The students from SIGMA Academy looked down from the sky, trying their hardest to capture the stunning views in their hearts.
The academy and Haven were indeed quite distant from each other. To travel there quickly, they had to utilize the only plane SIGMA Academy possessed.
Planes, originating from Lordrixis, were designed to traverse the sky, covering long distances in short periods. Due to the extensive materials and intricate craftsmanship required, planes were rare transports owned by the wealthiest lords.
Principal Lorthus mentioned that the plane was passed down from his instructor, the founder of SIGMA Academy, Mad Lord Vladimir Sandrea.
Knowing that most academies would struggle to reach the tournament area, the students felt a sense of superiority and victory.
The plane broke through the clouds, revealing the majestic appearance of Haven.
"We are here!" Fiana turned back, shouting in excitement.
"Fascinating," Leon uttered, even he was stunned by the opulence of the royal capital.
Dominated by soaring towers and brilliant mansions, the golden streets of Haven stretched towards the horizon, showcasing wealth and prosperity at every corner.
But all were overshadowed by the radiance of the royal palace.
Gleaming under the sunlight, the spires and castles intersected in a polished and tranquil manner. Each inch shone with architectural brilliance and timeless elegance. Surrounding it were vibrant flowerbeds and splendid fountains—a view one could never forget in their lifetime.
Haven? More like heaven.
The plane flew towards the royal palace, eventually landing in an open area nearby.
The citizens, attracted by the rare sight of a plane, gathered around in curiosity and happiness.
"We can't look bad in front of our audience," Instructor Lumiel smiled. She waved her ethereal arm, causing gleaming stars to emerge around her and the students.
Envious stares followed as they walked toward the palace, and the students had never felt more accomplished in their lives.
Except for one person.
El was quiet throughout the journey, mindlessly looking around, determination in his eyes.
Shun had always suspected that El came from Haven, and his reactions proved his theory.
Though one of the last academies to arrive, the royal servants still greeted them with respect.
The Interacademy Ethereal Combat Tournament was always hosted at the base of Haven Royal Academy, within the royal palace itself.
The king, along with the top ten complete ethereal warriors, would spectate every single match of the tournament, scouting students with potential to enroll in the army.
A man clad in brilliant armor slowly stepped out from the inner hall.
"Greetings, 70th complete ethereal warrior Enwyld Lorthus, and students from SIGMA Academy."
Even a fool could tell this majestic man was King Eldran himself.
The students, along with their instructor, kneeled before the new king of Lordrixis, paying their respects.
However, Principal Lorthus and Silver Iricson simply bowed gently, receiving special treatment as complete ethereal warriors.
The servants then gestured towards the hall, signaling their welcome.
...
The hall was already crowded with people, their different uniforms displaying their representative academies.
Students from SIGMA Academy wore orange uniforms crafted with unique silk, allowing the garments to glimmer like wild burning fires.
Suddenly, a deep voice emerged from the side.
"Enwyld, glad to see you still alive." Another old man nodded at Principal Lorthus, a playful smile on his face.
"If I recall correctly, you are older than Enwyld, am I right, Jozeph?" a well-dressed gentleman said quietly, slowly lifting his glasses.
Principals of Lordrixis North and East Academies, 72nd and 71st ethereal warriors Jozeph Lander and Steward Evans.
"Hahaha, leave the reunion for later. Right now, we are basically considered enemies."
"I clearly don't want to be the enemy of someone who almost wiped out an entire city," said a gloomy and tired-looking boy. Despite his young appearance, he was the only complete ethereal warrior principal besides the Big Five and Enwyld Lorthus.
42nd ethereal warrior Arlun Kianam, principal of Wonderland Academy—an ironic name for such an academy.
Recognized for its infamous reputation, rumors claimed Wonderland Academy trained students harsher than the royal army soldiers.
However, Arlun was the second strongest principal in the realm.
The one coming out on top was the principal of Haven Royal Academy, Kael Franklin.
15th complete ethereal warrior, Kael Franklin.
"SIGMA Academy students, please register your identities at the roundtable."
With no time for Principal Lorthus to converse further, he led them directly to the glorious roundtable, usually reserved for guests discussing important affairs.
The pawns of the team were registered without much attention, but things started to become intriguing with the turns of the Celestial Summit students.
"Vito Fool? Why does this name sound so familiar?" the old man at the front desk wondered.
"Probably someone with the same name," Vito replied, embarrassed.
"Silver Iricson, 99th complete ethereal warrior. Interesting."
"Emilia Cylus? Wasn't the Cylus family... never mind..."
Finally, it was Shun's turn.
"Shun... Xshasi?"
The old man gasped in horror.
"Xshasi?"
"Descendant of the first ethereal warrior, Sirius Xshasi?"
Everyone around seemed more surprised at the old man's reaction than at his statement.
Sirius Xshasi, a name forgotten by many.
But those who remembered, remembered him every second of their lives.
The one who fought alongside King Nathaniel Heaven, Sirius Xshasi, once the most loyal warrior of the king.
Once.
"Who even is that?" Shun wondered, "First ethereal warrior? Is that why I can control everyone's ethereal arms?"
He was more anixous than happy, if his secrets were revealed, everything will be over for him.
The old man slowly calmed himself, only to be surprised by the next in line.
"You are...?" His eyes widened, almost popping out.
"Albert Eldran," El stated, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Prince of Lordrixis, Albert Eldran."