Part 1 - Avangarden

Within the Royal Gladiatorial Academy of the royal capital Cadra, a young woman walked the halls alone, contemplating. Meticulously observing the building, taking in everything it had to offer. The halls were clean, organized and with dignity befitting of a palace. This academy was located on an island in the Great Lake of Valon, standing tall and overlooking the capital. In the centre was the Colosseum, which could hold over 100,000 spectators. The Academy was the pride of the kingdom and a testament to human strength.

Sivrit walks the halls [https://i.imgur.com/dOxgtH6.jpg]

Sivrit checked to see that no one was left behind within the academy building. She was deep in thought as she took careful steps staring at the floor. This was an important day for her, and the day she would finally become a council member. This would be the day she finally proved her worth. However, during this pondering, she failed to notice the figure approaching from behind.

"BOO!"

With a scream, She fell to the ground followed by roaring laughter. The perpetrator was Professor Eidgaon, a teacher at this academy.

"I hope you didn't hurt yourself!" said Eidgaon, while holding back his laughter.

Sivrit stood back up while tending to her back. She was hoping she wouldn't run into this guy...

"I'm fine, professor Eidgaon, but what are you doing here?"

Sivrit did not particularly dislike Professor Eidgaon. He was a talented educator as well as a renowned warrior. The only things he lacked were grace and intelligence, but that was to be expected of a retired adventurer.

"Come on, it's almost time for the opening ceremonies"

Sivrit was shocked that she forgot about the time on this crucial day, she quickly sprinted toward the exit and made her way while Eidgaon stayed back, amused. He had known her for quite a long time as he was close with Sivrit's parents. They were of a noble bloodline, and Sivrit was the heir to the family fortune as well as their colosseum business. He just hoped that other teachers wouldn't go easy on her just because her family was close to the academy.

As Eidgaon passed the classrooms to follow, he reminisced about all his past students. Many of them had become great gladiators, adventurers and knights. However, he never heard back from most of them. He hoped that they were doing all right. Eidgaon entered one of the classrooms on the way. If he was going to be late, he was going to make the most of this rare opportunity to be alone. The orderly rows of tables greeted him and he felt like he travelled back to the past when he was a student in this academy. It made him chuckle about how some things in life were constant. Of course, the chairs and tables used to look different back then, but the spirit of the students and teachers was passed down from the generations long before him and he was sure he would not be the last.

He looked out the window just one more time to oversee the Great Lake of Valon. The rays of light dancing on the waters pleased his eyes. So clear and full of life was the water, he commended the people that nurtured it. No one knows how long the lake existed, perhaps even longer than Avangarden itself, but he felt that it was perfect the academy was built in front of it. The lakes represent what they protect; peace, and prosperity. While we may learn to fight here, violence should only be used for the good of mankind. That was the philosophy of this unified nation of Avangarden since the beginning of time and no matter what turbulent times it goes through, the academy in which he swore loyalty all those years ago will stand unyielding.

Eidgaon couldn't help but smile at the thought. This was going to be his 21st year teaching at this academy. This kingdom, this city, this academy was all he knew about his whole life. Perhaps he will travel somewhere far away like the desert areas far down south, maybe he would even get a glimpse of the demon lord.

However, it was far too early to be thinking about retirement, he had a job to do. He sprinted down the hall to catch up with Sivrit.

Amongst the crowd, he could see Sivrit waving her hand to him. As an academy associate, they reserved her a private seating ideal for observing the scene.

"Wow, such a nice seat for a student like you, why don't I get one?" Eidgaon said in a joking tone.

Sivrit frowned and Eidgaon knew exactly why. She hated being treated specially because of her family, not that she was ungrateful. She grew up her whole life in a wealthy environment, but she hated those who thought themselves better just because of status. She idolized the hard workers who overcame all odds and became legends, which is why she was so interested in this academy. The Royal Gladiatorial Academy was known for creating many prodigies such as Marginix, the adventurer immortalized for defeating a dragon, Reason, the current head guard of the royal family as well as Siege, the 99th hero protecting mankind from all evil. The academy prioritized talent and even royalty would not be able to graduate without sufficient abilities.

