Shion Lan watched that battle with a pleasant smile and thought to himself, "That kid has really grown… he's truly a wild genius!"
In the arena, Kin Light's sword clashed violently against Fiore Tai's, their techniques colliding until both attacks canceled each other out. Fiore wanted to continue, but Kin moved swiftly, placing his blade against Fiore's neck.
"That was an amazing duel. I hope to face you both again," Kin said with his usual calm smile. Fiore stepped back, thinking, 'This guy is really strong… but Master sparred against both me and Baro at the same time without using his full strength. That means Master is even stronger than him.'
Kin, meanwhile, was deep in thought. "Shion Lan… what in the world did you do to produce monsters like these?"
He went on to another round against one of the top ten students and won in spectacular fashion before stepping back. The Noble Division completed their turn, followed by the Special Division.
When Pearl Jewel entered the arena, her stunning beauty left the crowd enchanted—and even her opponent was dazed. When the match began, Pearl smiled and said softly, "Please, surrender."
Shion thought to himself, "Pearl Jewel… a dual-circle mage with the Sound attribute. She uses words to influence others, and with her beauty, she can command almost anyone—even those at the third level."
As he expected, her opponent surrendered immediately after hearing her words. The same thing happened with her next two challengers. Pearl then stepped back to let the substitute take her place.
Shion reflected, "The only way to counter that kind of magic, even at an advanced level, is through self-control and resisting her charm. That's difficult, considering how beautiful she is and how alluring her voice sounds… but I don't think I'd lose to her."
The Special Division's turn ended, and it was time for the General Division. Shion turned to Harry and said, "Alright, Harry, you can go now. The important ones here are Cole Leon, Rose Gard, and the Second Princess, Jina Joul. Be careful when you face them."
Harry nodded. "Yeah. Since Baro Ferrer and Fiore Tai both displayed second-level power, I'm guessing the others have advanced as well." Shion didn't care about him but he tried to be nice as a proof that he changed.
Shion then thought, "Strange… Byon Seik hasn't done anything. It doesn't seem like he's improved. Why?"
Harry Gill entered the arena, waiting for his opponent. The one who appeared wasn't Cole, Rose, or the Princess—but an unfamiliar person, though his family name was well-known. Harry didn't mind and began fighting, thinking, "I'll be facing four people, so I can deal with the other three later."
The time was going and in his third match, he finished his opponent quickly and waited for the fourth—who turned out to be Shion's cousin, Leo Ranus.
When the match began, Harry drew his sword swiftly.
"(Wind Blade)!"
The air around him split apart as he rushed toward Leo, who didn't even have time to react before being struck.
"(Roar of Thunder)!"
Waves of electricity struck Leo, knocking him down instantly.
Harry turned out to be the most ruthless fighter in the opening matches. He left the arena, disappointed, while Shion smiled.
"Thanks for the gift," he said, clearly pleased with Leo's defeat. But then he collected himself.
"I shouldn't be happy about his loss as a rascal just because he's my enemy. If I don't defeat an enemy by myself, what kind of warrior am I?"
Shion entered the arena for his turn—the final one. He looked around the stands.
"It seems everyone who finished their match returned to their seats."
He noticed Baro, Fiore, and even Sol cheering for him.
His first opponent appeared: the top scorer of the entrance exam, Cole Leon. Cole raised his sword, surrounded by a dark aura, while Shion readied himself—but didn't release his own aura.
As soon as the duel began, Cole dashed toward Shion, thrusting at his throat. Shion calmly tilted his body to dodge and pointed his sword toward Cole's heart. Cole quickly retreated, preparing another strike, but Shion didn't bother stopping him.
Cole grew angry. "Is he… going easy on me?!" He knew senior students often held back, but Shion wasn't taking him seriously at all—he hadn't released his aura or even taken a step to attack seriously. Furious, Cole unleashed his technique:
"(Shadow Sword)!"
A mid-level sword technique that created a shadowy duplicate blade to assist in attacks. Two swords rushed toward Shion—he dodged one and blocked the other before releasing a small portion of his normal power.
"Power level: second stage. But your understanding of the Dark Element is still shallow—your techniques are weak. (Water Bomb)!"
If Shion had used his full strength, the spell would've reached the third level, but he didn't even bother raising it to the second. The small first-level water bomb flew toward Cole, who dodged it easily—but exactly into the spot Shion wanted.
Shion's blade was suddenly at Cole's neck.
"You have the ability, will, and determination to become one of the greatest heroes. But you still lack experience and depth in your techniques."
