The Grand arena of the prestigious Silford Academy was now fully awake after the first battle has started, it was now referred to as the opening match of the tournament.

The runic pylons started to rise from the eath like they were ancient pillars, each one of them was etched with suppression arrays.

There were healing formations, and also spatial anchors that were used to prevent lethal outcomes or fatal injuries... at least that's what was said on paper.

The floating platforms were hovering above the arena, and each of the were reserved for the envoys, nobles and also observers of the highest of rankings.

Demons, Elves, Dwarfs and the Dragons sat apart from each other, and each fraction was radiating its own brand of pressure.

And at the center of it all, stood the students who were the spectators and also the participants.

Adam after his first match stood at the eastern entrance with his friends, he was calm and composed.

His presence was steady and controlled, yet now his senses were sharp and something within has changed ever since he met his mother four months ago.

Grace cracked her neck besides him. "I finally prepared," she muttered. "I shall be the next one fight, and to think I'll fight and elf. I preferred fighting a demon."

Finn grinned, lightning was crackling faintly around his body and fingers. "I just hope you don't lose. Don't want you embarrassing yourself after Adam set the stage."

Eve was adjusting the grip on her rapier, her eyes were sharp and focused. "This isn't about pride anymore, everyone is already being watched."

Drake slammed his fists together, very eager for his turn. "Well let them watch, makes it more fun."

Duke next to him grinned. "Yeah, this will be the best tournament ever."

Selena just shook her head in resignation, she couldn't keep up with these battle maniacs. But she was also excited.

Across the arena there they were, it was Class A they were assembled as well.

Even though some of them were now in Class S, they still preferred to sit with each other.

Jake von Bazel was standing stiffly at the front, his jaw was right, and his eyes were locked on Adam with barely restrained hostility.

He saw his match and the power he displayed gave him a chill down his spine.

Nearby was, Charles Akuma (A-rank, Wind and Lightning affinity) his katana was resting against his shoulder, his gaze calm but attentive.

The Corven siblings were standing together — Sarah Corven (A-rank, Water and Earth affinity) with staff planted firmly on the ground.

Simon Corven (A-rank, Water affinity) he was quietly adjusting a mana vial at his belt.

The Caelthorn twins were lingering at the back.

Damian Caelthorn (A-rank, Lightning) was watching everything with an assassin trained focus.

Akira Caelthorn (A-rank, Lightning and Darkness affinity) she smiled faintly, but her eyes were looking at Adam. "He was holding back," she murmured.

"Still though," Damian replied to her, "it wasn't out of fear."

***

Everyone was still having goosebumps from the previous match and were also expecting the same thing for the next one.

The announcer in excitement begun to announce the next match however before he could continue the headmaster was seen descending from his booth.

The Announcer instinctively gave him room on the platform.

The Headmaster's voice was thundering across the arena.

"By the ancient vow, the Inter-Racial Competition is now in session, the opening match has shown us what to expect." His gaze moving towards Adam.

Mana was surging through the whole arena, reinforcing the suppression field.

"This first stage will be consisting of the individual ranked matches. It will be Humans versus the other races. Victory will grant points. And defeat grants... experience if you survive that is."

A ripple of laughter came from the demons section.

And now the second set of names appeared in a holographic diagram etched with glowing sigils.

---

MATCH TWO

Grace Amberfrost (A-rank, Wind & Fire)

vs

Arnold Palmer (A-rank Elf, Wind & Water)

---

Grace stepped forward to the arena without any ounce of hesitation.

Arnold cracked his knuckles, green mana was flowing all around his body.

The barrier was now sealed.

"BEGIN!"

Arnold was the one who lunged first, he pushed his hand forward sending out a torrent of water through his palm.

Grace didn't retreat.

She did the same, sending out a torrent of fire that clashed with the water.

And explosion occured sending out mist around the arena.

The class was not too violent.

Wind blades were clashing with wind.

Fire was met with water constructs.

The whole arena shook under the force of their two wills colliding.

Grace was gritting her teeth and pushed back.

"Burn and scatter!"

A huge vortex of flames were detonated at point-blank range.

Arnold got launched backwards as he slammed into the barrier as the suppression runes began Tom flare.

"AND VICTORY GOES TO — GRACE AMBERFROST"

Cheers were erupting from the human stands while the elves just remained quiet.

Adam gave her a reassuring nod of approval. "Told you she'd win."

The sigils stated to shift again.

And this time—

A hush fell.

---

MATCH THREE

Doom (A-rank, Earth & Ice)

vs

Kaelreth Vorn (A-rank Demon, Shadow & Steel)

---

A demon envoy who came with the others but wasn't shown leaned forward.

Kaelreth went towards the arena, he was tall and lean, he had twin shadow-forged blades that were resting at his sides. His eyes were glowing faintly red as he was studying Doom.

"So I'm fighting you huh, I hoped to fight that human that the dragons and the prince noticed."

Doom just slammed his gauntlets together. "Your talking too much."

The barrier was sealed once more.

"BEGIN!"

Kaelreth then vanished, shadows were rippling across the arena floor.

Doom didn't move from his spot.

A blade struck him from behind, only to be blocked by his gauntlets.

CLANG!

Doom parried it pushing Kaelreth back, then he encased his gauntlets with layers of earth and ice.

He struck him square in his chest knocking the wind out of him as he was sent skidding backwards.

His eyes widened.

"Ice?"

Doom advanced forward, this time he was on the offensive.

Kaelreth strikes again, three rapid slashes, shadow was overlapping steel.

Doom blocked them without much effort, his strength and endurance were being shown.

He was blocking.

Parrying and there was no sense of panic on his face.

"Time to end this."

The temperature dropped sharply.

Doom gathered ice around his gauntlets as he slammed both his fists on Kaelreth's limbs, the struck sending him flying as he slammed into the barrier with a single, overwhelming impact.

The runes then flared violently.

"WINNER — DOOM"

The arena fell silent.

The Demons lost again.

And the whispers exploded.

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