In the Alchemist World, Kaelan sits in the highest seat of the arena, watching the competition unfold below.
Children between eighteen and twenty compete against one another, displaying their knowledge of alchemy through spells and formations.
The competition is flashy but carries no deadly intent. As apprentice alchemists, the participants understand that the purpose of the event is not to harm their opponents, but to demonstrate their understanding and control of alchemy.
If an Official Alchemist, Cloak Alchemist, or even a Master Alchemist appreciates their display of knowledge, the young participants may receive support, sponsorship, or even acceptance as a student.
For them, advancing in alchemy is far more important than victory itself. Winning the competition is only a byproduct of displaying talent.
Many of the participants join the competition for a specific reward: Soul Liquid.
Soul Liquid is a rare medicine that helps in advancing to the Official Alchemist Stage. However, for the true geniuses present, their chances of reaching the Official Alchemist Stage are already much higher than those of ordinary practitioners. For them, the Soul Liquid serves only as insurance rather than a necessity.
Most competitors participate for something even more valuable—support, teachers, and fame.
Recognition in this arena can change the course of a young alchemist's life.
Kaelan quietly observes the final round before the semi-finals begin.
The two remaining apprentice alchemists enter the arena.
At the start of their battle, they immediately begin displaying flashy alchemy spells, loudly announcing the names of their techniques so the audience can understand the formations they create.
Shahur, one of the participants, raises his hand and shouts:
"Air Alchemy – Nitro Blast!"
A formation rapidly appears in front of him as the spell constructs itself in midair.
Opposite him, the second participant responds instantly.
Maekas shouts:
"Nature Alchemy – Vine Shield!"
Green alchemical lines spread across the ground, forming a dense shield of twisting vines before him.
Moments later, the Nitro Blast slams into the Vine Shield.
The collision erupts in a bright explosion of wind and shattered plant matter, drawing cheers from the watching crowd.
The Nitro Blast tears through the outer layer of the Vine Shield, scattering broken vines across the arena floor. Maekas staggers slightly as the remaining force pushes him backwards, but he quickly raises both hands and channels more energy into the formation.
The vines thicken.
New roots burst from the ground, twisting upward into a second shield.
Shahur does not allow him time to stabilise.
"Air Alchemy – Spiral Gust!"
A swirling current forms around Shahur's arm and launches forward like a spinning blade of wind. The gust slashes across the arena, shredding the outer layers of vines before striking the shield directly.
The formation cracks.
Maekas grits his teeth and responds quickly.
"Nature Alchemy – Thorn Grasp!"
Sharp wooden thorns erupt from the ground beneath Shahur's feet, attempting to bind his legs. Shahur jumps backwards just as the spikes burst from the arena floor.
He lands lightly and raises his hand again.
"Air Alchemy – Nitro Burst!"
A smaller but concentrated blast detonates against the weakened Vine Shield.
This time, the formation shatters completely.
Fragments of vines scatter across the ground.
The force of the explosion throws Maekas backwards several steps.
He steadies himself, breathing heavily as he realises his defensive formations cannot withstand another strike.
After a moment, he raises his hand.
"I surrender."
The crowd responds with applause as the referee signals the end of the match.
Shahur bows respectfully before leaving the arena.
Moments later, the announcer's voice echoes across the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the final round before the semi-finals has concluded!"
The crowd quiets as anticipation rises.
"The four semi-finalists are now determined!"
His voice grows louder.
"Verena, from the House of Aat-Tjehent!"
Cheers ripple through the audience.
"Maelak, from the House of Akhekh-Nesret!"
Another wave of applause follows.
"Darus, from the House of Mai-en-Nub!"
More cheers rise from the stands.
"And finally—Shetj!"
The crowd roars as the four names settle across the arena.
The announcer continues.
"The first semi-final match will be between Maelak, from the House of Akhekh-Nesret… and Darus, from the House of Mai-en-Nub!"
Two figures step forward from opposite entrances.
Maelak walks confidently into the arena, wearing deep green alchemist robes embroidered with red patterns. His expression carries quiet determination.
