As Percy and Dalton stood amidst their assembled group, waiting for others to settle, Percy couldn't help but assess the powerful auras surrounding them. Strength, refinement, and sheer magical prowess pulsed from every direction. Even Dalton, usually stoic, seemed to take note of the overwhelming energy in the air.
Percy exhaled slowly, his fingers unconsciously tightening into a fist. "I still need to work on my foundational strength," he thought, his mind already breaking down ways to improve his combat efficiency.
A sudden burst of laughter rang through his mind, breaking his train of thought.
Beta.
Her voice dripped with amusement, tinged with a playful exasperation only she could convey.
"Oh, Master," she chuckled, the digital resonance of her voice practically dripping mirth, "you really don't see it yet, do you?"
Percy's brow twitched, curiosity piqued. "What's so funny, Beta?"
Still stifling her laughter, Beta replied, "You'll understand soon enough. Just wait for the duels—then you'll finally see how absurdly strong you've become."
She left it at that, refusing to elaborate. The suspense gnawed at him, but Percy knew Beta well enough to recognize when she wanted him to figure something out for himself.
Before he could dwell on it further, Helen's voice commanded attention.
"Alright, everyone! Now that all examinees are grouped correctly, my associates are ready to begin the Magical Duels. This is your moment to shine, to prove the magical prowess you possess. The conduct and outcome of these duels will be critical in determining your future at Solarskis University."
A brief pause, then a knowing smile. "I wish you all the best of luck."
With a simple wave of her hand, Helen and the judges vanished—then reappeared above each group, hovering midair.
"Brace yourselves," Helen declared, as a rush of mana surged around the flags.
The energy pulsed outward, forming translucent barriers around each group. The next moment, those same barriers lifted the examinees into the sky.
Gasps and murmurs of awe filled the air as they ascended, weightless.
Percy, unfazed, cast his gaze downward, his sharp eyes locking onto The Verdant Jungle's Heart—the very core of the labyrinth. The colossal tree, ancient beyond reckoning, pulsed with a living, radiant mana, its roots twisting like veins through the earth. The deeper they descended into its territory, the more overwhelming its presence became.
Percy, far more attuned to mana than most, felt it surge into him, threading through his very being. Unlike the others—who marveled at the spectacle—he experienced it differently. The energy didn't just surround him.
It welcomed him.
The labyrinth's mana curled around him like an embrace, as if recognizing something within him—something it found familiar.
Instinctively, Percy responded. He guided the potent mana through his cores, cycling it with deliberate precision. The moment it flowed through his pathways, something stirred—a shift so sudden and immense that his breath hitched.
[System Notification: Enhanced Mana Core Blessing Scripture has initiated the formation of additional mana circles along your cores.]
His eyes widened.
Two new mana circles.
Not just forming—but rapidly stabilizing, anchoring themselves within him like they had always belonged. And surrounding them? Another two circles already beginning their emergence.
This shouldn't be happening so fast.
Percy suppressed his surprise, focusing on maintaining control. The influx of pure, unrefined energy threatened to spill over, saturating his cores beyond their natural limit. He needed to adjust, to regulate.
With calculated breaths, he sank into a cross-legged position midair, tuning out the chatter of his fellow examinees.
He worked fast, directing the excess mana along the nearly imperceptible pathways forming within him. Slowly, steadily, the turbulence eased. The pressure that had threatened to overwhelm him now felt invigorating.
He opened his eyes.
They had descended further.
Excitement and awe rippled through the group as they neared the heart of the labyrinth. Though many sensed the raw, untamed energy saturating the air, none could truly grasp the depth of its age, of its purpose—save for Percy.
Helen's voice carried through the air, her tone light but steady.
"Do not be alarmed by the density of the mana. The Verdant Jungle's Heart has flourished for over 5,000 years, accumulating power unlike anything found outside these walls."
A ripple of astonishment passed through the examinees. Even Dalton raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
But Percy?
He only gazed at the labyrinth in silence, thoughts swirling.
This place is alive.
And somehow…
It knows me.
