Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Academy of Aquaris, bathing the long marble corridors and vast halls decorated with arcane symbols in gold. It was a peaceful dawn—almost too peaceful—but an undeniable sense of anticipation lingered in the air.
The season of the PrincesElite Tournament had officially begun.
Alexs woke before the morning bell rang. He lay still for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling as memories of his confrontation with Alice Charlotte settled in his mind. That overwhelming pressure, that sensation of being judged from above… it hadn't been merely a display of power.
It had been a warning.
The Invincible Princess.
She wasn't just strong. She was dangerous.
As he sat up and began putting on the academy uniform, a cold whisper echoed once more in the depths of his consciousness.
"You must complete your purpose… destroy the Exodus… or you will never see your sister again."
Alexs clenched his teeth.
The memory tightened his chest, but it also ignited something else within him—an unyielding determination he refused to let fade.
"I won't back down," he murmured to himself.
---
The grand reception hall was immaculate, as always. White columns stretched up toward the vaulted ceiling, and stained-glass windows reflected daylight in shades of blue and silver.
At the center stood Director Naeva, elegant and unshakable. Beside her were Arianne, wearing her calm expression, and Lucia, who offered Alexs a small smile as he entered.
"Alexs," Naeva began, her voice firm but not harsh. "I've made a decision regarding your situation at the academy."
A faint knot formed in Alexs's stomach.
"I have decided to officially register you in the PrincesElite Tournament."
Silence fell like a crushing weight.
"What…?" Alexs asked in disbelief.
"You have no choice," the director added calmly. "It is the most effective way to silence those who question your presence here. In this academy, power demonstrated in the tournament carries more weight than any rumor."
Alexs swallowed.
"No choice…?" he repeated.
Arianne stepped forward.
"I'll personally help you with your training," she said with a confident smile. "Lucia will also be with you at all times. You won't face this alone."
Lucia nodded enthusiastically.
"We'll make sure you're ready."
Alexs exhaled slowly. He hadn't expected that level of support—but he couldn't afford to refuse it either.
"I understand," he said at last. "I'll do my best."
---
Evening fell over Aquaris, bathing the academy in golden and rose-colored hues. In the private courtyard behind the library, the air vibrated with lingering magical energy.
Alexs executed a sequence of offensive spells, alternating elemental attacks with physical movements. Each spell was more precise than the last, every step more controlled.
Arianne watched closely while taking notes in a small notebook.
"You've improved," she said at last. "Your magical control is stable, and your adaptability is impressive. But the PrincesElite Tournament isn't won by technique alone."
Alexs halted the spell sequence and took a deep breath, wiping sweat from his brow.
"I figured as much," he replied. "That's actually what I wanted to ask you about."
Lucia, who had been reinforcing a nearby defensive barrier, looked up.
"What is it?"
"I don't know much about the tournament," Alexs admitted. "How does it actually work?"
Lucia deactivated the barrier and stepped closer.
"It's a single-elimination tournament," she explained. "One-on-one duels. The winner advances, the loser is eliminated—until the final match."
"But it's not just a display of strength," Arianne added. "It's a matter of prestige. Victory raises the political standing of the participant's family and even their kingdom. That's why many are willing to do anything to win."
Alexs frowned.
"So I won't just be fighting magic…"
"Exactly," Arianne replied. "You'll be fighting ambition, bloodlines, and hidden strategies."
---
"Are there particularly dangerous competitors?" Alexs asked.
Arianne closed her notebook.
"Yes. And you must keep them in mind."
"Seraphina von Braxil," she continued. "Duchess of the Kingdom of Braxil. She wields the critical magic Dark Gravity. She can increase the density of space—or her enemies—until they are crushed without ever touching them. Cold, calculating, and seemingly emotionless."
Lucia spoke next.
"Linea D'Arvenn. Princess of the North. She uses Living Armor—plates of magical metal that envelop her body. She's fast, aggressive, and thrives in close combat."
"And Yvette de Mornaille," Arianne added. "Her illusory critical magic can force you to confront your worst memories… or a perfect copy of yourself. Many surrender before they even understand what happened."
Lucia lowered her voice.
"And then there's… Alice Charlotte."
Alexs's shoulders tensed.
"She has critical magic," he said. "I know that. What is it?"
Arianne answered solemnly.
"It's called 'Crown of Silence.'"
Lucia continued.
"It's a total suppression magic. Within her domain, all external magic disappears. Even physical abilities are weakened. It's like fighting inside an invisible prison."
Alexs clenched his fists.
"So… I can't rely on magic alone."
"Exactly," Arianne said. "That's why she's called the Invincible Princess."
"Has she ever lost?" Alexs asked.
Lucia shook her head.
"Never. If she wins this year, it will be her third consecutive victory."
Arianne placed a hand on his shoulder.
"But that doesn't mean she can't fall. It just means no one has found a way to defeat her yet."
Alexs lifted his gaze, determination burning in his eyes.
"Then I'll have to be the first."
Lucia smiled nervously. Arianne smiled with confidence.
"Very well," Arianne said, summoning a magic circle in front of him. "We'll begin with a combat simulation."
"Get ready, Alexs," Lucia added. "This will be far harsher than before."
Alexs smiled.
"Perfect. Let the lesson begin."