Extra Of The Magus Academy

The grand hall of the Akashic Academy was alive with energy, more vibrant and bustling than it had been even during the opening ceremony.

Rows upon rows of elevated seating brimmed with dignitaries, scholars, and alumni from the most prestigious regions across the Empire. Nobles in lavish attire mingled with battle-hardened Mages, and the air buzzed with a mixture of hushed anticipation and loud, excited chatter.

Brilliant banners bearing the crests of competing academies hung from the vaulted ceiling, their silken fabrics shimmering in the glow of enchanted chandeliers. Magical projections floated in the air, displaying rosters, highlights from previous matches, and glowing brackets of the tournament progression.

At the center of it all was the grand stage—a colossal, circular arena of polished stone and intricate carvings, surrounded by shimmering wards to protect the audience from stray Spells.

The protective dome occasionally flickered, reminding everyone of the intensity that battles of this caliber promised.

The crowd roared in excitement as Head of Student Affairs, Beatrice Lampshade, took her place at the podium.

Her elegant figure commanded respect, draped in ceremonial robes embroidered with gold and silver. Her voice, amplified by a touch of a Spell, silenced the noise like a tide receding.

"Welcome, one and all, to the Main Tournament of the Celestine Academy Exchange!"

Beatrice began, her voice ringing out like a clear bell.

"Today, we witness the finest students from across the Empire as they showcase their strength, skill, and determination. Let the matches ignite not only the arena but the flames of inspiration in us all!"

The crowd erupted into applause, and Beatrice allowed a moment for the excitement to swell before continuing.

"As is tradition, the first rounds will feature the Apprentice Stage competitors," she announced.

"And to begin this monumental event, we present a match destined to set the stage for an unforgettable tournament. On one side, we have Ashfelt Zephyr of the Akashic Magus Academy. And on the other, Kellion, a force from Asura Spirit Academy!"

The hall erupted once more, cheers and murmurs rippling through the audience.

Some chanted Kellion's name, but none rooted for Ash.

All eyes watched the students closely, eager to see if the underdog could pull off a miracle or if the assumed victor would win.

In the arena, Ash and Kellion stood face-to-face.

Kellion's lips curled into a confident smirk as he tightened the straps of his combat gauntlets.

"This is going to be over before you know it, Ashfelt," he taunted. "I hope you at least brought some decent tricks, so it's not too boring."

Ash returned the smirk, though his expression was calmer, almost detached. He stepped a little closer, lowering his voice so only Kellion could hear.

"How about we make things a bit more… interesting?" Ash said, his tone smooth but deliberate.

Kellion raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What's the catch?"

"If I win," Ash began, "you'll hand over another bag of Spirit Stones. A generous wager for the excitement, don't you think?"

"And if—no, when—you lose?" Kellion retorted, his smirk widening.

Ash's tone turned solemn, though his confidence didn't waver.

"If I lose, I'll not only return the Spirit Stones I took but also confess to everyone here that I'm a lying thief. And," he added with a sly grin, "I'll become your subordinate for the rest of the Exchange."

The offer hung in the air, and Kellion's eyes lit up with satisfaction.

"You really are desperate, aren't you? Fine. Let's do this." He extended a hand, which Ash shook firmly, sealing the wager.

As they stepped back to their respective corners of the arena, the crowd's cheers swelled again, unaware of the private deal struck between the two combatants.

Ash's face betrayed no sign of worry; instead, his golden eyes gleamed with quiet resolve. Kellion, on the other hand, radiated unshakable confidence, cracking his knuckles as he readied himself to fight.

Beatrice's voice rang out once more. "Competitors, take your positions!"

The two fighters bowed slightly to each other—a formality neither truly cared for—before assuming their stances.

"Let the match begin!" Beatrice declared, her hand slicing through the air.

The crowd fell silent in an instant, their anticipation so thick it could be felt. The two figures on the arena floor locked eyes, the tension between them building like an approaching storm.

And then, the first move was made.

VWUUUSH!

The arena was a maelstrom of energy and anticipation as the battle began.

Kellion unleashed his Spirit Art, enveloping his body in a blazing crimson aura that shimmered like molten fire. His Greater Grade Spirit, the Crimson Tiger, materialized beside him—a majestic and fearsome creature, its fiery stripes glowing like molten lava.

