The atmosphere in the capital city of Arcathis was nothing short of jubilant.
From the moment the sun rose above the spired rooftops, the streets buzzed with excitement. Commoners gathered in clusters, their conversations animated and filled with speculation. For many of them, today was more than just an event—it was a rare chance to witness the strength and splendor of the kingdom's most powerful families.
It wasn't every year that members of the Duke Families enrolled in Regia Nevaris.
And this year, their direct descendants were among the new students.
For the common folk, that alone was reason enough to celebrate. The Duke Families were figures spoken of in reverent tones—names that shaped borders, decided wars, and governed entire regions. Seeing their heirs fight, even in a spar, was a spectacle few could ever hope to witness again in their lifetimes.
Among the nobility, however, the excitement ran far deeper.
Families whose children were entering the Academy viewed this as a golden opportunity. A single favorable impression, a brief conversation, or a well-timed gesture could blossom into alliances that ensured prosperity for generations.
Even noble families whose children were already enrolled felt the tension rise. The arrival of the Duke heirs meant a reshuffling of influence within the Academy. Establishing early connections—offering guidance, subtle support, or even shared victories—could place a family firmly on the path to long-term survival.
For nobles, this was not merely politics.
It was instinct.
Failing to play this game—to hesitate, to remain passive—could spell stagnation at best, annihilation at worst. In Arcanora, power did not forgive complacency.
Yet despite the excitement, one name loomed like an unwanted shadow over noble discussions.
The Sword Saint's adopted grandson.
Kazuki Takamura's enrollment unsettled the noble circles in ways they hadn't anticipated.
He didn't fit into their carefully constructed hierarchies.
He wasn't born into nobility. He wasn't tied to a Duke Family. Yet he carried the Takamura name—one associated with legends, with wars, with a Hero who had once stood above kings.
Approaching him using standard political maneuvering was dangerous. Too friendly, and they risked offending the Duke Families. Too distant, and they risked alienating someone backed by a figure even the Dukes treated cautiously.
Kazuki was a variable the nobles despised.
Unpredictable.
While excitement and unease rippled through the masses converging on Regia Nevaris, the person at the center of much of that attention was doing something far less dramatic.
He was preparing.
Kazuki stood silently before a tall mirror, examining his reflection.
Behind him, Kuroha observed his posture with critical focus.
When Kazuki had first stepped out of his room earlier, confident that he looked presentable, Kuroha had frozen in place. Her expression had been unreadable—somewhere between disbelief and resignation.
Then she had grabbed him by the sleeve and dragged him straight back inside.
Now, as Kazuki looked at himself again, he couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle.
"It was that bad, huh…"
The difference was undeniable.
His clothes fit perfectly, accentuating his build without restricting movement. The fabric was supple yet resilient, clearly not ordinary material. Every seam had been adjusted with care, every detail refined.
It wasn't flashy.
It was appropriate.
Dignified.
Refined.
And undeniably expensive.
It was already nine in the morning. His appearance at the Academy was expected around ten. Hikari, true to form, hadn't bothered to meet him in person. Instead, he had sent a short message through a call artifact earlier.
Good luck.
We'll meet after you win.
That was it.
Typical.
Kazuki shook his head faintly and reached for the sword resting nearby.
The weapon Hikari had gifted him upon completing his training.
He unsheathed it slowly.
The blade was approximately seventy-five centimeters long, crafted from Manalyte, a rare metal known for its exceptional compatibility with mana. Light yet durable, it was ideal for both precise swordplay and magic reinforcement.
The blade's surface shimmered with a pristine sheen, reflecting light cleanly without glare. Its curved hilt fit naturally into his grip, balanced in a way that felt almost intuitive.
Kazuki studied it for a moment before sliding it back into its scabbard and securing it at his waist.
Then, without further hesitation, he left for the Academy.
A private waiting room had been assigned to him until the event formally began. There, he would remain until his name was called and the stage was set.
"Ladies and gentlemen—welcome to the Celestial Ascendance!"
The host's voice rang out across the massive battle arena of Regia Nevaris, amplified by mana to reach every corner of the stands.
The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers.
The host—a young mage from a Marquee house—stood confidently at the center stage, his expression brimming with excitement. For commoners, this was a rare spectacle. For nobles, it was a proving ground where reputations could be forged—or shattered.
"I'm sure you're all eager to witness the future talents of our great kingdom," the host continued, letting the applause settle. "But this year's Celestial Ascendance is… different."
His words alone were enough to silence the crowd.
After a deliberate pause, he smiled broadly.
"This year, our Headmaster's own grandson will also be participating—and enrolling in Regia Nevaris!"
For a heartbeat, silence reigned.
Then the arena exploded.
Cheers surged louder than before, rolling through the stands like a tidal wave. Many commoners were hearing this for the first time, and the revelation only fueled their excitement.
The grandson of the former Hero.
The Sword Saint's successor.
Someone tied to legends they had grown up hearing about.
The high nobles, however, reacted very differently.
While the commoners cheered openly, many nobles exchanged cautious glances. No one spoke aloud, but the unease was unmistakable. The Duke Families had not yet made their appearance, and that alone was enough to restrain even the most outspoken among them.
Everyone present understood the unspoken rule.
Until the Dukes arrived and revealed their stance, no noble would dare to voice approval—or opposition.
It was widely known that the Duke Families were meticulous about public image. Any shift in attention away from their heirs, even momentary, was something they would not appreciate. And until their reactions were made clear, discretion was the safest option.
"And now," the host continued, raising his voice once more, "let us give our regards to the individual without whom this Academy—and this event—would not exist as it does today."
"The heart and soul of Regia Nevaris—Lord Takamura Hikari!"
As the name echoed, Hikari appeared in the Academy's VIP box, the Vice Headmaster materializing beside him.
The crowd roared.
Hikari was dressed in formal attire woven from Lumiweave silk, its faint radiance accentuating his presence. His famed sword rested at his side, unmistakable even from afar.
He acknowledged the crowd with a simple nod and a warm smile.
Then his gaze shifted—briefly—toward the empty VIP box reserved for the Duke Families.
The space remained unoccupied, yet the weight of those absent figures was palpable. Even without their presence, the authority they represented lingered heavily over the arena.
Hikari's expression did not change. After a moment, he looked away, as though already aware of what their eventual arrival would bring.
"And now!" the host announced, his voice rising once more, "the representatives of our kingdom's Duke Families will make their appearance!"
The crowd held its breath.
It was rare—exceedingly rare—to see all the Duke Families gathered in one place.
The stage was set.
And every gaze was fixed forward.