The Runewheelers ca to a halt, releasing a hiss of magic-fueled steam as the doors slid open with a soft click. One by one, the thirteen students from Aryavrata and twelve from Kyokai Academy stepped onto the cobblestone path that led toward the arena.
Before them towered a colossal stadium, a structure so vast it seed to swallow the horizon. Its outer walls shimred with enchanted runes, glowing faintly under the bright sunlight, while the air itself buzzed with excitent and magic.
Outside the arena, a vibrant fair had taken form, sprawling out like a second city.
The sll of roasted at and spiced pastries drifted through the air. Food stalls lined the walkway, sizzling with exotic flavors—at skewers crackled over enchanted flas, and sweet, sparkling beverages changed color with each stir. Accessory booths glittered with magical rings, charms, and combat trinkets that whispered promises of power. Children and adults alike gathered around ga stands with levitating targets, illusion mazes, and beast-thed tug-of-wars. Laughter rang out like music.
Aamir took it all in with a smile tugging at his lips. He turned to the others.
"Hey guys, I think we should visit the fair after the opening ceremony," he suggested.
Kunal stretched his arms behind his head lazily. "Yeah, why not? I’ll be waiting for you all at the stadium’s exit once the ceremony ends."
era leaned toward Miyo and Misaki with a hopeful grin. "Will you two co with us?"
"Yas!" the sisters replied in unison, their eyes sparkling.
Miyo then skipped over to a boy leaning against the side of the Runewheeler, arms crossed, expression calm. His icy blue eyes surveyed the crowd with subtle alertness.
"Sinki-senpai, will you co with us?"
Sinki tilted his head slightly, pausing. Then, with a subtle shrug, "Yeah, why not?"
He turned to his side and addressed the two students standing beside him.
"Hey, Shirou, Kiyoto—you in?"
Shirou, a lean boy with windswept black hair and a confident grin, folded his arms. "Sure, sounds fun."
Kiyoto, quiet and focused, with short cropped hair and a slender sword strapped across her back, nodded firmly. "Count in."
Aamir gave a satisfied nod. "Alright then. We’ll et at the exit after the ceremony."
The group split up as they headed inside.
The interior of the stadium was even more jaw-dropping. Massive stone pillars supported a do enchanted with sky illusions. Thousands of people had already filled the seats—parents, childerns, students—all gathered to witness history. Floating flags of different nations waved magically in mid-air.
Among the crowd sat students from prestigious academies, and none drew more whispers than the group from the Holy Purple Revan Institute.
The boy Aamir had defeated the day before stood among them, his eyes burning with resentnt. His fists clenched as he locked eyes with Aamir.
But Aamir rely glanced back, cold and calm.
The boy flinched. His gaze dropped instantly, as if struck by invisible pressure.
The group from Aryavrata continued walking, undeterred, making their way to the contestants’ waiting area—a cordoned zone filled with benches, practice dummies, and walls that humd with protective runes.
The contestants’ zone stood just to the right of the grand ceremonial dais—
the very platform where the host now stood.
Kunal clapped Aamir’s shoulder. "Alright, I’ll go find a good seat."
"Cool. We’ll see you after the ceremony," Aamir replied.
Kunal waved and took off, weaving through the crowd before ascending the stairways to the upper levels of the stadium. He eventually found a pri viewing spot—just above center stage with a clear view of the combat ring.
A floating magic panel hovered above the arena, flickering to life every few seconds with cara feeds from different angles. Enchanted glyphs rotated around its edges, feeding it power from an arcane source.
anwhile, back in the contestants’ zone...
Aamir leaned against the rune-inscribed wall, arms folded, exuding calm confidence.
Sinki approached quietly, his footsteps almost silent.
He gave a slight bow. "Thanks for helping Miyo and Misaki yesterday... I’m grateful."
Aamir nodded once. "No worries. I just did what felt right."
Sinki studied Aamir for a mont before speaking again. "I heard... you’re Master Haider’s disciple?"
Aamir offered another quiet nod.
Sinki raised an eyebrow. "They say his training is brutal."
Aamir gave a light chuckle. "It was... in the beginning."
Seenu chid in from beside him, cracking his neck. "We’ve just gotten used to it."
