavier faces Ethan Black, who shocks everyone by attempting to register an unrecognized beast on the spot despite protest from officials and mockery from other participants. Xavier vows to reclaim his lost honor by defeating Ethan and exposing him to Silvergate. As the tournament begins, tension mounts with the first round's opponents about to be randomly matched, leaving Ethan's surprising entry and Xavier's challenge unresolved.