---
**[Cutscene - The Heavens – A God's Observation]**
In the endless expanse of light and sky, the thrones of the gods hovered above golden clouds.
Five luminous beings sat on glowing seats—each a god or goddess—watching the mortal world through a mirror.
Among them was Elmyria, Goddess of Light and Order, her eyes narrowed with silent worry.
> "The tournament has begun. That boy… Ryuto… he's growing stronger."
"But…" she whispered. "We still cannot see him…"
Another god, with eyes like molten stars, replied.
> "The boy from the World of Present, Kiyoshi Ishida — his very soul is obscured by something… It's unnatural."
A third goddess added.
> "No… not unnatural. *Forbidden*. His essence is hidden from the Gods' Mirror itself."
Elmyria's expression tightened.
> "So he is no ordinary reincarnated soul… Who maintains this shroud around him? Or... a higher deity?"
---
**[Scene - Tournament Arena – Second Match Announcement]**
Selvaria's voice stood in the center of the arena again, between the magic circles.
> "Next match! Princess Alisa Ironwood of Class A… versus Fiera Gale of Class A!"
The audience laughed in surprise. Both were popular, high-born nobles and top mages.
**Alisa Ironwood** - Daughter of the Eastern King of Ironwood. A prodigy of pure light and lightning magic, she wielded the Gloriana Royal Spear, a beautiful white and gold magic staff beautifully carved with a sapphire center.
**Fiera Gale:** A noble girl with flaming orange hair, sharp intellect, and mastery of wind and fire magic. Her magic wand was sleek and silver like a storm, with a ruby ring.
Fiera smiled as she stepped onto the battlefield.
> "Your Highness, I didn't expect to face you so early."
Alisa replied calmly, cold yet dignified.
> "Then I suggest you do your best. I will not hold back just because you are a peer…"
---
**[Cutscene - The Match Begins]**
> "Begin!"
Fiera did not hold back either.
> "Flare Gale!"
A whirlwind of fire and slashing wind shot directly towards Alisa.
Alisa raised her spear.
> "Holy Wall!"
A barrier of glowing golden light blocked the incoming attack with a *thump*.
Dust swirled.
> Fiera smiled. "Hmph... Not bad."
She twirled her wand and leaped into the air.
> "Let's see you dodge this— "Scorch Spiral!"
A spiral of flame erupted from the tip of her wand, twisting with wind speed. The crowd gasped.
Alisa's eyes sharpened.
> "Lighting Step!"
She vanished with a crackle of white lightning, reappearing in the air behind Fiera.
> "Too slow."
> "Judgement Flash!"
A golden lightning bolt shot from her spear, striking Fiera and sending her crashing to the ground in a beam of pure light.
The arena shook slightly.
Fiera groaned but stood, slightly scorched.
> "Tch… that hurt..."
> "This is your last chance, Fiera-san," Alisa warned. "Stand down."
But Fiera refused.
> "I'll shine till the end! Typhoon Inferno!"
She unleashed a massive combined spell—a pure firestorm surrounded by slashing winds.
The audience was on their feet.
Alisa gritted her teeth.
> "Then I'll end it now too!"
> "Celestial Verdict: Thunder of Glory!!"
The sky split. A massive, divine-looking thunderbolt broke through the clouds, piercing the typhoon and exploding on contact.
Golden light and shock waves filled the coliseum. Selvaria raised a hand to place a barrier protecting the front rows.
When the light faded… Fiera was lying flat, her clothes singed and her eyes wide.
> "...I yield."
---
**[Cutscene - Aftermath]**
Cheers erupted as Princess Alisa stood, barely breathing heavily.
> "Winner: Princess Alisa Ironwood!"
In the audience, Rei nodded with respect.
> "She's strong… but that magic. It comes from the gods. A gift from the deities…"
Lucien narrowed his eyes, watching quietly.
> "Tch… divine magic. Annoying."
And in the shadows, Kuro leaned back.
> "Princess Alisa… she is stronger than I thought. But…"
He looked up at the sky.
> "Even the gods cannot see me, can they?"
He smiled slightly—cold and knowing.
> "Then let it remain so."
---
✦ **To Be Continued...**