The great arena of the Royal Knight's Academy stood at the edge of the capital—an ancient coliseum carved from white stone, surrounded by enchantments and statues of legendary warriors. Every year, it hosted the Exhibition Tournament, where the best young swordsmen from the continent's primary academies tested their strength. It was more than just a contest—it was a rite of passage, a political spectacle, and a proving ground for future knights.
Today, banners of every major noble house fluttered in the wind. Trumpets blared. The stands were filled with spectators: nobles, military leaders, merchants, and even a few foreign dignitaries. Eyes gleamed with anticipation. Bets were already being placed.
In the waiting chambers beneath the arena, the participants prepared.
---
Backstage – Preparation Chambers
Saji sat alone on a stone bench, methodically wrapping his hands in black cloth. The room buzzed with chatter and nervous energy from the other competitors, but he was quiet, focused.
He could feel the intent stares. He didn't need to look to know that Alphonse Rodan was watching him from across the chamber. The air between them was thick with hostility.
Rio Vandelin leaned against the wall beside him, chewing on an herb stick.
Rio:
"You feel that, Saji? The tension's like a blade against your throat."
Saji (calmly):
"They want to see us fail. Let's give them something else to see."
Rio (grinning):
"That's the spirit."
---
Outside – Noble Stands
Princess Christina sat under a shaded pavilion beside several members of the royal family and influential nobles. Her expression was serene, but her eyes burned with cold calculation.
Beside her, Roanna whispered quietly, dressed in the flowing crimson of House Rodan.
Roanna:
"The phantom spirit is bound. The moment Alphonse draws his sword, it will awaken."
Christina (softly):
"Saji won't walk away from this. Today, The Beast will fall."
---
The Arena – First Match
The announcer's voice echoed across the coliseum.
Announcer:
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the annual Exhibition Tournament! Our opening match features two rising stars of the academy! On one side, the prodigy of House Rodan—Alphonse Rodan!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as Alphonse stepped into the sunlit arena, his white armor gleaming, his blade glowing faintly in its sheath.
Announcer:
"And facing him… the dark horse, the undefeated warrior known as The Beast—Jon Snow!"
Gasps rippled through the stands. Whispers followed. Some cheered, others scoffed.
Saji stepped into the arena calmly, dressed in black combat attire with a silver-threaded cloak fluttering behind him. His magic sword—Raizel—rested on his back.
---
Duel Begins
The referee raised a blue flag.
Referee:
"This is a one-round bout. No killing strikes permitted. Begin!"
Alphonse didn't wait. He rushed forward, sword gleaming with unnatural purple light. The phantom had awakened.
With a sudden burst of speed, he slashed forward—unnaturally fast.
Clang!
Saji blocked the blow just in time, his eyes narrowing. The force behind the strike was immense—more than what a normal human should've delivered.
Saji (internally):
This isn't just a sword. There's something else behind it.
Alphonse grinned, his eyes filled with malice.
Alphonse:
"Let's see if your beast title means anything now!"
He swung again, and again, every blow infused with phantom energy that shimmered like black flame. The air around them crackled.
Saji moved like a shadow, parrying, dodging, and studying.
Then he struck.
A single precise thrust—straight through Alphonse's guard.
The phantom flared in desperation, howling like a banshee, trying to twist Saji's mana.
Saji (coldly):
"You rely too much on tricks."
With a roar, he released a burst of aura suppression magic, overwhelming the phantom spirit with his raw power.
Alphonse stumbled back, sword shaking in his hands. The spirit screamed—and shattered.
Saji rushed forward.
BAM!
A clean strike knocked Alphonse's blade out of his hand, embedding it in the stone.
The crowd fell silent.
Referee (raising his hand):
"Match over! Victory: Jon Snow!"
---
Noble Pavilion
Christina's hands tightened around her fan. Roanna's face twisted with disbelief.
Christina:
"He destroyed the phantom… That shouldn't be possible."
---
Arena Tunnel – Moments Later
As Saji walked back into the tunnel, Alphonse's voice called after him—low, hateful.
Alphonse:
"This isn't over. You humiliated me again. I'll kill you next time."
Saji didn't turn around.
His voice was quiet, but every word dripped with cold resolve.
Saji:
"You'll never reach me."
---
Nightfall – Celia's Lab
Later that evening, Celia treated a wound on Saji's shoulder while Rio leaned back in a chair, still humming the announcer's dramatic speech.
Celia:
"That blade… It had a spirit bound to it. Someone's helping him."
Saji:
"I know. Christina's involved."
Rio:
"She's playing a dangerous game. Nobles don't like being outclassed."
Saji (calmly):
"Then they'll have to learn."
Outside the window, the moon rose high.
The Beast had made his mark.
And war was coming to the academy.