Camille walked to the center, his opponent already waiting for him. His name was Akilla, a royal from the foreign kingdom of Aza. The royals of Aza were known for wielding magic that could rival the generals themselves. An alliance between Aza and Vatani had been forged—Aza would provide powerful mages in exchange for Vatani's prime materials. This was crucial, for Vatani was in need of strong magic soldiers; this generation was in crisis. That was why Akilla stood there. He didn't need to take the entrance exam; he chose to, simply to prove how exceptional his talent was.
Camille stopped at the marked point. The battle was about to begin. The audience leaned forward, captivated and excited—they were about to witness a royal fight, something peasants and commoners rarely saw. Yet confusion rippled through the crowd.
"Who is that guy?" some asked, pointing at Camille.
Nobody knew him, except for one person. Because of that, people assumed he was a peasant with low magic. They began questioning the pairing system, worried for themselves—none wanted to face someone with far greater magic.
—Camille vs. Akilla, COMMENCE!— General Heisen ordered from The Grand Watchtower, where the generals monitored the fighters' evaluation to determine who was fit to join the brigades of magic soldiers. —The first one to go down loses!
The audience murmured, excitement buzzing among the aspiring soldiers.
—Why would they put a lowly peasant against me? That would be insulting. So I assume you may be strong.— Akilla smirked, his confidence radiating. —However, I am clearly stronger. Surely you've heard of me, Akilla Aza-mia, royal of the kingdom of Aza!
—…— Camille's silence was loud, his gaze indifferent and nonchalant. —Who?
Gasps erupted.
"He's a peasant, how dare he?"
"Isn't he scared for his life?"
"He put a royal in his place!"
Akilla's smirk twisted into a scowl.
—Well, well… I'll just have to show you.— His voice dripped with frustration and embarrassment. —Don't worry, I won't go too hard. Just enough to make you faint, trash.
"Water Magic: Piercing Water Whirlwind!"
Akilla's incantation summoned a raging spiral of water that twisted violently, transforming as it surged forward. What began as a tornado condensed into a massive, needle-like spiral, rotating with such force it looked as though it could pierce through anything in its path.
The crowd gasped.
"Oh my god! He's going to die!"
"Isn't that low of Akilla? He's fighting a peasant!"
The spiraling water spear shot toward Camille at incredible speed, striking him head-on. It exploded upon impact, drenching the arena as though a storm had swept through. Yet Camille stood unfazed, calm and untouched.
—How could he take a hit like that and remain so calm?— General Lunar asked, stunned. —He doesn't even have his grimoire. I doubt he could cast a barrier spell that strong without it!
—Heh… Camille.— General Yuno smirked, pride in his voice. —It's simple, Lunar. He has an incredible ability, yet no magic of his own—apart from his devil contract, which he cannot use now. You'll understand when he joins the brigades.
—How are you so sure? And who is he? You sound like you know him.— General Zhenya's soft voice carried curiosity masked as indifference. —No magic? Is he from the Khasorian continent?
The Khasorian continent was home to nations without magic, yet its people possessed physical strength that rivaled sorcery. Some were known to form devil contracts simply for sport.
—People from Khasoria have unique traits. I doubt he's from there.— General Elaine's eyes widened, still shaken. —I thought he was finished. He didn't even move. Oh my!
—I don't know where he's from, but I know him.— General Yuno said firmly.
The crowd erupted again.
"What the hell happened?"
"He's unfazed?"
"After a hit like that?"
They had seen Akilla's spell transform from a tornado into a horizontal, rotating spear of water—something that could pierce anything. Yet when it struck Camille, it exploded harmlessly. He wasn't wet. He wasn't harmed.
Akilla stood frozen, jaw dropped. That spell was one of his strongest, unleashed in hatred after Camille's humiliation. "I wasn't trying to kill him—that's against the rules. I cast it knowing healers were here. But even so… how could he…?"
—It's my turn.— Camille's voice was calm as he walked slowly toward his opponent.
Akilla's heart raced. He rarely feared anyone, but now… "Why is he walking toward me? Is he close-range?"
Camille stopped directly in front of him, lifted his hand, and touched Akilla's chest.
In an instant, Akilla was hurled away at blinding speed.
—Aaaaah!— His scream echoed in fear and pain.
The audience was stunned. Akilla's glowing white robes merged with the sunlight, and he vanished from sight.
"What the hell?!"
"What is he?!"
"Where's the royal?!"
"No way, this isn't real!"
—Oh fvck! You went too hard, Camille!— General Yuno exclaimed, covering his face.
—We need to do something!— General Y shouted, about to leap from the Watchtower when Akilla crashed to the ground, unconscious.
"He passed out."
Chapter 1 — END .