The second day of the Academy Tournament awoke under hazy clouds, promising nothing but tension.
Inside the competitors' lounge, the air was heavy. Kuro sat at the far end of a long wooden bench, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the steaming cup of tea before him. Beside him, Rei leaned lightly against the wall, looking at the tournament posters hung on the bulletin board. Saria and Alisa sat across from them, while Ryuto stood restlessly, hands in his pockets.
"So," Rei said, breaking the silence, "Our mysterious transfer student... still acting the innocent part?"
Kuro's lips curved weakly. "Lucien is well-hidden. Too well. That's why we need proof."
Saria tilted her head. "Proof? So Kuro-kun truly suspects him... of being a demon."
"Yes, Saria-san," Kuro stated bluntly. "But suspicion alone isn't enough. I want him to show his fangs in front of us... even if the rest of the Academy remains unaware."
Ryuto frowned. "I take it you already have a plan brewing."
"I do, Ryuto." Kuro's violet eyes, half-hidden under his hair, turned towards the arena entrance. "The third match is Lucien versus... you."
Ryuto blinked. "Me?"
"You can handle yourself," Kuro replied. "If you push him the right way, he'll slip. Demons can't resist showing their nature when cornered."
Alisa crossed her arms. "And what if the opposite happens? He might be forced to reveal himself without showing any of Kuro-kun's powers. Clever."
Kuro's smile was cold. "That's the key point. This is Ryuto's match. Force him into a corner... figuratively, of course."
---
**The Arena – The Third Match**
The cheers of the audience echoed off the stone walls of the academy coliseum. Students leaned over railings, shouting names and placing bets on who would win.
"And now," the announcer's voice boomed, "our third match of the day—Lucien Vale of Class B versus Ryuto Yuzen of Class B!"
Lucien walked into the arena with his usual calm smile, hands in his pockets, his long coat swaying lightly. His crimson gaze swept the crowd before briefly landing on Kuro in the stands. Ryuto entered from the other side, rolling his shoulders.
They stopped ten meters apart.
"Don't bore me, Ryuto," Lucien said, his voice carrying a cheerful threat.
Ryuto smiled. "I was about to say the same."
The referee raised his hand. "Fighters ready—begin!"
---
**The Fight**
Ryuto moved first, dashing forward with a wind magic burst that cracked the stone beneath his feet. Lucien sidestepped effortlessly, his coat fluttering as he swiftly kicked towards Ryuto's ribs. Ryuto caught the leg, twisted, and shoved him back.
Their first exchange drew polite applause from the crowd.
Lucien flicked his fingers, conjuring a wisp of dark energy—too faint, too fast, like a shadow passing through sunlight. Only those watching closely… Kuro, Rei, Saria, Alisa… noticed the unnatural ripple in the air.
Ryuto's eyes narrowed. "So that's what you're hiding."
Lucien smiled. "Just warming up."
They clashed again—fist, foot, and steel. Neither used their full magical power, but their movements were precise and deadly. Ryuto's blade met Lucien's, sending sparks scattering across the arena floor from a resulting fracture.
"Your stance…" Ryuto muttered, parrying another strike. "It's not from any academy."
Lucien's smile widened, but a sharp gleam appeared in his eyes. "You're very observant. I hate observant people."
---
**The Slip**
For a split second, Lucien's concentration faltered. His next strike carried a trace of his true demonic aura—black flames coiled around his arm.
The audience gasped, but to them, it was merely an unusual magical effect.
For Kuro and the others… it was proof. The shape of the flames, the distortion in the air—it was the mark of the demon empire.
Ryuto's blade glowed with a gold-white light, his divine magic instinctively flaring to counter the darkness. The two forces collided, sending a shockwave that rattled the coliseum seats.
---
**The Rule Break**
"Stop, both of you!" the referee shouted. "Unauthorized magic detected! Both fighters, stand down!"
Lucien's flames vanished instantly, his expression unreadable. Ryuto lowered his blade, never breaking eye contact with Lucien.
"Both fighters are deemed to have used restricted magic. Therefore, both are declared losers."
The crowd erupted in confusion—half in anger, half cheering for the spectacle.
Kuro's lips slowly formed a satisfied smile. "That's it," he whispered. "Proof."
Rei crossed her arms. "The best part? He doesn't even know he revealed himself."
Saria glanced at him. "But we saw Ryuto-kun's magic too, you know."
"Yes," Kuro said softly. "Everyone has secrets. The question is… whose will break first."
Lucien walked off without a word, his coat brushing the rough floor of the arena. Ryuto followed, his jaw tight. Their paths were not yet finished.
But the war beneath the Academy's surface was inching closer to flames.
---
✦ **To Be Continued...**