The time had come for the annual Grand Magic Games, a prestigious event at the Royal Celestia Academy where students showcased their magical talents and competitive spirit. This year, it was even more anticipated than usual, as the first-year students, including Lazros and the others, were about to participate in the opening round.
The first week of the event was dedicated to the first-year students, where they would demonstrate their magical abilities to the audience and judges. The first round was all about showcasing their unique talents—how creative, powerful, and beautiful their magic could be. It wasn't about combat but about how one could awe and amaze with their magic. The students prepared for this moment their whole lives, eager to demonstrate their mastery of their craft.
The day of the event finally arrived, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Students, professors, and dignitaries filled the grand auditorium, eagerly awaiting the showcase. The first-year students stood ready, their nerves buzzing with anticipation. But as the event began, the crowd grew silent in reverence, awaiting the appearance of a special guest who had been invited for the occasion.
It was none other than Lunara Silvershade , Lazros's sister, a brilliant and accomplished mage who had graduated as the top student of her year. At the age of 23, she had already reached the 5th circle of magical mastery and had earned a reputation across the kingdom as one of the most formidable elemental mages of her generation. Lunara's presence caused a stir among the audience, especially among the younger students who admired her for her immense skill and beauty.
As Lunara entered the stage, the crowd erupted in applause, and the spotlight was on her. She stood tall and graceful, her silver hair shimmering under the lights, her eyes calm yet filled with immense power. The judges welcomed her warmly as she took her place on the stage as a guest judge for the event. But before the competition could begin, Lunara had her own moment to shine.
With a confident smile, Lunara raised her hand, and a wave of freezing air swept across the arena. The audience gasped as she effortlessly manipulated ice magic, shaping the frozen air into beautiful ice sculptures. With a flick of her fingers, she caused snow to fall gently around her, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. Lunara's mastery of ice magic was clear, and she demonstrated her power by manipulating the weather itself, conjuring storms of snow and ice, and bending the cold to her will.
She had reached the 5th circle of magic, a milestone that only a few had ever attained, and her magic was a testament to her skill. The crowd watched in awe, entranced by her display. The beauty and power of her ice magic left everyone speechless, and Lunara's position as a top-tier mage was unquestionable.
After Lunara's stunning display, the competition continued, and students began to showcase their own talents. One by one, they performed dazzling feats of magic, drawing gasps and applause from the audience. Some demonstrated intricate elemental spells, while others showed off the beauty of their unique magical styles.
Then, it was Lazros's turn. He stepped onto the stage, feeling the weight of the moment but keeping his expression calm. The other students were eager to see what the "useless son of the Duke" could do. Lazros didn't want to draw attention, but he knew he had to demonstrate something that would show his potential without revealing too much of his true abilities.
With a deep breath, Lazros raised his hands, and his eyes glowed with an inner power. A soft hum filled the air as he began to cast a complex rune magic. Ancient symbols of light and power appeared around him, floating in midair as they began to resonate. The runes glowed brightly, swirling in patterns that captivated the audience.
The crowd fell silent as the beauty of the magic unfolded before their eyes. The runes formed intricate shapes, and their light grew in intensity before gradually fading away. It was a powerful and mesmerizing display, a mix of elegance and potency that stunned everyone watching. The judges were speechless, and even Lunara, who had seen countless magical displays, couldn't help but marvel at the complexity and beauty of his magic.
Lazros's rune magic was unlike anything anyone had seen before. It wasn't just powerful; it was a form of magic that had the potential to change the course of history, and it left the audience wondering just who this "useless son" really was.
Finally, it was Lunaria's turn to showcase her magic. As a member of the royal family, she was well-versed in the elemental magic of earth and nature, powers passed down through generations. She raised her hands, and the ground beneath her feet began to shift. Vines sprouted from the earth, wrapping around her as if responding to her will. With a wave of her hand, large trees grew from the soil, their roots entwining with the earth in a graceful dance.
Lunaria manipulated the earth and plants with perfect harmony, causing flowers to bloom and branches to sway with the wind. The audience was enchanted by her display of beauty and power, as the earth itself seemed to come alive in her hands. Her connection to the natural world was undeniable, and the grace with which she controlled it left the audience in awe.
Lunaria's magic wasn't just powerful—it was a direct reflection of her royal heritage. Her affinity with the earth and plants was a signature of the Mysthaven royal family, and she had mastered it to perfection. The crowd cheered for her, and many couldn't take their eyes off her stunning beauty as she stood there, commanding the very forces of nature with ease.
As the round concluded, the judges deliberated in silence, their minds filled with the impressive talents they had witnessed. But amidst the many talented students, it was clear that the competition was fierce, and the battle for the top spot was far from over.
Yet, for Lazros, the journey was just beginning. And as the crowd's whispers grew louder, he couldn't help but wonder—how long could he continue hiding his true potential?
At the end of the day, the judges revealed the rankings for the first round of the Grand Magic Games. The tension in the air was palpable as the audience eagerly awaited the results.
To no one's surprise, Lazros was declared the 1st rank in this round. His rune magic, which had left the crowd in awe, was praised for its complexity, beauty, and unique potential. The judges recognized the sheer skill it took to create such a masterpiece, and they could see the deep mastery behind his performance. Lazros's talent had surpassed even their expectations, and he had earned his place at the top.
The second-place rank went to none other than Princess Lunaria, who had showcased her beautiful and powerful earth/wood plant magic with poise and elegance. Her performance had been flawless, as expected from a royal with such a deep connection to nature. The judges had been particularly impressed with the harmony and grace with which she manipulated the earth, but despite the beauty of her display, it was Lazros's unique rune magic that ultimately captured the top spot.
As the results were announced, a wave of murmurs spread throughout the crowd. Many had underestimated Lazros, the "useless son of the Duke," but now they saw him in a new light. His victory had not only shocked the competition but had also solidified his place as one of the academy's most promising students.
Lunaria, though proud of her performance, couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration—and perhaps a bit of curiosity—toward Lazros. She had never imagined him to be such a skilled mage, and seeing him take the top spot in this round only deepened her interest in him.
As the event came to a close, Lazros stood on the stage, accepting his ranking with a quiet smile, his thoughts already moving forward. This was only the beginning.
The Grand Magic Games had only just begun, but Lazros's unexpected triumph had set the tone for what was to come. As he stepped off the stage, whispers of his brilliance echoed through the grand auditorium. For the first time in his life, he wasn't dismissed or overlooked—he was acknowledged, even admired. Yet, in his heart, Lazros knew this was merely the start of his journey. He would not stop here; he would rise higher, not to prove himself to others, but to carve his own path, far beyond the shadows of his family's expectations. The games continued, but a new story had already begun—the story of Lazros Silvershade , the boy destined to reshape the world of magic.