Cole could only admit defeat and left the arena muttering, "Kin had to use his power to beat his students, but this guy used just a fraction of his strength compared to when he fought Feri Lucius… I'll take his advice seriously."
The audience was stunned. Shion—the former "Kingdom's First Trash"—had just defeated the top scorer of the entrance exam with ease. Murmurs spread across the stands, and the buzz made Baro and Fiore grin with pride.
Shion waited for his next opponent: Rose Gard, ranked third and heir to the Flower Garden Art. She looked like a flower herself and bowed politely.
"I've heard from my teacher that you're incredibly strong."
"That's an exaggeration. I don't think I deserve that."
"Don't say that—my teacher says…"
They chatted for a moment, forgetting they were opponents.
"What are they talking about?"
"No idea."
"Aren't they going to start already?!"
The impatient crowd watched as both fighters finally lifted their swords. Instantly, their expressions changed—they were no longer the same people who had been speaking moments ago.
When the match began, Rose rushed at Shion. Once again, he didn't release his aura, choosing only to defend. Then Rose used her art:
"(Flower Garden: Petals)!"
One of the simplest techniques of that style—countless pink and red petals emerged from her aura, swirling around her sword.
"Those petals may look beautiful, but they're like blades… I have to avoid them."
Shion thought for a moment before casting his magic again:
"(Water Bomb)!"
He threw the spell toward Rose, who shielded herself with her petals. Another bomb followed, then another. She kept defending until Shion spoke calmly,
"Even though you possess an inheritance and an art, you lack courage. If you noticed, you could've attacked me several times while I was throwing those bombs—but you preferred to defend. That doesn't suit your technique. And now… your aura is fading."
Just as he said, Rose's aura began to dissipate. She stood stunned while Shion smiled.
"When I have time, I'll visit your teacher, as you requested."
"Alright… thank you."
She bowed and left the arena.
Now it was time for Shion's final opponent—the one everyone was waiting for.
He frowned. "She's a princess… what should I do? Beat her? Let her beat me? Or just surrender? No, no… I'll defeat her, so she'll see I'm not on her side."
He prepared himself as the girl with golden hair, golden eyes, and flawless royal beauty stepped into the arena. He remembered that he had once touched her cheek without realizing it and smiled awkwardly.
But before he could say anything, he noticed something different—she wasn't acting like the princess he'd met before. Something was off. He focused, readying himself as the final match began.
The princess smiled coldly and launched a cautious attack.
"Is she acting differently? She's analyzing my movements… reminds me of that bastard Shi Yun Lan. She'll strike the moment I leave an opening."
Both fought carefully, maintaining distance and trying to surprise one another. The students found it boring, but the instructors were deeply focused.
"Both of them are remarkable," one said. "Each is keeping just enough distance and looking for a counter."
"Well, we know the princess has royal tutors and an inherited spirit. But Shion? I doubt he has any inheritance—just a martial art. Still, he must have a legendary master to turn such trash into a strong duelist."
"Right, I've heard his teacher is the Radiant Star!"
The discussion continued as the princess maintained her composure—and so did Shion. After dying countless times at Shi Yun Lan's hands, he had gained one vital trait: patience.
Their movements were like a graceful dance—one attacking, the other defending, exchanging elegant steps. Shion suddenly felt something was wrong. He backed away, deliberately leaving an opening.
The Second Princess, Jina Joul, seized it—her sword struck him, infused with lightning. But Shion moved as though the hit never happened, surprising both the princess and the spectators.
He whispered something to her—no one could hear what was said. Suddenly, the princess froze, then released her full power. Lightning sparked around her.
"(Thunder Birds)!"
A small bird of pure electricity shot toward Shion. He assessed it instantly: "Second level."
He activated his normal aura and took the hit without injury. But then, many birds appeared, all diving toward him.
He swung his sword.
"(Raindrops)!"
Countless drops of water formed midair, dispersing the lightning birds before they reached him. Then, the princess appeared behind him, slashing through his body—only to find it was a water clone.
The real Shion appeared behind her and said calmly,
"Leave the Second Princess right now!"
It was Celesia Joul—the guardian spirit of Princess Jina—who answered angrily, "How dare you!"
"It doesn't matter. Leave now, or everyone will see the First Queen in this kingdom's history defeated by my hand. That won't benefit you or the princess."
"And what will you do, son of a servant?" she sneered.
But she froze as Shion's gaze turned icy. He released his full power—his aura surged, and his eyes turned starry silver. Celesia couldn't even breathe.
"Alright," said Director Tim, interrupting. "I declare Shion Lan the winner!"
He ended the match and was about to close the ceremony—when he saw the princess collapsing to the ground.