Morning sunlight spilled across the stone towers of the Royal Magic Academy of Valtheria.
The academy grounds stretched across an enormous plateau overlooking the capital city of Solmire. From the upper terraces, one could see the distant white walls of the city and the golden rooftops of merchant districts shimmering beneath the rising sun.
But today, the students' attention was not on the city.
It was on the arena.
At the northern edge of the academy stood a massive circular structure built from ancient gray stone. The arena had existed long before many of the surrounding academy buildings. Moss grew between some of its bricks, and faded carvings of long-forgotten duels decorated the outer walls.
Generations of mages and warriors had tested themselves here.
Today, a new generation would do the same.
Students gathered around the arena seats, filling the stone terraces with nervous whispers and quiet excitement.
Takemi leaned forward slightly over the railing.
The arena floor below was covered in pale sand. Magical barrier pylons stood at equal distances around the field, each one glowing faintly with protective enchantments designed to prevent fatal injuries.
Even so…
The air carried the unmistakable tension of combat.
"Quite the place," Takemi muttered.
Beside him, Cedric folded his arms calmly.
"This arena has witnessed many of Valtheria's greatest knights during their student years."
Takemi grinned.
"Guess that means today's the first step."
The instructors entered the arena.
One of them unrolled a long parchment.
His voice echoed clearly across the stone walls.
"The combat assessment will now begin."
The murmurs quieted instantly.
"You will be paired randomly. Victory is not the only measure of success."
He paused, allowing his gaze to sweep across the crowd.
"We observe your instinct, control, and ability to adapt."
The parchment rustled as he read the first names.
"Candidate Arlen Veynor versus Candidate Darius Holt."
Two students stepped onto the sand.
Steel clashed.
Magic flared.
The match ended quickly.
Then another.
And another.
Takemi watched carefully.
Some students relied on magic too heavily.
Others swung weapons without discipline.
But every now and then…
Someone showed real skill.
The instructor's voice rang out again.
"Candidate Rauk versus Candidate Victor Halstein."
Takemi's attention sharpened instantly.
Rauk stepped forward.
The red-haired boy walked calmly into the arena, the heavy iron training sword resting across his shoulder.
His opponent, Victor Halstein, carried a polished rapier that gleamed in the sunlight.
The contrast between the two was striking.
Victor's weapon looked like something displayed in a noble's hall.
Rauk's looked like something used to break bones.
The instructor lowered his hand.
"Begin."
Victor attacked first.
His rapier flashed forward in a series of precise thrusts.
Fast.
Elegant.
Then Rauk moved.
The iron sword swung once.
The sound of metal striking metal echoed across the arena.
Victor's rapier spun through the air before landing in the sand several meters away.
The entire fight had lasted barely two seconds.
Silence spread through the stands.
The instructor raised his hand.
"Winner — Rauk."
Takemi let out a low whistle.
"Yeah… that guy's definitely trouble."
Not long after, another name echoed across the arena.
"Candidate Takemi Alderheim versus Candidate Roderic Vale."
Takemi dropped lightly into the arena sand.
His opponent gripped a wooden spear nervously.
The instructor signaled.
"Begin."
The spear lunged forward.
Takemi stepped aside.
His hand scooped a small stone from the sand.
His arm moved in a single smooth motion.
The throw cut through the air.
CRACK
The wooden spear snapped clean in half.
Both pieces dropped to the ground.
For a moment…
No one spoke.
Then the instructor slowly raised his hand.
"Winner — Takemi Alderheim."
From the opposite side of the arena, Rauk watched silently.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Finally…
Someone interesting had arrived.