The Imperial Arcane Academy was buzzing. Banners fluttered in the wind, booths were set up along the courtyards, and students ran around in excitement.
It was the Annual Arcane Festival—a tradition where students showed off skills, sold creations, competed in contests, and generally caused chaos.
Lucien grinned as he adjusted his cloak.
"Finally… a festival where my talents aren't just for combat. Time to shine."
Kael groaned beside him.
"Please don't start teasing people again."
Lucien smirked.
"Teasing is 50% of charisma. Watch and learn, brooding one."
BLUE FLAME DEMONSTRATION
The central courtyard was packed with students. Professors, nobles, and curious younger students leaned over railings.
Lucien stepped onto the raised platform, his hands crackling faintly with blue flames—a new mastery from his solo training.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Affinity: Fire (Advanced Control) → Blue Flame Variant
Properties: Higher intensity, faster reaction, minimal mana waste
He raised a hand.
"Behold… the 'Azure Inferno Spiral!'"
A spiral of blue fire erupted from his palm, dancing elegantly in the air. The flames twisted into arcs and small rings, moving like a choreographed dance.
Students gasped.
Brom whistled loudly. "That's insane!"
Kael's jaw dropped slightly. "…That's… beautiful."
Elarion's eyes narrowed in admiration. "Efficient, controlled, and precise."
Lucien spun, sending a spiral of blue fire along the courtyard's edge without harming anyone. The crowd clapped and cheered.
He bowed dramatically.
"And that, dear students, is how you light up a festival with style!"
ACADEMY FESTIVAL EVENTS
The festival had several events:
Arcane Precision Contest – Students used magic to hit targets with creative flair.
Potion Brewing Race – Alchemy students competed to brew potions quickly and efficiently.
Mana Control Performance – Similar to Lucien's blue flame demonstration, students showed elemental mastery.
Bond Coordination Challenge – Teams tried synchronized spells for points.
Lucien's blue flames drew attention to Bond Coordination Challenge, naturally making him the star.
Kael muttered, "…Why am I even standing here?"
Brom shouted, "Because it's awesome!"
Elarion pinched his bridge, "…I'll admit, that was impressive."
PLAYFUL TEASING WITH BLUE FLAMES
Lucien noticed a group of first-years struggling to control their fire spells. He leaned over, winking.
"Hey, careful! You don't want to burn your eyebrows off before breakfast."
One first-year squeaked and stepped back.
Lucien grinned, producing a small blue flame in his palm. It hovered harmlessly, twisting into a heart shape.
"See? Control is fun, not dangerous."
The first-years laughed nervously. Some even tried to mimic him.
Kael muttered, "…He's impossible."
BONUS: FESTIVAL CHALLENGE
The professors announced a sudden surprise challenge: a mini dungeon simulation set up inside the courtyard, with magical traps and elemental tests.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Dungeon Rank: F
Objective: Complete within 10 minutes
Reward: Festival Artifact (Temporary Stat Boost)
Lucien's eyes gleamed.
"Dungeon in the middle of a festival? Yes, this is exactly why I came!"
He gestured to the team.
"Ready? Let's make this fast… and fun."
Kael sighed.
"Of course it's you who's excited."
Brom chuckled.
"Best festival ever!"
Elarion just shook his head, following silently.
BLUE FLAME STRATEGY IN SIMULATION
Inside the courtyard-dungeon, Lucien used blue flames not to attack, but to:
Light pathways through illusions
Disarm elemental traps
Signal his team for synchronized movements
Bond Effect Activated: +10% coordinated efficiency
Blue Flame Control Bonus: +5% precision in tight spaces
The team moved smoothly, finishing the simulated dungeon in record time.
Lucien raised both arms.
"Victory! And style points awarded: infinite."
The professors clapped reluctantly.
"Annoying… but effective."
FESTIVAL AFTERMATH
Students crowded around, asking to see blue flame tricks, take photos, and practice small spells.
Lucien laughed, handing out small flame projections to the younger students.
"Control it, respect it, and it won't burn you!"
Kael muttered quietly, "…I still don't like how popular he is."
Brom laughed. "It's because he's awesome, Kael."
Elarion added dryly, "…It's strategy. And chaos management. He's a walking tactic guide."
Lucien winked at them all.
"Exactly. And you're my team. Don't forget that."
SYSTEM — FESTIVAL UPDATE
Blue Flame Affinity: Public Demonstration Complete
Bond Multiplication Increased: Team +5% during festival events
Solo Training Bonus: +3% cumulative
Quest Unlocked: Festival Dungeon Simulation – Reward Pending