Main Dueling Ground of Velthorne Academy
The main Dueling ground of Velthorne Academy was built like a colossal stadium, with rows of seats spiraling upwards in circles around the enormous stage at the center.
The seating area was divided into seven sections—one for each of the seven houses.
All the students had taken their seats, chatting amongst themselves, while the teachers from each house lined up in front of their sections, selecting the students who would participate in today’s competition.
*Swish*
Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind swept across the stage, and a man appeared in the center, seemingly out of nowhere.
He wore a pristine white suit adorned with golden lines and held a black, enchanted horn in his hand. His skin was dark, and his long black hairs were tied back neatly.
<Voice Enhance>
He used a skill before speaking anything…
“Ladies and gentlemen… This is your all time favorite teacher, Tyron Lancloff from House Aurinox. And for the next ten days…” He paused with a confident grin.
“I’ll be your host for this month’s Monthly Duels—where chosen students from each of the seven houses will battle it out for the top spot!
These monthly duels will be very very interesting students as the junior students can now also get paired up with senior students in a duel due to the removal of a small academic law that prohibited this scenario and I hope you all win but that’s just not possible, hahaha.”
Tyron’s voice echoed throughout the stadium as he raised the horn to his lips.
“The reward for this month’s duel is, as always, a mystery—one that will be revealed by the Headmaster himself at the end of the duels.
But…” He glanced down at the stage, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. “There’s something else I’d like to point out today.”
He gestured toward the seating sections.
“As you can see, each house has two teachers standing proudly in front of their section, flanked by their candidates. Every house has sent at least twenty participants to fight from their side.
But let’s take a moment to appreciate House Virellis because…” Tyron paused dramatically. “They haven’t participated in the monthly duels for the last three months. And now, suddenly, they’ve decided to return to the competition…
But, that’s not the funny part, they came back and participated in the monthly duels…with just one student.” Tyron spoke with a mocking smile.
The crowd buzzed in confusion.
“What ?”
“I thought House Virellis stopped participating.”
“He was a Non-Attending Student… I think that’s why he was forced to participate.”
“Well truly sad for him.”
“That guy is going to get crushed in the arena.”
…
“Ladies and gentlemen, give a big round of applause to Mr. Malkof and his student!” Tyron announced, pointing toward House Virellis.
Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap
Malkof raised his hand, forcing a smile, and turned to Leon with a mixture of pride and confusion on his face.
“U-Umm… Mr. Leon, if you don’t mind me asking…” Malkof whispered nervously. “Why are you wearing that ridiculous coat? They’re already mocking us… And now you’re—ugh… Why did you even take the Non-Attending spot?”
“Yawn… Tell me when it’s my turn. I’ll just sit on the chair for now.” Leon muttered as he lazily slumped into a chair nearby.
“This guy… Fuck.” Malkof grumbled under his breath and sat down next to Leon, keeping his gaze on the stage.
…
“Well then, ladies and gentlemen!” Tyron continued, full of energy. “As you know, every month we invite special guests from the Royal Castle to observe the duels. These guests sometimes offer incredible opportunities—mentorship, employment, artifacts, or even coin as extra rewards to some of the students.
Let’s welcome Sir Wander Blain from the prestigious Seven-Star Blain Household. He’s one of the most distinguished men you’ll ever lay eyes on—Commander General of the Southern Borders that are attached to the Elven Borders!”
Tyron spoke as he pointed to the top-left corner of the stadium.
*Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap*
Everyone turned their attention to a grand observation platform floating above the seats. Five ornate red chairs were arranged there—one in the front and four behind it.
Sir Wander Blain and his wife sat side by side, while Derisa Demar occupied the third seat. In the fourth sat an elderly woman, well into her eighties.
“Our next guest,” Tyron announced with reverence, “is a true force of nature—the Eighth General of the Royal Army, feared and respected by all. She’s also known as the Ruthless Sword Queen: Madam Derisa Demar!”
*Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap*
“And finally,” Tyron smiled broadly, “words fall short to describe this woman—perhaps the most powerful mage in the known world, the one who pushed back and Entire army of Elfs and cleaned out an B-ranked dungeon on her own in only 1 year.
She’s the Royal Mage, the King’s right hand. After months of petitioning, she has graced us with her presence.
Please welcome… Madam Ariana Lonewolf!”
*Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap*
Suddenly, a deep voice boomed through the stadium.
“Well then…”
“Huh ?” Leon opened one eye, looking around in confusion.
“Shall we begin this month’s duels?” the voice echoed as a shadow emerged in front of the honored guests.
*Swish*
“HoHoHoHo…” Laughter rang out as the Headmaster appeared on stage, wearing a flowing greenish gown. Standing next to him was a woman in a sleek black clothes.
The chief guests immediately stood and bowed to the Headmaster and not only them but every single student sitting inside the stadium stood up and greeted him—everyone except Ariana, who simply stood up and smiled.
“How are you, stupid brother?” Ariana asked warmly, walking forward and hugging him.
“Holy shit… They’re siblings?” Tyron whispered, stunned.
“As good as you left me, dirty witch,” the Headmaster replied with a smile. “Can’t say that last word out loud, but I know you get my point.”
“Don’t worry. Your students can’t hear us,” Ariana chuckled. “So, You are still pulling off dramatic entrances, huh?”
“Well, I am the Headmaster, sister. Now, everyone, please take your seats. The matches are about to begin.”
The Headmaster settled into the front seat, turning to Tyron with a nod.
“Well then…” Tyron grinned, raising the horn once more. “Let’s kick off the first match!
Representing House Umbraeth, we have Mr. Julius Olwen!
And his opponent—from House Drakemor—Mr. Carson Lonel!
A Magi versus a Swordsman… Well then…
LET THE FIGHT… BEGIN!”
