The academy was no longer just an institution of learning for Riku Aoyama. It was a stage, a battlefield, a labyrinth—each hallway whispering with rumors, each classroom hiding eyes that watched a little too long, each teacher's compliment laced with veiled curiosity.
The day began with an unusual buzz. The weekly schedule had been changed. Practical spell duels, originally assigned by year level, were now combined across ranks. First-years, second-years, even a few third-years would all compete in randomized brackets—a move justified as "preparation for inter-academy events."
But Riku knew better.
> [System Notification: Host has been marked for observation. Certain challenges may be manipulated. Proceed with caution.
He smirked. "Let them come."
---
In the Coliseum Grounds
