The atmosphere in the capital city, Arcathis, was jubilant. Commoners were buzzing with excitement, eager to witness the potential of the kingdom's strongest families. It wasn't every year that someone from the Duke Families joined the Academy, and this year, their direct descendants were among the new students.
For the nobles, the excitement ran even deeper. Those whose children were entering the Academy saw a golden opportunity to forge connections with the Duke Families. Even those whose children were already enrolled anticipated guiding these new students and fostering alliances.
For nobles, this type of maneuvering wasn't just strategy—it was survival. Failing to engage in this social game could spell doom for any family.
However, the presence of one individual had shaken the noble circles—the Sword Saint's adopted grandson. His enrollment added a wild card the nobles didn't appreciate. They couldn't approach him with their usual political tricks, and they feared that cozying up to him might sour their relationships with the Duke Families.
While excitement rippled through those heading to the Academy, the source of much of that buzz—Kazuki—was preparing.
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Kazuki stood in front of a large mirror, inspecting his appearance. Kuroha had taken over the task of getting him ready, and it showed. When he'd first emerged from his room in what he thought was a presentable appearance, Kuroha had been speechless before dragging him back to fix everything.
Now, he had to admit, it was an impressive transformation. His reflection was a far cry from the sloppy appearance he had presented just minutes ago. He chuckled dryly to himself.
"It was that bad, huh..."
It was already 9 a.m., and he was expected to make his appearance around 10 a.m. Hikari hadn't even bothered to meet him in person, just sending a brief message through a call artifact, wishing him luck and telling him they'd meet once Kazuki won his spar.
Typical of him.
Kazuki unsheathed the sword Hikari had gifted him upon completing his training. It was a beautiful weapon, light and elegant, with a blade about 75 centimeters long. Crafted from Manalyte, the sword was perfect for channeling and empowering magic. Its pristine sheen enchanted anyone who looked at it and its curved hilt made it much easier to grip.
After placing the sword back into its scabbard and securing it to his waist, Kazuki headed to the Academy. A waiting room had been assigned to him until the event began, and there he would await the call to make his appearance for the match.
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"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Celestial Ascendance!" The host, a young mage from a Marquee house, announced with enthusiasm. The crowd gathered in the battle arena of Regia Nevaris responded with thunderous cheers.
For commoners, this event was a rare source of entertainment, but for the high nobility, it was a prestigious stage where reputations could be made or broken.
"I'm sure you're all eager to see the future talents of our kingdom," the host continued, "but this year's Celestial Ascendance is a bit different from previous ones." His words silenced the crowd, their anticipation hanging in the air.
After a dramatic pause, the host smiled grandly. "This year, our Headmaster's own grandson will also be participating in the event and joining the Academy!"
For a moment, silence reigned before the crowd erupted with deafening cheers, even louder than before. Many commoners were hearing this news for the first time, but the excitement was palpable. The grandson of someone they respected, a former hero, will be joining the event.
Meanwhile, the high noble families remained quiet. Their eyes drifted to the VIP box, where members of the Duke Families sat. Upon seeing the neutral expressions of the Duke Families, the other nobles quickly turned away. They had expected this—the Duke Families were far from pleased when the focus of the event had shifted from the children of their families to someone who wasn't even a noble.
"Without further ado, let us give our regards to the person without whom this event wouldn't be possible—the heart and soul of our Academy, Lord Takamura Hikari!"
As the words were spoken, Hikari appeared in the VIP box reserved for the Academy's representatives, the Vice Headmaster close behind him. The crowd roared in approval, awestruck by the sight of the legendary Sword Saint.
Hikari, dressed in formal attire made of Lumiweave silk, radiated authority. The fabric accentuated his title as the Sword Saint of Light, and he carried his famed sword with him. He acknowledged the crowd with a simple nod and a warm smile, but his gaze soon drifted to the VIP box where the members of Duke Families sat. Meeting their eyes briefly, Hikari's calm demeanor remained, while those members quickly looked away.
Even for them, dealing with someone like Hikari was no small feat.
"And now, the representatives from our kingdom's Duke Families will make their appearance!" the host announced, building the tension once more. The crowd held its breath in anticipation—it wasn't every day they could witness the gathering of all the Heads of Duke Families together.