The days following the incident at the palace felt like the calm before the storm. Shouta went about his routine as usual—attending magic classes, training with Lydia, and completing guild missions. However, rumors about the Great Magic Tournament began to fill every corner of the Great Astoria Academy of Magic.

This annual competition was not just an ordinary event. It was a battleground for the top students from magical academies across the world to showcase their talents, strength, and intellect. The name of the victor would be remembered, while the others would fade into obscurity.

Although still new, Shouta could feel the pressure mounting as the rumors spread. Everywhere he went, students discussed strategies, training, and their chances of being selected as their academy's representative.

One morning, as Shouta and Lydia made their way to the training grounds, a conversation among a group of students caught Shouta's attention.

"This year's competition is going to be fierce. I heard that other academies have been training their top students for months," said a male student.

"I heard this year's tournament will be even more intense. Academy Xareth is sending their top bloodline magic users," another male student added.

"And the selection duels here are already terrifying. I don't know how you can fight against the seniors," a female student chimed in.

Shouta stopped in his tracks, furrowing his brow. "Lydia, what exactly is this competition?"

Lydia looked at Shouta, her eyes a mix of surprise and sympathy. "You really don't know?" She sighed deeply. "The Great Magic Tournament is an annual event. Every major magic academy sends their representatives to compete in various challenges—one-on-one duels, teamwork tests, and high-level magic trials."

"How do they choose the representatives?" Shouta asked, growing more intrigued.

"That's why we have the selection duels. Any student who wants to participate can fight, but only the best will represent our academy," Lydia replied with a small smile. "It's a chance to prove who you really are."

Shouta fell silent for a moment. Inside, a new spark of determination began to burn. This wasn't just a competition—it was his chance to show that he deserved to be here.

In a secluded room on the edge of the academy, a mysterious woman sat with a senior student, Raven. The woman, her face full of arrogance, smiled wickedly as she toyed with a strand of her hair.

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"You see, that new kid is starting to stand out," she said in a voice that was almost a deadly whisper.

Raven, known for his swordsmanship, looked on with a cynical expression. "He's just a new kid. Why does he matter so much?"

The woman smirked. "Because our organization needs him for something much bigger. Shouta is a threat if he falls into the wrong hands. If he keeps getting stronger, he'll get in the way of our plans."

She leaned in, her smile cold. "Make sure you teach him a lesson. Don't let him feel too comfortable here."

Raven clenched his teeth. "So, you want me to get rid of him?"

"Not so easily," the woman replied. "You need to break his spirit. Defeat him in front of everyone, and make sure he knows his place."

Raven nodded, his determination growing. He wasn't just defending his reputation as the academy's top student—he was also seeking recognition from the secret organization the woman represented.

The Day of the Selection

Finally, the long-awaited day arrived. The academy's main arena was packed with students, some as participants, others as spectators. In the front row, Lydia and Althea sat quietly, observing the scene.

"Shouta will be fine," Lydia said confidently.

"I hope so," Althea replied. "But his opponent this time is no pushover. Raven is known for both his strength and ruthless tactics."

When Shouta's name was called, the arena fell silent. All eyes turned to him. Shouta stepped forward, his sword hanging at his side, his hands empty without a staff.

"He's not bringing a staff? Is he serious?" whispered one student.

On the other side of the arena, Raven stood ready. His long, gleaming sword in hand, he looked at Shouta with a mocking smile.

"You? A new student who thinks you deserve to be here? I'll finish you with one strike," he said, laughing.

Shouta didn't respond. He stood calmly, his eyes focused. Inside, the burning determination gave him the strength he needed.

The duel began with Raven launching the first attack. His sword cut through the air with immense force, but Shouta dodged with a movement so calm and precise it seemed effortless. One strike after another came, but Shouta parried each of them with his own blade.

Raven grew increasingly frustrated. "Is that all you're going to do? Are you afraid?"

But in the next moment, Shouta counterattacked. With a swift motion, he conjured a glowing circle of magic in the air, without the need for a staff. From the circle, an incredible blue fire shot out, speeding straight toward Raven.

The crowd fell silent. "He's using magic without a staff!" one student shouted.

Raven tried to block with a magic barrier, but the force of Shouta's attack was too great. The barrier shattered, and Raven had to leap backward to avoid being hit. But Shouta didn't give him a chance. With one swing of his sword, amplified by a wave of magic, Raven fell to the ground, defeated.

Shouta stood tall, but his face didn't show any sign of triumph. He had won, but he felt far from strong. Meanwhile, the students around the arena were still in shock, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.

"He's incredible," one student murmured.

"But how can a new student use such high-level magic without a staff?" another

whispered.

Lydia and Althea approached Shouta. "Great job," Lydia said, smiling. "You're the best."

Shouta nodded slowly. "I don't know. I'm still weak."

In a corner of the academy, the mysterious woman was speaking to several senior students. Her face showed satisfaction.

"Did you see that? The kid's getting too cocky. If we don't act, he'll keep stealing the spotlight," she said, her voice sharp.

"What do you want us to do?" one of the students asked.

"Let him enjoy his victory," the woman replied. "But make sure he doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Our organization will have him."

That night, Shouta sat alone on the roof of the academy, gazing at the stars twinkling in the night sky. He knew that today's fight was only the first step in a long journey.

"I'm still weak. I need to grow stronger," he whispered. "Not just for this competition, but to protect those I care about."

With renewed determination burning in his heart, Shouta prepared himself for the challenges ahead.

To Be Continued…