Starhaven was a city unlike any other—a floating marvel of magical engineering, with floatings bridges and buildings. The tournament grounds were an arena suspended mid-air. Transparent shields surrounded the arena, allowing spectators to watch safely.

As our enchanted airship docked at the platforms, the students stepped off, eyes wide. Jace let out a low whistle.

“Never thought I’d see anything like this,” he said, craning his neck to take in the towering floating buildings and bridges above.

“Focus,” I reminded them, though I couldn’t blame them for their awe. Even I had felt the same when I entered the tournament all these years ago. But this wasn’t a sightseeing trip.

The academy quarters were modest compared to some of the extravagant accommodations the larger teams had. Still, the students settled in quickly, eager for what lay ahead.

After settling in, we made our way to the grand opening ceremony.

Teams from prestigious academies entered the grand hall, each dressed in their school colors and insignias. Our group, in their unassuming uniforms, drew some stares. A few older participants smirked as they noticed the youth of our team.

“Looks like the kiddie team came to play,” a tall boy sneered as we passed.

Jace smirked dangerously. “Say that again, pretty boy—”

“Stand down,” I said sharply, stepping between them. I turned to the other boy and raised an eyebrow. “If you’re so confident, let’s see how long that smug grin lasts when we meet in the arena.”

The boy hesitated, recognizing me. “You’re... Aldric. The Archmage.” His sneer faded into a grimace, and he stepped back.

“Thought so,” I said, turning back to my team.

At the far end of the hall, an elevated platform stood, adorned with banners bearing the insignias of the host academy and the Magus Council.

A tall figure stepped forward, his deep blue robes trimmed with gold. This was High Chancellor Valen, a man renowned across the magical world for his wisdom and power. His voice, amplified by a subtle spell, resonated through the hall.

“Welcome to the Grand Inter-Academy Tournament,” he began. "This tournament is more than a competition. It is a proof of the unity of our magical community.”

He gestured to the arena visible through the transparent shields. "Out there, you will face challenges designed to push you to your very limits. The path ahead is hard, but it is through adversity that we reveal our true potential.”

His gaze swept across the gathered participants, lingering briefly on each group, his sharp eyes seeming to weigh and measure their resolve. “This is your moment,” he said. “A chance to honor not just your academy but the spirit of magic itself.”

He paused and added. “I declare the Grand Inter-Academy Tournament officially open!”

Cheers erupted, and soon, magical fireworks lit up the sky above the arena. Streams of glowing mana formed the symbols of each competing academy, drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd.

....

The first rounds were designed to weed out weaker teams with straightforward team battles.

Our first match was against an older, more seasoned team from the Arcanis Academy. They were confident, almost dismissive, as they stepped onto the arena.

The starting signal boomed, and the battle started.

Jace led the charge, sending a lightning bolt toward the opposing mage. They countered with a stone barrier, but Mira was ready. She raised her hands, and the ground beneath the barrier shifted, breaking it apart.

“Nice work!” Jace called, moving to cover Mira as an opponent advanced.

Meanwhile, Aaron and Elaine worked in tandem, their fire-storm forcing the enemy team to scatter.

“Stay close!” the opposing team’s leader, barked, trying to rally his team.

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But they were already on the backfoot. Mira’s precise earth spells trapped their healer, while Jace and Aaron disabled their attackers. Elaine’s winds carried shards of Mira's stone into their defenses, creating chaos.

“Finish it,” I called from the sidelines.

Jace unleashed a bolt of lightning, hitting their leader square in the chest and sending him on his ass.

The whistle blew, signaling our victory.

....

Back in our quarters, the team celebrated.

“We actually did it!” Elaine said, bouncing on her toes.

“Not bad,” Jace admitted, though his grin betrayed how pleased he was.

“You worked well together,” I said, leaning against the doorway. “But don’t get cocky. The real challenges are still ahead. This was one of the weakest team.”

“Let us have this moment, Professor,” Aaron said, his tone teasing.

“Fine. Celebrate tonight. Tomorrow, we prepare for the terrain matches. Those won’t be as straightforward.”

The team’s excitement was palpable as we returned to the academy quarters. Mira had finally relaxed, her usual nervousness replaced by a rare smile. Aaron and Jace were talking animatedly about their moves during the match, reenacting their coordinated takedown of the opposing team’s attackers.

“I mean, did you see the look on their leader’s face when I broke through his barrier at the end?” Jace said, miming the motion of releasing his lightning bolt.

