Chapter 25: Tournament(1)

The month-long holiday had come to an end, and the world's attention turned to the capital of the Human Domain, where the Inter-Academy Tournament was set to begin. The capital was a sprawling metropolis, its skyline dominated by towering skyscrapers and grand structures that reflected the might and unity of humanity. At its heart stood the Celestia Academy, its imposing walls and majestic architecture a testament to its status as the most prestigious institution in the domain.

The tournament's opening ceremony was to be held in the Grand Arena, an enormous stadium capable of holding 150,000 spectators. The arena was a marvel of engineering, its massive arches and intricate carvings a symbol of human ingenuity and ambition. Today, it was filled to the brim with eager spectators, their cheers and applause echoing through the air like thunder.

...

The students of the five great academies began to gather in the arena's central arena, their uniforms distinct and their expressions a mix of excitement and determination. Each academy had its own section, their banners proudly displayed for all to see. The air was thick with tension as the students sized each other up, their competitive spirits ignited.

...

The students of Celestia Academy from the central region stood tall and proud, their crimson and gold uniforms gleaming in the sunlight. Kaelith, the strongest third-year, led the group, his calm demeanor and unsettling smile were a source of inspiration for his peers. Behind him stood the second-years, including Katharine, her red eyes scanning the crowd with a mix of curiosity and amusement. The first-years, including Aria and Arthuria, stood further back, their expressions serious but determined.

But one person was conspicuously absent: Luciel. Kaelith and Professor Jadestar had been informed that he would arrive later, just before his first match. But Aria and Arthuria couldn't help but worry about his absence.

...

The students of Solaris Academy who hailed from the southern region of the human domain, stood in a tight formation, their leader a third-year named Marcus. He was a tall and imposing figure, his presence commanding respect. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, his expression calm but focused.

"Where's this Luciel kid everyone's talking about?" Marcus muttered, his voice tinged with irritation. "Is he too scared to show his face?"

His instructor, a stern woman named Commander Vale, placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't underestimate him, Marcus."

...

The students of Lunara Academy who hailed from the northern part of the human domain stood in a calm and composed manner, their leader a third-year named Selene. She was a tall and elegant woman with black hair and blue eyes. Her quiet demeanor belied her incredible skill, and her peers respected her as a natural leader.

"Luciel's absence is... unexpected," Selene said softly, her voice barely audible over the noise of the crowd. "Do you think it's a strategy?"

Her instructor, a tall woman named Jade, nodded. "Possibly. Celestia Academy is known for its mind games. Stay alert, and don't let them get into your head."

...

The students of Aetheris Academy who hailed from the western part of the human domain stood with an air of confidence, their leader a third-year named Orion. He was a lean and agile man with sharp green eyes and a mischievous grin. His speed was unmatched, and he was eager to prove himself on the grand stage. He had longed for this day, as it would be his last chance to beat Kaelith who had been invincible for the past three years.

"Kaelith's there, but where's the rumored monster? Was his name Luciel? He's probably just hiding somewhere," Orion said with a laugh. "I mean, who wouldn't be intimidated by us?"

His instructor, a wiry man named Master Gale, shook his head. "Don't get cocky, Orion. Celestia Academy doesn't produce weaklings. Be prepared for anything."

...

The students of Terranova Academy who were from the eastern region, stood with a grounded and steady presence, their leader a third-year named Thorne. He was a broad-shouldered man with a calm and stoic demeanor. His strength and resilience were unmatched, and he was determined to prove that Terranova Academy was a force to be reckoned with and wipe the annoying smile off Kaelith's face. 

"Luciel's absence is... unusual," Thorne said, his deep voice steady, but curious. "But it doesn't change our plan. We focus on our strengths and adapt as needed."

His instructor, a burly man named Master Stone, nodded in approval. "Well said, Thorne. Stay focused, and don't let their tricks distract you."

...

In a secluded VIP box high above the stands, the members of the Divine Council watched the proceedings in silence. Their presence was unknown to the public, their identities hidden behind a veil of secrecy. The Divine Council, the highest governing body of the Human Domain, was a well-known institution, but their attendance at the tournament had not been announced. Their presence was a testament to the event's significance, though only a select few were aware of it.

