The sun hovered low over Aetherreach, painting the academy's marble towers in hues of amber and crimson. Within its walls, excitement and anxiety pulsed like a living thing. Students trained late into the night, refining spells and sharpening tactics, their ambitions as bright as their Sigils.
For many, the Inter-Class Tournament was just a competition.
For Lucian Zevrik, it felt like a countdown.
He stood in the central training hall, wind swirling gently around his outstretched fingers. Opposite him was Maren Caleo, his closest friend and most trusted training partner. His brown hair was damp with sweat, his earth-marked brow creased in concentration as he raised a chunk of stone from the ground.
"Ready?" Maren asked.
Lucian nodded. "Don't hold back."
The two clashed — wind meeting stone, momentum versus weight. Lucian dodged a pillar of rock, twisting mid-air as gusts propelled him upward. He retaliated with a sweeping arc of wind that staggered Maren slightly, just enough for Lucian to land beside him and tap his shoulder.
"Point," Lucian said.
Maren groaned. "You're getting too fast."
Lucian smiled faintly. "You're getting predictable."
They both laughed, the tension momentarily broken.
On the sidelines, other students watched the sparring match. Some whispered Lucian's name. Others tried to mimic his techniques. He ignored them all.
After training, the two boys sat under a torch-lit walkway that curved around the campus gardens.
"You've changed," Maren said, drinking from his flask.
Lucian raised a brow. "Is that a compliment?"
"I think so. You used to hesitate more. Now it's like… you've found something to prove."
Lucian looked toward the distant arena. "Maybe I have."
Before Maren could ask, a voice called out.
Liora Sunveil, her blonde ponytail bouncing behind her, waved as she approached with Nira Kael and Elis Vrenna in tow.
"Evening, gentlemen," she said with a grin. "We're putting together a strategy session for the tournament. You in?"
Maren stretched. "I'll pass. I plan to wing it."
"You always do," Nira rolled her eyes.
Lucian hesitated. "What's the point? It's one-on-one duels, right?"
Liora smirked. "You really think that's all there is to it?"
She leaned closer. "Every year, the academy throws in a twist. Two years ago, it was random team battles. Last year? Elemental zone challenges. This year… well, no one knows yet."
Lucian's interest piqued.
"Count me in."
They all made their way to the strategy room in the west wing. Inside, maps of the arena were laid out on enchanted tables, glowing faintly with magic.
The group spent hours discussing potential pairings, types of opponents, terrain variations, and more. Lucian listened carefully — absorbing tactics, weaknesses, team synergies. It felt foreign but exhilarating, this kind of camaraderie.
Eventually, the room emptied.
Lucian lingered.
He placed his hand on the map, over the central arena.
Tomorrow, he would fight before thousands. Nobles, instructors, even Pillars might watch. His every move would be analyzed.
And somewhere in the crowd… he had a feeling dark eyes would be watching too.
He pulled back his hood, letting his silver hair shine in the candlelight.
He wasn't just fighting to win.
He was fighting to uncover what he truly was.