Finally, they arrived at the combat arena, divided into four spacious platforms where third-year students were training intensely. Lusian noticed that each platform was occupied by a different class. Carla took the opportunity to explain:

  "At the academy, classes are named according to year and strength," she said. "The number indicates the year: one for first year, three for third. The letter A represents the top students—the strongest. So, a 3A is the elite group of third-year students, while 1B would be a first-year class still developing."

  Lusian nodded, beginning to understand the hierarchy that would define much of his academic life from now on.

  "This platform will be assigned to you," Carla continued. "You'll train here every day, and all qualifying duels will take place on this stage. Each class has its own area, but if you want to practice with students from other classes, coordinate with your instructors."

  As Lusian observed, Kara—who had been watching him with sharp, calculating eyes since they entered—approached the 1A group with firm, confident steps.

  "Welcome to the academy," she said, her mocking smile unable to soften the edge in her gaze. "As the teacher said, you can ask me for guidance if you need it. And if anyone wants to train… step forward."

  Kasper Bourlance frowned and stepped up. "Kara, it's the first day. There's no need to hurt anyone yet."

  "Shut up, Kasper," she snapped. "Isn't there anyone brave enough to try? Lusian, how about you?"

  Lusian looked up, startled and confused. "Me? But… I… what did I do to deserve this?" he thought.

  Kara crossed her arms, teasing and defiant."I didn't know the Douglas family had cowards. Then, I challenge you to a qualifying duel."

  Lusian swallowed hard. The word qualifying sounded like immediate danger. "A qualifying duel? What… is that?" he asked, buying time as he assessed his options.

  Carla intervened calmly, as if reading his thoughts:"It's an assessment we use at the academy to measure each student's strength, regardless of year. Qualifying duels identify the strongest and determine their place in the hierarchy. Here, skill, strategy, and endurance are tested—it's not just a fight; it's a way to see who truly stands out."

  She added with a professional, calm smile:"This tournament was originally designed for upper years, but first-years can also participate. Being among the top fifteen students in the academy is an honor that tests skill, strategy, and endurance. Do your best, Lusian."

  Lusian ran a hand over his forehead. How did I end up in this if I haven't done anything? Still, he accepted firmly, knowing there was no turning back. "Alright… tell me the rules," he said at last.

  Master Enzo Kesller, tall and broad, with a calculating gaze, stepped forward."No magical artifacts allowed; all abilities must come from yourself.Uniforms have a level-five defensive enchantment; no additional protection is permitted.The duel is non-lethal; only fractures or cuts are allowed.You'll use academy-issued weapons, without edges or enhancements.And Lusian, your magical beast will not participate this time."

  Kara smirked mockingly. "Don't go crying because you can't bring your pet."

  Lusian held her gaze, determined. "I can fight without Umber."

  Class 1A emptied as students crowded the balconies and hallways to watch. Among the most attentive were Andrew and Alejandro, recalling past battles against Kara and the injuries she had inflicted. The tension was palpable: nobody expected an easy fight.

  After Carla's final safety inspection, Lusian and Kara took their positions in the center of the combat platform, surrounded by the expectant gazes of their classmates. Enzo gave the signal, and the duel began.

  Kara struck first. Her movements were swift and precise, aiming for Lusian's head. He barely had time to react, deflecting the strike by mere inches. Internally, he thanked Albert for his rigorous training—without it, he would have been taken down in the first exchange.

  Wasting no time, Lusian unleashed his first series of dark mana spells: spears and glowing orbs slicing through the air with speed and precision. Kara blocked each one flawlessly, proving she did not rely on tricks or magic alone to maintain her advantage.

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  "I can't let her keep distance," Lusian thought, assessing the situation. "Her attack power is devastating if she gains full momentum. Staying close is crucial, even if it limits my spell range."

  Kara began to notice that Lusian was no beginner. His movements were fluid and calculated, and his combination of sword and magic showed advanced training. This kid is more dangerous than I expected, she thought. Lusian, in turn, realized Kara wasn't as unpredictable as he remembered from the "game"; formidable, yes, but with detectable patterns.

  The fight intensified. Kara unleashed an area attack that would have knocked down any average student, but Lusian held his ground, blocking, deflecting, and absorbing every strike with precision. Finally, she pushed him back enough to create distance, preparing her most powerful attack.