"Anyways, did you get an order from the council already?" Eidagon said to lighten the mood.

"Yes, Professor Eidgaon, I did," replied Sivrit, not breaking eye contact.

"You know, you can just call me Ed, it's a bit of a mouthful to say 'Professor Eidgaon' isn't it?

"Thank you, but I'll have to decline. I don't want to be seen like I'm being treated differently" said Sivrit sternly.

Eidgaon couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't worry about it, I'm like this with everybody!"

Sivrit turned back as the preliminary battle was about to begin but he wasn't too interested. This was the most boring round to test the courage of the participants to weed out those without potential. In this free-for-all, there were approximately 200 participants and each chose a weapon and activated a mana shield. The shield would protect you from most damage, but when the shield's strength reached 0, you were instantly eliminated and escorted off the arena. Though this shield was only for educational purposes as its battery life was too short for practical use, it should still be able to take a few hits directly. Though this was just a test of courage and losing did not matter, it would still be embarrassing to be the first eliminated.

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"Anyways, could you tell me just a teeny-tiny bit about your secret mission?" asked Eidgaon.

Sivrit sighed in defeat. Even though Eidgaon was an accomplished professor and warrior, he was a fool sometimes. Perhaps you needed to be this lighthearted to survive in the world of battles.

"Well, my task right now is to note any outstanding individuals and make note of them."

"Heh, I remember doing that in my first year of teaching. Don't be pressured and relax, they don't tell you but many other teachers are doing this same job so you won't miss anything if you go take a nap!"

"...I think this task is of utmost importance since it will be my first impression of the council."

"Well if that's so."

Eidgaon respected Sivrit for being extremely mature for her age. Even though she just entered the academy, she was more composed than most of his colleagues. However, he had a feeling that this facade couldn't go on for too long.

The excited roar of the crowd drew Eidgaon's attention to the field. While there were many attendees including parents, teachers, adventurers and the common folks, the crowd was never as loud as they were for the "weeding" round. As he looked around the arena combing for the source of attention, he spotted a young man with red hair standing still, arms crossed as if he was mocking all other participants. He also had a strange tattoo crawling down his arm, written in some unknown language. Of course, accepting this invitation, many lunged at the cocky participant, but all were repelled by an invisible force.

"I thought you guys were supposed to try your best, where did all your confidence go?" shouted the red-haired stranger.

All were futile as the participants that attacked him met the same fate over and over again. Most began to distance themselves and focused their strengths elsewhere. The red-haired boy shook his head in disappointment and decided to chase other participants himself. The invisible aura seemingly disappeared as he quickly closed the distance between himself and his prey. However, he always aimed inches away from his opponent to just break their shield. With a single kick, he was able to deplete the shields, an impressive feat impossible even for Eidgaon.

If this was a true battle, it would be a massacre, but the crowd cheered excitedly for this boy as no one had seen such power from anyone before. Eidgaon was shocked and at a loss for words as Sivrit diligently wrote down every detail of this stranger. She estimated that he may be on par with the 99th hero in strength or perhaps even beyond. Taking a closer look, he did not have any armour on, instead, he had a pure white ceremonial garment, simple but elegant. His front was exposed with his top seemingly tied around his waste. Even though the sand in the air surrounded him, none stuck to him.

Eidgaon was dumbfounded and used the basic spell ⌈Mana Eye⌋ to check if any enhancement magic was cast on him beforehand. However, he saw no such signs and even found out that he had 0 mana himself, an incredibly unique trait. This meant that he had no access to even the simplest of magic spells and had to rely all on brute force, unique talent or skills. He needed to know more about this guy, but he could only use the basic analysis spells.

"Sivrit, could you use some of your analysis magic to check up on this guy?"

"I already did," replied Sivrit coldly.

"Well, could you share a bit?"

After a sigh, Sivrit continued, "Well this stranger's physical stats are extremely impressive even though he's unarmed. High attack, stamina, defence and health. He also seems to have a 99% immunity to all magic, could that be his unique talent? He didn't use any skills or spells yet, but he probably has many up his sleeves. Overall, I believe he could easily beat you in a duel, Mr. Eid."

