After four hours, the sparring matches concluded. The commoners who won their matches couldn't hide their excitement, while those who lost were crestfallen.
The nobles, however, showed little reaction. The outcomes of their matches were predictable—individuals from powerful families dominated their opponents. Even if some nobles faced difficulty, they had access to their family artifacts, which they used to secure victory, as using supportive artifacts in spars was allowed.
Commoners rarely used artifacts since they were expensive and difficult to control. Nobles, with their resources and special education from birth, were the only ones capable of utilizing them effectively.
"The matches I've witnessed today were splendid. I'm sure they've ignited your spirits as well, but this isn't the end yet." Vice Headmaster Megumi's voice echoed across the arena, amplified by mana. The nobles, in particular, listened intently, already guessing what was to come.
"This year, direct descendants of our Kingdom's Duke families, the future leaders of these prominent families, will be joining the academy. As is tradition, matches featuring these heirs will be held tomorrow, and the general public along with noble families are invited to watch."
Excitement rippled through the nobles. This was the reason they hadn't shown much enthusiasm after their own matches. The arrival of the Duke families' heirs was the main attraction—an opportunity for the strongest magic families to flaunt their future talents and elevate their reputations.
Megumi continued, "However, this year, there's an exception. Alongside the six members of the Duke families, the headmaster's adopted grandson will also be participating in tomorrow's match."
The air shifted as the crowd fell silent. The nobles, though wanting to voice their opposition, held their tongues. The academy was known for its fairness, and they knew the rules wouldn't be bent just because the headmaster's grandson was involved.
"You may be wondering why the academy is making an exception," Megumi said, "but don't worry. His skills have been verified by none other than the head of our magic department."
She smiled as she surveyed the students' reactions. "I'm sure many of you are curious about the talent of the grandson of the previous hero."
At that, the mood shifted again. Everyone knew of Headmaster Hikari's relentless pursuit of excellence. Though many didn't know him well personally, they were aware of his reputation. He was the only person in the entire Kingdom who could make that women of the Invictus Kingdom take him seriously, even after losing his hero powers.
"I'm confident all your doubts will be dispelled once you see him fight tomorrow. The results of the entrance exam will be posted three days later, and you will also be notified through your personal IDs, so there's no need to visit the academy to check your results. Good luck to all of you." With that, Vice Headmaster Megumi vanished, with two instructors following right behind her.
The remaining three instructors and two healers ensured that all students were safely escorted out and that no injuries were left untreated.
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*buzz*
Kazuki's ID buzzed. He checked it and found a message from the academy, Informing him of the timing of his spar the next day. To his surprise, the message also requested that he choose a "nice, presentable outfit" that wouldn't hinder his movement during the match.
It wasn't the practicality of the outfit that puzzled him—it was the unusual emphasis on choosing something nice. When Kazuki arrived home, Kuroha had informed him that Hikari had already selected the outfit he was to wear tomorrow.
Looking at it, Kazuki realized it wasn't just a regular training outfit. It was made from the pelt of a high-tier monster and had a refined appearance—sophisticated enough to be worn at a formal event without raising any questions.
This whole situation seemed odd, as though something was amiss. And Kazuki who had previously been practicing his sword skills in his home's training grounds felt a chill run down his spine. A sense of foreboding crept over him, but he pushed the feeling aside, choosing to focus on his training.
Hikari, as usual, was keeping things secret. He wanted him to be able to deal with any situation regardless of what he knew. "It is part of your training." as he used to say.
Kazuki knew there was no point in prying; Hikari would likely interfere with any attempt to gather information. Resigned, Kazuki decided to focus on mentally preparing himself for the spar tomorrow, since he had a feeling it won't just be a normal spar.
AN: And he was proven right, something he didn't appreciate at all!