Time passed like a fleeting dream for Neah, who now stood at the threshold of his second year in the academy, having turned fourteen. Despite a year of unwavering dedication to his training and studies, he still couldn't see any noticeable progress. Frustration gnawed at him, driving him to intensify his efforts further. Each morning, before the sun even rose, he could be found training and honing his mana control, leaving himself with barely enough time to rest, let alone indulge in his beloved reading.
Time went by in a blink, and Neah's once lively eyes began to lose their sparkle. With each day that passed, the weight of his own expectations and the shadow of his family's accomplishments seemed to grow heavier.
One day, after returning to his room, Neah found a letter from his family. As he read it, he was reminded of his siblings' achievements, and a mix of emotions surged within him. Feeling the weight of his own shortcomings, he crumbled the letter and threw it aside, unable to bear the comparison any longer. Neah penned a reply to his family, assuring them that he was doing well and that he would take care of himself.
As he left his room to send the letter, he unknowingly stepped on countless other crumpled letters scattered across the floor, a visual representation of the frustration and self-doubt that had been building up inside him.
On his way to the training ground, Neah was unexpectedly accosted by a noble girl whose face he couldn't quite place. She claimed that they had met two years ago at a tavern, and he had refused to give up their seat. Though Neah vaguely remembered the incident, he had no desire to engage in small talk. Politely apologizing for not recalling the encounter, he attempted to walk away, but the girl introduced herself as Princess Elara Astoria, the daughter of the king.
Neah was taken aback but remained composed. As she noticed him holding a sword, she assumed he was a knight. She boldly declared that she would face him in the upcoming tournament for second-year students who were about to graduate.
The encounter left Neah feeling annoyed. Princess Elara's arrogance and the reminder of the tournament stirred conflicting emotions within him. Part of him resented being judged solely on his combat prowess, as if his worth were reduced to how well he fought. But on the other hand, the mention of the tournament piqued his curiosity. It had been two years since their supposed meeting, and he wondered how much he had truly grown in that time. Perhaps this tournament would be an opportunity to gauge his progress and discover the extent of his abilities.
A week before the upcoming tournament, Neah sought out his older twin siblings, Gabriel and Gabriella. He went to their dorm to ask them some questions about magic, hoping to gain insights that might help him in the tournament.
After exchanging warm greetings and catching up on each other's lives, Neah finally brought up his inquiries. "Hey, I've been wondering about something regarding magic," he began. "What happens if a caster doesn't have enough mana to cast a particular spell but has an external source of mana to compensate for the lack of mana?"
Gabriel, ever the knowledgeable one, replied, "Ah, that's an interesting question. There have been instances where two mages cast higher-tier spells together, even though individually, they couldn't. By combining their mana, they managed to achieve what was beyond their individual capabilities."
Gabriella added, "Indeed. It's called collaborative spellcasting, and it's a fascinating aspect of magic. Two mages can pool their mana together to accomplish feats they couldn't achieve alone."
Neah's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "What if someone could absorb mana, like from mana crystals, while casting a spell? Would that work?"
Gabriel and Gabriella exchanged knowing glances before Gabriel spoke again. "Theoretically, it could work," he said. "But it would be risky. If the absorption is unstable, the caster might experience mana overload and risk an internal explosion. Even if it does work, the spell's efficiency and power output would likely be compromised."
"But don't worry too much about it for now," Gabriella reassured him. "As you grow stronger and delve deeper into your studies, you'll come to understand these intricacies better."
The day of the tournament finally arrived. Neah, alongside other second-year students, entered the grand arena, his expression more serious than before. Anticipation filled him, but it was a focused kind of anticipation. The atmosphere crackled with energy as students from different classes gathered to showcase their abilities.
Neah's siblings watched him from afar, their eyes keenly observing the subtle changes in his demeanor. The carefree child they once knew was no more. In his place stood a young man driven by determination and resolve.
As the tournament commenced, only a couple of hundred students from each department participated, and they were divided into several groups. Neah found himself assigned to Group B, along with around 80 other students.
In the moments leading up to his first match, Neah couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and excitement. The weight of the tournament's importance bore down on him, and he couldn't shake off the thought of what would happen if he were to lose in the very first fight. He stole a glance at his siblings watching from the crowd, and the sight of their expectant gazes only added to the pressure he felt.
Finally, Neah's name was called, and he stepped into the grand arena, his heart pounding in his chest. His opponent is also a knight, a noble kid whose name and face were unfamiliar to him, stood before him. But Neah knew that the opponent's identity was inconsequential; all that mattered was the result of this battle.
Drawing upon his training and instincts, Neah assumed a defensive stance and began to approach his opponent slowly. The tension in the arena was palpable, and his adversary seemed unable to find a single opening in Neah's stance. The crowd held its breath as Neah methodically closed the gap between them, leaving his opponent with no choice but to make the first move.
