The Gathering at Battleground Alpha
The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden glow over Battleground Alpha, a massive, well-crafted coliseum built for combat. The stage itself sat at the center, a smooth, polished stone platform surrounded by towering walls that enclosed the arena like a protective dome. Atop these walls, a wide walkway stretched around the battlefield, where the students now stood, waiting.
Arthur and Riven walked side by side, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone. Up ahead, they spotted Felix, Ronan, and Leo, who were already engaged in conversation.
"Finally, we're here," Arthur murmured, exhaling a deep breath.
Felix crossed his arms. "So this is where it all goes down, huh?"
"The place is massive," Ronan said, scanning the arena. "This is way bigger than I expected."
Leo scoffed, cracking his knuckles. "Tch. Doesn't matter. The size of the stage won't change the outcome."
Arthur couldn't help but smile. He could feel the anticipation in the air—this was the stage where he would prove himself.
Then, the nobles arrived.
The Arrival of the Nobles
A wave of murmurs spread as the noble families made their way toward the elevated seating. The elegant robes and crests of the noble houses stood out in the sea of students and spectators. Arthur's gaze instinctively searched the crowd—until his eyes landed on his father.
Aldric.
Their eyes met for a fleeting moment before Aldric looked away, his expression unreadable. Arthur felt a familiar sting in his chest, but before the feeling could settle, a cool, reassuring presence emerged beside him.
Hyorinmaru appeared, floating lightly beside Arthur, his icy blue eyes carrying a calm resolve.
"Do not concern yourself with him," Hyorinmaru said firmly. "We will show them. Prove your strength, Arthur. We will win this tournament—together."
Arthur's grip tightened. He nodded, a small smile forming. "Yeah. Together."
Then, the captains arrived.
Dressed in commanding attire, the captains of Eldoria's Sword Mage Order took their seats among the nobles. Meanwhile, the students remained standing, positioned along the high walls, watching over the grand battlefield below.
And then—Velundria arrived.
The Arrival of Velundria's Participants
From the far entrance, a group of warriors marched into the coliseum, their presence demanding attention. At the forefront stood a tall man with jet-black hair and piercing green eyes. His sharp, disciplined stance alone made it clear—he was their instructor.
The captains of Velundria's squads took their designated seats, their expressions composed yet watchful. The instructor approached Nathaniel and extended a hand.
"I am Eldric Valerian, the instructor for Velundria's Sage Academy participants," he introduced himself, his tone professional yet firm.
Nathaniel shook his hand. "Nathaniel Veynir. May we have a fair match."
A silent understanding passed between them before they both stepped back, their students now filling the walls around the arena.
Then—Garrick appeared on stage.
The Tournament Begins
Garrick's commanding voice echoed across the battlefield.
"We all know why we are here, so I won't waste your time with long speeches." His gaze swept across the participants. "The Sage Tournament is an event that determines the strength of each year's new participants. This is not a battle of hatred or enmity. This is a test of skill, honor, and perseverance."
A young man stepped forward, his expression lively. Garrick gestured toward him.
"This will be your tournament coordinator."
The man smiled, then raised his voice. "The rules are simple! No killing. Victory is achieved if you force your opponent to surrender, knock them off the stage, or if they are deemed incapable of continuing the fight. Violating these rules will result in immediate disqualification!"
From the seating area, Garrick took his place beside a fellow captain with brown hair and sharp yellow eyes. The captain leaned over.
"Are you sure it was a good idea to let Velundria provide the referee?" he asked quietly.
Garrick exhaled. "It was the only way to negotiate fair terms. Now, all we can do is trust our students." He allowed a small smirk. "Besides… we have some promising ones this year."
Arthur and Aldric—A Tense Encounter
While the crowd focused on the stage, Arthur slipped away to where his father stood alone at the far end.
Aldric's gaze remained forward, as if he had sensed his son's approach long before he arrived.
"Why are you participating?" Aldric's voice was cold. "Do you wish to further humiliate our name?"
Arthur clenched his fists. "I'm not here to embarrass anyone. I'm here to prove myself."
"Prove?" Aldric scoffed, finally turning to face him. "Words mean nothing. Can you guarantee victory?" His sharp eyes bore into Arthur, scrutinizing him.
Arthur opened his mouth to respond, but Aldric cut him off.
"Tch. Do as you wish." He turned away, walking toward his seat. "But don't expect anything from me."
Arthur took a deep breath, his fingers trembling slightly. But then—Aldric paused.
"I will watch your match." His voice was low, almost unreadable. Then, without another word, he disappeared into the crowd.
Arthur blinked, his chest tightening. Then, slowly—he smiled.
"Dad… even if you won't say it, I know you still care." His fingers traced the hilt of Hyorinmaru. "I'll show you… just how much I've changed."
The First Match Begins
Arthur hurried back to the others, just in time to see a massive panel appear in the air, displaying the match brackets.
The referee's voice rang out.
"For our first match, we have—Leo Ironheart vs Silas Rookwood !"
Leo let out an annoyed sigh. "Seriously? I'm first?"
Arthur patted his shoulder. "Good luck."
Leo glanced back with a smirk. "I don't need luck. Keep it for yourself."
Riven shook his head. "He was just being friendly, you know."
Leo huffed, adjusting his gauntlets. "Hmph. I'll win my match. You guys better not lose yours."
Arthur and Riven exchanged a look before nodding.
Leo stepped forward, descending the stairs toward the battlefield. Across the stage, his opponent—a young warrior with black hair—stood waiting.
Arthur leaned against the railing, eyes locked onto the battlefield below.
He exhaled, heart pounding in anticipation.
"It's starting," he murmured.
Hyorinmaru's voice echoed in his mind, calm yet excited.
"Yes. Watch closely… this is only the beginning."
The referee raised his hand.
"Let the battle begin!"