Before Lionel could leave on his journey, there was one last thing he had to do. The School Tournament.
Every two years, Leony Academy hosted this event to test the progress of the students. It wasn't just for fun. The winners gained rewards that could change their lives.
First prize: A permanent noble house inside the capital.
Second prize: The right to choose an Ultra-Rare weapon.
For young students, this was more than just a trophy. It was proof of their strength, their future, and their pride.
The format was simple:
Each class could send three representatives — a mage, a marksman, and a swordsman. The battle would be 3v3 inside a large arena filled with obstacles — broken walls, tall rocks, fallen logs, and even small rivers. Students had to use not only skill but also strategy to win.
Two years ago, the A-Class had claimed victory since the S-Class did not exist back then. They were proud of their title and wanted to defend it. But this year, everything changed. The S-Class, led by Master Lionel, had been born.
The night before the tournament, Lionel was getting ready. His sword leaned against the wall, and his travel bag was half-packed.
Seraphina knocked on the door and stepped inside quietly. Her blue eyes carried a worried glow.
"Master Lionel, are you really leaving tomorrow?" she asked.
Lionel looked up and smiled. "No, Sera. Not yet. First, I have to finish this school tournament. After that, I'll go."
"Oh…" Seraphina lowered her head. Then softly, she asked, "Can I go with you? To watch the tournament?"
"Of course," Lionel said warmly. "Why not? Since it's our last day together before I leave."
Her face lit up. "Then I'll come!"
The next morning, Lionel and Seraphina walked together. Leony Academy was near the castle, so no carriage was needed. As they walked down the stone-paved streets, Seraphina boldly wrapped her arm around Lionel's.
Whispers filled the crowd:
"They look like the perfect couple."
"Ugh, the second princess is selfish. She wants Master Lionel all to herself."
Lionel chuckled. "Don't mind them."
Seraphina smiled and held him tighter.
The Academy Grounds
The gates of Leony Academy were filled with people. Nobles, commoners, and parents came to watch. Students who weren't chosen as representatives filled the stands, waving flags and cheering for their classes.
At the back of the academy stood the grand arena. Its tall stone walls surrounded a battlefield wide enough for a hundred people. The seats rose high like a colosseum, and the energy in the air was overwhelming.
The announcer's voice echoed across the field:
"Welcome to the Leony Academy Tournament! This year, six classes will compete — S, A, B, C, D, and E! Each team will fight in three-versus-three battles until one class remains standing!"
The crowd roared in excitement.
Lionel watched proudly as his chosen three walked into the arena.
Princess Arwen von Elarion (Mage): His student, Seraphina's younger sister. Recently blessed as a Divine Court Magician, her light magic was already feared.
Kaela van Dravencia (Marksman): Calm, sharp-eyed, the daughter of the Queen of Dravencia. Her arrows always found their mark.
Rhaegor Sylgard Jr. (Swordsman): Son of the Beast King. Strong, fierce, with reflexes as sharp as claws.
The crowd erupted.
"Is that the princess?!"
"She's fighting too?!"
"That marksman is from Dravencia! And the swordsman looks like a beast!"
Seraphina clapped beside Lionel. "They're amazing, right?"
Lionel smirked. "Of course. They're my students."
The first rounds passed quickly.
C-Class defeated E-Class.
B-Class defeated D-Class.
The fights were entertaining, but everyone was waiting for the real clash: S-Class vs A-Class.
The announcer's voice boomed:
"And now… the moment you've all been waiting for! The former champions, A-Class, against the legendary new S-Class! Let the battle begin!"
S-Class vs A-Class
[Battle scenes + dialogue + inner thoughts same as before, now happening under Leony Academy tournament setting.]
[Expanded finals + S-Class victory + ceremony same as before, with the name updated.]
The king himself entered the arena with a smile.
"Congratulations, S-Class," he declared. "You have proven yourselves as the strongest students in Leony Academy. Each of you will be granted a noble home in the capital and the right to choose an Ultra-Rare weapon."
The three bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
From the stands, Lionel smiled. They did it. They really did it.
Seraphina leaned close. "You must be proud."
Lionel nodded. "I am."
After the ceremony, Lionel and Seraphina walked back toward the castle. The sun painted the sky orange.
"That was amazing," Seraphina said softly. Then her voice trembled. "But… you're really leaving now?"
Lionel stopped and looked at her. "Yes, Sera. I need to see the world. I want to grow stronger. I want to learn more."
Seraphina squeezed his hand tightly. "Then promise me. Promise me you'll come back."
Lionel smiled gently. "I promise."
As the crowd's cheers faded into the distance, Lionel knew his real journey was about to begin.
To be continued…