Royal Announcement – The Competition Begins
News of the Sun Guard Captain Selection Tournament spread like wildfire across the Clover Kingdom. The idea of an elite squad, independent of the Magic Knight system and directly answering to Julius Novachrono, had already caused waves among nobles and military officials alike. However, what truly shocked the kingdom was the open selection process.
Unlike the traditional noble appointments, Solis had declared a competition to determine the squad's first captain.
"Any Magic Knight ranked Senior or higher may participate. The one who demonstrates strength, leadership, and tactical intelligence shall become the first Captain of the Sun Guard."
The noble houses were furious, seeing this as a move to weaken their political influence, while commoners and low-ranking knights were inspired, realizing they had a true opportunity to prove themselves.
Julius, who was known for his love of strong magic, enthusiastically approved the competition, giving Solis the authority to oversee it.
The Arena – Competitors Gather
The Royal Capital's Grand Arena was chosen as the venue. Over thirty high-ranking Magic Knights gathered, all eager for the prestigious role.
Among them were:
• Kaiser Granvorka's Vice-Captain – A battle-hardened veteran.
• A noble prodigy from the Silver Eagles – Skilled in Light Magic.
• A mysterious commoner from the Crimson Lions – Highly recommended by Fuegoleon.
• A rogue mercenary mage – Hoping to gain legitimacy.
Solis, seated at the King's chair in parliament as Acting King, watched the competitors from the highest seat of power, a position that still made some nobles uneasy.
Julius arrived shortly after, smiling as he surveyed the contestants. "This will be fun."
Competition Rules Announced
Solis stood, his voice calm yet commanding:
"The Sun Guard will be the pillar of order in the Clover Kingdom. Strength alone is insufficient. You must have discipline, honor, and the will to serve."
The competition would consist of three rounds:
1. Combat Trials – Testing raw strength and battle prowess.
2. Tactical Scenarios – Testing decision-making and leadership under pressure.
3. A final battle against Julius Novachrono himself.
Gasps echoed through the arena at the last condition.
"The Wizard King himself?" one knight whispered.
Julius chuckled. "Well, I do need to be sure we choose the best, right?"
Solis remained composed, knowing that this was a fair method. He himself was not yet strong enough to test them directly. But Julius? He was the ultimate judge.
The First Round – Battle Royale
The first stage was a battle royale, where all thirty participants fought simultaneously. The objective was simple—survive and showcase combat ability.
• The Silver Eagle noble used Light Magic, rapidly eliminating weaker opponents.
• The Crimson Lion commoner used pure battle instinct and overwhelming force.
• The rogue mercenary relied on trickery, narrowly avoiding elimination.
• The Purple Orca Vice-Captain formed defensive barriers, lasting far longer than expected.
Solis observed carefully, analyzing how each candidate approached battle.
Julius smiled in amusement. "There are some interesting ones this time."
By the end of the round, only six knights remained.
The Second Round – Tactical Scenarios
The second test was more than just combat. It was a test of leadership, decision-making, and adaptability.
The six remaining knights were given different hypothetical battlefield scenarios:
1. Defend a village from bandits with limited troops.
2. Lead a small force against an overwhelming enemy army.
3. Survive a hostile takeover within the squad.
Each competitor had to strategize and give commands as if they were already the Captain of the Sun Guard.
• The Silver Eagle noble relied too much on brute force and lost valuable troops in the simulation.
• The Crimson Lion commoner showed excellent leadership skills, balancing aggression with defense.
• The rogue mercenary took an unconventional approach, using deception and guerrilla tactics.
• The Purple Orca Vice-Captain demonstrated strong defensive strategies, ensuring minimal losses.
Julius was impressed by the variety of tactics, while Solis noted who had the instincts of a true leader.
By the end of this round, only two knights remained.
The Final Round – Facing the Wizard King
The two finalists stood before Julius Novachrono himself.
Solis leaned forward, observing closely. This was the true test.
Julius smiled, his usual playful demeanor fading into something more serious. "You've both shown great promise. But strength alone won't make you Captain of the Sun Guard. You must be able to stand against overwhelming odds."
He raised his hand, his Time Magic radiating immense pressure.
"Now, come at me with everything you have."
The first challenger charged in immediately, using Fire Magic, but Julius simply froze his movements in time, rendering him helpless.
The second challenger tried to outmaneuver Julius, using terrain and speed to gain an advantage, but Julius anticipated every move.
In the end, neither could land a single blow.
Julius finally stopped, smiling. "That was a good effort."
He turned to Solis. "I have my choice."
Aftermath – The First Sun Guard Captain is Chosen
The arena fell silent as Julius announced the new Captain.
Solis nodded in agreement, knowing this individual would lead the Sun Guard – the first independent force under the direct command of the Wizard King.
This moment marked the beginning of a new era in Clover Kingdom.