Ashan's eyes gleamed with excitement.
'Elves and beast people... That's incredible. I'm really lucky,' he thought. 'First I met Narasha, a vampire. Now I get to see these mythical beings with my own eyes.'
As the elves and beastpeople stood before them, the crowd could no longer hold back.
Excited voices erupted everywhere, people hopping in place or craning their necks for a better view.
"They're really elves… and there are both men and women."
One student spoke in awe, eyes wide.
"If angels descended into this world, wouldn't they look exactly like them?"
Another voice chimed in, sounding almost dazed.
"Those elf girls are insanely beautiful. I wonder if I could get into a relationship with one of them."
A burst of laughter followed immediately.
"Haha, you? Impossible. What do you have compared to those elf men?"
The speaker gestured subtly toward the elves' tall frames and calm confidence.
"Hey, I'm not worthless!" The first one protested. "But those beastwomen look good too. Strong bodies, yet gorgeous."
A nearby student shook his head seriously.
"I don't think that's a good idea. Didn't you see the beastmen? Their bodies are overflowing with strength. I heard their men protect their women like their lives depend on it."
The chatter continued nonstop.
Aside from the S-rankers and a handful of A-rankers who remained composed, nearly everyone was whispering, staring, or openly gawking at the elves and beast kind.
Clap. Clap.
Maren clapped her hands sharply, the sound echoing across the stadium.
The noise died down almost instantly.
"Alright," she said calmly. "Now that I've welcomed you, it's time for the main event."
Excitement rippled through the crowd.
Ashan narrowed his eyes. "Here comes the best part."
"As per academy tradition," Maren continued, "from D-rank to S-rank, duels will be held here today. Only one duel will take place for each rank."
She gestured lightly as she spoke.
"All of you have been categorized into physical and non-physical types. Physical includes combat fighters, assassins, and tankers. Non-physical includes mages and psychics. Healers will not be selected."
Some healers sighed in relief.
"Physical users will not face non-physical users. However, battle mages will be included in both categories."
A few murmurs followed that statement.
"For the ten participants who are chosen," Maren continued, "you will be granted the privilege of designing your own academy uniform."
"And for those who win their duels, special rewards await."
She turned and pointed toward a massive display screen beside the arena.
"Our system will randomly select two participants. Their names will be displayed here. These duels are meant to showcase your skills to the fullest."
Her expression softened slightly.
"If anyone is injured, do not worry. We have prepared for that."
Maren raised her hand and pointed toward the corner of the stadium.
A woman stepped into view.
Every head turned as one.
A sharp intake of breath rippled through the stadium.
"Heavens…!"
"That's… she's really here?!"
Gasps spread like a wave.
"She's the Divine Flower, Lady Sorin!"
"Even she's come?"
The entire crowd was stunned as Sorin climbed onto the stage and stood beside Maren, her presence alone radiating reassurance.
Rowan watched her with a proud smile. "I was waiting for your arrival."
On the other hand, Draven's face instantly turned red. He quickly looked away, trying to hide his face.
Maren resumed speaking.
"As expected, you all recognize her. S-rank healer, Sorin Ashby. A former proud student of this academy."
Sorin gave a small nod.
"She is the greatest healer in the entire country. Even if you lose an arm, she can replace it."
That statement sent chills through the crowd.
"I hope all of you are ready," Maren concluded. "The event will begin now. Duels will be held at the square ground to your right. The fights will be broadcast so everyone can watch clearly."
Beep…
As Maren and Sorin stepped down from the stage, an alarm echoed through the stadium.
The massive screen flickered on.
After a brief pause, two names appeared.
Ashan looked up.
"Two D-rank mages," he muttered. "That's a decent start."
He calmly pulled out a pair of sunglasses and slipped them on. Behind the lenses, his pupils turned crimson.
The Sharingan appeared.
'I should hide this as much as possible, he thought. Most people won't notice, but if Sorin or Rowan see it, they'll figure out I'm the masked man.'
'Sharingan can't copy magic, he reminded himself, but I can see mana flow… and predict attacks.'
'Good. This is perfect practice.'
The two mages stepped onto the duel ground.
Beep…
The match began.
One specialized in water-based magic, launching spell after spell without pause. The other used basic fire and wind spells but hesitated, reacting instead of attacking.