As the examinees gently landed within the rainforest ecosystem, an overwhelming sense of awe filled the air. Towering, ancient trees stretched high into the sky, their canopies dense enough to filter the sunlight into shimmering emerald beams. The chorus of unseen birds and the rhythmic chirping of insects breathed life into the secluded paradise, wrapping the participants in an atmosphere foreign yet mesmerizing.
"It feels like a whole different world," one student murmured, their voice laced with wonder.
A few others nodded in agreement, still taking in the untamed splendor surrounding them.
Helen, ever amused by their reactions, chuckled. "I'm not surprised. Most of you have never ventured beyond our city's walls."
Her words barely had time to settle before she snapped her fingers.
The ground trembled.
The shifting earth sent a jolt through the students, some stumbling as the terrain moved beneath them, reshaping itself with eerie precision. The once-unbroken forest floor split apart in controlled motions, ancient roots and soil bending to an unseen will.
In mere moments, ten towering dueling stages materialized from thin air, seamlessly integrated into the labyrinth.
Silence followed, broken only by the rustling leaves overhead. Even those who had witnessed grand displays of magic before were momentarily stunned by the scale of the transformation.
Helen, untouched by the shock around her, moved with effortless grace toward a central stage adorned with an elegant, throne-like seat. A knowing smile played on her lips as she seated herself, exuding authority and ease in equal measure.
Her eyes swept over the examinees, now standing among the newly formed dueling arenas.
"Alright, everyone, please direct your attention to the ten dueling stages before you," she announced, her voice carrying effortlessly through the labyrinth. "Each of you will be paired against another examinee based on the corresponding number that I call out."
The tension in the air thickened.
"When your number is announced, promptly make your way to the indicated stage. We have many matches to get through today, so efficiency is paramount. Prepare yourselves for a day of intense competition. Now, let's proceed."
Helen raised her hand, and in an even tone, began calling out numbers:
"Numbers: 17 vs 199, 14 vs 19, 425 vs 335, 287 vs 421, 2 vs 104, 354 vs 377, 299 vs 213, 261 vs 570, 117 vs 162, 3 vs 572."
At each announcement, pairs of students peeled away from the crowd, their movements a mixture of eagerness and barely concealed anxiety. Some squared their shoulders in silent determination, while others exchanged fleeting glances with their opponents—measuring, anticipating.
The rest of the examinees who weren't called watched intently, knowing their names would soon follow.
Once the participants reached their respective arenas, Helen stood from her chair, her presence commanding all attention.
"Before we commence the Magical Duels, it is imperative that everyone understands the rules. Your adherence is not only expected but mandatory."
Her voice sharpened, underscored by the weight of authority.
Rules of the Duel
🔹 Rule #1 – Safety First:
"The safety of all participants is paramount. Lethal force is strictly prohibited. Your spells should be aimed at incapacitating or disarming your opponent, never at causing lasting harm. Only spells up to 3-star level are permitted—any attempt to use a 4-star spell will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis."
🔹 Rule #2 – Forfeiture:
"You may forfeit the duel at any time by making a clear verbal declaration. Upon forfeiture, your opponent must immediately cease all attacks. Any attempt to exploit this rule will result in immediate disqualification."
🔹 Rule #3 – Respect and Integrity:
"This competition is meant to test your skill, not your lineage. Intimidation, coercion, or using your family's influence to belittle your opponent will not be tolerated. Any violation will result in immediate disqualification."
🔹 Rule #4 – Examiner's Authority:
"I reserve the right to halt any duel if I determine it has become too dangerous or if the rules are violated. If I intervene, it will not be in your favor. Let's avoid that, shall we?"
Helen's gaze swept across the participants, ensuring each word sank in.
Then, a small smirk.
"Let these rules guide your conduct throughout the duels. Show us your skill, your honor, and your dedication. May the best mages advance."
The air hummed with rising mana.
Without another word, each stage flickered to life as translucent barriers formed around them, sealing the duelists within their arenas. The space between the combatants became charged, mana coiling through the atmosphere like an unseen storm, waiting to be unleashed.
Excitement. Dread. Determination.
Each participant steadied themselves, minds racing through strategies, bodies tensing in anticipation.
The time had come.
Helen raised her hand once more, her voice carrying the weight of an impending storm.
"The stage is set. Let the Magical Duels begin!"
Mana surged. The first battles ignited.
