Senju Haruto and Kaguya walked toward the center of the courtyard.
The gathered sorcerers stole glances at them, whispers buzzing quietly through the ranks. Many had speculated earlier whether the Ancient One might allow Haruto and Kaguya to take part in the upcoming trial, but most dismissed the idea.
After all, this trial wasn't just any sparring match—it was the final selection to determine the next Guardians of the Sanctums. For most, it was unimaginable that someone who had only been at Kamar-Taj for a single day could participate. The pace was unheard of—something no one in history had ever managed.
And yet, the reality was standing before their eyes. No one dared question the Ancient One's decision.
Mordo, though deeply surprised, said nothing. Instead, he found himself curious to see what Haruto would show.
Kaecilius, on the other hand, took a bold step forward, confronting Haruto directly. From the very first moment he had laid eyes on him, Kaecilius had disliked him. Yesterday's humiliation at the library's entrance only made that resentment fester deeper.
Now he could no longer hold it in. He openly set his sights on Haruto.
Kaecilius was no ordinary apprentice. His magical talent was impressive, and his dedication to studying even greater. Years ago, he had already passed the graduation trial. Yet he had chosen neither to leave Kamar-Taj for personal training nor to serve as a Sanctum Guardian. His true pursuit lay elsewhere—greater magic, and above all, longevity.
The reason he stood here today was because of the rules. In this trial, each candidate had to select ten sorcerers for a series of duels. Out of those ten, winning at least six battles would be considered a passing grade, granting the title of a true sorcerer.
Unlike other paths of study, sorcerers had to face threats from other dimensions—invading entities, ancient demons, or even dark gods. Against such enemies, fairness and balance meant nothing. A sorcerer had to push beyond their limits, defeat their doubts, and turn the impossible into reality. Otherwise, they would almost certainly die when the dimensional invaders came.
That was the outcome the Ancient One most dreaded.
Thus, the trials were brutally demanding. But those who survived them became truly formidable.
Of course, not every apprentice had the courage to face such limits. Few dared to challenge someone like Kaecilius. He was too well known, too strong, and wasting strength against him could easily doom a candidate in the later rounds.
It was, in a way, sheer coincidence that Haruto arrived at this exact moment.
"Looks like the system assistant accounted for every possibility," Haruto thought to himself. "That's why the timing of these missions is arranged so precisely."
As Kaecilius stepped forward, the attention of the entire courtyard shifted instantly. On one side was Kaecilius, whose power was second only to Mordo in the eyes of most. On the other was Haruto, the newcomer who had already created so many rumors in a single day.
In other words, they were both figures who stood out from the crowd, now facing off in the very center of the courtyard.
"Master," Kaecilius said, bowing slightly to the Ancient One. "Senju Haruto has only been here a day. Though his mental strength is undeniable, I believe he lacks the will a true sorcerer must have. If he insists on taking part in this trial, then allow me to personally test him."
The Ancient One didn't answer right away. Her gaze slid past Kaecilius, meeting Haruto's eyes in silent exchange.
She had already glimpsed Haruto's mental power, but she had never crossed spells with him. His true strength was still an unknown. But… if Haruto dared to call himself a Supreme Sorcerer, then surely his skill was on par with her own.
Why not take this chance to see for herself?
"Haruto," the Ancient One said calmly, "the rules are simple. You cannot use mental energy, but aside from that, anything goes. Once Kaecilius admits defeat or is unable to continue, you may challenge the next sorcerer. Out of ten chosen opponents, victory in six battles will grant you passage."
She laid out the rules, then waited for Haruto's reply.
Kaecilius, meanwhile, could hardly contain himself. His mental strength might not match Haruto's, but in raw magical power and combat application, his confidence was absolute.
After all, Haruto had only been here a single day. No matter how talented he was, how strong could he really be? If Haruto backed down out of fear, Kaecilius would savor every second of the humiliation.
But Haruto's reaction was casual, even bored.
A wheel battle against ten sorcerers? What a waste of time.
"No need for all that," Haruto said, stepping forward to the very center of the courtyard. His voice carried clear and steady across the silent space.
"Anyone who wants to challenge me—come together. Numbers don't matter."
The courtyard erupted in shock.
Everyone knew Haruto wasn't ordinary, but to say something with such audacity—it was beyond what anyone had imagined!
What made it sting even more was the phrasing. Haruto wasn't asking to challenge them. He was saying they could challenge him. As though, in his eyes, his power eclipsed them all.
He had left only one option: for others to try to bring him down.
The sorcerers bristled, their pride burning. Kaecilius nearly trembled with rage.
Yet he forced his anger down and said, "Master, since Haruto insists, then we should accept his proposal."
Without giving Haruto an escape, Kaecilius made a quick hand gesture.
Though the Ancient One was Kamar-Taj's Supreme Sorcerer, Kaecilius held no small influence. Nearly thirty sorcerers stepped forward, forming ranks at his side. Many of them would one day become his followers.
Haruto's eyes swept across them. To him, they weren't even worthy opponents. His expression said it all: You may begin.
The Ancient One watched carefully, her curiosity piqued.
"Very well," she murmured inwardly. Let me see… the strength of a Supreme Sorcerer from another universe.
She raised her arm. A flick of her wrist, and a glowing wave burst forth. In an instant, a vast barrier swallowed them all.
The sorcerers barely reacted—they knew this power well.
They were now inside the Mirror Dimension.
Here, they could unleash their magic without restraint.