Spectators across the empire eagerly anticipated the climactic final match between Pixar University and Northern University of Science and Technology.
One team represented a prestigious powerhouse that had fallen from grace the previous year, only to claw their way back to the finals this season under Azrael's remarkable leadership. The other was an unprecedented dark horse, an unknown institution that had somehow fought through to the championship round.
Everyone wanted to witness whether they could take that final step and achieve something truly historic.
But before that moment could arrive, a massive obstacle stood in their path: Azrael himself.
Azrael wasn't dwelling on the approaching finals. First, he possessed absolute confidence in his ability to defeat Adrian. Second, no amount of overthinking would change the fundamental dynamics of their upcoming confrontation. He'd rather spend his time meditating or engaging in recreational pursuits.
"It feels like I'm approaching Gold rank," Azrael murmured, concluding his meditation session with concern creeping into his voice.
The possibility of breaking through to Gold level during the individual competition filled him with dread. Such an advancement would likely spell disaster for his tournament eligibility.
However, no Gold-level Lore Cardian had ever participated in the national competition before, so no explicit rules existed barring higher-tier practitioners from competing.
Considering this precedent, Azrael couldn't help muttering, "Would the organizing committee actually disqualify me?"
The burdens of exceptional talent weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Time moved swiftly, and the day of the finals arrived with electric anticipation.
Azrael stood respectfully before a distinguished white-haired elder, his posture conveying proper deference.
"Little Azrael, are you absolutely certain?" The elderly man was naturally Master Lucian, his weathered features creased with genuine concern. "I believe that young Adrian possesses depths we haven't yet witnessed."
Azrael nodded with quiet confidence. "If he only has what he's demonstrated so far, it shouldn't present significant difficulties."
Master Lucian placed a meaningful hand on Azrael's shoulder, his touch conveying years of accumulated wisdom. "Just remember to trust your instincts out there."
Oliver and their three teammates held their breath in collective awe. Although they had long known Azrael was Master Lucian's disciple, this marked their first encounter with the legendary figure at such close proximity.
Fortunately, the Master seemed remarkably approachable despite his formidable reputation.
"Speaking of which, Little Lioren should be arriving today."
Glancing toward Senior Instructor Johto, who was meticulously preparing the venue, Master Lucian suddenly dropped this casual bombshell.
For several heartbeats, the others struggled to process who exactly Master Lucian meant by "Little Lioren."
Azrael was the first to grasp the implications, his eyes widening with shock. "Lioren is coming here?"
As his words echoed through the preparation room, absolute silence descended like a suffocating blanket.
After a tense moment, Kevaughn stammered uncertainly, "Is that the Lioren I'm thinking of?"
Master Lucian nodded with an enigmatic smile playing across his features.
Witnessing this confirmation, Oliver and the other three teammates exchanged stunned glances, their minds nearly shutting down at the revelation that the empire's most legendary Lore Cardian would be attending their match.
Despite being elite students from Pixar University, they managed to maintain surface composure. But watching them stare intensely at the battleground below, no one could guess their tumultuous thoughts.
Lioren hadn't appeared in public for several years, making this announcement absolutely earth-shattering.
In the distinguished guest section, Master Finn glanced upward at the blazing sun and casually inquired of Yuichi standing nearby, "Did Lioren mention when he planned to arrive?"
Prime Minister Yuichi was engaged in hushed conversation with an elderly gentleman wearing formal robes.
Upon hearing Finn's question, he turned and regarded him seriously. "Lioren indicated he would arrive before the match commenced."
"If timing permits, he might even deliver opening remarks to the audience."
While they could certainly delay the match until Lioren's arrival, the legendary figure had explicitly instructed Prime Minister Yuichi during their previous communication not to wait, as unforeseen circumstances might interfere with his schedule.
At that precise moment, everyone present suddenly noticed the sunlight had intensified considerably.