The arena pulsed with raw energy, the atmosphere charged with the electrifying clash of spells and martial prowess. Teens battled fiercely, blending swift hand-to-hand combat with elemental magic, their movements a mesmerizing display of raw talent and tactical brilliance.
Above, Helen observed it all with razor-sharp precision.
Her tablet screen flickered, streaming crisp, real-time footage captured by the floating mechanical sage eyes that hovered above each dueling stage. Every flick of a wrist, every surge of mana, every moment of hesitation—she saw it all.
A flicker of concern passed through her gaze as she noted a duel on the verge of pushing beyond safe limits.
[Message Sent to Judges: "Monitor their reactions closely. The moment it escalates past control, halt the duel immediately. Safety is priority."]
The directive was swiftly acknowledged, her fellow judges subtly shifting their focus, hands hovering over the mana-stabilizing mechanisms embedded in their tablets.
Helen exhaled slightly. The matches had been exhilarating so far, but a single misstep could turn excitement into disaster.
Time seemed to blur as the first round concluded. Helen, exuding effortless authority, stood and addressed the crowd.
"For our next duels, the matchups are as follows:"
Her voice rang out clear, carrying the weight of command.
"512 vs 493, 338 vs 383, 271 vs 406, 157 vs 333..."
One by one, the next set of participants moved toward their designated stages, their footsteps measured with anticipation.
Meanwhile, amidst the crowd, Dalton's sharp instincts picked up something unusual.
A distinct flow of mana, an unfamiliar rhythm within the labyrinth's pulse, weaving toward a particular spot.
Following the invisible thread of energy, he navigated through the mass of students, eventually spotting Percy—sitting in perfect stillness.
His presence was different.
Mana coiled around him, flowing not just into him, but through him, as though the labyrinth itself had chosen him as a conduit.
Dalton narrowed his eyes. That's not normal.
"Percy," he whispered cautiously, kneeling beside him. "Are you alright?"
Percy's eyes slid open, revealing calm composure beneath veiled surprise.
"Hey, Dalton. What's up?"** His tone was casual, but the underlying awareness in his gaze was unmistakable.**
Dalton studied him for a moment longer before speaking. "Something's off. The labyrinth's mana—it's flowing differently around you."
Percy exhaled through his nose, amused but not entirely surprised. He waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, that? Just me adjusting. No big deal."
Dalton didn't look convinced.
"It looked like you were practicing some kind of martial arts cultivation technique," he observed. "That's... not exactly common for mages, is it?"
Beta's voice chimed into Percy's mind, her usual playful lilt laced with strategy.
"Just go with it, Master. It'll satisfy his curiosity and keep things smooth."
A flicker of amusement danced in Percy's expression as he shrugged, leaning into the act.
"You could say I'm a guy of many skills," he replied with a knowing grin. "A little martial arts cultivation adds an interesting twist, don't you think?"
Dalton considered the answer, then nodded slowly, accepting it for now.
His attention shifted back to the duels, the conversation falling into the background as another fierce clash of magic erupted from a nearby stage.
Satisfied, Percy murmured under his breath, "Thanks for the tip, Beta," his fingers brushing against his stomach in subtle gratitude.
But even as he refocused, something inside him stirred.
With his eyes half-lidded, he turned his awareness inward—and what he saw made his breath still.
A Power Unfolding
His mana cores had changed.
Each one now held three concentric rings, expanding in ways he hadn't anticipated. The growth wasn't just noticeable—it was monumental.
His mind raced.
"Beta, does this expansion mean I've reached the strength of a 6th circle mage?"
A small pause. Then, Beta's voice came through, laced with careful correction.
"You're closer to the 5th circle's strength. Don't get ahead of yourself, Master. The leap between each circle is exponentially harder. But…" She hesitated. "There's something else you should be paying attention to right now."
Before he could question her meaning, a soft chime resonated in his mind.
[System Notification: Delta Quest (5) Completed: Gain the Strength of the 5th Circle.]
[Reward: +30 AP.]
Percy grinned. "Sweet. More spending money."
Without missing a beat, he mentally summoned Beta's interface.
"Beta, open the artifact store."
A sleek menu materialized before his vision, the Omega Artifact Store flashing to life with an expansive catalogue of magical items and enhancements.
