Main Tournament Begins

The grand hall of the Akashic Academy was alive with energy, more vibrant and bustling than it had been even during the opening ceremony. 

Rows upon rows of elevated seating brimmed with dignitaries, scholars, and alumni from the most prestigious regions across the Empire. Nobles in lavish attire mingled with battle-hardened Mages, and the air buzzed with a mixture of hushed anticipation and loud, excited chatter.

Brilliant banners bearing the crests of competing academies hung from the vaulted ceiling, their silken fabrics shimmering in the glow of enchanted chandeliers. Magical projections floated in the air, displaying rosters, highlights from previous matches, and glowing brackets of the tournament progression.

At the center of it all was the grand stage—a colossal, circular arena of polished stone and intricate carvings, surrounded by shimmering wards to protect the audience from stray Spells.