The audience gasped in awe at the raw power emanating from Kellion as his physical abilities skyrocketed.

Ash, however, remained calm.

The wind around him swirled lightly, a stark contrast to Kellion's roaring flames. His Medium Grade Familiar, a Wind Spirit, hovered by his side, its ethereal form undulating like a gentle breeze.

Despite the apparent disparity in their Familiars' grades, Ash's bright green eyes were sharp and calculating.

He wasn't relying solely on strength; he had a plan.

Kellion charged first, his enhanced speed blurring his form as he closed the distance in an instant. His claws, cloaked in crimson energy, slashed through the air with a ferocity that sent shockwaves rippling across the arena.

Ash narrowly dodged, his movements fluid and deliberate, letting the wind guide him.

"You can't dodge forever!" Kellion growled, launching a flurry of crimson energy blasts.

BOOOM!

BOOOOOMMM!!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM!!!

The explosions lit up the arena, and the crowd cheered wildly, convinced that Ash was on the back foot.

But Ash wasn't retreating aimlessly.

He was observing.

Calculating.

"You're too predictable," Ash muttered under his breath.

As Kellion lunged again, Ash sidestepped at the last possible moment, creating a gust of wind that threw off Kellion's balance.

Using the opening, Ash countered with a swift spell—a Wind Cutter—that sliced through the air and struck Kellion's shoulder. Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire

The crimson aura absorbed some of the damage, but Kellion stumbled, his confidence faltering.

Ash smirked. "All that power, and yet you can't land a clean hit? This is going to be easier than I thought."

Kellion roared in frustration, his aura flaring brighter.

He summoned an apparition of the Crimson Tiger, which leaped at Ash with its claws extended.

Apparitions weren't the same as [Externalization].

[Externalization] involved manifesting one's Familiar to reality, but summoning an Apparition was simply mimicking the nature and form of a Familiar in order to create an illusion of externalization and launch a devastating attack.

"Hehe… as expected."

Ash smiled and countered by summoning an Apparition of his Wind Spirit, creating a vortex that deflected the attack.

The two Familiars clashed, their energies colliding in bursts of crimson and silver-green light.

Despite the Crimson Tiger's overwhelming power, Ash's tactical use of his Wind Spirit allowed him to stay one step ahead. He used his Familiar not for brute force but to augment his mobility and create openings.

FWUUUUSH!

The wind around him became sharper and more focused, slicing through Kellion's defenses like a scalpel.

As the fight wore on, Kellion's movements became more erratic, his frustration mounting.

Ash, meanwhile, remained composed.

He used simple but effective tricks—feints, misdirection, and well-timed counterattacks—to keep Kellion off-balance.

In the final moments of the battle, Kellion charged at Ash with everything he had, his body engulfed in a massive crimson aura.

"I'll end this now!" he bellowed, launching a devastating claw attack infused with all his remaining energy.

Ash didn't flinch.

Instead, he channeled all his power into a single spell. The wind around him surged violently, forming a spinning cyclone. With precise timing, Ash unleashed the Tempest Strike, a devastating gust that not only deflected Kellion's attack but also sent him hurtling backward, his aura shattered.

Kellion crashed into the arena floor, the crimson energy dissipating from his body.

His Familiar vanished, defeated. The crowd erupted in a mix of shock and awe as the dust settled, revealing Ash standing tall, his Wind Spirit swirling triumphantly around him.

Ash approached Kellion, who struggled to rise, his face a mixture of humiliation and disbelief.

"You relied too much on your raw power," Ash said, his voice calm but firm. "You're unskilled and reckless. That's why you couldn't beat me. And that's why you'll never stand a chance against Seth."

Kellion glared at Ash but had no retort. He knew Ash was right.

"And don't forget," Ash added, a faint smirk on his lips. "I'll be expecting those Spirit Stones."

The crowd roared as Beatrice Lampshade announced the victor. "The winner of this match—Ashfelt Zephyr!"

Ash raised his hand in acknowledgment, but his expression remained humble.

For him, this was just the first step.

As he walked away, leaving a defeated Kellion to nurse his bruised pride, Ash's thoughts turned to his next opponent.

'I'm sure I surprised everyone with this, but they haven't seen anything yet.'

This was only the beginning.