But this time, something new caught his eye.
Material descriptions.
Every listed artifact now included a detailed breakdown of its components—origin metals, enchantment threads, elemental properties.
Intrigued, Percy tapped on an entry, skimming through the newfound depth of information.
"Why the extra details, Beta?" he asked, arching a brow.
Beta's voice held a hint of pride.
"I enabled material descriptions in anticipation of your upcoming blacksmithing skill," she explained. "I figured it would be useful for you to understand the composition of the artifacts you'll eventually be working with."
Percy smirked.
"You really do think ahead."
Though she didn't respond immediately, he could practically feel the satisfaction radiating through their link.
With renewed interest, he continued scrolling, the thrill of new possibilities sparking in his mind.
Percy's eyes skimmed through the Omega Artifact Store, his understanding of weapons and materials now significantly deepened thanks to Beta's foresight.
"Shadowstrike Katana"
Description: A masterfully crafted katana with a sleek, blackened blade, designed for precision and agility. A favorite among martial arts enthusiasts.
Material: High-carbon steel with a black lacquer finish.
Price: 150 AP.
"Viking War Axe"
Description: A robust and fearsome axe modeled after Viking weaponry.
Material: Forged iron with a wooden handle.
Price: 300 AP.
"Roman Gladius"
Description: A replica of the classic Roman short sword, renowned for its effectiveness in close combat.
Material: Stainless steel with a leather-wrapped handle.
Price: 250 AP.
"Medieval Longbow"
Description: A traditional English longbow, perfect for archery students. Comes with a set of handcrafted arrows.
Material: Yew wood with natural fiber string.
Price: 200 AP.
"Spartan Spear"
Description: A replica of the spear used by Spartan warriors. Its long reach and pointed tip make it ideal for keeping opponents at a distance.
Material: Bronze tip with a wooden shaft.
Price: 150 AP.
"Highland Claymore"
Description: A massive two-handed sword, a nod to Scottish history, known for its enormous size and distinctive cross hilt.
Material: Carbon steel with a leather-bound grip.
Price: 350 AP.
As Percy scrolled, he tapped his chin in thought. Most of these were good, but they weren't quite his style.
Then—
"Ah, perfect."
With a flick of his fingers, he swiftly completed his purchase.
A sleek, black-steeled katana materialized in his grip, its weight perfectly balanced, its edge impossibly sharp. He turned it over, admiring the craftsmanship—the way the black lacquer absorbed light, the subtle flow of mana humming along its surface.
"Finally, a sword that suits my style."
There was a sense of relief in his words, as if something had finally clicked into place. No longer would he need to rely on the heavy-handed brutality of an axe—or the ominous presence of Thanatos's scythe. This weapon felt personal. Right.
He gave the katana a small, testing swing, feeling how seamlessly it cut through the air.
"This will do nicely."
Satisfied, he secured the sword at his hip and shifted his focus back to the duels.
The arena remained alive with magic and movement, duelists clashing in bursts of elemental energy and rapid footwork. Helen's voice carried across the battlefield, cutting through the ambient noise as she announced the next set of matches.
Dalton, standing nearby, fidgeted with anticipation.
His arms were crossed, but his foot tapped restlessly against the ground.
"When is it going to be my turn?" he muttered, barely containing his impatience.
Percy smirked at his friend's eager frustration and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Be patient. The best fights are worth waiting for."
Dalton let out a dramatic sigh. "Yeah, yeah, but watching others fight is nowhere near as fun as throwing punches myself."
Percy chuckled, his own anticipation building as the matches continued. He had a feeling his name would be called soon.
Then—
Helen's voice rang out once more.
"217 vs 10."
Percy's eyes flicked toward the stage, feeling his pulse steady.
Dalton's expression lit up as he turned to him with a grin. "Ohhh, lucky! Go up there and show them what you've got!"
He gave Percy a firm slap on the shoulder, the gesture brimming with confidence.
Percy exhaled slowly, rolling his neck to loosen up.
His time had come.
As he stepped onto the stone platform, his gaze locked onto his opponent.
She was a swordswoman.
