Lucius sighed as he stepped out of his dorm room, already dreading the day ahead. He had barely gotten a moment of peace since arriving at Valtherion Academy, his encounter with the protagonist, had left him contemplating on what to do next. As the door slid shut behind him, he was startled by a familiar face standing in the hallway.
Ash Braker, was waiting for him with a cheerful grin. "Hey, Lucius! Ready for class?"
Lucius blinked, feeling an odd sense of dread. Was-Was this guy waiting for me? Seriously?
"Uh… yeah," Lucius muttered, trying to keep his expression neutral, though inside he was spiraling. Great. Just what I needed—more time with the protagonist. I'm definitely screwed.
Ash fell into step beside him as they made their way to their first class. Lucius did his best to remain quiet, hoping Ash wouldn't pry too much. But the incessant chatter and enthusiasm emanating from Ash's side were impossible to ignore.
"I'm a little nervous for our first class, what about you?" Ash asked, his eyes bright with excitement.
Lucius glanced at him and forced a nod. Yeah, exciting. Like watching a train crash, knowing your on board.
As they walked, Ash continued to speak about the possibilities, his optimism unshakable. Meanwhile, Lucius felt the growing weight of dread settle in his stomach.
....
By the time they reached the Grand Hall, Lucius's mind was already racing through everything he remembered about the novel, recalling that during the first few chapters, the main characters are hurtled into a series of events. The first one being. The First Year Admission Tournament. He knew this was where things would get dangerous—not just for him, but for everyone. It was a test, not only of skill but of survival.
Standing at the center of the hall was Grandmaster Veridane, his cold gaze sweeping over the gathered students. His presence alone commanded silence, and when he spoke, his voice carried authority and weight.
"Since most of you here are first years I'll keep it short and simple, so pay close attention , I won't be explaining a second time. There will be a trial specifically setup for the new comers of Valtherion academy, known to many as the First Year Admission, it is not for the faint-hearted," he began, his tone as sharp as the air in the hall. "It is designed to push each and every one of you to your limits. There will be no hand-holding, no mercy. You will be judged on your ability to adapt, survive, and perform in every aspect of the challenges we present. Failure in any category could mean expulsion—or worse."
Lucius swallowed hard. He had read this part in the novel—how the Admission Tournament was brutal, unforgiving. But reading about it and living through it were two entirely different things.
Grandmaster Veridane went on to outline the structure of the tournament:
1. First Phase: One-on-One Combat – A bracket-style combat event where students could face off against fellow students, professors, or even magical beasts.
2. Second Phase: Environmental Survival – Students would be placed in simulated environments where they would need to survive and complete specific objectives.
3. Third Phase: Historical Exam – A rigorous test based on the history of Valtherion and the magic-technology fusion that governed much of their world.
4. Fourth Phase: Group Campaigns – Students would be divided into teams to complete strategic campaigns, testing both their leadership and cooperation skills.
As Veridane continued explaining the tournament, Lucius felt his anxiety steadily rising. He already knew all of this—he had read the novel before, after all—but that didn't make him feel any better. In fact, knowing what was coming only made it worse.
I know what's to come… but knowing doesn't make it any better, Lucius thought bitterly.
The First Phase was what terrified him the most. Students would be paired against random opponents—other students, professors, or magical beasts. There was no way to predict who he would face, and worse, he had no guarantee that his meager combat skills would help him survive.
He could already hear the whispers of other students, their eyes darting toward him with disdain. He was still known as the arrogant, cold noble—the Lucius Foster who had made a bad impression on himself, even before the coming to Valtherion academy had even came into the picture. That reputation had followed him, and it was only making things harder.
Great, the arrogant noble brat no one likes. That's me.
....
The room fell silent as the Aetheris devices on each student's wrist began to flash, revealing the First Phase bracket system. Students' names appeared on the screens, along with their first-round opponents.
Veridane's voice rang out again. "Each student will face a random opponent—either another student, one of our professors, or a magical beast. There is no room for hesitation or failure. Fight, survive, and prove your worth."
Lucius glanced down at his Aetheris as his opponent's name began to load. His heart pounded in his chest as the screen flashed.
Right, it's a lottery of survival, Lucius thought grimly. He watched as students around him murmured nervously, checking their opponents. Some groaned, others whispered in excitement.
Lucius swallowed hard, a knot forming in his stomach. I'll be lucky to be paired with someone who's been practicing magic since birth.
When his opponent's name appeared on his Aetheris, Lucius's heart skipped a beat. The name flashed on the screen, and his breath caught in his throat. Why did it have to be—
Lucius let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. His opponent wasn't a magical beast or professor, but a fellow student. Still, that didn't ease his nerves. His mind was already racing with the possibilities of what could go wrong.
With my luck, this guy's probably going to flatten me, Lucius thought, his anxiety gnawing at him.
He knew his reputation had made him an outcast among the students. No one would want to team up with him for the Group Campaigns, and he doubted anyone would even bother to offer him advice or guidance. The original Lucius had made sure to alienate everyone around him—leaving Marcus, now in Lucius's body, to deal with the consequences.
Of course, the original Lucius just HAD to be a stuck up asswhole. Why couldn't I've been reincarnated into someone decent?
This growing sense of dread settled in Lucius's chest as he considered the upcoming battles. He wasn't strong. He wasn't particularly skilled in combat. And worst of all, he didn't have the confidence to believe he could survive.
No one's going to want to work with me. If I even make it that far.
...…
The students were led to the makeshift battlefield, a massive arena surrounded by magical barriers and holographic terrain designed to keep them on their toes. Lucius stood at the edge of the arena, his Aetheris still displaying his first opponent's name.
Around him, other students were preparing for their matches—some of them from noble families with years of training, others looking just as nervous as he felt.
Veridane's voice echoed across the arena, his tone cold and calculating. "Victory will not be handed to you. If you wish to move up the ranks, you will have to earn it."
Lucius tried to calm the nervous energy building within him, but his hands were already trembling. He knew that if he lost right away, his reputation would only get worse. He had to put up a fight. He had to survive.
I'm going to get crushed, Lucius thought bitterly, eyeing the other students. He could see them strategizing, preparing their spells, weapons, and tactics. They looked confident, ready for battle. Why do they always look so sure of themselves?
As the first match was called, Lucius watched in awe as students began stepping onto the battlefield. One student summoned a barrier of fire to block their opponent's attack, while another used advanced technology to confuse their rival. The combat was fast, brutal, and unforgiving.
I'm SO scrrwed, Lucius muttered under his breath, trying to suppress the rising panic in his chest.