Day Two of Arcana Eclipse: Mysteries and Miracles.
The magic arena was bustling with a large crowd.
The main road connecting the royal capital to the magic arena was filled with people flowing in, continuously pouring into the arena.
Essentially, the seating was divided into the first and second floors for commoners, and the third floor for nobility.
Although the tiers were separated, it was normally impossible for commoners and nobles to occupy the same space.
However, this Arcana Eclipse over the past three days was different.
Officially, the event was meant to celebrate the kingdom’s development, regardless of social class.
So, in the magic arena, it was permitted for people from different tiers to watch the event together.
“It’s about to start,” my brother whispered next to me.
My brother, our parents, and I were seated in the third-floor section.
The third floor was filling up rapidly, and the first and second floors were also becoming crowded.
I recall there being more than seventy thousand seats.
That’s an incredible number of people.
It seems that many are looking forward to the event.
“—Now it’s time!”
A clear voice echoed through the magic arena.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the moment has finally arrived! The Arcana Eclipse, held every five years… and among its grandest events, the magic duels will begin! Who will rise to the top among the young noblemen and noblewomen aged ten to fourteen?”
Exciting music started to play.
This would certainly get everyone hyped up.
“There are eighty-two participants! As before, they will be divided into eight groups and fight simultaneously to determine one person who will advance to the main event!”
So, there would be eight preliminary rounds.
“Well then, let’s welcome the contestants!”
At the host’s signal, the young noblemen and noblewomen entered the circular combat area.
The number of young noblemen far outweighed the noblewomen.
There were eight young noblemen and two young noblewomen.
The ten contestants naturally spread out to form a circle.
In combat, especially magic duels, distance is crucial, so they naturally maintain their space.
“Well then, Kraze. I’m off now.”
“Good luck!”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Just don’t get hurt.”
My brother walked away, looking cheerful, bolstered by our words.
His turn would come after the next match.
He needed to head to the waiting room soon to avoid being late.
As for me, I was the last participant, so I still had plenty of time before my match began.
“The rules are the same as always! As long as your barrier isn’t destroyed, you’re fine! You can attack actively or prioritize survival by fleeing—whatever you prefer! You can fight honorably or resort to underhanded tactics… it’s up to you! However! … We take no responsibility for any reputations, so keep that in mind!”
In this magic duel, there seemed to be no real rules.
The only rule was probably that you couldn’t attack someone whose magical barrier had been destroyed.
I was grateful for the lack of stringent regulations.
If there had been a rule against bringing weapons, I would have had to change my fighting style.
After all, my weapon was a sword.
Even if I could engage in hand-to-hand combat due to my fighting spirit, facing a magician without anything was quite troublesome.
Well… it’s starting soon.
I had to focus intently on this match.
Because there was a genius noblewoman participating.
“Let’s begin. In this prestigious first match… who will remain standing until the end!? Start the match!”
The match commenced.
With ten participants, I thought it would be total chaos… but—
“Oh!? A concentrated attack right from the start! Everyone is targeting one noblewoman with their magic!”
Flames, rocks, lightning…
Whether by coincidence or design, everyone began attacking the genius noblewoman.
This was by no means against the rules.
Some might see it as cowardly, but targeting the strong first is a solid strategy.
Especially when that person is a renowned genius noblewoman.
The rational thought is to take them out first.
“It’s the famous genius noblewoman Arcelia Oriondor taking the hits! No matter how talented, can she really withstand this!?”
Certainly, it would be impossible for an average magician to fend off such an onslaught.
The young noblemen and noblewomen casting spells were no slouches either; they had to possess a certain level of skill to be competing in this event.
But she was something else.
She was the genius rumored throughout the kingdom.
From my perspective, it was hard to believe that the genius noblewoman couldn’t withstand these attacks.
“The attacks have stopped, and the smoke has cleared! The magical barrier—hasn’t shattered! Not even a scratch! Is this what being a genius looks like!?”
The entire arena erupted in cheers.
She had managed to block nine simultaneous magical attacks.
While I expected this, it must have been a shocking sight for the general audience.
And of course, she remained unfazed.
Her sculpted face showed no change in expression.
The genius noblewoman continued to walk slowly.
The others seemed to have realized the gap in power and showed no signs of movement.
Every pair of eyes, every ounce of attention, was fixated on the genius noblewoman.
Geniuses are terrifying.
She was the star of the show.
The spectators and the other participants were merely her supporting cast.
Everyone was captivated by her every move.
A unique, suffocating atmosphere swirled around.
The genius noblewoman gently tapped the ground with her toes.
In that instant—
All nine surrounding participants were blown away.
“Haha!”
The arena fell silent.
The nine participants were thrown back and lay on the ground, while only one remained standing in the center.
“—Wha… what just happened!? In just a split second! The battle is over! The winner is the mere ten-year-old girl—genius noblewoman Arcelia Oriondor!”
With the host’s announcement of the match’s end, an explosive cheer erupted.
She stood firm, undisturbed by the overwhelming applause.
Her posture was one worthy of a victor.
She embodied the very concept of genius.
Seemingly uninterested, she nonchalantly turned her back and walked away.
“She’s amazing,” my father murmured, stroking his chin.
“Kraze. Do you think you can win?”
He turned his attention to me, asking.
It wasn’t out of concern.
It was likely just a simple confirmation.
“It’s not about whether I can win or not—I’ll win.”
It wasn’t about whether I seemed likely to win or not.
I had no choice but to win.
My journey had only just begun.
The ideal was still far ahead.
No matter how genius she was… I couldn’t afford to lose to someone like her.
“Fufu, that’s nice,” my father chuckled pleasantly.
Amidst the still-thundering applause, I quietly ignited my fighting spirit.