The long sword she wielded gleamed under the labyrinth's ambient glow, her stance measured yet tense. Unlike the standard mages he had faced before, she carried herself like someone trained in both spellcraft and swordplay.
Interesting.
Rather than immediately taking a stance, Percy chose to break the tension first.
"Hi, what's your name?"
His tone was light, conversational, yet utterly unfazed by the battle about to begin.
His opponent, caught off guard by his friendliness, blinked in surprise before quickly regaining composure.
"Layla," she answered, curiosity evident in her voice. "And yours?"
"Percy." He gave a small, confident nod. "Let's have a good match."
The moment hung between them for a second too long, and Layla felt her cheeks heat against her will.
Handsome and polite? Great. Just great.
Forcing her focus back to the duel, she quickly added, "Thank you, you too." Then, in a weaker voice, "Nice suit…"
Percy chuckled, taking the compliment in stride. "Appreciate it."
But the moment of pleasantry had passed.
Layla tightened her grip on her longsword, her pulse quickening as she took her stance.
Percy, in contrast, was utterly composed.
He reached behind his back, drawing his Shadowstrike Katana with smooth precision. The sleek black steel shimmered, and he held it in a reverse grip, his right hand steady, exuding control.
Layla's nerves began to fray.
She knew she was skilled. She had trained relentlessly, honed her abilities. But the way Percy stood there, poised, unshaken, an aura of absolute certainty radiating from him—
Why wasn't he nervous?
Helen, watching from above, let out an amused breath. "Why am I not surprised?"
Her sharp gaze took in Percy's stance, his effortless balance, the way he didn't so much as fidget under scrutiny. There was something effortless about him—something unnerving.
Raising a hand, Helen's voice carried across the battlefield.
"Begin!"
Layla rushed forward immediately, steel flashing as she closed the distance, intending to strike before he could react.
Percy moved.
No—he disappeared.
Layla's heart lurched as he vanished from sight, reappearing high above her, a swirling force of mana coiling around him.
Then, with a single motion, he slammed downward.
The impact was cataclysmic.
The entire stone platform cracked, deep fractures spiderwebbing outward from the sheer force of his descent.
Layla barely evaded, rolling to the side just in time, but when she saw the crater—a visible dent in the solid arena floor—
"Holy f*!"**
Her grip on her sword trembled.
This isn't just magic. His body alone is a weapon.
The realization sank in like a stone.
Layla swallowed, suddenly aware of the massive gap in their strength.
She parted her lips, forcing herself to say it. "I, con—"
But before she could finish—
Percy was already there.
She hadn't seen him move.
One moment he was in the crater. The next, he was right in front of her.
No sword drawn.
Instead, he thrust the sheathed blade into her stomach—a precise, controlled push, infused with just enough force to send her airborne.
Layla's breath was stolen from her lungs as she felt herself launched backward.
The world blurred—then darkness.
Her body hit the ground, unconscious on impact.
The duel was over.
The entire arena stood still.
Dalton, along with the gathered examinees, stared in shock.
The match had ended in seconds.
No drawn-out exchanges. No gradual build-up. Just a single overwhelming display of dominance.
Helen, still seated, simply smiled.
"Just as I expected," she murmured, the words reaching the other judges through their telepathic link.
Yaroslav, upon hearing her, frowned slightly before glancing at the screens embedded in their tables.
It took him all of three seconds to understand why Helen had been so invested.
His gaze lingered on Percy's posture, on his flawless swordsmanship, the perfect execution of his movements.
"He's wielding a sword? Interesting."
Beside him, Eadmund leaned back, exhaling through his nose. "A shame. I was hoping to see his magic instead."
Helen smirked.
"Looks like he'll need to be pushed harder," she mused. "Perhaps a match against the progeny of the renowned families will bring out his full potential."
Yaroslav and Eadmund exchanged a knowing glance.
Then, they both nodded.
The two men chose not to comment on Helen's words, though both understood that Helen was too sharp to make such a slip by accident. Her insight was deliberate, a quiet reminder that she knew exactly what she was doing.
Meanwhile, Percy, smirking after his effortless victory, recalled Beta's earlier words.
"I think I have some idea," he mused, his voice laced with a knowing amusement.
Beta, naturally, radiated silent self-satisfaction.
