The arena beside the main hall was far larger than Lily had imagined.
When the students entered through the wide stone gates, the space opened into a massive circular complex. Instead of one stage, dozens of smaller battle platforms filled the arena floor. Each platform was surrounded by a faint shimmering barrier of magic that flickered like heat waves in the air.
Around them were rows of spectator seats where teachers and senior students were already gathering.
But the most eye-catching structure was the giant arena in the very center.
It was easily several times larger than the others, its floor carved with glowing runic patterns that formed a complex magical formation.
Lily stared at it with curiosity.
That must be the final stage…
While the students continued pouring into the arena, a sudden shadow passed above them.
Someone was floating in the air.
The man hovered high above the crowd without any visible support, his dark robe drifting gently as if carried by invisible wind. His presence alone made the surrounding students fall quiet.
Someone standing near Lily whispered excitedly.
"Look! It's the combat magic professor."
Lily looked up.
So that's the professor…
The floating man crossed his arms as he scanned the arena.
Then he began speaking.
His voice, enhanced by magic, echoed across the entire stadium clearly.
"Your practical exam will be duels."
The crowd immediately fell silent.
"You will face each other in one-on-one combat."
He slowly gestured toward the many platforms.
"Each platform will host a match. Winners will advance, while the losers will fight other defeated students. Every student has two chances."
He paused briefly.
"If you lose twice, you are eliminated."
Murmurs slowly began spreading among the crowd.
The professor raised one hand and pointed toward the massive arena in the center.
"The final two remaining students will fight there."
Many students followed his gesture, their eyes widening as they looked at the central stage.
Then the professor spoke again.
"And for the reward…"
He gave a small smile.
"The final winner will receive a High-Grade magic tool — Fleur's Cloak."
The arena exploded with noise.
"High-grade?!"
"Isn't that something only nobles can afford?!"
"The academy is giving one away?!"
"I heard high-rank tools can boost a beginner mage to intermediate strength!"
Students whispered excitedly to each other.
High-grade tools were rare. Most beginner mages only used standard academy wands or cheap enchanted equipment. Even mid-grade items were expensive for commoners.
Owning a high-grade tool could drastically increase a mage's combat ability.
Lily blinked quietly.
So that's considered valuable?
She remembered the recruiter from before promising her a Legendary-grade magic tool.
Two entire ranks above high-grade.
At the time she only thought it sounded impressive.
But hearing everyone's reaction made something clear.
That thing must be ridiculously strong.
A cheerful voice suddenly exploded beside her.
"Wow! Did you hear that, Lily?!"
Olivia grabbed her arm excitedly.
"The winner gets a high-rank magic tool!"
Kane stood beside them, looking unimpressed.
"It's not like you're going to win."
Olivia froze.
Slowly, she turned toward him.
"…Excuse me?"
Kane shrugged casually.
"I'm just saying."
Olivia crossed her arms angrily.
"How about you?! You're not that much better than me!"
Kane lifted his chin slightly.
"Well, I for one think that—"
"Okay, enough."
Lily interrupted calmly.
Both of them stopped arguing and looked at her.
"There's no need to fight."
She paused before adding confidently,
"Because I'm going to win."
Olivia blinked.
Kane blinked.
Lily herself, however, was thinking about something entirely different.
If I win…
Her mind began racing with ideas.
The legendary tool she was promised was probably too valuable to experiment on.
But a high-grade one…
That might be perfect.
She could examine the enchantment structure.
Maybe dismantle part of it to see how the magic circuits were embedded.
Or test how mana flowed through the fabric.
Her eyes sparkled slightly.
Yes…
That would make a great research subject.
Before she could get lost in her imagination, the professor's voice rang out again.
"The matches will begin in three minutes."
"Please retrieve your numbers and locate your assigned platform."
"Reminder: losers will fight the loser of the match beside them. Anyone who loses twice will be disqualified."
He slowly lowered himself toward the spectator area.
"Good luck."
The floating figure disappeared from above the arena.
Almost immediately, four assistants appeared near the entrances holding glowing lists.
Their voices rang out loudly.
"Come get your numbers!"
"Come get your numbers!"
Students rushed toward the booths.
Lily turned to Olivia and Kane.
"We should probably go to different booths," Olivia said.
Kane nodded.
"Less chance of fighting each other early."
"Okay," Lily agreed.
They split apart.
Lily joined one of the lines and waited patiently.
Soon it was her turn.
The assistant behind the booth glanced at a glowing register.
"Name?"
"Lily."
He scanned the list before handing her a small metal token.
"Platform 22."
He pointed across the arena.
"Go straight, turn left after the third platform, then continue to the end."
Lily nodded.
"Thank you."
She walked away, weaving through the busy arena floor.
Students were gathering around the platforms, some practicing small spells while others nervously talked with their friends.
Eventually Lily reached the far side.
Platform 22.
A faint barrier surrounded the circular stage.
Standing across from her was her opponent.
A boy with pale white hair.
His expression was serious and focused. In his hand he held a short wand, its surface carved with simple mana channels.
He looked like someone who had trained for combat.
Lily waved cheerfully.
"Hey!"
Her voice echoed across the platform.
"My name is Lily!"
"What's yours?"
The boy looked at her briefly.
Then he turned his gaze away.
He didn't answer.
Lily frowned slightly.
How rude.
Did nobody teach him manners?
Before she could complain, a loud voice echoed throughout the arena.
"The matches are about to begin."
"Confirm your names and numbers with the referees before starting."
A teacher stepped onto the edge of their platform holding a small list.
"Platform 22."
He looked at Lily.
"Name?"
"Lily!" she said brightly.
The teacher nodded and turned to the boy.
"Arlen."
The boy gave a short nod.
"Confirmed."
The teacher stepped back outside the barrier.
"You may begin when ready."
For a brief moment, the two stood in silence.
Lily felt her heartbeat quicken.
This was the first time she had ever fought in a proper duel.
Most of the time she used magic for performances or research.
Well…
There was also that time five days ago when she beat up Troy.
But that didn't really count.