'Pixia, are you sure this isn't just a glorified dating competition with extra mana explosions?'
(Host, for the last time, this is the official Nelix Academy Ranking War. Not "Waifu Coliseum: Dating Edition.")
'I don't know… all the nobles arrived yesterday looking like extras in a ballroom anime, and now we're waiting for the main cast?'
(Yes. Today's arrivals are royalty and high-ranking nobles only. You know—the ones who can vaporize cities and still get love letters.)
'So basically... boss rush mode begins now.'
(Or harem rush mode. Depending on how hard you flirt.)
I leaned back and looked at the magical sky dome beginning to shimmer gold.
'Let's see how many hearts—and egos—I'll break today.'
---
The sky cracked open—not with thunder or lightning, but shimmering golden gates that tore through the clouds like divine banners. Magic rippled through the heavens, causing the sun itself to dim briefly as nine massive royal spacecrafts descended, each one exuding mana signatures so dense the air felt thick enough to slice.
The crowd stirred. Whispers turned into roars. Even the instructors stiffened in place.
One by one, the ships descended—each styled after the race it carried. Each one bringing with it the pride, power, and pressure of the upper world.
---
[1. The Draconic Dynasty – Dragon Continent]
Their ship was forged from obsidian scales and molten gold, draped in fire-elemental runes that shimmered in the sunlight.
Princess Aelindra Drakonis – A tall, statuesque beauty with crimson-gold hair like cascading lava and slit-aqua eyes that burned with haughty pride. Her aura screamed dominance. She wore enchanted crimson armor shaped like dragonbone, leaving her arms bare, exposing her fair skin. Fire danced in her footsteps.
'Pixia, she's definitely going to try and step on me.'
(Host, I think you need some serious counselling. Your head is full of these things all day.)
---
[2. The Crimson Court – Blood Continent]
Their ship was shaped like a flying gothic cathedral, dripping in rose petals and leaking blood-mist from its thrusters.
Princess Lirienne Nocthariel – Pale as moonlight, with cascading ink-black hair and blood-red lips. Her emerald-green eyes glowed with faint hunger as if she could see through souls. She wore a dress made from black silk that curled around her ankles.
Lady Virellia Sangros – Only daughter of one of the most important nobles, rumored to have mixed Siren-Vampire blood. Her voice alone can break weak minds. She has long silver hair and crimson eyes.
'Nivera's niece and nephews?'
(You're probably on their bite list already. Look at how they all are glaring at you.)
---
[3. The Forgemind Clans – Dwarf Continent]
A titanic, steam-powered citadel-ship landed with the sound of grinding gears and hammer strikes. Glowing mana-crystals lined its hull.
Lady Brungilda Stonebeard – Short, stocky, with braided copper hair and arms built like golem limbs. Wields a warhammer taller than she is. Surprisingly shy around attractive men.
Lord Duran Ironsoul – A genius smith and mage hybrid. Known for forging weapons that choose their wielder.
'Pixia, she's cute in a scary blacksmith aunt kind of way.'
---
[4. The Moonblessed Realm – Elven Empire]
Their ship looked like a floating forest, vines blooming from its hull and radiant starlight pouring through its branches.
Princess Selyra Moonshade – Silver-blonde hair that glowed like the moon, and emerald eyes that seemed ancient. She wore a gown woven from mana threads, flowing like water. Graceful and cold. Every movement was calculated elegance.
Prince Elarian Thalor – A twilight-blade user. Gentle smile. Blinding swordplay. Probably the "good boy" rival character.
(Host, she's the unreadable one. Definitely a hidden yandere.)
---
[5. The Ocean-Kin Confederation – Oceanic Continent]
Their ship resembled a great whale made of coral and glass, trailing mist and salt behind it as it floated to shore.
Princess Neressia Virelle – A mermaid, with long green hair and gentle yellow eyes. She's wearing a royal gown that covers her entire body.
Princess Selantha – A Siren. Her presence alone made several nearby students freeze. Wore a flowing aquamarine dress, voice like moonlight over water. Probably the singer duelist. She has long light blue hair with enchanting blue eyes.
'Pixia… do I smell sea-salt and attraction?'
(One splash from them and your shirt's coming off.)
---
[6. The Celestial Herd – Unicorn Tribe]
A ship of light descended like a comet. Radiant crystal towers, glowing golden trails behind.
