The arena still hummed with the excitement from the recent matches, but high above the stands, the professors of Valtherion Academy gathered in their private viewing chamber. The ten professors, each a master in their own right, watched the students with cold, calculating eyes. These were the minds that shaped the future of the academy, the arbiters who decided the fates of the students in their charge.
Grandmaster Veridane stood at the head of the room, his sharp eyes focused on the arena below. His silver hair gleamed in the light, and his imposing presence made even the other professors wary. He had already taken note of several promising students, but now it was time to review the most recent battles.
Veridane's voice broke the silence. "What are your thoughts on Seraphina Lysandor's performance?"
Professor Maelis, the head of the magic studies department, adjusted her spectacles and nodded. "Her proficiency with mana is remarkable. Constructing a weapon of pure mana requires both precision and control—attributes she has clearly mastered. The bow she summoned was flawless in form and function."
Maelis paused, a small frown tugging at her lips. "However, she lacks… creativity. She relies heavily on her mana constructs and augmentation, but what happens when she faces an opponent who can outmaneuver her or disrupt her mana? She will need to develop strategies that go beyond raw power."
Professor Callum, a martial arts expert, leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. "I agree. Her technique is efficient, but I'd like to see how she handles close combat. She keeps her distance, which is fine when you're dealing with ranged opponents, but in this academy, students will face enemies who won't let them stand back and shoot arrows."
Professor Arista, a specialist in mana augmentation, interjected. "Still, her use of mana augmentation was flawless. The way she channeled it into each shot… it's rare to see such precision at her age. We need to remember that she's only just begun her training here. If this is her starting point, imagine what she'll achieve in a year's time."
Grandmaster Veridane nodded thoughtfully. "A promising student, indeed. But there are many students with promise. Let's not forget our other talents."
....
Meanwhile, in a separate chamber reserved for the high-ranking nobles who had come to observe their children's progress, the atmosphere was slightly different. There was less formal discussion and more hushed, intense conversation as the various heads of noble families analyzed the performances.
At the forefront of the room was Lord Lysandor, Seraphina's father. He watched the scene below with a steely expression, his eyes following his daughter's every movement. While the other nobles exchanged pleasantries, Lysandor remained silent, his mind focused solely on Seraphina.
Lady Vale, the head of the Vale family, sipped her drink as she leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. "Seraphina is impressive," she mused. "But Gaius will be the one to watch."
Lord Aetirus, head of a lesser-known family, leaned forward, clearly eager to weigh in. "Your son did put up quite a fight against that commoner… what was his name? Ash Braker?"
Lady Vale's lips curled into a faint smile. "Yes, the boy from the outer settlements. He's… intriguing. My Gaius underestimated him, but that won't happen again."
Lord Lysandor, still watching Seraphina's replay on the viewing screens, finally spoke. "Underestimating your opponents is a weakness, Lady Vale. One that Gaius cannot afford if he wishes to rise."
There was a moment of tension between the two nobles, their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills.
In contrast to the serious discussions of the professors and nobles, a few of the younger instructors and noble attendees couldn't help but share more lighthearted observations. Professor Andric, a younger professor known for his quick wit, chuckled as he sipped his tea.
"I think the real winner here is the guy who's been in the bathroom this whole time," Andric said, referring to Lucius. "He managed to avoid all the stress and still gets to walk out of here without a scratch."
A few of the other professors glanced at him, clearly amused. "True," Professor Maelis remarked with a smirk. "Though he missed quite the show. Seraphina's performance was… something."
Andric shrugged. "He'll catch the highlights later, I'm sure."
In the nobles' room, Lady Auronis, who was watching her own son's performance from earlier, overheard the professors' comments and giggled. "The bathroom? Really? Maybe he's smarter than we give him credit for. If he's avoiding the battlefield, it means he's already one step ahead of us all."
A few chuckles rippled through the room, providing a brief respite from the otherwise intense atmosphere.
...
While the professors and nobles were busy analyzing Seraphina's performance and other key matches, Lucius (Marcus) was slowly making his way back toward the stands, his mind preoccupied with other thoughts.
He strolled casually, his hands in his pockets, wondering if he should have just stayed in the bathroom.
Guess I didn't miss much? he thought, not particularly eager to find out. As he glanced up at the large viewing screens that displayed the replay of Seraphina's match, he shrugged. Oh well, no point in worrying about it now.
Lucius found a seat and plopped down, glancing around at the still-buzzing crowd. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself. I bet everyone's been on the edge of their seats, and here I am… sitting back and watching the novel play out right in front of me.
Just as he started to get comfortable, a notification from the Aetheris on his wrist caught his attention. He glanced down, blinking in confusion.
"The World Watches You".
Lucius groaned, letting his head fall back. Of course you are…