With a thrust of his blade, the noble kid aimed for Neah's neck, but in one fluid motion, Neah sidestepped and gracefully kicked his opponent's right foot, throwing him off balance. Before the noble kid could regain his composure, Neah swiftly pointed his blade at his opponent's neck, and the victory was declared in his favor.
The audience, the judges, and even Neah's siblings watched in awe, stunned by the display of skill and finesse they had just witnessed. It was a victory that seemed almost too effortless, yet undeniably masterful.
As Neah retreated to the waiting room, his mind was in turmoil. "What was that!?" he questioned himself repeatedly. For twenty minutes straight, he grappled with the incomprehensible feat he had just achieved. Yet, there was little time for reflection, as he was called to the arena once more.
As Neah stepped into the arena once more, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions – happiness for his victories so far and frustration bubbling beneath the surface. He had fought and won two more matches after his first one, each showcasing his skill and determination.
In his second match, he faced an opponent with a reputation for lightning-fast strikes. Neah relied on his defensive prowess and strategic movements, patiently waiting for the right moment to counter. With a precise parry and a swift riposte, he emerged triumphant.
The third match presented its own challenges. His opponent was a cunning mage known for intricate spell combinations. Neah had to rely on his quick reflexes and adaptability to navigate the magical onslaught. With a burst of speed and a clever disruption of the mage's concentration, he secured another win, once again highlighting his relentless determination to succeed.
He prepared himself to face his final opponent in the preliminary rounds. His next opponent was a frail-looking noble girl, giving off the impression of a mage with her appearance.
As the referee signaled the start of their fight, the girl summoned a rock golem. Neah's heart skipped a beat as he remembered that golems could be tricky opponents to face. He decided not to rush into things and instead observed her actions carefully.
The golem charged relentlessly, launching a series of attacks at Neah. He focused on blocking and evading the golem's strikes, but his mind was once again lost in thought. Amidst the battle, a realization struck him.
Neah glared at the girl from a distance, almost forgetting the golem's relentless assault. With a single swift move, he dismantled the golem, leaving the girl startled. In the blink of an eye, Neah closed the distance between them, leaving the girl frightened and defeated. Before Neah could say a word, she hastily forfeited the match.
Anger and frustration burned in Neah's eyes as he stood silently, trying to make sense of his emotions. The victories he had achieved so easily only served to highlight the vast difference between him and his opponents. He had hoped for formidable adversaries, something that would challenge him and push him to grow. Instead, he was faced with opponents who seemed so far below the level of strength he had come to expect from the world of nobles.
"Why, why, why, why!?" Neah's mind echoed in frustration as he paced back and forth inside his room. "Weak, weak, weak, weak! They are so weak!?" The events of the day, the victories he had achieved so effortlessly, replayed in his mind over and over again. But instead of feeling elation, a deep sense of dissatisfaction gnawed at him.
He questioned himself relentlessly, wondering if these opponents truly belonged to noble families. He knew the presence of aura and mana control he had seen in the knights and mages he defeated was a sign of talent, yet they seemed so different from his siblings.
Throughout the night, Neah's thoughts revolved around this internal conflict. He couldn't comprehend why these nobles, with their privileged backgrounds, were not living up to his expectations. Were they really the children of the noble houses they claimed to be? The doubt lingered in his mind, and he found himself lost in the intricacies of comparison.
Unknowingly, Neah had been inadvertently comparing the other students' capabilities with his siblings' exceptional talents. In his quest to measure his own progress, he failed to recognize the effort he had put into honing his skills. He was so focused on his own perceived shortcomings that he failed to see the growth and expertise he had gained over the years.
He neglected the fact that despite his physical and magical weaknesses compared to some of his opponents, he had learned to rely on skill and experience to face adversaries far stronger than himself. The battles he had fought in the past, the countless hours of training, and the determination to never back down from a challenge had made him a formidable opponent.
As he compared those around him to his siblings, Neah couldn't help but find the notion laughable. His family, the house of extraordinary talent, was in a league of their own. They were like monsters among men, surpassing everyone's expectations. It was unfair to place the other noble students on the same pedestal without acknowledging the vast difference in their backgrounds.
Yet, despite the awareness of this truth, Neah's frustration lingered. The tournament, which was supposed to be a test of his growth and progress, now felt like an empty victory. The victories he had attained didn't bring him the satisfaction he craved. Instead, they only emphasized the disparity between his family's incomparable talents and the limitations of the noble students around him.
As frustrations continued to infect his mind, he lay down to rest, knowing that tomorrow would bring the semi-finals of the tournament. Hoping for a change, he closed his eyes, yearning to face an opponent who would reaffirm that his efforts were not in vain.