Even with cooling cards activated throughout the arena, spectators felt a distinct rise in ambient temperature, not uncomfortable heat, but a warm, almost divine presence.
"Lioren has arrived!"
The distinguished elders in the guest section approached the massive floor-to-ceiling windows and gazed upward expectantly.
Below in the preparation area, Master Lucian, who had been discussing Azrael's recent progress, paused mid-sentence and whispered, "Little Lioren is here. I should go greet him properly."
"Little Azrael, don't feel any pressure today. If you lose, you lose, there's no shame in that."
Hearing Master Lucian's unexpectedly reassuring words, President Yagami of Pixar University looked at him with barely concealed bitterness, though he remained diplomatically silent.
Now wasn't the time to dwell on such political considerations.
At that moment, a pale-complexioned young man materialized within the arena.
Azrael recognized him immediately.
The Empire of Aetherlight's sole Sovereign-level Lore Cardian: [Eternal Light] Lioren.
"He looks incredibly young," Oliver exclaimed beside him with obvious amazement.
Everyone understood the young-appearing man was actually approaching forty, maintaining his youthful appearance through the mystical effects of specialized cards.
Azrael had previously questioned his teacher about this phenomenon. Logically, Master Lucian shouldn't appear so aged by comparison.
His teacher had explained that he'd suffered numerous severe injuries during his youth, coupled with insufficient focus on crafting physique-enhancing cards, resulting in irreversible aging effects.
However, few Lore Cardians within the empire, regardless of rank, met peaceful ends. Otherwise, there wouldn't be merely three Master-level and one Sovereign-level practitioners. This reality was especially true for Association members, who served on the front lines against Secret Realm incursions and suffered substantially higher casualty rates than Imperial Court practitioners.
"But if Lioren is appearing here now, the Secret Realm situation in Shudoria Province shouldn't be critically dangerous," Azrael murmured thoughtfully. "Though his complexion... why do I sense something troubling?"
Contemplating Lioren's unnaturally pale features, Azrael frowned with growing concern.
He could distinguish that this pallor wasn't due to naturally fair skin, but rather indicated severe mental exhaustion and strain.
Combined with rumors that had circulated throughout Velkairos six months earlier, whispers suggesting "Lioren probably doesn't have many years remaining" a disturbing thought gradually crystallized in his mind, "Could it be that Lioren's appearance here is intended to calm public anxiety and reassure the population?"
The audience in the stands had already erupted into absolute pandemonium.
"Is that really Lioren?"
"Holy shit! THE living, breathing Lioren!"
"I knew Lioren was still alive! Those idiots online claiming he was dead and showing only old footage were completely wrong!"
Facing the current pinnacle of their empire's power, most spectators felt nothing but pure admiration and awe.
Just then, Master Lucian and Master Tempest materialized beside Lioren. The three legendary figures exchanged brief words accompanied by warm laughter before departing the airspace above the stadium.
Azrael understood they were heading toward the distinguished guest section.
In the VIP area, Prime Minister Yuichi grasped Lioren's hand warmly, inquiring about his wellbeing with genuine concern. "Master Lioren, you've worked tirelessly these past years. The empire will never forget your invaluable contributions."
Lioren smiled with characteristic modesty. "Everyone has been working hard. These accomplishments aren't mine alone."
Finn suddenly interjected with obvious affection, "Honestly, Little Lioren, without your efforts, who knows how many casualties that Secret Realm in Shudoria would have caused."
As he spoke, the white-bearded elder cast a meaningful glance toward certain individuals seated behind them.
Lioren naturally caught Master Finn's subtle gesture, but he remained diplomatically silent, smoothly changing the subject. "Master Lucian, that young man was your newest disciple, wasn't he?"
Master Lucian nodded with obvious pride. "Little Lioren, what's your assessment?"
A faint smile graced Lioren's pale features. "He's truly exceptional. He should be approaching Gold level soon, correct? When he advances, why don't you send him to the Shudoria region for practical training?"