Sinki smirked faintly, then turned away. "Just curious. Anyway, good luck."
"Sa to you," Aamir said.
Sinki walked off with quiet steps, leaving behind a brief but respectful silence.
Suddenly, the magical loudspeakers that ringed the stadium crackled to life, sparking a wave of anticipation.
A charismatic voice bood across the arena.
"LADIES AND GENTLEN! I’m your host, John—and you are about to witness the most prodigious young talents from across the world!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound vibrating through the very walls of the stadium.
"We’ve gathered here to celebrate strength, skill, and honor! And now... with no further delay—LET THE OPENING CEREMONY BEGIN!"
The stadium roared. Energy surged like lightning through the air.
John raised his voice with excitent. "And now, please welco our MAIN GUESTS—yes, you know who I’m talking about! Keep that energy high as we welco... the HIGH COUNCIL!"
The lights dimd, and a golden glow bathed the central stage. A red carpet unfurled across the arena platform, enchanted to shimr like starlight.
Then, one by one, twelve figures erged from the side gate—each step radiating dominance and grace. The air grew heavy. Even seasoned warriors among the audience felt their hearts beat faster.
A terrifying aura cloaked each one like a mantle, their presence alone demanding silence and respect.
First ca the pride of the nation—
King Louis Williams.
A man in his fifties, but every bit as imposing as a veteran warlord. His short golden hair glead under the magical spotlights. His posture was flawless, and his face bore the look of a man who carried the weight of kingdoms.
He wore a resplendent red-and-gold royal uniform, lined with threads of light-infused silk. On the right side of his chest shone an emblem—two majestic wings cradling a star at the center, pulsing softly with arcane energy.
It resembled the Starwing Imperial University crest... but grander, regal and absolute.
The crowd burst into applause, King Louis stepped forward, the golden trim of his uniform catching the light. The crowd fell into a reverent silence as John handed him the mic with both hands, bowing slightly.
The King took it with a calm nod, his presence alone commanding full attention.
He looked around the stadium, his sharp golden eyes scanning the thousands of students and spectators.
Then, he spoke—his voice deep, asured, and filled with quiet strength.
"You stand at the beginning of sothing great... not just a tournant, but a journey. A journey that will test your courage, your limits, and your will."
So of the students leaned forward, eyes widening. A few clenched their fists unconsciously.
"I know many of you have trained in silence, bled in shadows, and pushed yourselves when no one was watching. Today... the world will watch. And whether you win or lose, let them see your spirit."
A soft murmur of awe and respect passed through the stands. Kunal, seated high above, straightened in his seat, eyes locked on the King.
Aamir narrowed his eyes, listening carefully—every word resonating.
"You’re not here to be perfect. You’re here to be brave. Every scar, every failure, every victory—they are yours. Earn them. Own them."
A roar of emotion stirred through the waiting area. Sinki’s expression softened, a flicker of admiration in his icy gaze. Misaki and Miyo’s eyes glead, reflecting the lights and the fire within.
"Fight with honor. Respect your rivals. And never forget—this battlefield is not just for power... it’s where legends are born."
He handed the mic back to John without another word.
For a heartbeat, the entire stadium remained silent.
Then—
Booming applause.
Thunderous cheers.
The entire arena erupted like a storm of sound.
Even the coldest students couldn’t help but clap. So stood. So cheered. Aamir allowed himself a smile as a wave of energy surged through the crowd, his heart beating just a little faster.
John, nearly overwheld by the mont, raised his voice again, grinning ear to ear.
"Now that’s a King’s speech! Give it up for King Louis Williams!"
The other High Council mbers behind the King stood tall, their faces unreadable but proud.
The atmosphere had changed.
Aamir exhaled softly, eyes still fixed on the King.
"That... wasn’t just a speech," he murmured to himself. "It felt like a vow."
Beside him, Seenu nodded. "He wasn’t just talking to the crowd—he was talking to warriors. To us."
Miyo clutched her pendant, her voice low but resolute. "I won’t let this mont slip away. Not after everything we’ve been through."
Sinki, arms folded, gave a faint smirk. "Guess this isn’t just a tournant anymore. It’s personal."
The contestants around them stood taller. The fire had been lit—and now, it burned.
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