As he stepped off the stage, Percy made his way back to Dalton, who still looked utterly dumbfounded.
"What?" Percy asked, tilting his head as if genuinely confused by his friend's reaction.
Dalton blinked. "W-W-What was that?"
Percy furrowed his brows. "I don't understand what you mean?"
Dalton simply stared at him for a long moment before shaking his head with a heavy sigh.
"Never mind. I knew you weren't ordinary when we first met."
His words carried the weight of resigned acceptance, as if this was merely confirmation of something he had suspected all along.
Percy chuckled but didn't push further.
Dalton's turn came soon after.
And, as if mirroring Percy's dominant performance, Dalton secured victory in his duel with ease. The matches progressed swiftly, the weaker competitors steadily being weeded out.
With the initial rounds complete, Helen addressed the examinees with unwavering authority.
"For those who won, please continue preparing for the next round of duels. As for those who didn't prevail—stay put. You are not disqualified yet. This is simply for us to better assess your skills."
Her words, firm yet measured, reassured the defeated students that their participation still held weight and purpose.
As the competition continued, the battlefield narrowed.
Only ten remained—including Percy and Dalton.
Helen wasted no time, dividing them into two groups: those who had secured consistent victories and those with fewer losses.
Then, without pause, she led them deeper into the labyrinth.
The path twisted through the jungle, the air growing denser with mana. The further they traveled, the more the very laws of reality seemed to shift.
When they reached a high vantage point, Helen gestured outward.
Below them lay a vast, intricate maze, hidden within the heart of the jungle.
"Whoa! Is that another labyrinth?" one of the teenagers exclaimed, eyes wide in awe.
Helen nodded. "Indeed. This is what is known as a Domain Labyrinth."
The murmurs of the examinees hushed as Helen began her explanation.
"Domain Labyrinths are unique because they occupy the same physical space as our reality. However, that does not mean that their environments—or the rules within them—follow the same principles as the outside world."
Percy's eyes flickered with interest.
Helen's words weren't just informative—they were a warning.
She continued.
"You will delve deeper into the theories and properties of dungeons and labyrinths once classes begin. For now, please keep up. There is much to cover before the day ends."
With that, she urged them forward.
As they approached the inner labyrinth, Percy observed the landscape ahead—a secluded paradise untouched by time.
A lush garden thrived within, its centerpiece a serene pond reflecting the crystal teal sky.
At its center, a radiant gem pulsed rhythmically, sending waves of energy coursing through the earth in four distinct directions.
Percy narrowed his eyes, following the mana's flow.
"Are those the entrances to the other three ecosystems?" he mused aloud.
Helen glanced at him, pleased by his keen observation.
"Correct. The Heart of the Jungle functions as a purification conduit. It absorbs ambient mana from the surroundings, refines it, and redistributes it to maintain balance between the ecosystems. However, not all domain labyrinths operate this way."
The group pressed forward, reaching one of four small islands at the center of the pond.
They weren't alone.
Other groups had already gathered there, waiting.
Murmurs rippled through the air—some impatient, others quietly analyzing the remaining competitors.
"Took you long enough."
The remark was muttered by a student, barely concealing their annoyance at the delay.
Percy smirked but said nothing.
Then, before he could question Helen further, she floated toward the center, raising her hand for silence.
"Thank you for your patience," Helen began, her voice commanding yet composed.
"As we move into the final stages of the Magical Duels, I must inform those not in the top ten that your participation in the next rounds has concluded. However, the points you have earned thus far will be assessed upon your return."
A few disappointed sighs filled the air, but no one dared argue.
Then—with a mere snap of her fingers—the ground trembled.
Two massive combat stages materialized in the center of the gathering space, the stone platforms rising seamlessly from the earth.
At the same time, the numbers on the top ten contestants' badges shifted.
Percy glanced down at his.
"Number 36."
Beside him, Dalton looked at his own badge, his expression tightening with excitement.
"18, huh?"
The remaining competitors studied their new numbers with a mix of anticipation and nerves.
Helen wasted no time, her sharp gaze flickering across the group as she called out the first match.
"Numbers 4 and 32, step forward. Prepare for your duel."
The final rounds had begun.
Tension snapped through the air like lightning.
The real battles were about to start.