Time passed like a fleeting dream for Neah, who now stood at the threshold of his second year in the academy, having turned fourteen. Despite a year of unwavering dedication to his training and studies, he still couldn't see any noticeable progress. Frustration gnawed at him, driving him to intensify his efforts further. Each morning, before the sun even rose, he could be found training and honing his mana control, leaving himself with barely enough time to rest, let alone indulge in his beloved reading.
Time went by in a blink, and Neah's once lively eyes began to lose their sparkle. With each day that passed, the weight of his own expectations and the shadow of his family's accomplishments seemed to grow heavier.
One day, after returning to his room, Neah found a letter from his family. As he read it, he was reminded of his siblings' achievements, and a mix of emotions surged within him. Feeling the weight of his own shortcomings, he crumbled the letter and threw it aside, unable to bear the comparison any longer. Neah penned a reply to his family, assuring them that he was doing well and that he would take care of himself.
As he left his room to send the letter, he unknowingly stepped on countless other crumpled letters scattered across the floor, a visual representation of the frustration and self-doubt that had been building up inside him.
On his way to the training ground, Neah was unexpectedly accosted by a noble girl whose face he couldn't quite place. She claimed that they had met two years ago at a tavern, and he had refused to give up their seat. Though Neah vaguely remembered the incident, he had no desire to engage in small talk. Politely apologizing for not recalling the encounter, he attempted to walk away, but the girl introduced herself as Princess Elara Astoria, the daughter of the king.
Neah was taken aback but remained composed. As she noticed him holding a sword, she assumed he was a knight. She boldly declared that she would face him in the upcoming tournament for second-year students who were about to graduate.
The encounter left Neah feeling annoyed. Princess Elara's arrogance and the reminder of the tournament stirred conflicting emotions within him. Part of him resented being judged solely on his combat prowess, as if his worth were reduced to how well he fought. But on the other hand, the mention of the tournament piqued his curiosity. It had been two years since their supposed meeting, and he wondered how much he had truly grown in that time. Perhaps this tournament would be an opportunity to gauge his progress and discover the extent of his abilities.
A week before the upcoming tournament, Neah sought out his older twin siblings, Gabriel and Gabriella. He went to their dorm to ask them some questions about magic, hoping to gain insights that might help him in the tournament.
After exchanging warm greetings and catching up on each other's lives, Neah finally brought up his inquiries. "Hey, I've been wondering about something regarding magic," he began. "What happens if a caster doesn't have enough mana to cast a particular spell but has an external source of mana to compensate for the lack of mana?"
Gabriel, ever the knowledgeable one, replied, "Ah, that's an interesting question. There have been instances where two mages cast higher-tier spells together, even though individually, they couldn't. By combining their mana, they managed to achieve what was beyond their individual capabilities."
Gabriella added, "Indeed. It's called collaborative spellcasting, and it's a fascinating aspect of magic. Two mages can pool their mana together to accomplish feats they couldn't achieve alone."
Neah's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "What if someone could absorb mana, like from mana crystals, while casting a spell? Would that work?"
Gabriel and Gabriella exchanged knowing glances before Gabriel spoke again. "Theoretically, it could work," he said. "But it would be risky. If the absorption is unstable, the caster might experience mana overload and risk an internal explosion. Even if it does work, the spell's efficiency and power output would likely be compromised."
"But don't worry too much about it for now," Gabriella reassured him. "As you grow stronger and delve deeper into your studies, you'll come to understand these intricacies better."
The day of the tournament finally arrived. Neah, alongside other second-year students, entered the grand arena, his expression more serious than before. Anticipation filled him, but it was a focused kind of anticipation. The atmosphere crackled with energy as students from different classes gathered to showcase their abilities.
Neah's siblings watched him from afar, their eyes keenly observing the subtle changes in his demeanor. The carefree child they once knew was no more. In his place stood a young man driven by determination and resolve.
As the tournament commenced, only a couple of hundred students from each department participated, and they were divided into several groups. Neah found himself assigned to Group B, along with around 80 other students.
In the moments leading up to his first match, Neah couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and excitement. The weight of the tournament's importance bore down on him, and he couldn't shake off the thought of what would happen if he were to lose in the very first fight. He stole a glance at his siblings watching from the crowd, and the sight of their expectant gazes only added to the pressure he felt.
Finally, Neah's name was called, and he stepped into the grand arena, his heart pounding in his chest. His opponent is also a knight, a noble kid whose name and face were unfamiliar to him, stood before him. But Neah knew that the opponent's identity was inconsequential; all that mattered was the result of this battle.
Drawing upon his training and instincts, Neah assumed a defensive stance and began to approach his opponent slowly. The tension in the arena was palpable, and his adversary seemed unable to find a single opening in Neah's stance. The crowd held its breath as Neah methodically closed the gap between them, leaving his opponent with no choice but to make the first move.
