Morning sunlight spread across the training grounds of Celestial Academy.
The area reserved for Class A was enormous.
Wide stone platforms covered the center field, surrounded by tall pillars engraved with protective magic runes.
These runes prevented training accidents from becoming fatal.
For elite students, combat training was considered just as important as magical study.
Twenty-one students stood in a loose formation on the platform.
Lucien Aurelius stood near the center, calmly observing his surroundings.
Nearby, Adrian Solhart stretched his arms while warming up.
Elena Valtieri quietly practiced forming small ice crystals above her palm.
And a short distance away—
Seraphina Draven leaned casually against one of the pillars, watching everyone with amused eyes.
A tall instructor walked onto the field.
His armor glinted faintly in the sunlight.
Unlike the other academy teachers, he carried a sword at his waist.
His presence immediately commanded attention.
"I am Instructor Garrick," he announced.
"My role is to train Class A in combat techniques."
His sharp gaze swept across the students.
"You are the most talented individuals in this year's intake."
"But talent means nothing if you cannot fight."
Several students straightened immediately.
Garrick pointed toward the training arena.
"Today we begin with sparring."
Murmurs spread across the group.
Some students looked excited.
Others looked nervous.
The instructor continued.
"You will fight in pairs."
"No magic beyond your control level."
"No lethal techniques."
His expression turned serious.
"But do not hold back."
"True ability only reveals itself under pressure."
He unfolded a small list.
"I will assign the first match."
Lucien crossed his arms calmly.
Sparring so early in the academy year was expected.
But what interested him was who he would face.
The instructor glanced at the list.
Then he spoke two names.
"Lucien Aurelius."
Lucien stepped forward.
"Adrian Solhart."
The training field instantly became quiet.
Many students exchanged excited glances.
Even Seraphina raised her eyebrows with interest.
"Well… that's convenient," she murmured softly.
Lucien smiled slightly.
"So it begins."
Adrian walked onto the platform opposite him.
The two young men stood about ten meters apart.
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
Instructor Garrick raised his hand.
"This is a simple sparring match."
"Victory will be decided when one participant yields or is unable to continue."
He stepped backward.
"Begin."
For a brief moment—
Neither of them moved.
Adrian studied Lucien carefully.
"You're stronger than you look," he said calmly.
Lucien chuckled softly.
"You noticed that during the forest exam?"
Adrian nodded.
"You were watching our fight for a while."
Lucien didn't deny it.
Adrian continued.
"You stepped in at the exact moment the beast was about to die."
Lucien smiled.
"That bothered you?"
Adrian shook his head.
"No."
"But it means you understand combat timing very well."
Lucien shrugged lightly.
"I try."
The conversation ended there.
Adrian moved first.
His body shot forward with explosive speed.
CLANG!
His sword struck Lucien's blade.
The sound echoed across the training ground.
Several students gasped.
"That was fast!"
Lucien slid back slightly from the impact.
Adrian immediately pressed the attack.
Three more strikes followed in rapid succession.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Lucien blocked each one smoothly.
But Adrian's strength was undeniable.
Even without magic, his swordsmanship was impressive.
Lucien stepped backward again.
"Not bad."
Adrian didn't respond.
He moved forward again.
This time his attack came from the side.
Lucien tilted his body slightly.
The blade missed him by inches.
Then Lucien counterattacked.
SHH!
His sword flashed toward Adrian's shoulder.
Adrian quickly raised his weapon to block.
CLANG!
The impact forced Adrian to take two steps back.
A small smile appeared on Lucien's face.
The students watching the match had become completely silent.
Even Instructor Garrick looked slightly impressed.
"These two…" he muttered.
Seraphina watched with bright eyes.
"This is getting interesting."
Back on the platform—
Adrian wiped a small bead of sweat from his forehead.
"You're holding back."
Lucien tilted his head slightly.
"So are you."
Adrian didn't deny it.
Both of them understood something.
This was only a sparring match.
But even so—
Neither wanted to lose.
Adrian suddenly changed his stance.
His movements became faster.
Lucien's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So he's getting serious now."
Adrian charged again.
His sword moved like lightning.
Lucien blocked the first strike.
But the second attack slipped past his guard.
The blade stopped just inches from Lucien's chest.
Several students gasped.
But before Adrian could celebrate—
Lucien's sword suddenly touched Adrian's throat.
Both blades had stopped at the same time.
Silence fell over the training ground.
Instructor Garrick slowly stepped forward.
"Enough."
The two fighters lowered their swords.
The instructor looked between them.
"A draw."
A wave of whispers spread among the students.
"A draw?!"
"Both of them are monsters…"
Adrian exhaled slowly.
Then he looked at Lucien.
"You're even stronger than I thought."
Lucien chuckled softly.
"And you're exactly as impressive as the rumors suggested."
Adrian frowned slightly.
"What rumors?"
Lucien simply smiled.
"Just a feeling."
Adrian studied him for a moment.
But before he could question further—
The system interface suddenly appeared in front of Lucien.
Mission Update
Hero Rivalry Established
Hero Adrian Solhart now recognizes Host as rival.
Reward:
+400 Destiny Points
New Skill Unlocked: Shadow Step (Beginner)
Lucien's eyes flickered slightly.
"Shadow Step…"
A movement technique.
Very useful.
Meanwhile, Seraphina approached the platform.
She clapped slowly.
"Well done."
Her golden eyes moved between the two fighters.
"I was wondering who the strongest students here would be."
She smiled mischievously.
"Now I have a better idea."
Lucien looked at her calmly.
"And which one impressed you more?"
Seraphina laughed softly.
"That's the fun part."
She turned and began walking away.
"I haven't decided yet."
Lucien watched her leave.
Then the system interface appeared again.
New Mission Available
Steal Hero's Opportunity
Target: Ancient Shadow Relic
Location: Academy Underground Ruins
Time Limit: 72 Hours
Lucien's smile slowly widened.
"Now this…"
"…looks interesting."
Because if he remembered the story correctly—
That relic was supposed to be Adrian's first major treasure.
But this time…
The villain would take it first.