Unleashing Sage Resolve

As Austin made his way toward the Mystican Tower during lunch, his mind lingered on Professor Voss's recent mana lessons. He pondered whether his subtle manipulation of mana output had been noticed and considered seeking guidance from Professor Fuchs later.

Approaching the tower's grand entrance, he observed a gathering of students at the nearby training grounds. Curiosity piqued, he decided to take a quick look, ensuring he could still enter the tower before noon.

As Austin approached the crowd, he realized that the students are actually gathered around a duel. Curious, he edged closer and saw a familiar face.

Yanika is facing off against another female studen.. Professor Beaumont stood nearby, overseeing the match with his usual weary demeanor.

The panting and sweating Yanika stood rigid, her staff glowing with a soft magenta hue as she summoned her earth elemental magic.

"Murus Terrae!"

With a swift motion, she raised a wall of solid rock from the ground, aiming to shield herself from the opponent's impending attack.

The opponent smirked, her wavy brunette hair cascading over her shoulders. "Is that the best you can do?" she taunted, extending her arms as a shimmering cyan aura enveloped her. With a flick of her staff, she conjured a torrent of water that surged toward Yanika's earthen wall.

Was that—Crown Channeling? Austin wondered.

The spell that the opponent conjured seems like it came from her head.

The water collided with the earthen wall, seeping into its crevices. Within moments, the sturdy rock began to soften, transforming into a sludge of mud that crumbled under its own weight.

Yanika gritted her teeth, frustration evident on her face.

"You'll have to do better than that," the opponent jeered, her eyes gleaming with confidence.

Determined, Yanika stomped her foot, causing the ground beneath her opponent to tremble.

Ah, that was a kinesthetic incantation. Austin thought. She must have learned that from Alaric.

Erath vines erupted from the ground, twisting and coiling as they reached for her opponent's ankles.

But the opponent was quick to react. She summoned a swirling vortex of water around her, slicing through her attack and reducing them to damp fragments.

With a graceful motion, she directed the vortex toward Yanika, the water spiraling with formidable force.

Caught off guard, Yanika hastily raised her arms, attempting to summon another barrier. But the water struck before she could complete the spell, drenching her and knocking her to the ground.

She gasped for breath, the weight of her soaked clothes making it difficult to rise.

Professor Beaumont stepped forward, raising his hand to signal the end of the duel. "The winner is Marina von Wassermann," he announced, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd.

Marina flipped her hair arrogantly, a sneer playing on her lips. "As expected, a mere Sage stands no chance against a Mage," she said, her tone dripping with disdain. She leaned closer to Yanika, her voice lowering to a menacing whisper. "Do yourself a favor and keep away from Alaric."

With that, Marina turned on her heel, her entourage following closely behind.

The crowd began to disperse, leaving a palpable tension in the air.

Austin watched as Yanika's friends rushed to her side, helping her to her feet.

He saw these two with Yanika yesterday as well. But they didn't had the chance to introduce each other due to the circumstance.

This must be the reason why Yanika looked sad everytime she mentioned the tracks, he thought.

Professor Beaumont approached Yanika, his expression softening as he addressed her.

"Ms. Yanika, you displayed commendable effort today," he said gently. "Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow."

Yanika forced a tight smile, nodding curtly. "Thank you, Professor," she replied, her voice strained.

Sensing her reluctance, Professor Beaumont offered a sympathetic nod before turning to leave.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Yanika's composure crumbled. She clenched her fists, her knuckles whitening.

"It's always the same," she muttered, her voice trembling with frustration. "No matter how hard I try, being a Sage is just... a constant reminder of my limitations."

Her friends exchanged worried glances.

Her red head who has a bob cut framing her freckled face, placed a comforting hand on Yanika's shoulder.

"Yanika, don't be so hard on yourself," she urged softly. "You're improving every day. One duel doesn't define your worth."

The other with her sleek black hair and serene demeanor, nodded in agreement. "Penelope's right," she added. "Remember why you started this journey. Focus on your progress, not the setbacks."

Yanika sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I know you're both trying to help, but it's exhausting," she confessed. "Facing prejudice from the Mage students, constantly feeling like I'm not enough... It's overwhelming."

Penelope's grip tightened reassuringly. "We're in this together," she said firmly. "We'll find a way to prove that Sages are just as capable."

The other friend offered a gentle smile. "Unity is our strength," she agreed. "Let's support each other and show them what we can achieve."

Yanika managed a small, appreciative smile, drawing strength from her friends' unwavering support.

It was then that she noticed Austin standing nearby, his gaze fixed on her. Surprised, she wiped at her eyes and straightened up.

"Austin," she greeted, her voice tinged with embarrassment. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough," Austin replied, his tone neutral. "I saw the duel."

Yanika's cheeks flushed. "It wasn't my best performance," she admitted, looking away.