Princess Alvalyne Lumeheart – A horned beauty with a shimmering mane of soft silver hair and gentle lavender eyes. Her presence felt like a healing breeze. She's wearing silken robes that accentuate her beauty.
(Host, you cannot flirt with her. She radiates 'wife material' energy. You'll die from guilt.)
'…Tempting.'
---
[7. The Burning Reign – Phoenix Clan]
A burning golden ship landed like a shooting star, wings of flame extending from either side.
Princess Rhysaria Ignisheart – Long crimson-gold hair like liquid fire, eyes like sunflares. Her every step left embers behind. Dressed in red-gold armor that shimmered like a rising sun.
(Tsundere x Battle Maniac fusion. Do not engage unless you want a firebird in your bed.)
---
[8. The Twilight Court – Demon Dominion]
Their ship was dark obsidian and writhing with demonic runes. Reality bent around it.
Prince Zareth Nyx – A pale demon prince with curling black horns and red-glowing veins beneath his skin. Calm. Menacingly elegant. Fights with cursed chains.
Princess Velmira – Dancer-type battle mage. Slits in her shadow-draped dress revealed powerful legs, and she moved like poetry and poison.
Lady Lilaxis – Daughter of one of the Dukes and a seductress. She has long red hair with glowing violet eyes.
'Pixia, they all look like final bosses.'
(That's because they are. This is your villain harem arc.)
---
[9. The Beast Clans – Plains of Roar and Whisper]
Two ships descended side by side—one glowing with moonlight, the other cloaked in dusk wind.
Prince Kael Fenrith – Wolf-kin. Tall, rugged, silver fur, and cold amber eyes. Wears tribal armor and carries a giant fang-blade. Doesn't talk much. Definitely the "silent rival" trope.
Princess Yui Mistrail – Nine-tailed fox-kin. Stunning white-silver hair. Delicate features, golden mischievous eyes. Smirking like she knew your secrets. Wore ornate robes and exuded illusion magic.
'Pixia…'
(She's dangerous. I like her. She might out-flirt you.)
---
[10. The Sanctified Order – The Holy Church of Nelaria]
Their ship was shaped like a silver cathedral, glowing with divine runes. A choir hummed in the air as it descended.
High Priestess Seraphyne – A serene, ethereal woman with silver-white hair and sky-blue eyes. Dressed in ceremonial silks. Rumored to possess prophetic visions.
Holy Blade Inquisitor Lysian – Tall, with radiant golden armor and a stern face. Leader of the Paladin guards.
Saintess Lume – A gentle girl, radiating healing light. Blushes easily. Soft-spoken, but known to calm monsters. She has long pink hair and golden eyes.
'Pixia, is this a romance novel or a divine otome game?'
(Both. And you're the glitchy male lead who gets every route.)
---
[11. The Kingdom of Aurelia — Human Empire.]
A royal cruiser gleaming with gold-trimmed banners and ancestral shields landed, its arrival marked by a fanfare of trumpets and illusion doves.
Prince Lysander of Aurelia – Blond, classically handsome, armored in white and gold. Aura of a born commander. Sword at his hip glowed faintly with divine mana.
Princess Elenora of Aurelia – Wore a silver tiara, platinum hair cascading to her waist. Her golden eyes cold, assessing. She gave off the aura of an empress in waiting.
---
'Pixia… are all the princesses this pretty or is the air poisoned with waifu energy?'
(Host. That's called "plot-convenient genetics." Also yes. They're all high-level capture targets.)
'How many of them are single?'
(Do you want the list sorted alphabetically or by danger level?)
'...By interest.'
(That would be "All of them.")
I chuckled. The stadium was in complete awe of the spectacular display of power and status.
(Host. I don't like it that these royals are getting all the attention. You need to beat them up or I will go offline for a month.)
'I was planning on doing exactly that, but now that I think about maybe it won't be bad to lose for once.'
(I AM NOT TALKING TO YOU FROM NOW ON. HMPH.)
While I was having a cute little conversation with Pixia, the floating screens flickered, and the announcer's voice rang through the arena. "The introductions have ended. Now begins the Battle Royale!"
BOOM!
Magical fireworks blasted above the arena.
"NOW FOR THE FIRST EVENT OF THE DAY, WE HAVE A BATTLE ROYALE. There are more than 5000 cadets but only 1000 will get admitted to the academy. Let's start without any delay!"