Ray woke up early, the soft morning light filtering through the window. Today was the combat tournament, the final and most anticipated round of the academy examinations.
For once, he decided to forgo his usual hooded jacket, opting instead for a leather shirt and matching pants. His gloves, as always, covered the intricate sword insignia on his palms. After a light breakfast, Ray made his way to the academy grounds.
The arena was abuzz with life, far more crowded than usual. Students from all years, except the graduating class, filled the stands alongside the full faculty roster.
A separate section stood out, cordoned off for VIP guests, clan representatives, foreign royals, and prominent figures from other continents.
Above the arena, intricate streams of mana weaved together, displaying holographic information about the test, including student pairings and match schedules. Ray mused that only someone at the level of an Archmage could manipulate mana with such precision.
His eyes scanned the mana-formed board until he found his name:
Ray vs. Razer Moron.
The name of his opponent elicited no reaction. Without dwelling on it, he took a seat, leaning back with a calm air, entirely uninterested in the matches preceding his. However, several intriguing pairings caught his attention, and the arena soon buzzed with excitement as the first rounds began.
Ray noticed familiar faces in the crowd. Katherine waved cheerfully from a distance, her warm smile standing out amidst the crowd. Lily and Clea were also present, their presence a subtle reminder of the bonds he had formed.
As he turned his gaze toward the VIP area, his sharp eyes caught a fleeting glance of the girl he met yesterday, named her as 'dagger-girl'. Near the corridor leading to the VIP room. Her aura radiated confidence, and Ray just flashed a smirk.
The tournament officially commenced with a grand entrance by Headmaster Sullivan, who appeared with a blink atop the central VIP platform, with Archmage Myra by his side. With a commanding voice, he addressed the gathered crowd.
"Welcome, students and esteemed guests, to the final stage of the academy examinations! Today, we will witness a series of combat trials where strength, skill, and strategy will be tested. The winner of this tournament will receive an extraordinary reward, an opportunity to enter the Life Spring of the High Elves, a privilege reserved for royal bloodlines. Furthermore, I will personally guide the champion in their future endeavor"
collective gasp echoed through the arena. The Life Spring of the High Elves was a treasure beyond measure, known for its legendary ability to nurture one's power and restore vitality. And then...the peak of the mage himself will be teaching them personally.. Students buzzed with excitement, and even some professors couldn't hide their envy. But Ray sat unmoved, his eyes half-closed, his expression tranquil. The promise of rewards held no sway over him.
Sullivan then introduced the distinguished guests in attendance, starting with Grande Silvus, the matriarch of the Silvus family and a long-standing rival of his. Her purpose here was clear: to support her daughter, Zinni.
Next was Alaric Krios, second in command of the Krios family and granduncle to Lewis. When Ray's sharp senses detected faint traces of Eldric's energy lingering around this man, his anger flared momentarily. Activating his Eyes of Limbo, he discerned the remnants of Eldric's aura clinging to Alaric like a shadow. Suppressing his emotions, Ray took a deep breath, Luna's gentle voice reminding him,
[Calm down Ray, Remember what you promised Eldric]
He calmed himself, his meditation steadying his raging heart.
Sullivan continued, introducing Mikel Borris, a dagger saint and the uncle of Clea Borris, followed by Zeema Roberts, the mercenary queen and mother of Ririna. The crowd murmured in awe at the illustrious lineup, but the next arrival silenced the entire arena.
Headmaster Sullivan himself seemed taken aback as Dravis Dragonborne, head of the Dragonborne family, strode into the VIP section. His presence was like a tempest, an overwhelming energy emanating from him that felt like a mountain pressing down on everyone.
Most students and even several instructors struggled under the immense pressure. However, a handful remained unfazed, Ray among them, sitting motionless, his silver hair glinting like a beacon. Dravis's sharp eyes briefly scanned the arena, his gaze pausing on Ray for a moment before settling into his seat. His sister, Zeema, greeted him warmly, while Sullivan personally welcomed him.
With a dramatic flourish, Archmage Myra stepped forward, casting a massive fireball into the sky. The flaming sphere exploded into brilliant golden sparks, signaling the start of the tournament. Cheers erupted from the audience, and the first pair of combatants stepped into the arena.
It was between students named,
Bolyver klex vs Slank Simmer,
One being a mage and another a swordsman, both had survived till now among monsters with huge potentials, they motivated themselves and Klex attacked using his water serpent spell which coiled around Simmer's sword,
Simmer using his primal energy broke the spell, coating the sword and using some footwork he lunged towards Klex who was casting a spell, then suddenly he made some distance between them to take his time casting...but to his all-naught effort, he was struck by the sword around his torso and fell...Simmer won.
Announced Myra.
Next match,
" Xavier Livia vs Lewis Krios.. come up above the stage "
The crowd was eager for this clash of prince and spear knight, The prince being the favorite..
Xavier launched his first move using his thin sword, Lewis blocked and thrust the spear..