  Lusian reacted immediately. He cast a distraction spell: a sphere of energy exploded just in front of Kara, momentarily stunning her. Seizing the opportunity, he executed the counterattack Albert had taught him: raising his sword as Kara lowered hers, he deflected her blow and shattered her weapon in the clash.

  Taking advantage of the opening, Lusian struck with the sword's pommel, knocking her unconscious to the ground. Absolute silence fell over the arena as everyone processed what had happened.

  "Lusian wins!" Enzo announced firmly. "The qualifying duel is over."

  Caleb, Lusian's older half-brother and the designated heir to the duchy, watched with a mix of awe and fear. Seeing his younger brother defeat Kara with ease made him question his own superiority. He remembered all too well his own defeat at Kara's hands: multiple broken bones and three days bedridden. Lusian winning his first duel was a blow to his pride and a humiliating reminder that strength could be inherited, not just earned.

  Jean the Mondring, from Class 2A and Albert's niece, instantly recognized Lusian's techniques—they clearly came from her uncle's rigorous training. Feeling a mix of pity and admiration, she knew how demanding Albert was; she had struggled herself to reach 14th place in the academy rankings and be considered a sword prodigy.

  Elizabeth, watching from the third-floor balcony, smiled as she saw Lusian prove his worth. Every move reflected talent, focus, and determination, showing he hadn't reached 1A by accident.

  Magnus Bourlance observed his niece's humiliating defeat. Rather than anger, he saw it as a lesson that would help her grow, strengthen her character, and learn from her mistakes. Defeat was not just a blow to pride—it was an opportunity to mature as both a fighter and a person.

  Lusian stepped down from the platform, his right hand still trembling from Kara's strike. He knew a full hit would have left him seriously injured. Every muscle was on high alert, a reminder of the fine line between strength and technique.

  Emily approached, brow furrowed in concern."Are you okay, Lusian?" she asked softly, hesitant to get too close.

  "It was tough," Lusian said, taking a deep breath. "One wrong move and I would have been done for. If I'd hesitated a second longer to deflect her final strike, I would have lost."

  Emily tried to ease the tension."I heard Kara always breaks the bones of those who train with her."

  "Her strength is monstrous," Lusian said, clenching his fists as adrenaline still coursed through him. "I don't want to face her again if I can avoid it."

  "I understand," Emily said, smiling softly, though her eyes reflected respect—and a little fear—for what she'd just witnessed.

  Lusian looked at her for a moment before asking in frustration, "Why does that crazy girl hate me so much?"

  Emily lowered her head, choosing her words carefully."Many people were upset with you for using magical beasts and winning the hunting tournament. The Bourlance family had been competing for years; your victory broke expectations and sparked resentment."

  Lusian nodded slowly, understanding the situation. The Bourlances competed year after year to maintain their prestige, and he had inadvertently disrupted that balance. His win with the help of magical beasts had bruised egos and awakened envy. Now he understood Kara's irrational hatred: a mix of wounded pride, jealousy, and the need to reassert competitiveness.

  Carla continued the tour as if nothing had happened, her calm smile showing that this year's competition would be intense and exciting. Finally, they arrived at the academy's ranking mural.

  "Having your name here is the highest honor, for you and your families," Carla said solemnly, pointing to the names inscribed in gold letters. "This mural doesn't just reflect skill; it reflects the reputation every warrior and mage builds during their time at the academy."

  Lusian approached, eyes scanning the list of warriors and mages. There was Kara, his last opponent, in third place. Now, after his victory, his own name appeared: the third-strongest warrior in the entire academy. A position that placed him firmly in the elite and obligated him to accept all duels requested, and when ready, challenge those above him.

  Caleb, standing at a distance, watched with a mix of awe and restrained unease. As heir of the Douglas duchy and Lusian's half-brother, seeing his younger sibling surpass him in skill and control made him feel vulnerable. His silence masked respect, fear, and humiliation; hereditary supremacy guaranteed real strength. He knew genetics were also against him: Lusian had inherited his mother's strongest affinity, while he only reached a lower level.

  Lusian furrowed his brow, thoughtful."Do I really have to accept every duel they request?" he asked, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

  "Yes," Carla said firmly. "That is one of the obligations of the best: to help the weaker grow and maintain balance within the academy."

  Lusian nodded, realizing that every victory not only positioned him in the academy, but also began to reshape the dynamics of both family and kingdom power. Every duel, every victory, every strategy brought him closer to a position that even his father, Duke Laurence, could not ignore.