Master Lucian made a mock threatening gesture. "Now you're trying to steal my best student, Little Lioren!"
Lioren smiled and dodged playfully. He had only been teasing, of course.
Even if Azrael was willing to go, he would never agree to such a proposal.
There was absolutely no justification for sending such a promising young talent to a place like that to die needlessly.
On the arena floor, students from both universities were quietly preparing for the momentous clash ahead.
Azrael spotted Adrian observing from across the field and nodded respectfully in greeting.
Adrian returned the gesture with a warm smile.
Today's strategy for Pixar University was elegantly simple. Since they already possessed a comprehensive understanding of Northern University of Science and Technology's capabilities, they would systematically eliminate opponents one by one, progressing from weakest to strongest.
Excluding Azrael, the other four members of Pixar University's team felt the weight of nervous anticipation. This was the national championship finals, a stage they couldn't have imagined reaching at the semester's beginning.
But fate had twisted unexpectedly. With Azrael's addition as a freshman powerhouse, Pixar University's overall strength had skyrocketted beyond all reasonable expectations.
The thunderous roar filling their ears served as a constant reminder that this was absolutely no dream.
With the arena properly prepared, Pixar University's opening representative was naturally Choi-Gyu.
Azrael considered defeating even one opponent a successful outcome for her efforts.
Northern University of Science and Technology continued employing their established tactical approach.
Actually, they possessed limited strategic options. They simply positioned Adrian as their final combatant while substituting as many of their other four members as possible beforehand.
As anticipated, Choi-Gyu was defeated in her opening match.
Next came Kevaughn's turn. Fortunately, he had trained diligently, inspired partially by Choi-Gyu's determination, and ultimately managed to defeat two opponents before withdrawing from combat.
The situation had evolved into a three-versus-three confrontation.
But Pixar University still possessed Oliver in addition to Azrael.
Watching Jea-Min advance toward the battle platform with an expressionless demeanor, Azrael whispered to Oliver, "It appears they don't have many cards remaining in reserve."
"Adrian is the only one truly worth monitoring closely."
Oliver nodded with grim determination. "I should be capable of matching Adrian's abilities. I'll attempt to discover some of his hidden techniques."
Azrael voiced quiet agreement with the assessment.
Alice, standing beside them, studied Adrian thoughtfully as he sat calmly at Northern University's reserve table.
Jea-Min quickly withdrew after defeating a single opponent, having exhausted her strategic options.
Oliver took a deep, steadying breath and rose to his feet.
"The more of his resources I can exhaust, the more confident Azrael will become in the final confrontation."
"Restoring Pixar University's glory is our fundamental duty!"
His expression gradually hardened with absolute resolve.
Dark storm clouds gathered ominously across the battlefield as brilliant lightning flashed in every direction.
Under Oliver's relentless assault, Northern University of Science and Technology's fourth representative was swiftly overwhelmed and defeated.
Gazing at Adrian, who had already assumed his position at the battle platform, Oliver struggled to contain his mounting excitement: "We're truly just one step away from victory."
The next moment, three gleaming silver-white robots materialized on the field with mechanical precision.
At the referee's sharp whistle, Oliver's cards launched a devastating offensive directly targeting the robot capable of loading tactical modules.
"If I can destroy the carrier unit, all your sophisticated tricks will become useless," Oliver calculated with tactical clarity.
Based on the intelligence Pixar University had accumulated, his strategic decision was undoubtedly correct.
The robots' reaction on the battlefield immediately confirmed this assessment.
The other two mechanical units frantically attempted to intercept the armored warrior's assault on their primary carrier.
The armored figure ignored their desperate interference and pressed his attack with ruthless determination.
"BOOM!"
A tremendous explosion engulfed the entire arena as raging flames consumed the armored warrior completely.
Adrian's robot had self-destructed with devastating effect.
Oliver's face twitched with obvious frustration. He hadn't anticipated Adrian would be so decisively ruthless in his tactical choices.
