Tournament Begins

The sun rose bright and clear over Luminis Academy, casting gentle golden light across the central training grounds where the first-year tournament would soon begin. Excited voices filled the crisp morning air as students, instructors, and distinguished visitors gathered, anticipation humming quietly among them.

Kaelan stood quietly at the edge of the gathering crowd, dressed neatly in the academy's ceremonial combat robes. His composure was steady, his expression calm yet focused. Nearby, Liam paced nervously, occasionally glancing toward the seating area where several notable figures had already arrived.

"Relax, Liam," Marcus chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Just treat it like training."

Liam gave him an anxious smile. "Easy for you to say. Did you see who's here? That's Master Orion Stormfire himself!"

Marcus's eyes widened briefly, clearly impressed. Kaelan followed their gazes subtly. Orion Stormfire, a legendary mage and respected patriarch of the Stormfire lineage, sat alongside Instructor Althea and other academy dignitaries. His gaze was calm and appraising, undoubtedly watching for talent worthy of his family's prestigious mentorship.

The elder Stormfire's presence was no small matter—he rarely attended junior events personally. His arrival only served to amplify the pressure for students, particularly Lucien, who stood at the opposite edge of the field, posture straight and expression quietly determined.

Selene, noticing Kaelan's careful observation, whispered softly, "It seems Lucien feels the pressure too."

Kaelan nodded slightly. "It's understandable. His family expects greatness from him."

Selene tilted her head thoughtfully. "Yet, somehow, you seem entirely calm. I envy your composure, Kaelan."

Kaelan offered a gentle smile. "I feel the pressure too—but I also trust our preparations. Confidence comes from knowing we've done all we could."

Their conversation was gently interrupted as Instructor Darius, the academy's head combat instructor, stepped forward, signaling for quiet. The students gathered quickly, attentive and respectful.

"Welcome, students, instructors, and honored guests," Darius began, voice firm and resonant. "Today, our academy continues a tradition stretching back generations—a demonstration of skill, discipline, and the exceptional potential found within our newest generation of young mages."

Applause rippled through the assembled crowd, fading quickly as Darius continued. "Remember, victory matters less than the wisdom and strength gained through these matches. Compete honorably, respect your peers, and give your very best."

With that, Instructor Althea stepped forward calmly, lifting a rune-engraved tablet. "Matches have been randomized. We begin shortly. First matches: Marcus Albright versus Cedric Faelan. Lucien Stormfire versus Ian Talbot. Kaelan Elysian versus Reina Voss. Liam Hart against Selene Damaris. Prepare yourselves!"

Students dispersed quickly, quietly exchanging good wishes before separating to respective match areas.

Kaelan approached his assigned platform, meeting Reina, a quiet yet talented student who specialized notably in earth-elemental magic. Her expression was determined, respectful.

"Good luck, Kaelan," she said politely.

"Same to you, Reina."

Instructor Darius raised his hand, signaling the match's beginning. "Start!"

Reina immediately pressed her palm downwards. "Stone Barricade!"

A series of dense stone walls erupted from the earth around her, establishing a defensive perimeter. Kaelan observed quietly, impressed with her calm precision. Without hesitation, he formed precise, slender needles of condensed mana—his carefully practiced Mana Needles (B).

With subtle gestures, he sent a precise volley, puncturing tiny holes in her stone defenses. The barriers cracked slightly, but Reina swiftly repaired the damage, visibly determined. Clearly understanding the stalemate, Kaelan calmly considered his options.

He had no intention of unnecessarily revealing stronger skills this early. Instead, he approached the situation logically, identifying a weak spot—her barrier's joints. He carefully directed mana threads between the stone segments, subtly destabilizing her structure without overwhelming force.

Reina, unaware of the precise internal damage, prepared a counterattack. "Earth Spike!"

Several sharp stone spikes erupted around Kaelan's position. Yet he sidestepped gracefully, responding calmly by intensifying his mana threads, causing her stone barriers to collapse inward gently, forcing her to surrender under controlled yet believable circumstances.

Instructor Darius raised his hand. "Kaelan Elysian wins!"

Polite applause greeted him as he respectfully helped Reina to her feet. "Well fought," he said kindly.

Reina nodded, clearly appreciative. "You're really something, Kaelan. Good luck in your next matches."

Elsewhere, Marcus emerged victorious after a decisive yet challenging fight, while Lucien had effortlessly displayed exceptional strength, quickly dispatching his opponent with refined Flame Spear strikes. Liam and Selene's duel had been closely contested, with Selene narrowly claiming victory through skillful use of Aqua Sphere and Mana Shield combinations.

The day progressed swiftly, rounds intensifying as matchups became tougher and more competitive. Kaelan advanced carefully, each victory logically earned through precise and intelligent use of skills clearly matching his public reputation.

Eventually, only four remained—Kaelan, Lucien, Marcus, and Selene.

Instructor Althea gathered the remaining competitors. "Excellent matches thus far. The semifinals begin now. Matches: Marcus Albright versus Lucien Stormfire. Kaelan Elysian versus Selene Damaris."

Marcus gave Kaelan a joking salute. "See you in the finals, hopefully."

Kaelan chuckled softly, watching as Marcus confidently faced Lucien. Their duel was intense but brief, Lucien's overwhelming Flame Spears decisively piercing Marcus's wind-based defenses. Marcus exited gracefully, clearly proud despite defeat.

Kaelan now stood opposite Selene, who gave him a respectful yet determined nod. "I won't make this easy, Kaelan."

He nodded warmly. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

As their match began, Selene skillfully combined Aqua Sphere (C+) with basic Mana Shields, creating layered defenses. Kaelan responded carefully, demonstrating his enhanced yet still believable public skills. After a respectful exchange of techniques, he decisively won, carefully avoiding unnecessary demonstration of his true potential.

Instructor Darius announced, "Kaelan Elysian advances!"

Applause now filled with genuine admiration greeted them. Selene smiled graciously, clearly satisfied. "Go win it, Kael."

Kaelan nodded respectfully, turning his gaze calmly toward Lucien, who waited quietly, posture composed yet eyes blazing with anticipation.

The final match had arrived—a subtle yet decisive clash of extraordinary talents.

As Kaelan stepped toward the central arena, he quietly felt the subtle yet unmistakable surge of adrenaline. Lucien calmly approached from the opposite side, clearly feeling similar intensity. Their gazes met directly, mutual respect silently acknowledged.

"Let's give our best," Lucien said clearly, no arrogance—just calm determination.

Kaelan smiled lightly. "Of course."

Instructor Althea raised her hand, clearly signaling their climactic duel.

"Final match: Kaelan Elysian versus Lucien Stormfire—Begin!"