The first rays of dawn bathed Star Academy in gold. Banners of every color fluttered in the wind, announcing one of the most anticipated events of the semester: The Academy Fight Festival. Students from other branches, alumni, sponsors, and even guild scouts were arriving by the hour. It wasn't just a spectacle—it was a stage where rising talents proved themselves before the world.
Cadets buzzed with excitement. Booths lined the courtyard. Stalls sold snacks, charms, and enchanted merchandise. The main arena, a massive floating coliseum powered by levitation magic, glimmered in the sky above.
Yujin stood at the window of his dorm, watching the chaos below. Beside him, Kain adjusted his gloves with a confident grin.
"This year's gonna be wild," Kain said. "I heard even the Arcturus Academy sent their top three."
"Let them come," Yujin replied, his Mistake Solved stat flickering faintly. He felt a strange pulse in his chest—an echo of something coming. He knew this festival would not end in cheers alone.
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Opening Ceremony
Headmaster Arcan floated into the center of the coliseum, voice magically amplified.
"Cadets! Guests! Today, we celebrate strength, strategy, and spirit. May your duels be fair, and may your growth be eternal!"
Cheers erupted. Fireworks blasted across the sky.
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First Round Matches
The battles began fast. Yujin watched from the stands as lesser-ranked cadets fought for glory. Spells clashed, swords sang, and arena barriers flared to contain the force.
Mira was first from their group to enter. She danced around her opponent with elegant footwork, tossing a thunder spear that shattered her foe's shield.
"Winner: Mira Kisaragi!"
Kain fought next, his bladeplay dazzling the crowd. His opponent used illusions, but Kain's eyes stayed sharp.
"You can't trick a Vagor blade."
One clean arc and it was over.
Yujin's turn came last.
He faced a third-year cadet from Southern Fang Academy. The man was tall, muscular, wielding a battle axe.
"Show me what the top cadet of Star Academy can do," he growled.
Yujin summoned Demon Howl.
Boom. The fight lasted ten seconds.
The crowd roared.
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Suspicion Brews
After the matches, Yujin and Sylvia wandered through the fairgrounds. Sylvia spotted something odd: a cloaked figure talking to one of the referees. The referee's eyes glowed faintly—then returned to normal.
Yujin narrowed his eyes. "That's demonic influence. A high-level one."
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Night Intrusion
That night, Yujin, Kain, and Sylvia sneaked into the judge's quarters. They found one of the referees chanting before a demonic altar—one hidden within the academy itself.
"The Herald watches. The festival shall open the gate."
Before they could apprehend him, the man self-destructed in a burst of corrupted mana.
Kain cursed. "They're moving during the festival. Bold."
Yujin clenched his fists. "This isn't just about showcasing strength. It's about something worse."
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