Tournament

Lian was sitting on one of the benches in the common area, simply resting after days of grueling training with his mentor. The energy around the academy felt different that morning, a mix of excitement and nervousness. He wasn't sure why, but the chatter and whispers among the students made it clear that something big was about to happen.

"Lian," Elios said, suddenly appearing and throwing himself onto the bench beside him. He wore that carefree smile that Lian had come to associate with trouble. "Did you hear about the tournament?"

"Tournament?" Lian frowned, glancing at him. "What are you talking about now?"

Elios chuckled. "Ark is going to announce it in the auditorium soon. It's apparently a tradition at the academy, a tournament between the classes. They say it's the perfect chance to gain recognition."

Lian didn't respond immediately. He'd already attracted enough attention after what happened in the portal, and the last thing he wanted was to become the center of it again. Before he could decide how to reply, a sharp signal echoed across the campus, summoning all students to the auditorium.

The auditorium was packed. Students from Classes A, B, C, and D filled the seats, their chatter buzzing with anticipation. Lian and Elios sat together, surrounded by familiar faces from their respective classes.

On the stage, Ark Zenith entered, his presence alone silencing the room. He crossed his arms, waiting until the murmurs died completely before speaking.

"Welcome, students," he began, his deep voice echoing through the hall. "Today marks the beginning of the Internal Class Tournament. This is not just a test of strength and skill, it is an opportunity to prove your worth and represent your class."

The auditorium erupted in applause and cheers.

Ark continued, his expression stern. "The tournament will have two phases. The first is a team-based event, where you must capture a magical artifact in an arena filled with traps and challenges. The second phase is individual, where only the best will advance to one-on-one duels."

Lian felt a pang of unease. He wasn't a fan of competitions. Elios, on the other hand, looked more excited than ever.

"The tournament begins tomorrow," Ark concluded. "Prepare yourselves. This will not be a game."

After the announcement, the academy was abuzz with energy. Groups of students gathered, strategizing and preparing for the upcoming competition. Lian tried to remain unnoticed, but that proved impossible.

"Lian!" Dane, from Class B, called out as he approached, Saya and Toran following close behind. "You're joining, right?"

Lian hesitated. "I haven't decided yet."

"You should," Saya said, stepping closer with a friendly smile. "We need someone who knows what they're doing."

Toran laughed. "Besides, I'd love to see you and Elios face off. Bet I could take you in a duel too."

Lian gave a small smile but didn't reply. He was more concerned with Lena's presence, watching everything from a distance with an enigmatic smile.

The next day, Lian, Elios, and the other students were led to a massive arena built specifically for the competition. The structure was impressive, with various sections featuring diverse terrains, artificial forests, deserts, and ruins.

Ark appeared again, explaining the rules.

"Each team will be transported to a random area. The objective is simple: find the magical artifact and bring it back to the starting point. Remember, this is a competition. Any team that loses the artifact is out."

Teams were formed, and as expected, Lian and Elios ended up on opposite sides. Lian was teamed up with Saya, Toran, and two other members from Class B, while Elios led a group primarily composed of Class A veterans.

"Good luck, brother," Elios teased as he passed Lian.

"You're going to need more than luck," Lian replied with a small smirk.

Lian and his team were transported to a forested area. The heat was intense, and the sound of rustling leaves filled the air. They moved cautiously, Saya taking the lead with her sharp instincts.

After days of training his energy control with Lena, Lian was more attuned to the shadows around him. As the group advanced, he used his abilities to analyze their surroundings, searching for the artifact while avoiding potential encounters with rival teams.

Minutes later, they found it, a glowing orb floating in the center of a ruined temple. They approached carefully, but as Toran stepped closer, a series of traps activated. Magical arrows shot from the walls, and mechanical guardians emerged, attacking with glowing blades.

"I've got the arrows!" Saya shouted, firing a volley of magical arrows to intercept the projectiles.

"These machines are mine!" Toran bellowed, swinging his massive sword and smashing two automatons at once.

Lian focused on creating shadows to immobilize the remaining guardians, crushing them before they could react. He noticed the artifact was protected by an energy field, but Oblivion pulsed in his hand, almost guiding him on what to do.

"I'll handle this," Lian said, moving to deactivate the artifact's energy field.

Meanwhile, Elios and his team were advancing rapidly. Lian sensed their presence entering the same ruins, moving fast. When the two groups met, they stood face-to-face, separated only by the energy field. The tension was palpable.

"So, this is how it's going to be?" Elios said, raising his glowing sword with a grin.

"Looks like it. I've been waiting for a duel with you," Lian replied, pointing Oblivion.

The two teams stared each other down, ready for a fight, when an explosion rocked the arena.

"This isn't supposed to happen!" Saya shouted, drawing her bow.

Everyone turned toward the source of the blast, confusion evident. A large hole had been blown in the arena wall, and through it, monsters began pouring in.

"Monsters? They shouldn't be able to get in here. Is this part of the tournament?" Elios exclaimed, watching the scene in disbelief.

Lian quickly realized this wasn't part of the competition. "No... this isn't the tournament. If it were, they wouldn't have breached the walls..." he murmured. "Someone sabotaged this."