chapter 14

There is a comprehensive arena in the Beauxbaton Academy.

This arena is enormous, with a particularly massive central stage. The grandeur of its design, from the seating arrangements to the luxurious decorations, makes it evident that no expense was spared.

Around the stage, there are protective barriers that, once activated, enclose the entire battleground. These barriers are not ordinary—they are powerful enough to withstand even heavy colour-style armed attacks and large-scale bombardments, ensuring that spectators remain completely safe no matter how intense the battle becomes. However, maintaining such a strong defense requires an enormous amount of energy and a highly advanced device to generate it. Because of this, only three stages in the entire arena are equipped with such protective measures.

Typically, this grand stage remains closed to casual duels.

But today was different.

Students in uniforms entered one after another, filling the auditorium with excited chatter.

They were here for one reason only: to witness the ranking battle.

Today marked the day of the Official Ranking Battle, an event held once every month at Beauxbaton Academy.

This was a rare opportunity to see the elite students in action—those ranked among the top twelve, who rarely engaged in public duels outside of official matches. Beyond that, it was also a chance to witness some of the academy's most formidable fighters display their skills.

Because of this, these monthly ranking battles always attracted a massive crowd. Even high-ranking officials from the academy and representatives from other schools would attend, alongside journalists and media figures from Asterisk, eager to report on rising talents and new powerhouses.

After all, Asterisk was a duel city, and students from all six academies participated in the festivals. Any information about powerful contestants was bound to generate significant public interest.

As a result, whenever an academy held such an event, the venue would always be packed.

At this moment, the audience was abuzz with conversation while waiting for the battles to begin.

Pre-Battle Excitement

"The second ranking battle of the year is finally here! I wonder which duel will be the most thrilling?"

"It has to be the last one, right?"

"You mean the fight for the top rank?"

"Yeah! This year's top-ranked student is truly exceptional. When she claimed the number one spot, even students from other academies took notice."

"It's said that the tenth-ranked student is challenging her this time, right?"

"The only two middle-level students in the top twelve, and both are female. They're actually going to duel?"

"...Why do I suddenly feel even more excited?"

"You're not alone in that!"

Similar conversations could be heard throughout the audience, filling the arena with a lively atmosphere.

Amidst the excitement, a girl sat alone in a VIP section, distinct from the rest of the spectators.

She appeared to be about sixteen or seventeen, likely a student from the advanced department. Her striking light blue eyes, strong nose bridge, and fair skin gave her a refined and elegant appearance.

But what stood out the most was her gorgeous rose-colored hair—not red, not peach, but a unique, vivid shade of rose.

Before the rise of the Baby Boomers Generation, such bright hair colors were only possible through dyeing. But ever since their emergence, more and more individuals were born with strikingly unique hair shades.

The girl sat silently, her gaze sharp and serious. The aura she exuded made it clear that people should keep their distance.

Until...

"Oh? So you're here too, Julis."

A light, amused voice broke through the cold atmosphere around her.

"...Claudia."

Julis turned her head, her expression shifting to one of mild annoyance as she looked at the girl who had addressed her.

There stood Claudia, another striking figure with dazzling blonde hair, appearing slightly more mature and exuding an effortless charm.

"I didn't expect you to come to watch the matches today, Julis." Claudia smiled as she took a seat beside her. "I don't recall you having a designated challenge today?"

"You're the same, aren't you?" Julis frowned and locked eyes with Claudia. "I don't believe the infamous Chimi Alliance Leader of our academy would have a designated match. Or are you finally planning to challenge the top rank?"

"The top rank...?" Claudia didn't answer immediately. Instead, she seemed to ponder something before saying, "So you came to watch the duel of Swift Wind Blade Thunder, didn't you?"

"...You're still as sharp as ever." Julis sighed, but then added in a lower voice, "Well, it's not surprising. A first-year student from the middle school department managed to defeat the former top-ranked fighter within just one month of entering school. Of course, everyone wants to see if she can hold onto her spot in this ranking battle."

"Not to mention," Julis continued, "there are plenty of people who still doubt whether she's really that strong."

"Especially outsiders," Claudia agreed. "Many simply refuse to believe that a thirteen-year-old could achieve the number one ranking."

"Exactly." Julis crossed her arms. "Even with footage of her duels circulating, some still don't believe that level of strength belongs to someone her age."

"Do you doubt it too?" Claudia tilted her head slightly and chuckled.

"...And what about you?" Julis turned the question back on her. "Don't tell me the ever-busy student council president came here just for this duel?"

"Well..." Claudia gave a mysterious smile.

Julis narrowed her eyes. "Are you saying there's another duel that interests you more?"

Claudia didn't answer directly. Instead, she simply smiled again.

"Hmph."

Julis turned away but muttered under her breath.

"I want to see who's caught your special attention."

Just then, a mechanical voice echoed throughout the arena.

"The Official Ranking Battle is about to begin. Please remain in your seats."

"Will both participants for the first duel please enter the arena?"

At the announcement, two figures emerged from opposite sides of the stage.

A wave of thunderous applause erupted from the audience, signaling the official start of the ranking battle.

Erend's Anticipation

Meanwhile, in the competitor's waiting area, Erend stood quietly among the participants.

He wasn't alone—several other fighters, all waiting for their respective matches, were present.

But Erend didn't interact with anyone.

He stood in a secluded corner, eyes closed, focusing.

And then—

"Will both participants for the next duel please enter the arena."

The school badge on Erend's chest lit up.

He opened his eyes.

"Is it my turn?"

His expression remained calm, but his eyes held an undeniable excitement.

He wasn't nervous.

If anything...

He was thirlled