The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon as Eryk prepared for the first day of competitions. He tightened his grip on his sword's hilt, testing its weight, before letting out a slow breath. The events ahead would test his skills in more ways than one, and he needed to be ready. As he finished his preparations, a knock at the door drew his attention. It was Lord Lavelle.
"You'll need more than strength today, Eryk," his father said as he entered the room. "The competitions are as much about demonstrating our house's value as they are about winning."
Eryk nodded. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes."
…..
The arena was a sight to behold, its stone walls lined with grandstands filled with nobles who eagerly awaited the duels. The first event would be one-on-one matches, with each young noble showcasing their combat and magical abilities. As Eryk took his place among the competitors, he glanced at the other participants, assessing them as potential threats or opportunities.
His opponent was a young noble named Caelum, known for his skill with fire magic. As the match began, Caelum wasted no time unleashing a torrent of flame, forcing Eryk to dodge. The heat singed his clothes as he narrowly evaded each strike, and he could feel the instability in his magic flaring up.
Stay focused, he told himself. Drawing on his agility and unconventional tactics, Eryk used the arena's pillars as cover, darting from side to side while attempting to close the distance. When Caelum launched another blast, Eryk leaped over the flames, landing a quick strike on his opponent's shoulder with the flat of his blade.
Caelum staggered back, surprised by the sudden counter. Eryk pressed his advantage, combining small bursts of magic with rapid physical strikes, using the environment to keep his unstable magic in check. Though the victory was narrow, it was his.
…..
After his match, Eryk watched the other competitors closely. He took mental notes on their strengths and weaknesses, while also paying attention to the reactions of the older nobles observing from the stands. It was clear that the events were more than just a test of strength; they were a display of the next generation's potential.
Eryk exchanged a few words with some of the other young nobles, probing for information. He kept his tone light and his words vague, mindful of how easily an innocent conversation could be twisted into a rumor.
…..
The political discussions and debates followed soon after. Each young noble took turns presenting arguments or proposals, showcasing their knowledge and persuasive abilities. When it was Eryk's turn, he chose his words carefully, speaking of House Lavelle's history of resilience and future potential. His tone was measured, with just enough subtlety to hint at criticism towards those who sought to undermine them.
…..
As Eryk moved to leave the arena, Lilia approached him. Her expression was a mixture of concern and suspicion. "You're not giving it your all," she said bluntly. "Why are you holding back?"
Eryk gave a half-smile. "Let's just say I have a different strategy in mind. If you're curious, I'll tell you all about it—after you win three of the matches."
Her eyes widened in surprise, but the look on his face told her he wasn't joking. She hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. I'll do it." As she turned to leave, she paused, her voice softening. "Despite everything… I still love you, you know."
The unexpected confession left Eryk momentarily speechless. Lilia's cheeks flushed as she remembered their father's words, and she quickly stormed off, leaving Eryk scratching his head in confusion.
…..
Later, Eryk met Selene in a quiet corridor away from the crowd. She had news, as promised, but before she could share the details, Eryk posed a different question. "Tell me about the fundamentals of magic—the magic core, mana circuits… how does it all work?"
Selene raised an eyebrow. "You're asking now? Why?"
Eryk shrugged. "Just testing my performance. I want to see if I can use magic without relying on my Crimson eyes."
Selene sighed and began explaining. She described the magic core as the heart of one's magical power, while mana circuits acted like pathways for energy to flow throughout the body. She detailed how condensing and circulating mana could improve control and efficiency.
As Eryk listened, he couldn't help but compare her explanation to cultivation techniques he had read about in his previous life on that absurdly expensive PC he stole. The similarities were striking, though not identical. After Selene finished, Eryk decided to put the concept to the test.
…..
Standing alone in the corridor, Eryk took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He focused inward, visualizing the flow of mana within his body. He could feel it, raw and unstable, but there. Slowly, he began to condense the mana in his chest, then pushed it toward his hand in a steady stream. His skin tingled with the sensation of energy flowing through him.
When he opened his eyes, a faint glow surrounded his hand. It wasn't much, but it was a start. So it's possible, he thought. With enough practice, I might be able to stabilize my magic without the Crimson eyes.
…..
As the day's events drew to a close, Eryk reflected on everything he had learned. The competitions had shown him the strengths and ambitions of his peers, while his private discussions had revealed hints of a much larger game being played. He couldn't shake the feeling that the trials ahead would only grow more dangerous.