The trainees still wanted to argue more but their whining were halted by the words of Delica.

“Sheesh, don't worry about the small things. What sort of self-respecting trainee would get riled up by such small, simple incidents like these every now and then? We are in a Combat Arena afterall, isn't that right? Accidents do happen, nee?”

Creating a big fuss over a 'misfired' spell 'accidentally' conjured by a low-level beginner, only made their arguments weak, especially with the knowledge of the grounds' barriers in place. Their earlier actions would seem more cowardly.

“You could already produce [Flare], Miss Leian?” Simos asked.

“Nothing as remarkable as your lordship,” Leian replied dutifully on her ranks, disregarding the casual attitudes of the Canarys. “Compared to a Second Circle of Sudrine Fire, Second of Austrine Earth, and a First of Nordrine Wind, my efforts all seems immaterial.”

Simos smiled wryly when Leian mentioned his mouthful of a title. The blonde did in fact created his second circle fire spell and earth magic at the age of four so having that title was not that surprising.

“Don't compare yourself to anyone, Leian.” Delica said, “the best principle is to gain experience and to outperform your best.” Her cheer was genuine as she gave another of her lectures.

But Leian had a different meaning in mind and continued, “but having multiple affinities means you have no cause for specialization and it put more holes in your overall offense and defenses. Simply focusing on your weakness--which is easy to guess, could already do major damages.”

Delica blinked back her astonishment. She smiled, already guessing where the discussion would lead to.

Aiven sighed. His little sister had a hobby (though Aiven was the only one who would call it such) of accurately assessing others' weaknesses. Leian's almost perfectionist nature was starting to make her sound like military personnel.

And now, that blunt assessment was directed to Simos. But instead of taking it as a sign of criticism, the blonde was even in tune to her thinking.

Simos, as if taking bait, was in full spirit. “Indeed. My weakness on water magic becomes more obvious, more so if you attack me with that kind of elemental ambushes. But I could just counter it in combat.”

“So I'll still have to take care of your mobility, But since the fire spirits is fonder of me, I don't have to worry on spellcasting.”

“Pushing it on 'Luck' then?”

“It is more tangible than all these speculation, don't you agree? I could outrank you on fire, but your unstable elemental manipulations could become unpredictable.”

“Wait, what did you say? You...outrank me on fire? What do you mean by that?”

But before she could answer, a voice called out from the combat field.

The stations were starting to stir with life. Participants for the Test of Affinity were now entering the reception areas. Everyone could almost see the medics, healers and support personnel already setting in place in their stations in case of emergency.

The grand gallery that was in front of the combat field was the perfect representation of the entire Training Grounds. The gallery was designed with a set of stairs winding in a u-shape towards to center, red curtains draped on both wings.

Elite students were also seen seated on their high chairs, complete with their spartanly uniforms and only the medallas giving their proud glint to decorate their status. Each one carried the title of presidents, and an imposing atmosphere that was similar yet unique on their own. Recognizing Aryan, Simos also began to cheer. A well curvaceous woman with a confident aura seated amidst the presidents of each grounds, waved back at Simos.

Seeing the Battle Ground's President turned at the audience, the young novices became heated with excitement.

On the right wing were the ambassadors and representatives of the other fortresses, impeccably decked with what could be worth hundreds of gold worth of fineries with twice as much bodyguards, manservants and messengers on hand.

And at the very center were the Principalities, the very ones who look after the protection of the Training Grounds. However only three of the Sages of Old, were present. The grand palanquin was heavily covered with bejeweled curtains of pearls and white precious stones that no one could see, let alone guess who among the fourteen Principalities was inside.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“I-I have to go now. It was a pleasure to have a conversation with you, young lord and lady of Canary Gold,” Leian demonstrated a perfect practiced curtsy. She dipped her head, her dark long braid brushed the floor and burnt marks on her ribbon were revealed.

Before she could turn around, Aiven set his brush aside, thereby ending his spell. “I'll play...later,” Aiven was somehow able to say at the last minute.

His words again, startled her. “What...what are you saying all of a sudden? Stupid brother. I didn't come here to play!”

But he just smiled and beckoned her to come closer. Leian hesitated, before giving him a thorough once-over. And when she finally stepped closer, Aiven pulled out a silk ribbon from his pouch and started to fix her braid.

“Wha--?” She resisted but Leian still obediently stood with her back towards her older brother as he fixed her hair with expert hands. She was stiffed with nervousness but with each stroke of his hand on her hair, she started to relax.

“You said you wouldn't watch,” a tiny whisper came from Leian. Her expression can't be read with her clean-cut bangs hiding her face.

“Hmm?”

“N-nothing.”

“...”

“You...really are a classic tsundere,” said Delica, laughter can be heard on her voice.

“Please stop that young lady Delica,” Leian grumbled tiredly. When she felt him finished tying off her braid in a knot and was contentedly patting her on her head, Leian quickly backed away like an offended cat. “And you! Stop treating me like a kid!”

And she was off, fuming. But her angry footsteps slowed then came to an abrupt halt. She gently touched her hair and stared at the new ribbon Aiven given her. It was then that she looked back.

["For luck,"] Aiven's hand signs were clear for Leian to read. He watched her nod and went back to the combat field.

At her retreating figure, Aiven can't help but be worried. Leian would always be his cute youngest sister who just happened to be awkward around people. After all, trying to analyze a person's flaws at first meeting was far from a good icebreaker. Her passion for superiority in combat was even worse off than Simos.

At this rate, she wouldn't be able to find any friends, and she'll end up more and more excluded from people that she'll have no childhood--or a functional social life, which worried Aiven sometimes.

His own situation was different since he deliberately avoided people because...people talk, which for his honest opinion was just a waste of time.

“You really are loved, aren't you little Aiven?” Delica eyed him deviously with a knowing smile.

“...”

“I meant, for your sister to act that way to defend you. Even if her temper is a bit rash, she still cared huh?" She mused.

At that moment Aiven realized that the surrounding novices quieted down. All their attention had all went to the stage, waiting for Leian's turn. They were curious and a bit arrogant to know how 'low' her results would be--just like her brother.

Blood flows deep.

Leian succeeded in turning all their aggression towards herself. Her small figure made a huge impression to the novices almost to the point that admiration and anger was mixed in. Also, Simos' familiar and friendly attitude towards her fueled a much more dangerous side of the trainees' imagination.

He sighed again, louder this time. At this point, others might have some self-justifiable vendetta for revenge just because Leian went into rage mood and had a tantrum.

“She even disguised the attack and used you as a scapegoat so she could deal with those gossip mongers. Huehuehue, their pale expressions of fright were really amusing, uwaaahh, your little sister is amazing,” Delica chuckled.

Aiven was confused at her ramblings when Simos turned to him, clapping Aiven on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, she'll do fine."

Of course she would, Aiven wordlessly thought.

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