The aftermath of the battle between Leon Valerius and Cedric Ravel shook the academy.
After Leon collapsed from exhaustion, the instructors wasted no time sending him to the infirmary, where skilled healers and high-grade potions worked to restore his body.
Though Cedric had also suffered injuries, his were minor compared to the brutal strain Leon had put himself through.
For nearly an entire day, Leon remained unconscious, his body recovering from the severe overuse of mana and divine blessings.
When he finally woke up—
His name had already spread across the entire academy.
*****
Someone had recorded the fight.
A high-quality video of the match had been posted on the Grand Arcanum Academy Network, the official site where students discussed events, duels, and rankings.
The footage spread like wildfire, quickly becoming the most-watched video in recent weeks.
The comment sections were filled with heated discussions:
<"That fight was insane! Leon actually broke through Cedric's gravity magic!"
<"I thought Cedric had it in the bag. Who knew Leon could push that far?"
<"This year's first-years are ridiculous. First Alistair, now Leon. What's next?"
<"I still think Cedric was stronger, but Leon's resilience is terrifying."
<"Does this mean Leon is the strongest first-year?"
<"No, not a chance"
The academy had already recognized Leon as a talented swordsman, but this fight solidified his reputation.
Even among third-years, Leon's name was being brought up.
His raw power and unshakable will had impressed students and instructors alike.
However, the fight didn't just change Leon's reputation—it also shifted how people viewed Cedric.
Instead of humiliation, Cedric had gained recognition for his talent. His mastery of Ice, Holy, and Gravity Magic made it clear that he wasn't just another noble—he was a powerhouse in the making.
Rather than a one-sided defeat, it had been an honorable battle between two rising stars.
Even the instructors took notice.
Several professors openly praised both fighters, and whispers circulated that both Leon and Cedric would be prime candidates for elite duels in the future.
****
Among the many students affected by the fight, Serena Vale was perhaps the most conflicted.
Before this, she had seen Leon as reckless, arrogant, and a typical noble seeking glory.
But after witnessing his fight with Cedric, that image had begun to crack.
She couldn't deny it—Leon fought with everything he had.
His determination, his willingness to endure pain, his absolute refusal to give up—
It wasn't just for himself.
It was for her.
And it made her wonder—
What drives him?
In the days following his recovery, Serena found herself crossing paths with Leon more often.
They would sit near each other in the cafeteria.
Their beasts, Leon's Thunderfang Griffon and Serena's Celestial Dove, often played together.
Sometimes, they ended up training in the same areas, sparring under the guidance of instructors.
It wasn't intentional at first.
But as time passed, their interactions became more frequent.
And before she even realized it—
She had stopped avoiding him.
*****
The few days after Leon's fight with Cedric blurred together in a whirlwind of classes, training, and preparation.
The first month of the academy was always intense, designed to break weak students and refine those who could endure.
Magic Theory & Combat – Professor Aerith Sylphara drilled them on mana manipulation and combat casting.
Physical Combat & Sparring – Instructor Ignatius Pyros pushed their bodies to the brink of exhaustion.
Beast Taming Lessons – Instructor Aldric Faelan guided them on strengthening their bonded beasts.
Strategy & Battlefield Tactics – Various instructors tested their ability to think critically under pressure.
Some students thrived. Others struggled.
And some—like Leon, Alistair, and the rest of the elite students—only became stronger.
The academy was no longer just about learning.
It was about proving oneself.
Most of first years had their breakthrough in past days. Most of them brokethrough F+ to E- rank or so on.
On other hand most of first year elite students already brokethrough D- rank like rael and leon himself, and others following behind closely.
Because everyone wants to be their strongest in first ranking test of acadmy which will determine their rank and privileges.
And soon—the first test would arrive.
At the end of every month, Grand Arcanum Academy held a major Ranking Test, evaluating each student's progress.
These tests determined:
Ranking Placement – Students were assigned numerical rankings based on their performance.
Resource Allocation – Higher-ranked students gained access to better equipment, training rooms, and personal mentors.
Potential Advancement – The strongest students could skip ahead in their courses and receive special combat training.
It was a battle assessment.
A test to determine who among them truly deserved to stand at the top.
And with so many powerful first-years this time, the instructors were expecting fireworks.
One week remained before the Ranking Test.
And everyone was preparing.
****
Leon sat in his dorm, staring at his greatsword.
He had recovered.
His strength had increased.
But there was still one person he needed to surpass.
His grip tightened.
Alistair Vaelthorne…
To Be Continued…