"Geez, I already knew that" replied Eidgaon, defeated "but how did you get all that? You must've used a Hades of a spell,"

"Well, in preparation for today, I mastered ⌈Mana Gauge⌋, ⌈Health Gauge⌋, ⌈Stamina Gauge⌋, ⌈Attack Gauge⌋, ⌈Defense Gauge⌋, ⌈Light Mind's Eye⌋, ⌈Light Dispel Illusion⌋, ⌈Light Divine Revelation⌋-"

"Alright, alright... Maybe I shouldn't have asked."

The preliminary round ended as the crowd's cheers died down and the guard dragged the poor participants who passed out or couldn't move in fear back to the changing room. Reginn stood at the center alone and went back with his hands behind his head. Eidgaon's mind searched desperately for any clues he could remember about such a powerful being. He didn't remember any rumours or gossip, nor did he see this boy before - he couldn't have forgotten such vibrant red hair...

Maybe he could remember something during the true duels later in the day when the chosen participants demonstrate their abilities in a 1 v 1. A much more advanced match with no shielding.

"Hey, Sivrit, do you have any info on this guy?"

"I'm afraid not, but I did record every single detail I could see."

Eidgaon took a glimpse of Sivrit's notes and by god, she had an unholy amount of information recorded. From an observation of movement, his preference for a right kick, his braids as well as the number of shields he broke.

"Are you sure you won't run out of paper at that rate?"

"Don't worry, I'm always prepared," said Sivrit, as she pulled out another note. "I always have a spare in case something goes wrong like if I lose it, get it wet, or burn it." continued Sivrit as she pulled out another pen from her bag. "It's a good thing I brought a spare since I've already used up all the pages."

Eidgaon was a bit dumbfounded but concluded that she must be playing a joke on him.

Eidgaon sat back on his chair. He may have witnessed the birth of a new hero, the 100th hero. Although he was far too strong even for a hero, so he may be a demigod or a demon lord. He decided that he would address such matters later and anticipated the 1 v 1 of the red-haired stranger.

Right now, it seemed that they were doing a 1 v 1 between participants, Attila and Brun. Now here were the people Eidgaon knew very well. Attila came from a noble family similar to Sivir, though their circumstances are dramatically contrasting even among nobles. While Sivir's family, the Licinians, were deeply rooted in Avangarden's history, Attila belonged to a family of foreign nobles who were accepted into the kingdom for their wealth. Things must've been very rough for her, it's not easy to live in such a faraway land away from everyone she knew. While the reason her family left their previous nation is unknown, it felt like they were running away from something. Eidgaon could tell that her family was very secretive about their past. To be fair, the Sutras were secretive about everything. They even had him blindfolded when guiding him to their mansion, and Eidgaon was not permitted to look out any windows. They were indeed very strange, but he felt no ill intent from them, so he dropped the matter.

Brun on the other hand was very straightforward. Born of a peasant background, he was recruited due to his unique talent. She had no idea what his talent was, but it must've been powerful enough to grant him this opportunity. However, he doesn't seem to have any drive or motivation to become a great warrior, even though that would mean lifting his family from their poor financial status. He was a weird kid, a weird talented kid.

Sivrit was also invested in their duel. She always wondered if a unique talent was all that special and if it could beat out professional training. Though since Attila is her dear friend, she did not want to see her lose. Sivrit had known her well from a young age, and she understood Attila's proficiency in combat. Any trained eyes could see from her form and stature that she was a warrior trained from a young age. This was not an uncommon practice for most knightly noble families, but it was rare for wealthy families to train their children. At first, Sivrit was surprised and alienated from such a concept, but she came to respect Sivrit for her commitment to the arts. For her, the path of a warrior was one she was forced on, but it was also the one she chose to stay on herself.

Most notable was her expertise with the whip. A single, jet-black cord extending from the handle of a blade, she was experienced with the whip-like no one else. Additionally, she learnt many skills and spells to further improve her strength, and already she surpassed the average adventurer. Sivrit couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of her, but she knew there was another path she wanted to pursue, and earnestly cheered for her friend.

"Let's go Attila!" shouted Eidgaon, "Show him the fruit of our training!"