Classes continued as usual after the break, but there was a palpable undercurrent of excitement that coursed through the academy. The annual Tournament had been announced, sparking a buzz of anticipation among the students. Every year, this event attracted attention not just from the students and faculty, but from all over the city as well. It was more than a mere competition; it was a spectacle, a testament to the academy's reputation, and a celebration of young talents.
The fact that participants of the tournament were mostly under ten years old never crossed anyone minds, because they were already awakeners, and possessed a force to be reckoned with. Although they were just beginners on their path to power, they had already established solid foundations and went through hundreds of battles, with each improving their skills.
Word of the tournament spread like wildfire, the air buzzing with gossip, speculation, and anticipation. With 256 awakened participants, each harboring their own unique set of abilities and talents, the competition promised to be thrilling and unpredictable. Every bout was a spectacle, an exciting display of strategy and raw power, with the unexpected always just a spell away.
The tournament was structured meticulously, the rounds spread throughout the semester. This was done to ensure students had ample time to reflect on their fights, learn from their experiences, and consolidate their knowledge before their next fight. It also provided a fair and balanced structure where each participant was given equal opportunity and time to prepare. There was no loser's bracket, which heightened the stakes of each match.
The top eight students would compete in a round-robin style, each one fighting every other participant in the bracket. Wins equated to points, and the participant with the most wins and the fewest losses would emerge victorious. It was a system that rewarded consistency and overall skill, rather than a single victorious fight.
Max, having shown significant promise, was chosen to participate, and invited by Headmaster personally. The opportunity to test his skills against his peers, coupled with the prospect of winning coveted mana crystals, was enticing. First place would also receive a treasure to improve meridian strength, but Max did not hold much hope for it, as he was bound to fight someone at the peak of third stage, someone who was about to breakthrough and graduate. He saw it as a platform to gauge his progress and the perfect arena to exercise what he had learned during his time at the academy.
As the day of the tournament's commencement dawned, the academy was abuzz with excitement. Max walked into the grand arena, his heart pounding in his chest. The field was enormous, bounded by massive stone walls and filled with rows of wooden seats where spectators would cheer on the participants. The atmosphere was electric.
The tournament began with an impressive opening ceremony. Speeches were made by the headmaster and several esteemed faculty members, and then the names of the participants were announced, along with their respective opponents for the first round.
Finally, it was Max's turn. He took a deep breath as his name echoed through the arena, followed by the name of his first opponent: a first-stage knight named Cyrus. Max had seen Cyrus around the academy - a burly lad, known for his aggressive fighting style and formidable strength. Though he was primarily a knight, there were whispers about his latent mage talent, yet to be awakened but simmering beneath the surface.
The match was slated for the following week, giving Max plenty of time to prepare. Max, now being at second stage, did not think much about his fight with Cyrus. Although Cyrus was older than him, he was, nevertheless, a first stage knight, so a disparity between the two was significant.
He focused on his training, working on his mana control, refining his attacks, and practicing defensive maneuvers. Viscount Dresdan served as a valuable mentor, providing valuable insights into the knight fighting style, and offering advice on how to counter it.
As the day of his match neared, Max found himself growing more anxious. The enormity of the event, the sheer number of spectators, and the pressure of the competition threatened to overwhelm him. He countered this anxiety with determination and focus, reminding himself that the tournament was an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a threat to be feared.
Max also remembered his previous life, the experience from countless tournaments that he had participated in since childhood. He took part in so many of them that he had grown accustomed to being spectated by thousands of people. Although it has already been seven years since he had crossed over into this world, he had not forgotten the bland life that he used to live and the commitment to the one thing he truly loved - pool.
'Why am I so stressed all of a sudden? I had done this so many times and my opponent is surely weaker than I am. And I don't mean to be arrogant, but even if he reaches second stage, with my dual talent I can speak beat him to a pulp. I guess I am getting rusty with handling attention. To be fair, it has been quite a bit. My last tournament was in a quiet arena with no viewers because of the pandemic, they all had to watch the broadcast of the match online.
It's ok. Let me experience it a few more times, and I will get back into it. I am sure my current opponent is not faring better than me. He might not even come to fight me because of the stress. We shall see.
I should also keep some of my abilities hidden. No one knows that I have reached second stage, so the longer it stays this way, the more benefit I can get out of this. Let me see if I can just beat him up physically without casting too many spells, as they are stronger now after the breakthrough.' Silently thought Max, as he made his way into the arena, while slowly observing the situation around himself.
Across the field, he saw Cyrus, his figure imposing as he stood ready for the fight., without a single sign of worry on his face. 'Impressive! He does not show that he is stressed or worried. He either is really not, or he is good at hiding his emotions.' Max breathed in deeply, steadying himself. He had prepared well for this moment, and he was ready.
As the referee announced the start of the match, Max and Cyrus circled each other warily. Cyrus, true to his reputation, charged forward with a powerful lunge, his fist glowing with the unmistakable aura of a knight's power. Max, however, had been expecting this. He swiftly sidestepped the attack, counterattacking with a swift air slice, which Cyrus barely managed to dodge.
The fight was intense, with both competitors giving their all. Max, despite his initial nervousness, was able to keep up with Cyrus's aggressive style. He parried blows, ducked under swings, and retaliated with his own set of attacks. He managed to use his superior mana control to his advantage, strategically utilizing his abilities to keep Cyrus on his toes.
As the match progressed, Max found himself matching Cyrus blow for blow, his mage talent providing him with a range of abilities that kept Cyrus guessing. His air slices and water balls, coupled with the occasional defensive shield, proved to be effective.
After a few minutes of rigorous combat, Max saw an opening. Channeling his mana, he blasted Cyrus with a wave of force, knocking the burly knight off his feet and out of the fighting ring.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the referee declared Max the winner. Max stood in the center of the ring, simulating rough breathing, making it seem like he exhausted himself, but beaming with pride. He had won his first match, but he knew this was just the beginning. With more fights to come, the Tournament was far from over.
****
Author's Note
This is the thirtieth chapter of the novel. I have started it because I like reading novels and thought that it was time to start one myself. At first it was difficult, but with right management and motivation, I got the chapters going.
If you are enjoying the novel, please add it to your collection and give some stones to it. It really helps. Do not hesitate to comment and ask questions or make jokes, all are welcome.
Thank you!
- Tripple1ZRO