THE SYSTEM I MADE
Chapter 15
"The Eldraine Novice tournament"
The grand arena of the Eldraine Estate stood tall, its ancient stone walls echoing with the excited murmurs of the gathered crowd. The "Eldraine Novice Tournament" was about to begin, and the air was charged with anticipation. This tournament was a rite of passage for the young masters of the Eldraine family, a chance to prove their worth and earn a coveted spot at the prestigious Valorwood Academy of Arcane Arts.
[A/N please note that this academy is the exact same academy where all the other youngmasters of the Eldraine went to it's just that I changed the name]
The patriarch, Lord Gerald Eldraine, sat in the central viewing box, his presence commanding respect. Beside him was Professor Thaddeus Ravenscroft, a councilor from the academy, his keen eyes scanning the young participants below. Among the competitors, Alex stood, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. This was his moment to shine, to show everyone what he was capable of.
The tournament format was simple yet formidable: each young master had to face and defeat a seasoned knight in single combat. One by one, the participants stepped forward, only to be swiftly defeated by their opponents. The crowd watched with growing doubt, wondering if any of these novices could stand a chance.
As another young master fell, Alex's name was called. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, many skeptical of the seemingly weakest young master. Alex walked into the arena, his eyes locking onto Knight Commander Gareth Griffonbane, who awaited him with a calm, confident demeanor.
Gareth, who had always seen potential in Alex, gave him a nod. "Ready, Alex?"
Alex nodded, his heart pounding. "Ready, Sir Gareth."
The match began. Gareth moved with incredible speed, his wooden practice sword a blur. Alex responded with agility and precision, surprising everyone with his improved skills. His months of training, studying magic in the library, and practicing the basics of mana had paid off. The augmented reality projections created by Aida had allowed him to hone his techniques to a fine edge.
Gareth pressed the attack, his strikes swift and powerful. Alex dodged and parried, his movements a blend of instinct and learned technique. The crowd watched in stunned silence, unable to believe the transformation in the young master.
Feeling a surge of confidence, Alex decided it was time to reveal his secret weapon. He shifted into a stance reminiscent of the Nightshade Blade Dance, a fluid and graceful style passed down through the Eldraine lineage. The crowd gasped, recognizing the signature technique that only the most skilled could master.
Gareth's eyes widened in surprise as Alex executed the first formation of the Nightshade Blade Dance. His movements were swift and precise, his wooden sword weaving through the air in an intricate pattern. Each strike was powerful yet elegant, aiming for vital points with surgical precision.
Professor Ravenscroft leaned forward, his eyes widening in astonishment. "That's unbelievable. Isn't the Nightshade Blade Dance impossible to be executed by a novice? I thought that swordsmanship style required exceptional skill and years of training. Who could have thought he could pull it off?"
Lord Gerald Eldraine, equally surprised, nodded slowly. "I'm shocked as well. Victor, my firstborn son, and now Alex, are the only two at their novice stage who have managed to execute the Nightshade Blade Dance. It speaks volumes about their potential and dedication."
Gareth, though impressed, did not hold back. He countered with his own skill, but Alex anticipated his moves, adapting quickly and responding with a counterstrike that caught Gareth off guard. With a final, decisive maneuver, Alex disarmed Gareth, pointing his wooden sword at the knight's chest.
The arena fell silent, stunned by the unexpected outcome. Then, a wave of applause erupted from the stands. Lord Gerald Eldraine and Professor Thaddeus Ravenscroft exchanged impressed glances.
Gareth, breathing heavily but smiling, nodded in approval. "Well done, Alex. You've surpassed my expectations."
Professor Ravenscroft stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Alex. "Young Alex, your performance today has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your mastery of the Nightshade Blade Dance, combined with your tactical prowess, has proven that you are more than ready for the challenges ahead. I am pleased to offer you a place at the Valorwood Academy of the Arcane Arts."
Alex bowed respectfully, his heart pounding with pride and relief. "Thank you, Professor. I won't let you down."
The tournament concluded with Alex as the standout victor, his journey to the academy now set in motion. The path ahead was filled with promise and potential, and Alex was determined to make the most of the opportunity he had earned through hard work and dedication.
As the crowd began to disperse and the excitement of the tournament waned, the patriarch of the Eldraine family, Lord Gerald Eldraine, approached Professor Thaddeus Ravenscroft, the councilor from the Valorwood Academy of Arcane Arts. The two men stood near the viewing box, overlooking the arena where the young masters had just competed.
"Thank you for allowing me to observe the novice tournament, Lord Eldraine," Professor Ravenscroft said, his tone respectful. "It was a pleasure to see the young talents in your family. Young Alex, in particular, showed remarkable promise."
Lord Gerald Eldraine nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It is always an honor to have a representative from the academy here, Professor Ravenscroft. However, I must admit, there was nothing too exciting about today's events compared to what we've seen in the past. You should have come to the previous tournaments to witness the true strength of our lineage."
The patriarch gestured toward the arena, where some of the young masters were still talking excitedly about their matches. "The current students at the academy from the Eldraine family are exceptional. They have trained tirelessly and demonstrated abilities that far surpass what you saw here today. Young masters like Damon and Victor, sons of my first wife, Lady Vivienne, have set a high standard. Their magical prowess and swordsmanship skills are unmatched."
Professor Ravenscroft raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I've heard of Damon and Victor. Their reputations precede them. It seems the Eldraine family continues to produce remarkable talent."
Lord Gerald smiled, pride evident in his eyes. "Indeed. Our family's commitment to excellence in both magic and combat is unwavering. The academy has played a significant role in nurturing that talent. I believe Alex has the potential to follow in their footsteps. His performance today was impressive, but I assure you, it is just the beginning. With the right guidance and training, he can achieve greatness."
The professor nodded in agreement. "I look forward to seeing how he develops at the academy. The potential is certainly there, and with the legacy of the Eldraine family behind him, I have no doubt he will rise to the occasion."
Lord Gerald placed a hand on the professor's shoulder. "I am confident he will. Thank you again for attending, Professor Ravenscroft. Your presence here is a testament to the bond between our family and the academy. It is a relationship we value deeply."
"As do we, Lord Eldraine," Professor Ravenscroft replied. "I look forward to seeing the continued contributions of the Eldraine family to our esteemed academy. Until then, I wish you and your family the best."
With that, the two men parted ways.
As the Patriarch departed and the councilor watched in awe, the academy's future suddenly seemed brighter. Alex, with his unexpected prowess, had set a new standard for all novices.