Chapter 16: First Match: The Unconventional Calligraphy

The tournament ground buzzed with excitement as students from various academies gathered for the day's events. Ruchir looked around, taking in the scene. 

"Did you hear?" someone whispered behind him. 

"About the One Phoenix and Three Qilin?" another voice replied.

"Yes! They're the favorites to win."

"I heard Anna Sayy is amazing."

"Silver hair, from the Sayy Family, right?"

"Yes, she's unmatched in skill."

"And Raoul Jade, too."

"From the Jade Family. A real prodigy."

"Don't forget Alaric."

"Son of the Left Minister. Powerful and smart."

"And Jack the Commoner."

"Awakened a white tiger, didn't he?"

"Indeed. Trained so hard."

Ruchir leaned closer to Garret. "They're hyped."

Garret nodded. "Anna's the Phoenix, right?"

"Yeah, from the Sayy Family."

"I heard she's unbeatable."

"Her swordsmanship is legendary."

"And Raoul?"

"Also skilled. Jade Family's pride."

"He's known for his tactics."

"Alaric, Minister's son?"

"Strongest of them all, some say."

"A strategic genius."

"And Jack's a commoner, right?"

"Yes, but he's special. White tiger."

"They've all trained intensely."

"Everyone's watching them closely."

Ruchir turned to another classmate. "What do you think?"

"Hard to say. They're all exceptional."

"Any favorites?"

"Anna, perhaps. She's so skilled."

"Raoul's a genius, though."

"True, but Alaric's tactics..."

"And Jack's raw power?"

"Amazing, considering his background."

Garret whispered, "Who's your bet on?"

"I don't know. They're all strong."

"We'll see soon enough."

"They've worked hard for this."

"Yeah, their reputations precede them."

A teacher nearby added, "Anna's dedication is impressive."

"Yes, she's focused and disciplined."

"Raoul's creativity shines through."

"A master of innovation."

"Alaric's leadership is evident."

"He commands respect easily."

"And Jack's resilience is inspiring."

"Never gives up, no matter what."

Ruchir took a deep breath. "This will be intense."

"Indeed. The competition's fierce."

"We have to give our best."

"Absolutely. No holding back."

"Let's see how it unfolds."

"Yes, let the matches begin."

Ruchir's inner thoughts swirled. "Anna Sayy, the Phoenix. Her sword dances like a flame. Raoul Jade, the prodigy strategist. Alaric, the powerful leader. And Jack, the resilient commoner. Each one a formidable opponent. This will be a challenge, but I can't wait to test my skills against them."

Garret broke his thoughts. "Ready, Ruchir?"

"Yes, let's do this."

They joined the crowd, moving towards the arena. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The stage was set for the start of tournament.

A young man stood on the stage, exuding a calm and commanding presence. He glanced over the gathered students, his eyes twinkling with a mix of authority and warmth. With a clear, resonant voice, he began to speak.

"Greetings, students from all academies. I am Scholar Li from Rainbow Academy, and I will be your host for this tournament."

The crowd murmured with excitement, eager to hear what was in store for them.

"This tournament is a celebration of skill, strategy, and creativity. Each of you represents the pinnacle of your respective academies, and today, you will have the opportunity to showcase your talents."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.

"Now, I know many of you are eager to learn about the rewards for this tournament. Let me unveil them."

A hush fell over the crowd as Scholar Li proceeded.

"The first-place winner will receive a high-grade mortal artifact and five bottles of high-grade healing and revitalizing pills. These prizes are designed to enhance your abilities and ensure you are well-prepared for future challenges."

Gasps and excited whispers echoed through the crowd. Scholar Li smiled and moved on to the next set of rewards.

"The second-place winner will be awarded a middle-grade mortal artifact and five bottles of high-grade healing and revitalizing pills. Though slightly lesser, these rewards are still invaluable for your growth and development."

The anticipation continued to build as Scholar Li reached the final major prize.

"And for the third-place winner, a middle-grade mortal artifact and two bottles of high-grade healing and revitalizing pills will be given. These items will aid you in your training and recovery."

He then elaborated on further rewards, detailing various incentives for those who displayed exceptional skill and creativity.

"Additional rewards will be given to participants who demonstrate exceptional creativity and strategic thinking during the tournament. These prizes are meant to encourage you to push the boundaries of your abilities and think outside the box."

Scholar Li concluded his announcement with a nod.

"May the best among you emerge victorious. Let the tournament begin!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, the students' excitement palpable. Ruchir felt a surge of determination, ready to face the challenges ahead.

The crowd buzzed with excitement as the names were drawn from the box. The anticipation was palpable, with students from various academies eagerly awaiting the announcement. Scholar Li reached into the box and pulled out the first name.

"The first competitor is... Ruchir from the Thousand Leaves Academy!"

A cheer erupted from Ruchir's peers, their voices filled with encouragement and enthusiasm. Ruchir felt a jolt of surprise, quickly followed by a surge of determination. He straightened his back, ready to face the challenge head-on.

Scholar Li reached into the box again and pulled out the second name.

"The second competitor is... Dhara from Destiny Academy!"

The crowd from Destiny Academy erupted in cheers as well, their excitement matching that of Ruchir's supporters. Dhara, a tall and agile young woman with a confident demeanor, stepped forward. She had a reputation for her powerful agility technique, making her a formidable opponent.