Sensing her embarrassment towards Austin, Penelope stepped forward, extending a hand to Austin to cover her friend. "We haven't been properly introduced yesterday," she said with a warm smile. "I'm Penelope."

Austin shook her hand, noting the callouses on her fingertips and knuckles. "A pleasure to meet you, Penelope. I'm Austin," he introduced sincerely.

Catching his glance, Penelope smiled wryly. "You noticed? Comes with being a tailor."

Yanika's other friend offered a polite nod. "And I'm Long Cai, a jeweler from the Eastern continent," she introduced herself.

"That's an interesting name, Long." Austin commented.

"Ah, no—" Long Cai laughed. "—Long is my surname, so you can just call me Cai since it's customary here to call someone with their first name," she explained.

"I see. I'll go with that then, Cai." Austin gave a smile before acknowledging the both of them. "It's good to meet you both," he said.

Yanika took a deep breath, regaining some composure. "Thank you for your support," she said to her friends, then turned to Austin. "And thank you for watching. I'll do better next time."

Austin's gaze was steady. "I have no doubt," he replied.

Suddenly, a hurried footsteps approached.

"Yanika!"

Alaric appeared, slightly out of breath. His eyes darted across her form, checking for injuries. "Are you okay? I heard about the duel."

Yanika sighed but managed a small, reassuring smile. "I'm fine, just wet and humiliated."

Alaric's expression darkened. "Marina." He clenched his fists. "I swear, she—"

Then, as if sensing another presence, his gaze shifted and landed on Austin. The concern in his features hardened into something else.

"…Why are you here?" His tone lost its warmth, laced instead with suspicion.

Austin raised an eyebrow, immediately noticing the subtle shift in Alaric's posture—the way his shoulders squared, the tension in his jaw, and most notably, the flicker of bloodlust in his eyes.

Austin smirked slightly. "I was just passing by." His voice was calm, unreadable.

Alaric's frown deepened. "Passing by?"

Austin shrugged. "The entrance to Mystican Tower faces the training grounds. Can't help but see things on the way."

Yanika, still exhausted from the duel, groaned. "Calm down, Alaric. He's of no harm."

Alaric hesitated, then exhaled sharply, looking back at her. "Fine. But if Marina keeps pushing you around, you tell me, okay?"

Yanika crossed her arms. "I can fight my own battles, Alaric."

Alaric sighed but didn't push further. His eyes flickered back to Austin once more, still wary, but he said nothing.

Austin merely smiled to himself. He hadn't planned on interfering. But now, watching Alaric's reaction, the gears in his mind were turning.

"Yanika, do you want to win a duel against Marina?" Austin asked.

"If there's a way, then yes." Yanika immediately answered.

Alaric jerked his ears as well.

"Then what if we'll be able to defeat Marina during the Upcoming Battle Royale?" Austin asked, giving them an idea of his plan.

"The Annual Track Tournament? That's a—"

"The Annual Track Tournament is approaching. If we can form a team and perform well, it might change how others perceive the Sage Track. So it's we'll be hitting two birds with one stone." Austin cut Yanika's doubts short.

"Don't be ridiculous, you can't possible embarrass Yanika in front of a crowd!" Alaric interjected.

He took the bait, Austin thought amusingly. "So are you saying that you don't trust Yanika to win against Marina?"

"That's not—I believe in her." Alaric's face reddened. "But—"

"—But what?" Austin pushed.

"I–I don't want Yanika to get hurt," he said while glancing at Yanika.

"Alaric?" Yanika was surprised but she didn't say anything more.

"Then you don't have to worry. Yanika is strong. And I believe that she has what it takes to win the tournament. Isn't that right Yanika?" Austin asked her.

Yanika was startled by the question and broke the eye contact with Alaric. "O-of course, I-I'll win." She declared as she gripped her chest. "We'll win." Then her tone slowed down. "But we need at least five to seven team members to register, and there are only four of us. Alaric can't join since he's in the Mage Track."

Alaric frowned.

A subtle smile played on Austin's lips. "Don't worry. I have some friends, who I believe would be willing to join us. I'll speak with them later today. Let's meet here after class."

Hope flickered in Yanika's expression. "You'd do that?"

"Of course," Austin replied. "Together, we can show everyone the true strength of the Sage Track."

"I will not join the Battle Royale to make sure that you guys will win, then." Alaric declared.

"Are you underestimating Yanika?" Austin asked provokingly.

"That's not what I—"

"—Then join—we'll show you the fruit of our hard work within three months."

A new understanding dawned on Alaric as he finally grasped Austin's vision.

Alaric finally nodded in agreement. "Then I will make sure to defend the Mage track." He said with a smile as he gave Yanika a long glance before leaving.

"When Alaric was finally out of sight, Penelope and Cai let out excited shrieks."

"What was that?" Penelope asked. "Did you see the look in his eyes?"

Cai nodded.

"L—let's do this!" With newfound determination, Yanika declared.