The crossbow fired with smooth precision, the bolt crossing the distance almost faster than my enhanced perception could track. It struck the target dead center and penetrated so deeply that the reinforced materials barely slowed it.

"Perfect," I said with satisfaction, examining the results.

This weapon could genuinely threaten peak-Elite opponents and possibly harm low Transcendents if circumstances favored the shooter. Combined with the original model's ease of use, this represented a revolutionary advancement in ranged combat capabilities.

The Mark II would command premium pricing - probably five to ten times the original model's cost - but elite awakeners and military special forces would pay gladly for this level of performance. Of course, this was going to be for my family's experienced team to decide.

I set the completed crossbow aside carefully and began planning the production specifications. Unlike the mass-market original, this premium model would be limited production with stringent quality control. Each weapon would be individually crafted rather than assembly-line manufactured.

Ragnar's Hammer had proven its worth spectacularly. What would have taken days of painstaking work with conventional tools, I'd completed in hours with superior results.

The legendary crafting tool would accelerate all my future projects dramatically.

---

The second day of the arena tournament arrived with clear skies and an atmosphere of heightened anticipation. I made my way to the massive amphitheater early, wanting to review the day's bracket postings before the crowds became overwhelming.

Yesterday's preliminary rounds had narrowed the field from hundreds down to sixty-four competitors. Today would be even more selective - by the end of these matches, only sixteen students would remain in contention for the championship.

Each surviving competitor would face two fights today, which meant the intensity and difficulty would escalate dramatically compared to yesterday's relatively straightforward matchups.

The bracket postings were displayed on large enchanted boards near the arena entrance, updated magically as soon as the random drawing concluded. Students clustered around them, searching for their names and analyzing potential opponents.

I pushed through the crowd to examine the listings.

The chance of fighting classmates increased rapidly as the pool narrowed. With only sixty-four students remaining and the Elite class representing a significant portion of that number, facing familiar opponents became statistically likely.

Though I doubted anyone apart from Emmet would willingly engage me with genuine competitive intent. Most students recognized the capability gap and would either fight defensively hoping to avoid humiliation, or approach it as a learning experience rather than serious contest.

My eyes scanned the bracket systematically, noting key matchups:

Kyle Reinhardt vs Jason Mark

Jason Mark was a powerful student from one of the lower-tier classes who had made it this far through solid fundamentals and determination. His advancement to the round of sixty-four was genuinely impressive given his starting disadvantages. But facing Kyle meant his tournament run would almost certainly end today.

Emmet Stone vs Richard Thorne

Richard was from Kyle's class - one of the stronger Elite students with respectable combat capabilities. This would be more competitive than Emmet's previous matches, though I still expected Emmet to win.

Elen Brightwater vs Catherine Wells

Catherine was from our class, a mage like Elen. This matchup favored Elen significantly, though Catherine's familiarity with Elen's capabilities might create complications.

Then I found my own name, and immediately understood why the surrounding students were murmuring with excitement.

Adrian Blackwood vs Seraphina Rosewood

The moment that matchup had been posted, the crowd had erupted. Even now, students were discussing it with obvious enthusiasm, recognizing this as potentially the most significant fight of the entire tournament.

"The uncrowned king versus the uncrowned queen," someone said nearby with anticipation.

"Both from ducal families, both ridiculously powerful. This is going to be incredible."

"I heard Adrian and Seraphina had a past together, I wonder how this fight will play out...It's going to be epic!"

"Her close combat is absurdly strong. But Adrian's combat record is flawless, he also holds the record for the strongest attack in the entire history of the academy."

The unofficial titles made me grimace slightly - "uncrowned king of the academy" was flattering but cringe. Still, I understood why students viewed the matchup this way.

Both Seraphina and I represented the absolute top tier of first-year capabilities. Both came from ducal families with prestigious bloodlines and superior resources. Both had dominated every previous encounter. And neither had faced a truly challenging opponent yet in this tournament.

The arena filled rapidly as the scheduled start time approached. The atmosphere carried electric anticipation, students and faculty alike recognizing that today's matches would be far more competitive than yesterday's preliminary rounds.

Headmaster Aldric Thornhaven took his position at the central platform, his King-rank presence commanding immediate attention as the crowd settled.

"Welcome to day two of the First-Year Arena Tournament," he began with formal gravity. "Yesterday, we witnessed the determination and capability of our students as they fought to advance. Today, the competition intensifies. Sixty-four have become your elite survivors. By day's end, only sixteen will remain."

He paused, allowing the significance to resonate.

"The bracket has been randomly determined through impartial magical drawing. Some matchups may seem fortunate, others challenging. Such is the nature of competition - adapting to circumstances beyond your control separates the merely skilled from the truly exceptional."

His gaze swept across the assembled students.

"Several particularly notable matchups will occur today. I encourage all spectators to observe carefully - you will witness the future elite of this kingdom demonstrating their capabilities."

The Headmaster's eyes lingered briefly on certain sections where I, Seraphina, Kyle, and other top competitors were positioned. He clearly recognized which fights would draw the most attention.

"The tournament will proceed with multiple rings operating simultaneously for efficiency. However, certain high-profile matches will be featured in the primary arena to allow proper observation."

That meant my fight with Seraphina would almost certainly be showcased rather than relegated to a side ring. Maximum visibility, maximum pressure, maximum opportunity to impress or fail spectacularly.

"Competitors, prepare yourselves with honor and discipline. Spectators, appreciate the dedication these students have demonstrated. Let the second day commence!"

The crowd erupted with applause and excited conversation as students began moving toward their designated rings.

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