The sun rose over the massive forest arena, its rays cutting through the mist that clung to the treetops. Today, the 50-team Card Battle Royale was finally beginning, and the tension could be felt miles away. Each team's members gripped their enchanted team cards, small rectangles glowing faintly with their emblem — the lifeline of their participation. Lose the card, lose the match.
Sho Ardenthal glanced at Liyana, who was standing beside him, her expression unreadable as ever. Even under the seal that limited her power, the aura she exuded was sharp, perceptive, and a little playful.
"You ready for this?" Sho asked.
Liyana tilted her head slightly, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Of course. Don't think I'll let anyone take your card."
Sho chuckled. "Good. I won't either."
Across the field, the remaining teams were taking positions, some hiding in the forest canopy, others setting traps along the rocky paths and rivers. There was a palpable mix of anxiety and excitement in the air.
Then, in a sudden burst of light, a teleportation circle shimmered above the main observation deck. Standing there, with her hands clasped in front of her chest, was Asfi Larethia, Principal Alice's apprentice. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and her tiny frame looked almost impossibly confident as she addressed the gathered students.
"Students! Go fighting!" she cheered, her voice high and cheerful, practically bouncing with energy. "Show your skills! Do your best!"
The words echoed through the forest arena, igniting a wave of adrenaline and determination in every participant.
Sho took a deep breath, feeling the familiar tingle of his system window activate.
System Quest:
Objective: Survive the Card Battle Royale.
Special Reward: Permanent unlock of Domination Pulse (upon clearing top 3).
Status: Active.
Sho tapped the system window mentally, feeling his mana pulse in anticipation.
"Alright," Sho whispered to Liyana. "We go in quietly first, see who's aggressive and who's cautious. Then we strike."
Liyana smirked. "I like it when you think."
The starting signal sounded — a booming magical horn, shaking the leaves and startling small birds from the trees. Within seconds, the forest erupted into chaotic movement.
Teams split off in every direction. Some launched direct assaults, others used stealth to flank. Sho and Liyana stayed close, moving silently among the shadows, analyzing the terrain.
"Two teams near the riverbank," Sho whispered. "One of them is aiming to cross for a sneak attack on the teams behind them."
Liyana's eyes glimmered. "Then we cut them off first. I'll take the right flank, you the left. Ready?"
Sho nodded, heart pumping. This was it — the real test.
As they engaged, Liyana weaved effortlessly between opponents, using her seal-limited power to disarm and evade attacks. Sho combined sword and magic, the mana around his blade dancing with light, striking with precision.
Meanwhile, behind the trees, other eliminated teams watched through their teleportation viewpoint, shouting and cheering. Some were silent, plotting in their minds how they would do better next round if they survived the first skirmishes.
The forest became a dynamic battlefield, cards flashing in the hands of victorious fighters, the roar of clash echoing through the trees. Sho and Liyana coordinated like a single entity, covering each other's blind spots, and slowly their first opponents' cards fell into their hands.
Sho glanced at Liyana, his lips curling into a grin. "One down. How many more to go?"
Liyana tilted her head, playful. "I think we'll see how fast we can collect them. Don't blink, darling."
The camera of the event — observed magically by professors and monitors outside — caught every movement: strategy, teamwork, and raw skill. The fight had only just begun, and already the field was heating up.
Cliffhanger:
Above the treetops, a shadow moved — an elite team known for ruthless strategies had noticed Sho and Liyana. Their card was glowing red as they prepared to strike.
Sho's hand tightened around his sword hilt. "Looks like it's time to turn up the heat."
Liyana's smirk widened. "Finally, a challenge."