Once everyone calmed down, Aegon had to explain his achievements properly to them. He wasn't surprised at their reaction, as it was indeed ridiculous to achieve all of this in a single year.

Even he was shocked when he realised how fast he grew because he got serious. Especially since he was working on multiple things.

What would have happened if he poured all of his efforts into a single thing? What if he only focused on the Body Pathway?

Perhaps, Rank 5 wouldn't be out of sight.

So, he understood their reaction. He could also see that they were happy for him, though, so that certainly brought a smile to his face.

"I knew my hubby is too awesome for this world! Marry me!"

Rosa was practically gushing over him, but Elara held her back from jumping on Aegon. It was a comical display, making everyone laugh.

"Still, your growth really is ridiculous." Elara said, smiling. "I didn't think you would even become RuneMaster so fast."

"I had a goal!" Aegon chuckled and said. "Also, not many know of this, so we can use this to our advantage. Our trump card. Usually, using Rune Formations in battles is a bad idea unless prepared beforehand because they take time. But this game makes it so that the battles are longer."

"Yes. Now that I think about it, our team is quite fierce," Cali said, glancing at others. "I think we can compete for the top position."

"That has been my goal since the start, Cali. You really think I will settle for anything less?" Aegon smirked. "If I'm doing something, I intend to go all out and win it."

"I just thought maybe we'll just beat others. Winning is tough because of them," Cali said, pointing towards the screen.

The first game had already begun. The participants were familiar to Aegon. Actually everyone knew them already.

The Gentle Prince, Raphael, was also participating, representing the Ash Domain. In his opposite was a team consisting of unknown people, likely belonging to some weaker House.

Anyone with a glance could tell the outcome before the games even started. After all, Raphael's team consisted of Rank 5 Knights and 5-Star Mages. Their main fighter was a Rank 6 Knight.

The line-up was insane for an Academy team, representing the absolute top of it. They were the best the Academy had to offer and also the ones who mostly would join the Imperial Family.

Before them, the Snow Domain looked utterly weak even though their line-up had Rank 4 Knights and 4-Star Mages. It simply wasn't enough to compete with the Ash Domain.

The room turned silent as they all watched the first matchup with full attention, even after knowing the outcome already.

Just as they expected, Prince Raphael's team bulldozed their way, destroying every turret in their path. Even in their weakened state, they easily killed all the players of the Snow Domain.

Eventually, they reached the base after destroying the turrets, claiming it as theirs.

In the next moment, the Dragon statue shattered into pieces, as clouds of gray ashes flew across the battlefield, bringing forth the wake of ashes everywhere.

Spider webs formed on the walls, as the whole battlefield was covered in gray ashes, taking over the Snow Domain completely.

As the Ash Domain was declared victor, everyone vanished from their position. Time seemed to rewind itself, as the ash clouds returned back, and snow burst out of the base domes, reclaiming its area once again as statues and turrets also formed once again.

In seconds, the scenery was once again as it had been before.

"I will fight to the end!" Cali said, staring at the screen. "But I'm also a realist. Winning against these teams is extremely hard. The gap between ranks just continues to grow, so reaching them with our lack of time is very tough."

"But time itself bends over for talent and hard work," Elara said, smiling. "With our current team, we stand a fair chance of winning."

"That reminds me, what's your status, El?" Xavier asked, suddenly curious.

"Wait! I didn't even tell my affinities," Aegon said with a teasing smile.

"Affinities! Not affinity! Fucking plural form!" Xavier threw a water glass at him and responded angrily. "Shut up! We already know you have a treasure trove of affinities. Even Light."

"Are you jealous?" Rosa asked, also having a teasing tone.

"Of course I am!" Xavier didn't even shy away from admitting. "Unlike you all, my talent is poor and I only have one simple affinity, so I can only work hard in it. If he even takes that from me, I'm completely useless. How can I stay in this team then?"

'Ah! So it wasn't just my hard work which motivated him. It's his insecurities too!' Aegon realised it, as he smiled. "Buddy, does overthinking run deep in your bloodline?"

"Eh? What do you mean?"

"Don't overcomplicate stuff." Aegon replied calmly. "I haven't even mastered many Light Spells because I know you'll be there to heal me. So don't worry, the team isn't abandoning you."

"Yes, stop doubting everyone so much, little brother," Cali nodded.

"You're the one to talk on this!" Xavier snorted.

"Want a beating?"

"Nope! My sister is the greatest."

"Good!"

Aegon noticed a smile forming on Xavier's face amidst their argument and smiled himself too. Then he turned towards Elara and said, "We are curious, though. So do tell us your status."

He could use his [Eyes of Primordial Appraiser] to see through her information, but he didn't intend to use them to invade his friend's privacy.

"5-Star Mage." Elara answered calmly. "And Rank 4 Knight."

"Xiu's magic is working everywhere, huh!" Aegon commented.

"Yes, Mom was hellbent on making me learn both because she regretted not doing it," Elara nodded in reply. "She told me to learn from Aunt Xiu, but only about her powers, not her personality."

"I don't wanna get in between friends, so I'll keep my mouth shut."

Just as he finished speaking, he received a notification on the screen. Their match was the third one. There were a total of sixty-four teams, each paired up at random to face others.

"Oh, get ready, guys! It's almost our turn!" Aegon grinned and said. "Let's show the world what we're made of."

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