The scene shifted to the heart of Legion Academy.
Inside the Grand Council Chamber, sunlight streamed through towering glass windows, painting the polished black floor in shades of crimson and gold. A long obsidian table stretched across the center of the hall, surrounded by high-backed chairs reserved only for the Academy's highest authorities.
At the head of the table sat the Great Elder.
Dressed in the Legion Academy's pure black uniform, he wore a long white coat with subtle gold embroidery that flowed from his shoulders to beneath his ankles, giving him a commanding yet elegant presence. His silver-white hair was neatly combed, with a few loose strands resting over his forehead, while his calm amber eyes quietly observed everyone in the room.
The man was known throughout the continent by a single title—
The Great Elder.
Breaking the silence, he spoke in a calm voice.
"So… how are the preparations for the entrance tournament in two weeks?"
One of the Lords answered first.
Lord Ackman, a fair-skinned man with neatly kept black hair and narrow dark eyes that were always half-lidded, sat with his black cape resting over his shoulders. Despite his relaxed expression, an intimidating aura surrounded him.
"We've already sent specialists to inspect the Colosseum," he replied respectfully. "Any structural flaws or damaged areas will be repaired before the tournament begins."
The Great Elder gave a slight nod.
"Excellent."
Lady Nerissa gently stroked the small water fox resting peacefully in her arms. Her long blue hair flowed over the black cape draped across her shoulders, contrasting beautifully with her academy uniform.
"I've also assigned several Upper Junior Scouts to medical training," she said with a soft smile. "By the time the tournament begins, they'll be capable of using advanced water magic to treat most injuries sustained during the matches."
"Very thoughtful."
A grin spread across Lord Kelvin's face.
Unlike the others, Kelvin had torn both sleeves from his academy uniform, proudly exposing his muscular arms. A pair of chained battle axes rested in an X-shaped harness across his back. His crimson hair matched the fiery excitement burning in his brown eyes.
"As for me…" he chuckled. "I'm just looking forward to seeing what kind of monsters this year's tournament brings."
Before anyone could reply—
Creak…
The chamber doors slowly opened.
"Apologies for my lateness."
Everyone turned.
Chad Grace stepped inside, still wearing his black uniform, traces of dust clinging to his boots.
"There was a bandit attack in my village. I dealt with the situation and stayed behind long enough to submit my report before coming here."
The Great Elder simply smiled.
"It's alright, Chad."
"You're right on time."
Lord Ackman sighed, shaking his head.
"Showing up late to a council meeting? You really don't act like someone fit to be a Lord."
"Hahaha!" Chad laughed, scratching the back of his head.
"I wasn't exactly planning to keep everyone waiting."
Kelvin folded his arms with a grin.
"I always thought I was the laziest Lord around."
He pointed a thumb toward Chad.
"But today, you've officially beaten me."
Lady Nerissa covered a small laugh with her hand as a lighthearted atmosphere filled the council chamber.
The scene shifts Far away from the grand halls of Legion Academy, deep within the forests surrounding the Village of Cinderval
Thwack!
An axe bit deeply into the trunk of an ancient oak.
Thwack!
Wood chips scattered across the forest floor as two figures worked side by side beneath the afternoon sun.
One was a broad-shouldered **man with **dark brown hair with a slightly messy look, as if he rarely bothers styling it. Green eyes that usually carry a relaxed smile, a strong jaw line with a faint stubble. He has a small scar near one eyebrow not dramatic, just enough to hint at past battles
A simple olive green long sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows A brown leather vest, dark trousers, sturdy boots and fingerless gloves. His name was Rowan, the guardian of Grace Village whenever Chad was away. The villagers trusted him without question, knowing that behind his cheerful nature was a warrior capable of protecting them all.
Beside him stood Mason Grace, a young boy with tousled brown hair and striking blue eyes. sweat trickled down his face as he gripped his axe firmly, matching Rowan rhythm with every swing
For several moments, only the sounds of chopping wood echoed through the forest.
Then Rowan broke the silence.
"So…" he said casually, resting his axe on his shoulder.
"What's your goal once you enter Legion Academy?"
Mason paused.
He looked at the fallen tree before a small smile appeared on his face.
"…That's a question I never thought anyone besides my father would ask."
He tightened his grip on the axe.
"My father entered Legion Academy to become strong enough to protect his family… and this village. Becoming Great Elder was never his dream."
His eyes lifted toward the clear blue sky.
"But mine is different."
A quiet determination settled over his face.
"I want to become the Great Elder."
Rowan blinked.
"The Great Elder?"
Mason nodded.
"Not just a Lord… not just one of the strongest."
His voice grew firmer.
"When our generation takes its place… I want to be the one leading it."
For a brief moment, the forest became silent again.
Then Rowan let out a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! That's one massive dream!"
He planted the axe into the ground and grinned.
"I like it."
With one swift motion, he pulled the axe free and flipped it in his hand, turning the blunt back of the blade forward.
"Then let's see how far your old man has brought you."
Mason instinctively glanced toward the bundle of wooden practice swords leaning against a nearby stump.
"I'll go get the wooden sword—"
"No."
Rowan shook his head.
"Use the one you're holding."
Mason looked down at the axe in his hands, surprised.
"This is the first time you'll be using a real weapon against another person,"
Rowan continued
"Better to get used to its weight now than wait until later."
A small grin spreads across his face as he turned his own axe, presenting the blunt back of the head instead of the sharpened edge.
Rowan only smiled.
"Don't worry. I won't use the blade"
He planted one foot forward and beckoned with his free hand
"Come at me with everything you've got."
Mason stood frozen for a heartbeat
Not out of fear…
But because this was the first time someone had asked him to fight another person with a real weapon.
He slowly exhaled.
"…Right."
Tightening his grip, Mason takes his stance as the forest breeze swept between them.