Part 2 - Tournament Begins
The massive arena of Ethril Academy stood as a testament to the grandeur of the tournament. Rows of towering stone pillars encircled the open grounds, and the sky above was an endless expanse of blue. The roaring cheers of students and spectators filled the air as the first stage of the Tournament of Ethril began: First Round Skills Presentation.
The arena floor, a polished surface of white stone etched with intricate runes, shimmered faintly as magical wards activated to ensure the safety of participants. An announcer's voice boomed across the venue, amplified by enchantments:
"Welcome to the opening stage of the tournament! Today, participants will showcase their unique abilities to prove their worth!"
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One by one, students stepped into the spotlight, their nervousness barely masked by their determination. Each participant was given two minutes to demonstrate their skills.
A first-year mage hesitantly raised her staff, summoning a swirling gust of wind. Though the spell was weak and wavered, the crowd applauded her effort.
Next, a second-year swordsman confidently drew his blade, unleashing a series of rapid strikes imbued with a faint blue glow. The precision of his movements earned murmurs of approval.
Third-year students displayed more advanced techniques—a fiery barrage from one, a summoned spectral beast from another. Yet, despite their growing power, it was clear they were still students, their abilities rough and unpolished.
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Among the participants stood a figure in black, his mask hiding any hint of emotion. Ikaru, now known as Void, waited patiently for his turn. He observed each presentation with keen eyes, silently assessing the strengths and weaknesses of those around him.
When his name was finally called—Void—he stepped forward, his movements measured and deliberate. The crowd's chatter quieted, their curiosity piqued by the mysterious participant.
Taking his place at the center of the arena, Ikaru raised his hand, summoning a shadowy orb that hovered above his palm. The orb pulsed faintly, shifting between solid and intangible as if alive. With a flick of his wrist, the orb expanded into thin tendrils that danced around him before dissipating into the air.
The demonstration was simple, almost unimpressive compared to others, but it was exactly what Ikaru intended. He had no desire to stand out too early or reveal the full extent of his powers.
"Hmm, not bad," the announcer commented. "A subtle but intriguing use of shadow magic."
The crowd clapped politely, some intrigued by the enigmatic display, while others dismissed it as unimpressive. Ikaru's performance was perfectly crafted to blend in without drawing undue attention.
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As the presentations continued, Ikaru retreated to the shadows of the waiting area, his posture relaxed but his mind sharp. He watched as his friends took their turns.
Drenor's demonstration was bold and brash, as expected. He conjured a wall of fire that roared high into the air, earning loud cheers from the audience.
Vylis, on the other hand, opted for precision. She created a shimmering ice sculpture in the shape of a phoenix, its crystalline feathers catching the sunlight. The crowd gasped in awe.
Ikaru couldn't help but feel a pang of pride for his friends, though he quickly buried the emotion beneath his calculated demeanor.
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As the last participant completed their presentation, the announcer's voice echoed once more:
"That concludes the Skills Presentation stage! Participants, please await the results to see who advances to the next round."
The crowd erupted into applause, the energy of the arena infectious. Ikaru, still cloaked in his enigmatic disguise, watched the other students chatter excitedly.
He allowed himself a small smile beneath his mask. The tournament was unfolding exactly as he had envisioned, and he was ready for what lay ahead.
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The arena buzzed with anticipation as the second stage of the Tournament of Ethril began. The announcer's voice once again resonated across the venue:
"Participants! The second stage will be team duels. Teams of four will be randomly assigned to ensure fairness and test the ability to cooperate under pressure. The bonds forged in this stage may determine your future success in the tournament. Let the formations begin!"
A massive, magical wheel materialized in the center of the arena, its surface glowing with the names of participants. It spun rapidly, scattering golden sparks as names paired and grouped together.
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Ikaru, still disguised as Void, stood silently in the waiting area, his posture calm but his senses sharp. He watched the wheel spin, his mind already calculating potential strategies.
The wheel slowed, one by one revealing names.
"Team 7: Drenor, Vylis, Kael, and… Void."
Ikaru's eyes narrowed slightly beneath his mask. His teammates were none other than his closest friends.
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In the audience, murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Isn't that the fire mage Drenor? And Vylis, the ice sculptor?" one student whispered.
"Yeah, they're known for their skills! But who's this Void?" another asked.
Drenor, standing nearby, glanced toward the masked figure now revealed as his teammate. He frowned, leaning toward Vylis.
"Who do you think this guy is?" Drenor muttered. "Never heard of him."
Vylis shrugged, her piercing gaze fixed on Ikaru. "Doesn't matter. We'll see if he can keep up."
Ikaru remained silent, his stance unshaken. Inside, however, he smirked. This arrangement was better than he could have hoped.
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The newly formed teams gathered in a designated area to discuss strategy before their match. Drenor crossed his arms, his usual brashness evident as he spoke.
"Alright, let's get this straight. I lead the offense. Vylis, you cover defense. Kael, you support with ranged attacks. And… Void, right?" He gestured at Ikaru, his tone skeptical. "What exactly do you do?"
Ikaru's voice was calm, his tone measured. "I specialize in control and disruption. I'll keep the enemy off-balance so you can focus on overpowering them."
Drenor raised an eyebrow, still unconvinced. Vylis, however, nodded. "Fine. Let's see how you handle yourself in the duel."
Kael, the quieter member of the team, simply shrugged, content to follow orders.
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As his teammates discussed tactics, Ikaru's mind worked in overdrive. He knew their strengths and weaknesses better than anyone.
Drenor: A powerhouse with explosive fire magic but prone to overextending.
Vylis: Precise and strategic, but her reliance on defense could make her hesitate in offense.
Kael: A reliable archer, though his lack of confidence could affect his aim under pressure.
Ikaru's role was clear—to subtly guide them without revealing his identity. His presence would be the glue holding the team together, ensuring their victory while remaining in the shadows.
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The arena transformed once more, the ground shifting and reforming into a sprawling battlefield. Jagged rocks jutted out of the terrain, creating natural cover, while streams of water flowed through shallow trenches.
The announcer's voice boomed:
"Team 7, prepare for your duel!"
Ikaru adjusted his mask, his heart steady. As his team stepped onto the battlefield, he glanced at his friends, their faces a mix of determination and nerves.
Beneath the guise of Void, Ikaru felt a strange sense of satisfaction. They had no idea who he was, but he would ensure their victory—not as their friend, but as the strategist they unknowingly relied upon.