With a thrust of his blade, the noble kid aimed for Neah's neck, but in one fluid motion, Neah sidestepped and gracefully kicked his opponent's right foot, throwing him off balance. Before the noble kid could regain his composure, Neah swiftly pointed his blade at his opponent's neck, and the victory was declared in his favor.
The audience, the judges, and even Neah's siblings watched in awe, stunned by the display of skill and finesse they had just witnessed. It was a victory that seemed almost too effortless, yet undeniably masterful.
As Neah retreated to the waiting room, his mind was in turmoil. "What was that!?" he questioned himself repeatedly. For twenty minutes straight, he grappled with the incomprehensible feat he had just achieved. Yet, there was little time for reflection, as he was called to the arena once more.
As Neah stepped into the arena once more, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions – happiness for his victories so far and frustration bubbling beneath the surface. He had fought and won two more matches after his first one, each showcasing his skill and determination.
In his second match, he faced an opponent with a reputation for lightning-fast strikes. Neah relied on his defensive prowess and strategic movements, patiently waiting for the right moment to counter. With a precise parry and a swift riposte, he emerged triumphant.
The third match presented its own challenges. His opponent was a cunning mage known for intricate spell combinations. Neah had to rely on his quick reflexes and adaptability to navigate the magical onslaught. With a burst of speed and a clever disruption of the mage's concentration, he secured another win, once again highlighting his relentless determination to succeed.
He prepared himself to face his final opponent in the preliminary rounds. His next opponent was a frail-looking noble girl, giving off the impression of a mage with her appearance.
As the referee signaled the start of their fight, the girl summoned a rock golem. Neah's heart skipped a beat as he remembered that golems could be tricky opponents to face. He decided not to rush into things and instead observed her actions carefully.
The golem charged relentlessly, launching a series of attacks at Neah. He focused on blocking and evading the golem's strikes, but his mind was once again lost in thought. Amidst the battle, a realization struck him.
Neah glared at the girl from a distance, almost forgetting the golem's relentless assault. With a single swift move, he dismantled the golem, leaving the girl startled. In the blink of an eye, Neah closed the distance between them, leaving the girl frightened and defeated. Before Neah could say a word, she hastily forfeited the match.
Anger and frustration burned in Neah's eyes as he stood silently, trying to make sense of his emotions. The victories he had achieved so easily only served to highlight the vast difference between him and his opponents. He had hoped for formidable adversaries, something that would challenge him and push him to grow. Instead, he was faced with opponents who seemed so far below the level of strength he had come to expect from the world of nobles.
"Why, why, why, why!?" Neah's mind echoed in frustration as he paced back and forth inside his room. "Weak, weak, weak, weak! They are so weak!?" The events of the day, the victories he had achieved so effortlessly, replayed in his mind over and over again. But instead of feeling elation, a deep sense of dissatisfaction gnawed at him.
He questioned himself relentlessly, wondering if these opponents truly belonged to noble families. He knew the presence of aura and mana control he had seen in the knights and mages he defeated was a sign of talent, yet they seemed so different from his siblings.
Throughout the night, Neah's thoughts revolved around this internal conflict. He couldn't comprehend why these nobles, with their privileged backgrounds, were not living up to his expectations. Were they really the children of the noble houses they claimed to be? The doubt lingered in his mind, and he found himself lost in the intricacies of comparison.
Unknowingly, Neah had been inadvertently comparing the other students' capabilities with his siblings' exceptional talents. In his quest to measure his own progress, he failed to recognize the effort he had put into honing his skills. He was so focused on his own perceived shortcomings that he failed to see the growth and expertise he had gained over the years.
He neglected the fact that despite his physical and magical weaknesses compared to some of his opponents, he had learned to rely on skill and experience to face adversaries far stronger than himself. The battles he had fought in the past, the countless hours of training, and the determination to never back down from a challenge had made him a formidable opponent.
As he compared those around him to his siblings, Neah couldn't help but find the notion laughable. His family, the house of extraordinary talent, was in a league of their own. They were like monsters among men, surpassing everyone's expectations. It was unfair to place the other noble students on the same pedestal without acknowledging the vast difference in their backgrounds.
Yet, despite the awareness of this truth, Neah's frustration lingered. The tournament, which was supposed to be a test of his growth and progress, now felt like an empty victory. The victories he had attained didn't bring him the satisfaction he craved. Instead, they only emphasized the disparity between his family's incomparable talents and the limitations of the noble students around him.
As frustrations continued to infect his mind, he lay down to rest, knowing that tomorrow would bring the semi-finals of the tournament. Hoping for a change, he closed his eyes, yearning to face an opponent who would reaffirm that his efforts were not in vain.
