Chapter:17
Aflety Magic Academy had always been a cauldron of promise, talent, and legacy. But now, the fires beneath it blazed hotter than ever.
A week after the semester's exams concluded, an announcement rippled through the entire student body like a lightning bolt through dry leaves. Notices shimmered into existence across every division's notice boards—golden letters inked in arcane fire:
INTER-DIVISION COMPETITION — 14 DAYS UNTIL THE STORM
Prepare. You represent your division, your beast, and your name.
The air changed that day. The usual bustle of classes turned sharper, more electric. Students whispered in corners, speculation danced across hallways, and even the professors wore guarded expressions.
Evan stood in the training fields, overlooking the vast circular arena known as the "Circle of Bond." His Basilisk—now named Nyx—coiled lazily around his shoulders like a living scarf, flicking its forked tongue with mild interest.
"Doesn't it feel like the air got thicker?" Gareth muttered beside him, stretching his massive arms. "Like the academy's holding its breath."
"It's more than that," Cassia Belvane said coolly, her arms folded as her shadow-owl familiar blinked silently on her shoulder. "This competition is a proving ground. The higher-ups use it to identify students for the Empire's elite corps."
"I heard even the Headmaster of Drakensoul Academy will be watching this year," Silva added. "And some of the S-rank beast tamers from the Frontier Division. The whole Empire is watching."
Evan said nothing, eyes narrowed as he listened. Nyx nuzzled against his neck, and he absently scratched its snout.
"…You're excited, aren't you?" he whispered.
Nyx let out a soft hiss that sounded suspiciously like laughter.
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Later That Day — Dean Gawain's Hall
Dean Gawain stood atop the circular platform that floated above the central arena. Behind him were the Division Heads—each representing Nature, Fire, Water, and the rest of the elemental paths.
Gawain's voice echoed across the arena with authority only legends carried.
"This year's Inter-Division Competition shall be unlike any before," he declared. "For the first time in thirty years, Aflety will open its gates to outside academies."
The arena roared.
"Drakensoul Academy from the Northern Frost. Solaria Institute of Light. Yggradin Alchemy House. And the twin-spired Sablethorn School of Shadows will each send their top five prodigies."
Evan's breath caught.
"Outside academies…?"
"The competition will take place across three trials," Gawain continued, raising three fingers. "First: a team battle in the Elemental Terrain Fields. Second: a solo beast challenge within the Sky Cavern. And third…"
He paused, eyes gleaming with golden magic.
"An unknown trial to be decided by the Emperor himself."
Gasps. Whispers. Fear.
Lilith Laistrygones, who stood nearby, stepped closer to Evan and whispered, "Guess we won't be bored anytime soon."
He glanced at her, noticing the glint in her crimson eyes. Her confidence was radiant, but Evan's mind drifted to a deeper concern.
"Unknown trial…? That sounds like trouble."
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Meanwhile — In the Dorms That Evening
Evan sat with a parchment full of magical runes, attempting to enhance the spell connection with Nyx. But Nyx had other plans.
The small Basilisk nibbled at the edge of the parchment.
"Hey—!" Evan yelped, pulling it away. "That's the fifth one this week!"
Nyx coiled itself like a cinnamon roll and blinked innocently.
"You're lucky you're cute."
Just then, a knock came at the door.
"Evan!" Silva's voice called.
He opened it to find Silva, Gareth, Cassia, and Lilith standing with determined faces.
"We're forming a training team," Gareth said. "There's no way we're letting those fancy nobles from Solaria outshine us."
"We need each other's strengths," Cassia added. "We train, fight, and plan together. And when the time comes… we crush them."
Evan blinked. Then slowly nodded.
"…Alright. Let's give them something to remember."
Chapter End
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