The pressure mounted.
The water mage cornered his opponent and forced him back step by step, until he pushed him cleanly out of the arena.
The duel ended.
The crowd erupted.
"That was fast!"
"He completely overwhelmed him!"
Ashan exhaled slowly.
"It was a good fight," he said. "That guy specializes in water magic. His casting speed was way faster."
Narasha glanced at Him. "Being good at one thing is better than trying to learn everything."
Ashan nodded slightly.
Everyone turned their attention back to the screen, anticipation hanging thick in the air. After a brief pause, two new names appeared.
A combat fighter and an assassin.
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
The combat fighter stepped forward first, carrying a sword in one hand and a sturdy shield in the other. His posture was solid, grounded, radiating confidence. Opposite him, the assassin, a woman, walked calmly into the duel ground, twin daggers resting loosely in her grip. Her movements were light, almost lazy, but her sharp gaze never left her opponent.
They stopped several meters apart, carefully watching each other.
The bell rang.
The moment the sound echoed, both of them burst into motion.
Clash!
Steel met steel as the assassin blocked the fighter's sword with one of her daggers. She twisted her wrist and slid away smoothly, immediately trying to cut into his side. The fighter reacted fast, slamming his shield toward her with brute force.
She flipped backward, landing lightly on her feet, barely disturbing the ground.
The fighter pressed forward relentlessly, swinging his blade in heavy, sweeping arcs. Each strike rattled the arena floor, forcing the assassin to dodge left and right without pause. His raw power was overwhelming, but it was clear his attacks lacked speed.
She slipped beneath one wide swing and slashed upward. Her dagger grazed the fighter's arm, drawing a thin line of blood.
He gritted his teeth and charged forward, smashing his shield into her. The impact knocked her back several steps.
The assassin inhaled slowly, steadying her breath.
Flickers of flame began to dance along the edges of her daggers.
Gasps spread through the crowd.
The fighter lowered his stance, shield raised high, sword angled forward, fully on guard.
The assassin suddenly dashed forward, much faster than before.
She feinted to the left, then spun sharply to the right. Her daggers struck against the shield in rapid succession, sparks flying. Using the rebound, she kicked off the ground, leapt over him, and slashed downward midair.
The fighter barely managed to turn in time, blocking the strike with his sword.
The crowd erupted. Cheers and shouts echoed as the two clashed again and again, neither giving ground.
Then, in a sudden motion, the assassin hurled one of her daggers straight at him.
The blade slammed into the shield, piercing halfway through, but failing to break past it.
The fighter smirked.
"That won't work."
But in that very instant, the assassin vanished from his sight.
Thud!
She reappeared behind him and drove her foot into his back with full force. A violent burst of energy erupted from the impact, like an explosion detonating beneath her heel.
Boom!
The fighter's body was launched forward, flying straight out of the duel ground before he could even react. He crashed heavily onto the floor outside the arena, his sword clattering uselessly beside him.
For a heartbeat, the stadium fell completely silent.
Then, cheers exploded from every direction, shaking the stands.
The assassin stood calmly at the center of the arena, one remaining dagger still burning in her hand.
Narasha scoffed lightly and glanced at Ashan.
"That woman was smarter than that idiot who was waving his sword everywhere. He was way too slow. No wonder he got defeated like that."
Ashan nodded in agreement, his eyes still focused on the arena.
"Her speed is insane," he said calmly. "She flipped the situation instantly and finished him with a hidden skill. That wasn't talent, that was experience."
As the assassin exited the duel ground, the crowd's attention shifted once more toward the screen.
Excitement surged again.
"Now it's the B-rankers!"
"Who's going to be chosen?"
The screen flickered.
Two names appeared.
Ashan's heartbeat skipped.
[Seeren Thorncrest (Battle Mage – B) vs Ashan Ashvale (Battle Mage – B)]
Ashan's eyes widened slightly.
Nevil's jaw dropped.
"Holy shit! Ashan, it chose you. That's insane."
Before Ashan could respond, a system window appeared in front of him.
—-----------------------------------------
New Mission..
Participate in the duel and defeat the opponent. You may not use mana-based skills.
Rewards:
- Kusanagi Blade (Orochimaru)
- System points - 100
—-----------------------------------------