The morning air rushed past as Nadia shouted, "How the heck am I losing to a sword!"
Her voice echoed through the open sky while she struggled to keep up with Jayden, who was effortlessly gliding ahead on his hover-boarding sword.
Jayden looked back with a teasing grin.
"Simple—the sword belongs to fantasy, and that's me!" he laughed, looping around her to show off the speed difference.
The sunlight glinted off his blade as they raced toward the academy, the wind whipping through their hair.
It wasn't that Nadia's water dragon was slow—its sleek, azure scales shimmered as it soared—but compared to Jayden's enchanted sword, it was like comparing a falcon to a comet.
Earlier that morning, Jayden had stopped by Ren and Nadia's house to pick them up, but Ren's strict father had refused to let him leave until his chores were done. "Go ahead without him," he had ordered, and so they did.
"Crash landing!" Jayden shouted, as his sword spiraled downward.
The weapon slammed into the ground, scattering dust into the air.
"Hahaha! I win!" Jayden crowed triumphantly—until his grin vanished.
Nadia's dragon began wobbling in the air, its form unstable.
"Shit!" Jayden hissed as glowing lines appeared beneath his feet and across his arms. "BREAK!"
The ground beneath him exploded open with a shockwave, launching him skyward like a cannonball.
He caught Nadia midair, pulling her into his arms as his sword—Xelvicar—zipped to his command, hovering beneath them before gently lowering them to safety.
"You okay?" he asked, genuine concern in his tone.
"Yeah," Nadia winced, brushing her hair aside. "Just been having headaches lately."
Jayden frowned. "Seriously? Maybe you should see a doctor. Water mages have Calm Mind as a passive skill—you're supposed to have resistance to headaches and mind strain."
"I thought so too," she muttered. "Guess I'll have to check it out soon if I want to compete in the tournament."
They walked together through the quiet corridors toward their classroom.
The morning light streamed through the tall windows, painting golden stripes across the marble floor.
"Guess we got here too fast," Nadia laughed as she stepped into the nearly empty room.
"Hey, wanna come to my place this evening with Rex to train? I could use the help—and it'll be good training for you guys too."
Before Jayden could reply, Rex burst through the doorway, wrapping his arms over both their shoulders.
"Morning, guys! You thought I wouldn't make it, didn't you?"
Jayden chuckled. "At first, yeah. But we sensed your mana trailing us a while back."
"Good morning," Nadia said, smirking as she twisted Rex's arm playfully. "We were just talking about training later."
"Ouch! Alright, alright—I'm in!" Rex laughed, shoving Jayden lightly on the chest.
Moments later, other students began filing in, chatting and laughing until Mr. David entered briskly.
His presence quieted the room instantly.
"When did he get here?" Jayden whispered.
Rex and Nadia only shrugged before hurrying to their seats.
"Class is beginning. Everyone, take your seats," Mr. David announced, setting his study case on the desk. "Good morning, class."
"Good morning, Mr. David!" the students chorused.
He adjusted his glasses and looked down at a sheet of parchment. "Regarding the upcoming tournament—after further review, a practical test won't be necessary. Instead, each of you will be mentored by a teacher.
The representatives were chosen based on several factors: the timing of your awakening, your ability potential, and your first combat record."
A ripple of excitement passed through the room as he began reading the names.
Nadia Samir — Water Magic
Ren Alpheius — Shapeshifting Magic
Samuel Notes — Sound Magic
Judas Carlotis — Illusion Magic
Lucas Volt — Lightning Magic
Robby Duran — Rubber Magic
Jero Ugah — Control Magic
Mr. David paused for effect, the silence heavy, suspense hanging in the air.
"And lastly, after several tests and deliberations…" He looked up, a faint smile on his lips.
"Our final representative is… Jayden Reginald — Logic Disruption."
A glowing screen appeared behind him, displaying the chosen names in luminous letters.
Murmurs filled the air—some impressed, others doubtful.