Ruchir and Dhara walked toward the arena, their expressions focused and serious. As they stepped into the ring, the cheers from their respective academies intensified, each side eager to see their friend triumph.

They faced each other, fists clenched, and performed a respectful fist salute, a traditional gesture of courtesy before a match.

"May the best one win," Dhara said, her voice steady.

"Let's give it our all," Ruchir replied with a nod.

With that, the match began.

Dhara wasted no time, launching into her agility technique with incredible speed.

Her movements were swift and fluid, making it difficult for Ruchir to predict her next move. She darted around him, her strikes quick and precise.

Ruchir, however, remained calm. He knew he had to rely on his unique calligraphy technique, Sa Re Ga.

He focused his energy, channeling it into his brush.

The brush moved with a fluid grace, drawing intricate patterns in the air.

As Dhara closed in on him, Ruchir unleashed the first stroke of Sa Re Ga. The air around him shimmered, and an invisible force repelled Dhara's attack, forcing her to leap back.

"Impressive," Dhara said, her eyes narrowing with determination. "But let's see how you handle this!"

She increased her speed, becoming a blur of motion. Her agility was astounding, and she seemed to be everywhere at once.

Ruchir's eyes tracked her movements, his mind working quickly to anticipate her strikes.

He began to draw the second stroke of Sa Re Ga, his brush moving with practiced precision. This time, the patterns in the air seemed to solidify, forming a barrier that absorbed Dhara's rapid attacks.

Each strike she landed against the barrier was met with a ripple of energy, dispersing her force.

Dhara's frustration was evident, but she didn't relent. She switched tactics, aiming for Ruchir's weak points with relentless speed. Ruchir knew he couldn't maintain the barrier indefinitely. He had to go on the offensive.

With a swift motion, Ruchir completed the final stroke of Sa Re Ga. The air crackled with energy as the patterns he'd drawn coalesced into a powerful force.

He directed it towards Dhara, the energy surging forward in a wave.

Dhara's eyes widened in surprise, but she reacted quickly, using her agility to dodge the brunt of the attack.

Even so, the force of the wave grazed her, disrupting her rhythm. She stumbled, giving Ruchir the opening he needed.

Seizing the moment, Ruchir drew another stroke, this one imbued with a different kind of energy.

The patterns glowed with a golden light, and as he completed the stroke, the energy shot forward in a concentrated beam.

Dhara tried to evade, but the beam was too fast. It struck her, and she was thrown backward, landing on the ground with a thud.

The crowd gasped, the intensity of the match keeping everyone on edge.

Ruchir didn't let up. He knew he had to press his advantage.

He moved with purpose, his brush dancing in the air as he drew the final stroke of Sa Re Ga.

The patterns glowed brighter, the energy building to a crescendo.

Dhara struggled to her feet, her determination undiminished. She launched herself at Ruchir with renewed vigor, her movements a blur of speed and power.

But Ruchir was ready. With a final flourish, he unleashed the full force of his technique.

The energy surged forward in a brilliant wave, enveloping Dhara.

She fought against it, her agility allowing her to dodge some of the force, but the wave was too powerful. It overwhelmed her, and she was pushed back, unable to counter the relentless assault.

With a final burst of energy, Ruchir's attack reached its peak. Dhara was thrown to the ground, unable to rise. The match was over.

The crowd erupted in cheers, the excitement and admiration for Ruchir's innovative technique palpable.

Ruchir stood in the center of the arena, breathing heavily, but victorious. He extended a hand to Dhara, helping her to her feet.

"That was an incredible fight," he said, his voice filled with respect.

Dhara smiled, accepting his hand. "You were amazing. Your technique is truly unique."

As they left the arena, the crowd continued to cheer, the energy of the match still electrifying the air.

The principal watched the match from his private chamber, his eyes narrowing in thought as he observed Ruchir's technique. He leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Calligraphy..." he murmured to himself, "the world has forgotten how to truly use them since 100 years."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. The principal's gaze remained fixed on the now-empty arena, his mind deep in contemplation.

Down in the courtyard, Ruchir was surrounded by his classmates, their faces beaming with pride and excitement. Garret was the first to reach him, clapping him on the back with a grin.

"Ruchir, that was amazing!" Garret exclaimed. "You really showed everyone what you're made of."

"Thanks, Garret," Ruchir replied, smiling. "I just did my best."

Another student, Mira, chimed in, "That calligraphy technique was incredible. I've never seen anything like it!"

Ruchir nodded modestly. "It's something I've been working on for a while."

Garret flexed his bulky muscles, giving Ruchir a playful nudge. "Well, I'm up next, and I'll thrash my opponent in a single strike. Watch and learn!"

Ruchir chuckled. "I have no doubt, Garret. You've got the strength to back it up."

The group laughed, their spirits high. Leena, another classmate, added, "We'll be cheering for you, Garret. Just make sure you don't break the arena!"

Garret laughed heartily. "I'll try to hold back, but no promises!"

As the group continued to chat and congratulate Ruchir, the sense of camaraderie and support was palpable. Each student felt the weight of their shared journey and the pride of representing their academy.

"Let's all do our best," Ruchir said, looking around at his friends. "We're here to show what the Thousand Leaves Academy is capable of."

The students nodded in agreement, their determination and enthusiasm renewed as they prepared for the next match.