Two weeks after the incident with Daejin, the Jardel International Academy Internal Magic Competition was set to start.
The other three academies from the other three kingdoms had sent their delegations and their contestants. The Jura Kingdom, The Tanak Kingdom, The Arade Kingdom and The Jardel Province are the four kingdoms that make up the Jardel continent.
The Jardel International Academy Internal Magic Competition was being held in the Jardel Province within the Jardel Academy.
The students of the Jardel Academy waited at the academy's entrance for their guests.
Students from the other three academies from the other three kingdoms were arriving in earnest.
The Tanak Academy, The Arade Academy and The Jura Academy all arrived at the same time.
"Alright, let's show our guests our hospitality." Nicole Jardel said as she ushered that the gates be opened and the delegates and contestants be shown in.
"What's that?" Nicole Jardel said as she noticed something strange. "Just one student from The Jura Academy?"
The student from the Jura Academy stepped forward and handed her a letter.
'Miss Jardel, this is John Moraty our best student and he is the only one we deem worthy enough to be able to participate in this competition and we are sure he would qualify for the International Mage Tournament that will be held in 6 months time.'
She closed the letter and offered her hand to him. He brushed her hand off. "I've heard a lot about you in the Jura Kingdom. They say you're the best student the Jardel continent has ever produced." John said staring at her with a predatory look in his eyes. "But… you're not the one who let off that aura I felt two weeks back."
"What do you mean?" Nicole said, trying to maintain her composure.
"You know what I mean." John replied. "Well, nevermind. I'll sense his presence before the competition is over. I know the Jardel Academy won't leave someone like that out of their roster." He said and walked into the school.
"What was that about?" Nicole thought to herself as she proceeded to welcome in the other delegates from the other schools.
The students and delegates of the other academies and those of the Jardel Academy were in the hall awaiting their next move.
"Good evening everyone." Mr Roger started. "I won't be the one briefing you on what's going to happen, but we have a very esteemed guest in the building who will do so. Please welcome Lord Joseph Jardel."
Everyone put their hands together to applaud the current King of the Jardel continent who graced them with his presence.
"Great people of the Jardel continent, it is with great honor that I welcome you all to the Jardel International Academy where the students will take part in the Jardel International Academy's Internal Magic Competition which will be a sort of qualifiers for the International Mage Tournament." Joseph Jardel said. "It will be a good way for them to train their abilities and their martial arts skills in order to prepare them for the tournament."
Asher stood at the back, eating potato chips.
"Is he done yet? I need to go sleep." Asher said as he continued eating.
"The Jardel continent has been at the top of the world since the seven continents were formed by the seven founding Monarchs and now, we shall continue to prove our superiority as we prepare for the International Mage Tournament." Lord Joseph continued. "In that light, the participating students will be held back at the Academy for continued training and preparation while the completions are still on, whilst the others are free to leave."
And with that, Lord Joseph Jardel left the scene while the students who were not participating left the Academy grounds for home.
Asher Blackwood, Nicole Jardel, Daniel Lockhart and James Dickson. These were the students the Jardel International Academy picked to be their representatives. Asher's position was under scrutiny as he was handpicked by Nicole Jardel who supposedly defeated him with ease at the trials.
"Now, since you all here are the students that will be participating in the competition, this is all I have to say to you. The competition starts tomorrow morning and the timetable for the event will be given out to each of you on your phones." Mr. Roger said and left the hall.
Asher turned around immediately Mr. Roger left, he had been taken to his room beforehand and was ready to go to bed.
"Where do you think you're going?" John Moraty said as he blocked off Asher who stared at him nonchalantly.
"To bed." Asher said innocently.
"The aura you're giving out is faint. Are you sure you're good enough for this competition?" John said as he tried to mock Asher who on the other hand didn't care one way or the other.
"Well, if I lose then I lose. If I win then I win." Asher said as he tried to walk away again but John stopped him by putting his hand on his shoulder.
"What do you think you're doing?" John said as he was clearly starting to get angry. "Are you trying to walk out on me?"
"I'm just trying to go get some rest." Asher said.
John immediately tried to punch Asher but Daniel Lockhart stopped him short. "Are you trying to get yourself disqualified?" Daniel asked.
"What's it to you?" John retorted.
"If you want to show your power, pick on someone your own size." Daniel said, nodding in the direction of Nicole who stared at John with a fierce look in her eyes but he wasn't phased one bit.
At that time, the timetable for the Magic Competition was sent to their phones and the first match shocked all of them.
"Who does something like this?" Daniel said as he stared at his phone in absolute shock.
"Hahahaha!" John laughed and then turned in the direction of Asher. "You'll learn your place very soon kid."
Asher looked at his phone and finally saw the reason why they were so excited. The first match of the competition would be between him and the first prince of the Kingdom of Tanak, Zero Tanak.