Nadia and Ren had earned their spots easily, their victories undeniable.
Samuel and Judas were well-known for their devastating magic. But when it came to Jayden, whispers spread fast—some claiming his last win was pure luck.
Talen, a vibration mage, stood up with a scoff. "What?! How come he's chosen and not me? I'm stronger than him!"
Mr. David sighed. "If anyone believes the selection was unfair, they may challenge the chosen in a supervised spar.
The winner's result will be considered for entry."
The class buzzed with excitement as people murmured in agreement, hoping to steal Jayden's position.
"Of all people to attempt to remove, its Jayden you went after. This is why you cant be chosen as you can't even feel his mana and see it way surpasses every other student, at least this will teach them not to doubt their teacher. Mr David mused.
Mr. David's eyes shifted to Jayden. "Jayden, some of your classmates doubt your strength. Would you like to respond—or accept the challenge?"
This had been exactly what he had waited for as he faked nonchalance when his name was called out.
He could barely hold himself.
Jayden, leaning casually by the window, turned his head slowly. His expression changed from nonchalant to wicked amusement as his gaze locked onto Talen.
"Are you sure you want to spar with me?" Jayden asked coldly. "I don't pity children.Even when you forfeit I'll make sure I break at least a few of your bones before the staff reaches us.
And this goes to the rest of you—I don't have time to beat every one of you senseless. But if you can survive this…" His grin widened. "…maybe I'll spar you for fun."
Ren and Nadia exchanged glances, barely containing their laughter—they had rehearsed this dramatic display with him the day before while in the field.
Jayden's eyes gleamed. "Eyes of the Gods," he muttered.
Jayden had reached the point where he could use the skill on an area at once and this was the perfect place to use it.
A plummeting pressure of mana pressed down in the room. The sky outside darkened, thunder rumbling as the classroom lights flickered. Shadows deepened, and the air grew heavy.
A demonic voice echoed, "You dare compare yourself to the strongest one?
Grovel and beg for your life."
Students staggered, clutching their desks for support. Mr. David's eyes widened as he felt the oppressive energy pressing down on his chest.
"What is this, what is this power?" he muttered, his fingers slightly trembling.
Jayden walked slowly toward Talen, his presence radiating authority. "Come on," he whispered, his grin, toxic. "Didn't you want to fight? You can't fight if you can't even stand."
Then, as suddenly as it came, the darkness lifted. Jayden's aura vanished, leaving behind stunned silence.
He returned to his seat calmly.
"I hope that's enough to convince everyone I'm capable of representing this school—and winning," he said evenly. "Don't doubt your teachers' choices. We were picked for a reason. And I promise—we'll bring victory to the mages this year."
For a heartbeat, no one moved. Then one person began clapping. Another joined.
Soon the entire class erupted in applause.
When the noise settled, Mr. David cleared his throat. "Alright, now that's settled.
Participants, take note—you'll each have personal trainers. Jayden, Nadia, and Ren will be trained by the strongest swordsman, Luke Reginald."
Jayden froze. The color drained from his face.
"Robby," Mr. David continued, "you'll be tutored by Mr. Sein. The remaining four—by me.
With this we have the team that will bring victory to the mages this year and we shall emerge victorious. Although I'm a swordsman though," Mr David saud ending the assignment, although he said the last part to himself.
"Jayden is going to be trained by his father, he's lucky." A person said.
"No wonder he's so strong, his dad must be teaching him some secret techniques."
Another person said but in truth Jayden knew how painful and stressful training with his father is.
While all this rumors were going round, Jayden was shivering slightly, the grin on his father's face as he called the school telling them he would like to train Jayden and his friends, very visible in Jayden's mind.
Nadia and Ren turned to Jayden to see his expression, but seeing his face reminded them of the midnight fox story Jayden told them about.
Jayden looked at them and mouthed to them.
"We're so dead, that guy is going to kill us."