The morning sun bathed Eldoria Training Academy in golden light, but today, the usual hum of training and sparring was replaced by something else—anticipation.
Every student stood gathered in the academy courtyard, eyes fixed on the stone podium where Head Instructor Daerius Vael stood, his towering figure casting a long shadow over them. His presence alone was enough to silence the murmuring crowd.
Aiden stood in the back, arms crossed, his stomach twisting. He already knew what today was.
"The Yearly Tournament of Power."
The most important event for young warriors, the tournament was a gateway to prestige and strength. Winners would earn a place in the University of Higher Magic, where only the most talented warriors and mages trained to reach Ascendence and beyond.
Aiden had no expectations. The tournament was for the Awakened. The ones with divine gifts. He didn't belong here.
Daerius cleared his throat, his voice booming over the crowd.
"This year's tournament will be held in Arathis, the capital, in one week's time. As always, those who prove themselves will have a chance to enroll in the University of Higher Magic."
The crowd erupted in cheers. Aiden simply looked down. He wasn't part of that future.
Then, Daerius spoke again.
"...Except for one exception this year."
The cheers stopped.
Every head turned. Aiden's body stiffened as a pit formed in his stomach.
"Varian, step forward."
Aiden's breath hitched.
"Wait… what?"
He could feel dozens of eyes locking onto him. Even Elara, usually composed, raised an eyebrow.
"Go on," she whispered.
Aiden's legs felt like lead as he slowly stepped forward, the entire courtyard watching. The weight of confusion, amusement, and outright disbelief pressed against him.
Daerius' sharp gaze met his. "You've trained harder than anyone here, despite your disadvantage. If you're going to survive in this world, you need to fight."
Then came the laughter.
"You're joking, right?" Darius Vael scoffed. The silver-haired lightning user stood with his arms crossed, his smirk dripping with arrogance. "He doesn't even have a power! What's he gonna do, punch his way to victory?"
Snickers followed.
Aiden felt anger coil in his chest, but he kept his expression blank.
Daerius didn't flinch. "Do you accept?"
Aiden hesitated.
"This is insane. I have no chance."
And yet—this was his only shot.
If he refused, he'd regret it forever.
"...I accept."
The murmurs spread like wildfire.
"Did he just—"
"He's going to get destroyed."
"This is embarrassing."
Daerius nodded. "Then prepare yourself."
Aiden stepped back, ignoring the sea of judgmental stares.
Elara was the only one smiling.
"Took you long enough," she said.
*The next day*
The Arathis Grand Arena was massive—a circular battleground of stone and sand, surrounded by towering spectator stands where thousands had gathered.
Banners of noble families waved in the wind. The Royal Judges sat in a high balcony, observing the battles below.
Aiden stood in the waiting area; tension thick in the air. Around him, warriors sharpened their blades, adjusted their armour, and focused their mana. He was the only one without an aura of power.
"I don't belong here."
"Next match!" the announcer's voice rang through the stadium.
"Elara Noctis vs. Felix Thorn!"
Aiden's breath stilled.
"Elara's up first."
Fight 1: Elara Noctis vs. Felix Thorn
Elara stepped onto the battlefield; her dark violet eyes gleaming with amusement. Her opponent, Felix Thorn, was a fire user—tall, broad-shouldered, and built like a soldier.
The announcer raised his hand. "Begin!"
Felix wasted no time. He slammed his foot into the ground, and flames erupted around him like a tidal wave.
BOOM!
A wall of fire surged forward. The arena trembled.
But Elara was gone.
A shadow darted through the fire, weaving between the flames like a ghost.
Felix's eyes widened. He barely had time to react before Elara materialized behind him, her dagger pressed to his throat.
The match was over in seconds.
"Winner—Elara Noctis!"
The crowd exploded in cheers.
She simply shrugged, flashing Aiden a smirk as she walked off the battlefield.
Fight 2: Darius Vael vs. Ren Haleth
"Next match—Darius Vael vs. Ren Haleth!"
Aiden's jaw tightened.
Darius stepped forward, lightning crackling in his palms. Across from him stood Ren Haleth, a skilled wind user, his silver hair billowing in the breeze.
"Begin!"
Ren was fast. He blurred forward, a whirlwind twisting around his body. But Darius…
Was faster.
With a single step, he vanished.
A split second later—CRACK!
A pillar of solid ice struck Ren in the chest, sending him flying across the arena.
Ren hit the wall, unconscious.
"Winner—Darius Vael!"
Darius grinned, stretching his arms like it was a warm-up. He glanced over at Aiden, his smirk widening.
"Try not to die in your match, yeah?"
Aiden said nothing. He wouldn't give him the satisfaction
Aiden stood in the underground waiting area of the Arathis Grand Arena, where stone walls enclosed hundreds of young warriors waiting for their match. The roars of thousands of spectators rumbled above.
The tournament stage itself was a colossal battleground of stone and sand, surrounded by towering walls and seats packed with cheering nobles, merchants, and warriors. This was where legends were made.
Aiden's hands were cold. He had trained for years, yet never in a real fight. Not like this.
"Next match!" the announcer's voice rang through the arena.
"Aiden Varian versus Callen Reeves!"
His chest tightened. Here we go.
He stepped into the blinding sunlight of the arena, where the audience fell into hushed whispers upon seeing him.
"That's the powerless one, right?"
"Why is he here?"
"Poor kid's about to get wrecked."
Across the stage stood Callen Reeves, a nervous-looking boy with brown hair and shaky hands. He was known for being one of the weakest Awakened. His gift? Plant Manipulation.
Aiden's mind raced.
"I can win this. If I close the distance before he gets control..."
The announcer raised his hand.
"Begin!"
The Fight
Callen immediately raised his hands, and vines shot out from the ground, twisting toward Aiden like living ropes.
Aiden dodged, rolled, and surged forward. His instincts screamed at him to keep moving.
Callen panicked, throwing up more vines. Aiden slipped past them, weaving between attacks before landing a sharp jab to Callen's ribs.
Callen grunted, stumbling back.
The crowd gasped.
Aiden didn't hesitate—he struck again, a solid punch to Callen's chest.
The boy yelped, staggering, but before Aiden could finish him, roots shot up and wrapped around his ankle.
Aiden cursed, jerking his leg free—but that moment of distraction was enough.
A vine lashed across his back, sending him sprawling into the dust.
The crowd roared.
Callen panted, stepping back, fear in his eyes. He hadn't expected to land a hit, and neither had Aiden.
Pain flared up his back, but Aiden gritted his teeth.
"I can't lose. Not here."
He launched himself forward again, ducking under another vine strike. This time, he didn't hold back.
A fist connected with Callen's gut, knocking the wind out of him.
Aiden twisted, slammed his elbow into Callen's shoulder, then swept his legs.
The boy hit the ground hard.
Silence.
The announcer hesitated—then raised his hand.
"Winner—Aiden Varian!"
The arena was dead silent.
Then—murmurs.
"Did he just... win?"
"Without any powers? Against an Awakened?"
"Was it just luck?"
Aiden stood there, chest heaving. His body ached, but he had done it.
He had won.
And that meant one thing.
He was going to the University of Higher Magic.
From shadows, some people were disgusted by the way a commoner won even without using magic, but there were some people who acknowledged him.
"Any reason for the smile on your face young lord?"
"Nah, no reason Henry, it's just that, this commoner is filthily interesting."
…..
Beyond the clouds, unseen by mortal eyes, four celestial beings watched in silence.
"He has taken his first step."
"The balance is shifting."
"Should we do it?"
"No, not now"
And just like that, the gods fell silent.