---
**[Cutscene - Academy Hall – Early Morning]**
The morning sunlight gently fell through the academy's tall arched windows. The hall was silent and still, echoing with measured footsteps.
Kuro walked slowly, his silver hair reflecting the soft golden light. He seemed calm and peaceful as his hand brushed against the cool stone wall.
> "This air… it feels pure. Is this what home is like…?"
Kuro paused for a moment and closed his eyes.
Memories from Kuro's previous life then resurfaced. Images of how he had saved his former friend Niyori; how he had adopted Nami and Kai; the image of Aiko Shiranami, a girl not to be underestimated.
> "Aiko… Niyori… Nami… Kai… these memories…"
> "Why now? Why are they coming back?"
His heartbeat remained steady. But something inside was not.
Suddenly, a soft voice sounded from behind him.
> "Kuro-kun, you're early. Even though Kuro-kun isn't a participant, may I ask…"
Kuro turned slightly to see Princess Alisa, who was wearing her royal academy uniform with her hair tied back lightly for the competition.
> "Princess Alisa," he said calmly. "Waking up early is… one way. Or… perhaps something else woke me."
His gaze sharpened for a moment.
> "Anyway, Princess Alisa. We will soon see if Lucien is truly a demon… or if he has a companion."
Alisa's eyes widened. "A companion…?"
Before she could ask further, Kuro turned his back to her and walked away.
> "Wait a moment—"
> "Kuro-kun… what did that mean?"
But he did not answer. His figure slowly disappeared into the sunlight at the end of the corridor.
Alisa stiffened. She slowly clenched her fists.
> "What is Kuro-kun hiding…? Or… what is he protecting?"
---
**[Scene - Academy Tournament Arena – Afternoon]**
The tournament arena was a majestic coliseum made of magical stones. Blue Mana fields surrounded the stage, ensuring safety for the audience. Many students and teachers filled the seats, bustling with energy and excitement.
A magical voice echoed through the air.
> "Welcome, students and guests! The annual Academy Combat Tournament begins now!"
Flags from all four human kingdoms fluttered gently in the air.
Selvaria, standing as a judge, raised her hand.
> "Match One: Fayden Ignis, First Year Class A, versus Leif Verde, First Year Class B."
Cheers erupted from the audience.
---
**[Fighter Introductions]**
**Fayden Ignis:** A confident and hot-blooded student from Class A. Known for his flaming red hair, bright amber eyes, and a razor-sharp smile, he is recognized as the second most powerful student in Class A after Princess Alisa. He is a prodigy in fire magic and flame manipulation.
**Leif Verde:** A calm and humble green-haired boy from Class B, known for his unique connection with nature magic, especially vines and basic healing magic. He is gentle but brave.
---
**[Cutscene - The Match Begins]**
The magic circle beneath the fighters glowed.
> "Begin!"
Fayden smiled and formed a flame sigil in the air with one hand.
> "Let's turn up the heat! Crimson Spiral!"
A firestorm erupted, swirling towards Leif like a burning vortex.
Leif summoned roots and vines from the ground.
> "Verdant Shield!"
A wall of thick branches and leaves rose up, absorbing the flames. Steam hissed as fire and nature clashed head-on.
From the stands, Lucien narrowed his eyes.
> "Hmph. That boy... Fayden... he's not weak."
Back in the arena, Fayden leaped forward with fists full of flames, each strike echoing like an explosion.
Leif dodged, unable to keep up with the speed, the vines assisting him like springboards.
> "Sylvan Bind!" Leif whispered softly.
Thorny plants burst from below to trap Fayden's legs, but they were instantly burned away.
> "Too slow!" Fayden roared. "Phoenix Burst!"
Raising both palms forward, he launched a massive fireball shaped like a flame bird.
Leif desperately summoned a large tree from the ground, but the phoenix burst hit him hard.
Leif fell backwards as smoke filled the air, the audience gasping for breath.
> "Match over! Winner: Fayden Ignis!"
---
**[Scene - Audience Reaction]**
Ryuto leaned forward.
> "That guy Fayden... he's not just reckless. He's skilled."
Lucien laughed darkly.
> "A strong fire magic user… but fire can burn both enemy and ally if not controlled."
Rei, sitting nearby with a parasol to block the sun, looked back at Kuro sitting in the shadows.
> "Kuro-sama… doesn't seem surprised."
> "I'm not surprised," Kuro replied softly. "This is just the first match. The real monsters are still hiding."
---
✦ **To Be Continued...**