Myla Elway’s P.O.V

I scuffled at my desk, which was overflowing with papers the headmaster had assigned me to peruse and determine the most suitable course of action.

The exasperating aspect of it all was that every single document centered around one subject: The Archipelago Tournament.

I couldn't help but wonder, "Seriously, Headmaster? The tournament is just three weeks away, and you haven't even finalized the selection of our academy's candidates?"

Fortunately, these papers held the key to resolving that issue.

Each one contained vital information - a student's name, age, elemental proficiency, and their achievements since the start of the school year.

Skimming through the papers I found a few that caught my eye and wrote them down on my own personal list.

Eventually I got to a page that made me chuckle a bit.

“Falyn Elway

Age: 13

Elements: Water, Wind, Dark.”

I delved into his achievements since the beginning of the year and found myself genuinely impressed. As much as I wanted to avoid any appearance of bias, it was clear that my younger brother was at the pinnacle of his class, and he unquestionably deserved a place in this tournament.

I sighed and wrote is name down.

In the few profiles I'd reviewed thus far, it was evident that Fal faced stiff competition within the academy. I could only imagine the caliber of students hailing from other regions across the continent.

In Lotia, there were four distinct kingdoms: the Human Kingdom, the Elven Kingdom, the Dwarf and Gnome Kingdom, and the Demi Territories. Each of these kingdoms hosted four or five academies, teeming with students. What's more, every academy was eligible to participate in the tournament. The reservoir of talent across the continent seemed limitless.

As I continued to sift through the profiles of the academy's students, it became increasingly clear that making a selection for the Archipelago Tournament was going to be a daunting task. Each student had their unique strengths and accomplishments.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as I reviewed my younger brother's achievements. He had excelled in his elemental training, displaying a level of proficiency beyond his years. It was evident that he had poured his heart and soul into mastering his abilities.

Still, the competition within our own academy was fierce, and I knew that the other academies from the various kingdoms were likely grooming exceptional talents as well. The Archipelago Tournament was not to be taken lightly. It was a prestigious event that showcased the very best young talents from all over Lotia.

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Lost in thought, I heard two brisk knocks at my door.

"Come in," I said, my gaze still fixed on the papers.

I recognized the person entering by the pleasant fragrance that accompanied them.

"Work, work, work. Do you ever take a break, relax by the river? You know what they say about those who can't find the joy in life," Irene said, her elven features as enchanting as ever.

I sighed, "Yes, yes, the dreaded Midas's."

"Exactly. So if you don't want to turn into a Midas, go and savor life."

She seized my arm and gently pulled me away from my chair.

"But what about my tasks-" I started to protest.

She cut me off, "Don't worry; I'll inform the headmaster that you needed some well-deserved rest. I'll take the blame."

I sighed once more, a wry smile forming on my lips. "I can never win against you, can I?"

***

Falyn Elway’s P.O.V

The school days continued uneventfully, with nothing of note happening. The only significant occurrence was the announcement of the Archipelago Tournament, and the participants were to be selected during the debriefing ceremony in the weeks to come.

Rye remained unresponsive, and as always, I couldn't help but worry about him. It had become a routine concern for me.

Glancing at the note in my hand snapped me out of my reverie. It was a message from the headmaster, indicating a meeting was in order.

The topic remained a mystery, which piqued my curiosity.

I reached the headmaster's office, my curiosity building as I pushed open the door. The headmaster was seated behind his desk, cloaked in elaborate robes, much as I remembered from our last encounter. His head was the only visible part of him.

"Welcome, Falyn Elway," he greeted me in a gentle, familiar tone, as if we were old friends.

"Thank you, Headmaster," I looked around the room.

The walls were adorned with ancient tapestries, their colors muted by time, but the intricate patterns still vivid. These tapestries depicted scenes from the academy's rich history: grand battles, elemental displays, and extraordinary students who had left their mark.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of a multitude of shimmering crystals, strategically placed to provide an ethereal illumination. The desk itself was a masterpiece, crafted from polished mahogany with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, each a symbol of knowledge, power, or wisdom.

In one corner, a bookcase reached for the ceiling, its shelves lined with tomes that appeared both ancient and arcane. The books were bound in leather of various hues, and their titles were written in script that seemed to shift and change as you looked at them.

A series of potted plants graced the windowsill, their leaves vibrant shades of green, adding a touch of nature to the otherwise scholarly atmosphere. Through the tall, arched windows, you could catch a glimpse of the sprawling academy grounds, with students going about their daily activities.

"May I inquire as to the purpose of my summons?" I asked, curiosity and a touch of nervousness in my voice.

The headmaster regarded me with a serious expression. "I'm certain you are aware of the impending continent-wide event, and I have no doubt that you will be a candidate in this upcoming tournament."

I nodded, acknowledging his words, and he continued, his eyes narrowing in seriousness. "I've brought you here to advise you that holding back during this tournament would not be wise and could potentially hinder your future."

I tilted my head, processing his words.

"Falyn Elway, I'm aware that you possess the ability to wield all of the magical elements, and you've been concealing that fact from your peers," the headmaster stated.

My eyes narrowed at his revelation.