It's a calm afternoon in the countryside near Aria, training in the forest behind my home, refining my magic in peaceful solitude.
At least, that's what I'd like to say. I think as the crowd erupts with loud cheers.
A couple of months passed and I'm now 10 years old, and at this very moment, I'm standing in a colosseum in a city known as Osraed which is located in the Tancred Kingdom.
I was reluctantly dragged here by my father, where I'm now attending a tournament where kids, that are in the same age group, fight each other in an arena.
The winners of each age group differ in this tournament, kids that are between the ages of 10 and 12 will get a monetary prize, whereas the kids that are 13 and 14, get a monetary prize along with a recommendation to attend the Tancred Academy in the capital.
Another thing about this tourney is that magic is strictly prohibited for the 10 to 12-year-old kids in the tournament, we are only using the sword skills that we've honed. Meanwhile, the older kids were allowed to use their magic during the tournament.
This Tournament was held in two separate venues with the different age groups fighting in their respective colosseums. So that meant my brother, who's also attending the tournament, was fighting in the other venue.
Although the kids still have a chance of getting into that special academy even if they lose, this tournament is a bigger deal to some of these families than I initially thought, it was like life or death for some of these kids and their parents.
As you might imagine I found the whole thing incredibly boring. There was no benefit to me since I'm fighting mere children that couldn't possibly keep up with me.
I almost feel bad because my father put me in this tournament knowing damn well that I will clear this tournament without fail. After all, I've been sparring with him with real swords as of late, as well as working with my mother in perfecting my magic control. So, it's guaranteed that the prize money is mine, which was probably my father's goal from the beginning.
"Our first contestant, coming from the South entrance, Touma Winter!" The announcer says.
My first somewhat official match is about to begin, standing in the middle of this in front of so many people. Some of the audience look like adventurers, they must be curious to see what the next generation has in store.
I've trained with Sebastian and some of the other kids at the school in Aria, although, I could never go all out on anyone besides my father. However, since the officials made precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the participants, I have no reason to hold back.
My opponent begins making his way out of the opposite entrance.
"And our second contestant, from the North entrance, Aldwin Roseberg!"
They gave us the option to choose our protective gear, and while I picked out some simple leather armor to not weigh me down... This kid is a walking disco ball.
"What's with all the glamour, kid?"
"Hey, we're the same age why you calling me a kid, kid?!" He shouts.
"Oh...my bad."
But seriously, it's probably just light armor but it can't be easy moving in that. Not to mention, that sword he's carrying looks seriously expensive. His parents are definitely rich.
Not surprising since most kids here that are participating are coming from rich families in different cities.
I looked up at my mother giving a small wave toward me among the audience, I simply raise my hand back to her.
Being older than me, my father felt obligated to watch Isamu over in the other colosseum.
Anyways, let's get this over with.
Standing just a few yards from each other, the official steps up.
"I will be the proctor for this match, before we begin, I must remind you; Attack and enhancement magic are prohibited, it will result in an automatic disqualification. Do you understand?"
"Now then, are both of you ready?"
We both nod.
"Begin!"
Unsheathing my sharp sword from my waist ready for battle. My opponent on the other hand could barely hold his sword steady.
His arms and legs shook as he stepped forward, he was more focused on keeping his balance.
It almost feels like I'm just about to bully this kid. I think as I lunge forward in the blink of an eye.
A sluggish diagonal counterattack, a lighter sword would do you some good.
The imbalance in his armor distribution made him too top-heavy, causing him to lose his balance. I guess his armor wasn't light, after all.
With just a simple jab to his chest plate, down goes my opponent.
"The match is over and the winner is, Touma Winter!"
This pitiful-looking kid was like a turtle stuck upside down, thanks to his armor. Giving a small bow, I proceeded to walk away.
This is going to be a while.
"Hey!"
I turn around to see him with just his undershirt on, and his armor and sword still lying on the ground. I stood silently wondering what he was about to say.
"Touma Winter! I'll beat you someday. Don't you forget my name, It's Aldwin Roseberg!" He proudly proclaims.
Giving a simple nod I continue walking back to my entrance.
"I mean it, I'll beat you someday!"
The trivial promise of a naive child. Although covered in flashy expensive armor and despite sounding like a cocky kid, he still seemed humble.
Yeah yeah, sure kid. Maybe one day in the far future you'll beat me.
Needless to say, I also received a lot of attention from the audience, that I wasn't necessarily planning on getting.
It's not like I could avoid it even if I wanted to hide my abilities, nonetheless, this tournament is going to be a long walk through a boring park.
However, while I'm completely confident in my own sword skills and have zero doubts in my mind that I will win this. It will be a different story for Isamu.