"Weapon module [Celestial Phenomenon: Sun, Moon, and Stars] initiating upload sequence."
"Upload sequence completed successfully."
"Current combat configuration: Standard operational mode."
A faint azure beam pierced through the accumulated dark clouds with surgical precision.
"Solar Configuration."
The miniature sun, radiating endless light and devastating heat, reappeared before the stunned eyes of the global audience.
In mere moments, the dark storm clouds that had gathered like coiling dragons were completely dispersed by the artificial star's overwhelming radiance.
Oliver's expression grew heavy as he observed the display. He had prepared those storm clouds specifically for Azrael's eventual confrontation, yet they were so easily neutralized.
Without the power of accumulated lightning, the armored warrior's combat effectiveness plummeted dramatically.
The next instant, the miniature sun plunged toward the arena floor, its blinding white radiance overwhelming even the most prepared observers.
Continuous shock waves reverberated throughout the stadium structure.
After several tense moments, the terrifying impact gradually dissipated into manageable levels.
However, Oliver's summoned card had vanished without a trace of its former existence.
He exhaled with quiet relief. Although he hadn't discovered any revolutionary new techniques, he had at least forced Adrian to expend one of his most devastating weapons.
In the distinguished guest section, Lioren was witnessing Adrian's cards for the first time and found himself genuinely surprised by their innovative approach. "Fascinating! I've never encountered this particular methodology before."
"And furthermore..."
He recalled the distinctive aura he had sensed during the demonstration and glanced uncertainly at Master Lucian and Master Tempest beside him.
The two Master-level Lore Cardians understood exactly what Lioren was preparing to ask and nodded in solemn confirmation of his suspicions. "Indeed, it seems you've detected it as well, Little Lioren."
Hearing this verification, Lioren raised an eyebrow and addressed Master Lucian directly. "It appears your disciple faces quite a formidable challenge ahead."
Master Lucian simply chuckled without expressing disagreement.
He maintained absolute confidence in his student Azrael's capabilities.
"Leave everything to me now," Azrael declared with a reassuring smile to his Pixar University teammates.
In his professional assessment, Oliver had performed admirably, even though the storm clouds supporting [Lightning Release: Kirin] had been dispersed by their opponent.
There was nothing anyone could have done differently. After observing his previous matches, Adrian had naturally prepared countermeasures against that specific technique.
The fact that Oliver had successfully eliminated one "solar configuration" exceeded Azrael's initial expectations.
With these thoughts crystallizing in his mind, he walked calmly toward the battle platform.
At that moment, a voice called out beside Azrael: "Azrael, I used to envy you deeply."
It was Adrian speaking with unexpected vulnerability.
Azrael simply listened as his opponent continued.
"Honestly, I don't consider myself particularly talented at this."
"If it hadn't been for the Dean's intervention, I'd probably still be that orphan with absolutely nothing."
"You're an orphan too, so you understand how difficult it was to create our first successful card."
"But fortunately, I encountered the Dean, a partner I can trust completely."
"No need to run around like a stray dog until we simply rotted away."
Azrael listened quietly to Adrian's heartfelt confession, then rolled his eyes dramatically. "You should apologize to every other contestant here!"
"If you genuinely think you lack talent, they'll all break down crying!"
He finally understood why he hadn't heard of Adrian before the national competition began. The young man had experienced a breakthrough similar to his own developmental arc.
Now Azrael simply wanted Adrian to stop talking. If he continued this emotional monologue, Azrael felt like he was being psychologically manipulated to death.
Was his opponent really about to start shouting about "friendship and bonds" before launching into combat?
But unexpectedly, Adrian appeared stunned by Azrael's response, then burst into uncontrollable laughter, nearly breathless with amusement.
After an extended moment, he wiped moisture from the corner of his eyes and declared, "I was being ridiculously pretentious, wasn't I?"
"Azrael, let's give them a proper show."
"A true showdown between genius and wild determination."