Among them was Headmaster Gabriel, his sharp features and piercing blue eyes scanning the arena with a calm but calculating gaze. His silver hair shimmered faintly in the light, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. As a member of the Divine Council, Gabriel was obligated to sit with his fellow colleagues.

One of the council members, a tall woman with an air of authority, turned to Gabriel. Her voice was calm but carried an edge of curiosity. "Headmaster Gabriel, where is your prodigy? The one you've been so vocal about—Luciel. His absence is... conspicuous."

Gabriel's expression remained unreadable, his gaze fixed on the arena below. "Luciel will arrive when the time is right. His preparation has been... unconventional, but necessary. Rest assured, he will not disappoint."

Another council member, a man with a deep, resonant voice, leaned forward. "Unconventional, you say? The boy is a first-year, yet you've entered him in three events. Are you certain he's ready for this level of scrutiny?"

Gabriel's lips curved into a faint smile. "Luciel is more than ready. He has the potential to lead us into a new golden age. This tournament will be his chance to gain a foothold in this world."

The council members exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of skepticism and intrigue. The woman who had spoken earlier sighed. "Very well. We trust your judgment, Gabriel. But remember, the eyes of the entire Human Domain are upon us. Failure is not an option."

Gabriel nodded, his gaze never wavering. "Failure is not in Luciel's nature. You'll see."

...

In another VIP box, reserved for the high-ranking officials of Aetheris Academy, a tense conversation was underway. A tall, wiry man with sharp features—Master Gale, one of Aetheris's most respected instructors—stood beside a young man with fiery red hair and piercing amber eyes. This was Antares, Aetheris Academy's most talented first-year and a rising star in his own right.

Antares leaned against the railing, his arms crossed as he surveyed the arena below. His expression was one of mild boredom as if the spectacle before him was beneath his notice. "So, Master Gale," he said, his voice dripping with confidence, "what's the threat level of the other academies this year? Anything worth my attention?"

Master Gale chuckled, though his eyes remained sharp. "Don't get too comfortable, Antares. This isn't a walk in the park. Celestia Academy's first-years have some notable names—Aria and Arthuria. They've been making waves recently."

Antares raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a smirk. "Aria and Arthuria? The fire and ice duo? I've heard about them. But they've only just reached D+ rank, haven't they? I've been sitting comfortably at C- for months now. They're hardly a threat."

Master Gale's expression grew serious. "Don't underestimate them. Aria's speed and Arthuria's control over her ice element are nothing to scoff at. And then there's Luciel..."

Antares's smirk faltered for a moment. "Luciel. The so-called prodigy. Where is he, anyway? I haven't seen him with the Celestia group. Is he hiding, or is he just not ready?"

Master Gale shook his head. "No one knows. His absence is... unusual. But if the rumors are true, he's the real deal. Gabriel himself has been training him. That alone should tell you something."

Antares snorted, though there was a flicker of unease in his eyes. "Gabriel's a legend, sure, but that doesn't mean Luciel's anything special. I'll believe it when I see it."

Master Gale placed a hand on Antares's shoulder, his tone firm. "Just stay focused. This tournament is your chance to show the world that you will be its leading figure. Reaching C- rank at such a young age is very impressive, no way weaker than Kaelith for example. "

Antares shrugged off the hand, his confidence returning. "Don't worry, Master Gale. I've got this. When the time comes, I'll show everyone why Aetheris Academy is the real powerhouse and not some snobby brats from the Celestia Academy."

Master Gale smiled in delight, he was already 60% sure that they would win this tournament. His confidence stemmed from the fact that in the third year, Orion had already shown impressive results, and would be able to contend for the top spot against Kaelith. And in the first year, they had Antares who was an absolute monster. He believed that the rumors about Luciel were overexaggerated, and he would be at most a C- rank like Antares.

...

The opening ceremony concluded with thunderous applause, and the atmosphere in the Grand Coliseum shifted from anticipation to excitement as the first event of the Inter-Academy Tournament was announced: the one-on-one duels. The crowd roared as the massive holographic screens above the arena lit up, displaying the brackets for the first round. The duels would be fast-paced and intense, with each match serving as a showcase of the academies' finest talents.