“And my fire-storm sent them flying!” Aaron added, laughing.

Mira, sitting cross-legged on one of the room’s chairs, couldn’t help but laugh softly. “I think you two are giving yourselves way too much credit,” she said, her tone unexpectedly teasing. “That firestorm wasn’t all you, Aaron.”

Aaron scoffed, turning to Mira with mock indignation. “Are you suggesting that my masterful flames weren’t the star of the show?”

“I’m suggesting,” Mira said with a slight smile, “that without Elaine’s winds, your flames would’ve just been... campfire-sized.”

Elaine, who had been reclining on a nearby couch, perked up at the mention of her name. “Finally, someone notices. You’re welcome, by the way,” she said, giving Aaron a pointed look.

Aaron grinned sheepishly. “Okay, okay. I’ll admit it—the legendary firestorm wouldn’t have been the same without you.”

He grinned and gave Elaine a playful bow. “Oh, Great Mistress of the Winds, forgive me for my arrogance.”

Elaine smirked, with an exaggerated air of authority. "It's alright. I forgive you, humble wielder of flames. Just remember next time that wind makes fire unstoppable."

Aaron chuckled, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, you win. Next time, I’ll make sure to give a speech crediting your winds for the epicness of our firestorms."

Jace laughed. “It was impressive, I’ll give you that. But Mira’s earth magic? That’s what made the difference. That stone trap was genius.”

Mira’s cheeks colored faintly at the unexpected praise. “I just… wanted to keep their healer out of the fight. You all did the real damage.”

“You gave the team an opening,” I said, stepping closer to them. “And don’t sell yourself short, Mira. Without you disrupting their formation, none of their defenses would’ve broken down so quickly.”

Aaron nodded, gesturing at her. “You heard master Aldric. You’re the MVP this round.”

This earned a round of laughter.

“Alright, alright,” I interjected. “Before you get too carried away, remember—this was the first round. The terrain matches tomorrow will be tougher, and the competition will only get stronger.”

Aaron smirked. “You mean, stronger than us? Hard to imagine.”

I gave him a flat look. “Confidence is good, Aaron. Overconfidence gets you killed.”

He sobered up immediately. "Huh alright, master."

“Good. Now, go ahead and celebrate—within reason. You’ve earned it,” I said, pushing off the doorframe. “I’ll be in the lounge if you need me.”

The students wasted no time transforming the common room into an impromptu celebration. Someone, probably Jace, had smuggled in snacks, and Mira used a simple enchantment to make the mana lamps glow in shifting colors, giving the room a festive atmosphere.

Elaine found a deck of enchanted cards and suggested a game. It wasn’t long before the group was deep in a lively competition.

“Jace, you can’t just shock the deck to shuffle it!” Mira exclaimed as Jace’s spell sent the cards scattering across the room.

“Worked, didn’t it?” Jace replied with a grin, ducking as a pillow came flying his way.

Aaron crossed his arms, watching the chaos unfold. “This is what we’ll be remembered for—card-related carnage.”

Elaine smiled, shaking her head. “At least we’ll be remembered for something.”

I stood in the doorway for a moment, watching them.

“Professor,” Mira said, noticing me. “You’re not joining us?”

“I think I’ll pass,” I said. “Besides, someone has to make sure none of you blow up the quarters before tomorrow.”

“Smart,” Jace quipped. “Because if we blow it up, you’d just make us clean it up.”

“You’re catching on,” I replied, my voice dry.

They laughed, and for a while, the room was filled with nothing but lighthearted chatter and the occasional friendly argument over card rules.

As the celebration wound down, the students began to drift off to their rooms one by one. Mira was the first to go, mumbling something about needing to be well-rested. Aaron and Jace stayed up a little longer, arguing good-naturedly about the best strategies for tomorrow.

Elaine lingered after the others had gone, shuffling the deck of cards absently.

“You’re nervous,” I said, taking a seat across from her.

She looked up, startled. “Is it that obvious?”

“To me? Yes.”

Elaine sighed, setting the cards down. “It’s just... today went well, but what if tomorrow doesn’t? What if I mess up?”

I leaned forward, resting my arms on the table. “Elaine, no battle is perfect. Mistakes happen. And you’re more capable than you give yourself credit for.”

She looked down, fidgeting with the cards. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” I said firmly. “You’ve already proven yourself. Now, you just have to believe in yourself.”

Elaine smiled, a hint of confidence returning. “Thanks, Professor.”

“Anytime,” I said.