The D-Day : Lord June;The Man Raised in Hell.

The day of the Legion Challenge had finally dawned, casting a palpable aura of anticipation over the Royal Cadet Academy (RCA). The air was alive with the collective hum of nervous energy, as cadets and spectators alike awaited the revelation of the tournament brackets. Who would be pitted against whom? Which warriors would emerge victorious, their names etched into the annals of Miravalian history?

The venue of the Legion Challenge, the majestic Aurora Arena, stood as a testament to the kingdom's architectural prowess. This colossal, circular structure seemed to defy gravity, its tiers of seats cascading upward like a titan's staircase. The arena's unroofed center, where the battles would unfold, was a hub of excitement, while the roofed seating areas provided a sense of sheltered intensity. Eleven statues, each a masterpiece of Miravalian craftsmanship, stood sentinel atop the arena, their stone eyes seeming to bore into the souls of the competitors. These iconic figures represented the kingdom's rich heritage: the first king of Miravalia, the venerable Justice Lee, and the nine legendary leaders of the nine holds that comprised the realm.

As Stanley arrived at the Aurora Arena, the RCA's proximity to the venue became apparent – a mere six-minute horseback ride at full gallop. He navigated the throngs of people, seeking directions to the cadets' staging area. A familiar guard provided guidance, pointing him toward the dressing hut. Stanley's curiosity was piqued as he approached the hut, whose exterior belied its surprisingly spacious interior. The hut seemed to be a marvel of Miravalian architecture, comfortably accommodating over 150 individuals.

•••

The Legion Challenge was an esteemed tradition, open to all interested candidates from across the kingdom. Registration had taken place days prior, with participants from diverse backgrounds and skill levels vying for the coveted title of mage official. The ultimate victors would be inducted into the ranks of the mage officials, albeit in a probationary capacity, as they would still require further training to hone their craft.

A total of 81 victors would be given the opportunity of becoming a mage. The winners would be divided into nine squads, each comprising nine members, who would work together to maintain the delicate balance within and outside the kingdom. They'd be sent on daunting task for the sake of the realm and balance outside the realm.

•••

Upon entering the hut, Stanley's gaze swept the room, searching for his friends. He inquired about their whereabouts from a cadet, and was eventually directed to Jacqueline, Nick, and Trevor. The duo was clad in their dress attire, their faces etched with anxiety. He and Jacqueline exchanged their friendship unique handshake. Stanley sensed a deeper unease emanating from Nick, a maelstrom of frustration and anger simmering beneath the surface. He understood his friend's turmoil – the weight of the tournament's stakes was crushing, with Nick's very dream of being a sorcerer slowly being murdered.

As Stanley joined his friends, the air was heavy with unspoken tensions, the silence between them a palpable, living entity. The fate that awaited them in the arena seemed to loom over the group, casting a long, ominous shadow that threatened to engulf them all.

"Well, this is it," Jacqueline said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "The moment of truth. Are you ready for this?" Her smile was as charming and reassuring as ever.

Trevor nodded resolutely.

Nick's expression remained grim. "I don't know, guys. This feels...different."

Stanley placed a reassuring hand on Nick's shoulder.

The group fell silent once more, each lost in their own thoughts. Jacqueline noticed how unusual discouraged Nick was. She needed Stanley's help here. If anyone could boost all of their morale in a short time, it was Stanley.

"We'll go get some water." She winked at Stanley and threw her head towards Nick. At once, he understood her. Trevor still sat there, unaware of the communication going on. "Come on." She beckoned to Trevor to follow her.

"Me?" Trevor exclaimed. Confused as to how he needed to follow her just to get the water they didn't really need.

Without saying a word, she pulled his ear and they both walked away.

"Hey man, you okay?" Stanley asked Nick after they both laughed at both Trevor and Jacque. His tone was tense though calm, "You know you don't have to do this, right?"

Nick scoffed and turned to look at Stanley who was beside him. "You know better than that."

Silence fell on them again. Nick was right. Stanley knew everything including the blackmailing by his father. In fact,they keep nothing from each other. Nick refused to tell both Trevor and Jacque because he knew how unreasonably worried if they knew.

Suddenly, Trevor and Jacque came rushing in. For some reason, they looked terrified. Something was obviously wrong. Before they could ask what it was, the whole hut fell silent. Completely silent! You'd hear a pin drop at that moment. Stanley and Nicholas sprung off the bench they sat on.

A figure entered. Nick heard some whisper:"It's Lord June!" Without doubt, Nick knew his day was about to get worse. All of the cadets and non-cadets saluted (by crossing their wrist with their palm facing outward) as he passed by them. Only Nick and his friends didn't pay respect to the powerful mage. Stanley didn't know how to salute while Trevor and Jacque were to shocked to. Nick, on the other hand, didn't salute because he disliked his father.

"Stan! Been a while, hasn't it?" Lord June greeted.

" Good day, sir. " Stanley greeted with a slight bow. He was already on his feet.

Jacqueline, as polite and respectful as anyone could, bowed to greet her boyfriend's father. "Hello, commander." Trevor too quickly saluted with saying a word.

Completely ignoring her, Lord June patted Trevor's shoulder. And he said to both he and Stanley, "How's your father? Tell him I wish him good health."

Both boys bowed, acknowledgingly.

Before he said anything else, he paused to look at his son. Their eyes glued for about five seconds before the older man broke the contact.

"You're to watch the tournament, right Stan?" Without waiting for a reply, Lord June continued, "Don't worry. Your friend would surely win. Am I right, Gareth?" He addressed Nick by his middle name.

Nick looked at his father disdainfully. He moved the bench noisily just to show how much he disrespects his father. Lord June leaned forward to Nick ear-level and whispered something in his ear. At once, Nicholas' expression changed.

Lord June rose and walked out. On his way out, he wished everyone of them luck. Within seconds, the hut was as noisy as it was.

Nick read the question on all of their faces. He revealed, "He said; Sophia would pay if any mistake is made. "

"Hell!" Trevor cussed aloud.

" Yeah. He was surely raised in hell." Jacqueline said as she sat beside him. She gently placed his hand on hers, probably trying to remind him that she was with him no matter what.

"You knew he wouldn't have replied so why bother greet him?" Nick gently whispered in her ear.

Jacqueline giggled seductively and did not reply.