Morning at Liana's House
Arthur stretched, his muscles still sore from his intense training. As his mind fully awoke, the weight of the day settled in.
"The Sage Trials…" he muttered, sitting up. Today, he would prove himself.
He turned to his side and saw Hyorinmaru curled up, still sleeping—or so he thought. As Arthur reached out to nudge him awake—
Thwack!
Hyorinmaru's tail smacked him straight across the face.
"Ow! What was that for?!" Arthur groaned, clutching his cheek.
The small ice dragon barely opened one eye, his voice sharp and irritated. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I was just trying to wake you up!" Arthur protested.
Hyorinmaru huffed. "I told you not to treat me like a child."
Arthur muttered under his breath, "Says the dragon who has the body of an infant."
Hyorinmaru's eye twitched. "What did you just say?"
"Nothing!" Arthur quickly backtracked, scratching his head awkwardly.
Shaking his head, he stood up. "Come on, we need to get ready. Today is the Sage Trials."
Hyorinmaru lazily floated in the air. "I am always prepared."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, glancing at the dragon with mild disbelief. "Wait, don't you shower?"
The dragon scoffed. "How absurd. I am a Zeraphim. We do not partake in such pointless human rituals. Nor do we require… a toilet.
Arthur blinked. A moment of silence passed.
"...Must be rough," he said sympathetically.
Hyorinmaru's patience snapped. He lunged at Arthur, clamping onto his face.
"Gah—get off me, you little—!" Arthur stumbled, flailing wildly as he tried to pry the dragon off. He tripped, crashing to the floor with a loud thud.
Hyorinmaru finally let go, floating above Arthur with an unimpressed look. "That should teach you to hold your tongue, fool."
Arthur groaned, rubbing his face as he lay on the floor. "This is the worst morning ever…"
Still grumbling, he eventually got up, took a quick shower, and made his way downstairs to find Liana, Luca, and Maria waiting for him. He had a quick breakfast, exchanged some small talk, and finally stepped outside.
As he turned to leave, he paused, glancing back. Liana and Maria stood at the doorway, watching him with warm smiles. Luca gave him a thumbs-up.
Arthur took a deep breath, then nodded.
"See you all soon."
With that, he turned and walked toward his fate.
---
The Noble Realm – The Sage Trials Venue
Felix & Ronan
In the Common Realm, Felix left his house, adjusting the strap of his sword sheath as he stepped onto the cobbled streets.
"You're late," a voice called out.
Felix turned to see Ronan leaning against a wooden post, arms crossed.
"I got held up," Felix replied, grinning.
Ronan snorted. "Excuses. Let's go."
Side by side, they made their way toward the Noble Realm, where the trials would take place.
Seraphina
At the Luminara Mansion, Seraphina stood tall as her family's guards accompanied her to the grand carriage waiting outside.
Her father, Duke Draven, stood at the entrance. His sharp gaze softened ever so slightly.
"Go," he said. "And show them what it means to be a Luminara."
Seraphina bowed respectfully. "I will not disappoint you, Father."
As the carriage rode away, she clutched the hilt of her sword, her eyes burning with silent determination.
Leo Ironheart
At the Ironheart Mansion, Leo knelt before his father, Magnus Ironheart. The legendary sword mage's piercing gaze bore into him.
"Leo," Magnus said, his voice low but commanding. "Stay calm. Stick to what you've learned. Burn everything into your body and soul. You are my son. Go and carve your own path."
Leo's fingers curled into a fist. He took a deep breath.
"Yes, Father."
He stood, turned, and walked out, the weight of his father's expectations pressing upon his shoulders.
Callista & Gareth
At the Vortigen Mansion, Lord Darius Vortigen observed his two children.
"Callista. Gareth." His voice was firm yet filled with pride. "Remember your training. Victory is yours to claim—but do not stray from your path."
The two nodded in unison.
"We won't disappoint you, Father," Callista assured.
Darius smirked. "Go. Make me proud."
---
The Valtoria Mansion
In the grand halls of the Valtoria Mansion, two sisters stood by the window.
Elvelynn tugged at Elizabeth's sleeve. "Big Brother Arthur's trial is today. I wonder how he feels right now…"
Elizabeth smiled softly. "I'm sure he's fine. All we can do now is pray for his victory."
Elvelynn nodded, her expression hopeful.
But their moment was shattered by a sharp, disdainful voice.
"I don't want to hear that disgrace of a son's name in this house," Aldric Valtoria said, stepping into the room.
His cold gaze darkened. "That coward is only embarrassing himself by entering these trials. A failure like him will never amount to anything."
Elizabeth clenched her fists but said nothing. Elvelynn looked away, her small hands trembling.
A silent tension filled the air.
---
The Sage Trials Venue
Arthur arrived at the trial grounds and was immediately in awe.
A colossal hall stood before him, its grand design a testament to the Sage Academy's prestige. At the center lay a vast stage, and at the very front, high-ranking seats remained empty—for now.
Arthur took a deep breath. This is it.
Looking around, he saw children his age gathered, all eager, nervous, or both. As he walked forward, he searched the crowd—
Then, he saw him.
Leo Ironheart.
The moment their eyes met, the air grew heavy. Conversations died down as an unspoken tension filled the space. Some students whispered amongst themselves.
Arthur decided to be the bigger person. He stepped forward, extending his hand.
Leo didn't even spare him a glance. As he walked past, he muttered, "I have no interest in shaking hands with a commoner, much less a fallen noble."
Arthur withdrew his hand, exhaling through his nose. "Still arrogant as ever."
"Arthur!"
A familiar voice cut through the tension. He turned—and saw Felix, waving excitedly as he approached.
Arthur smiled, shaking his head. "Cheerful as always."
Felix grinned. "And you're in a good mood too."
As they exchanged words, Felix gestured behind him. "I want you to meet someone. Ronan, come here!"
Ronan stepped forward, offering a nod. "Ronan Velst. Nice to meet you."
Arthur shook his hand. "Arthur . Likewise."
As they continued chatting, the other nobles began arriving, and soon—the officials entered.
Four men and a woman walked in, each taking their seats at the top with each of their vices captain standing behind them, but it seemed one captain wasn't present.The four Captains of the Sword Mage Order took their places, but all eyes fell on the center figure—the Head Captain.
Even at his age, his presence was overwhelming. His eyes alone carried a weight that silenced the entire room.
One of the captains stood, stepping forward.
"I am Captain Garrick Ironwood of the Sage Order." His voice echoed across the hall. "Welcome to the Sage Trials."
A tense silence followed.
"The rules are simple," the captain continued. "Each match is a one-on-one battle. Victory is achieved by either knocking your opponent down or forcing them to admit defeat. If you lose—you go home."
A young man brought forward a ballot box, distributing numbered cards.
"These numbers determine your opponents," the captain announced. "When I call your name—step forward."
Arthur's heart pounded.
The first name was called.
"Arthur ."
Arthur exhaled and raised his hand.
"Your opponent will be… Damon Cresswell."
A young boy stepped forward, eyes sharp with determination.
Arthur tightened his grip.
The captain's voice rang out—
"BEGIN!"