From the opposite side, Darus enters with steady steps. His golden-trimmed robes reflect the sunlight as he calmly surveys the arena.
They stop several meters apart.
The announcer raises his hand.
"Begin!"
The crowd erupts instantly.
"Maelak!"
"Darus!"
The names echo from every corner of the arena.
Maelak moves first.
His hands weave through quick alchemical gestures.
"Nature Alchemy – Burning Vine!"
Red-tinted vines burst from the ground and lash toward Darus. The plants glow with deep crimson heat as air currents swirl around them.
Maelak follows immediately.
"Air Alchemy – Fire Spiral!"
A spinning vortex of wind wraps around the burning vines, intensifying their speed and heat as they surge across the arena.
Darus remains calm.
He raises his hand slowly.
"Nature Alchemy – Light Bloom."
Soft golden light spreads across the ground before him, pushing back the approaching vines.
At the same time, he activates another formation.
"Stone and Iron Alchemy – Metal Forge!"
Fragments of stone and iron rise from the arena floor, melting together within the glowing light.
The materials compress and reshape.
Moments later, a gleaming structure of golden metal forms before him.
The Burning Vines slam against the shining barrier, sparks of fire scattering across its surface as the two alchemical forces collide.
Neither Maelak nor Darus holds back.
They are not merely competitors in an academy match.
They are heirs of rival houses.
The House of Akhekh-Nesret and the House of Mai-en-Nub have long stood opposed in influence and ambition.
Their clash inside the arena carries the weight of that rivalry.
Maelak raises both hands again.
"Nature Alchemy – Thorn Spear!"
Dozens of hardened vines erupt from the ground and sharpen into crimson-tipped spears. Air currents spiral around them as he adds another formation.
"Air Alchemy – Gale Drive!"
The spears launch forward like arrows propelled by violent wind.
Darus responds immediately.
"Stone and Iron Alchemy – Golden Wall!"
The golden metal barrier thickens and spreads outward, absorbing the impact of the incoming spears. Sparks flash as metal and hardened thorns collide.
But Darus does not remain on defence.
He extends his arm.
"Light Alchemy – Radiant Edge!"
A blade of condensed golden light forms before him and sweeps forward, slicing through the remnants of Maelak's vines.
Maelak leaps aside as the radiant blade carves a glowing trench across the arena floor.
He retaliates instantly.
"Air Alchemy – Burning Cyclone!"
Wind gathers into a twisting vortex, pulling flames along its spiral path. The cyclone rushes toward Darus like a storm of fire.
Darus narrows his eyes.
"Nature Alchemy – Root Prison!"
Thick roots burst upward in layered rings around him, forming a defensive cage reinforced with golden metal threads.
The burning cyclone slams against the structure.
Flames scatter.
Wind howls.
The arena trembles from the repeated collisions of elemental power.
They exchange spell after spell.
Air and fire crash against light and metal.
Vines lash.
Golden blades slash through burning currents.
The battle becomes a storm of colour and force beneath the arena sky.
Gradually, the pace slows.
Both alchemists breathe harder.
Energy drains steadily from their spirit spaces.
The fight settles into a stalemate.
Darus relaxes slightly.
His shoulders loosen.
Inside his mind, a simple calculation forms.
The outcome will be decided by endurance.
Whichever of them possesses greater energy will claim victory.
He begins preparing for a prolonged battle.
Across the arena, Maelak suddenly straightens.
His aura rises.
A powerful pressure spreads outward from his body.
The crowd gasps.
The aura of an Official Alchemist reveals itself clearly.
Darus's eyes widen in shock.
He realises the truth too late.
Before he can react, Maelak raises both hands and completes a new formation.
"Star Tier Spell!"
His voice echoes across the arena.
"Air and Nature Alchemy – Dragon Fire!"
Red flames spiral upward as violent air currents compress them together.
The fire stretches and twists until it forms the shape of a roaring dragon.
The blazing creature surges forward across the arena.
Darus panics.
"I surrender!"
His voice rings out desperately.
But the dragon of fire is already inches from his face.
The crimson flames swallow him instantly.
Gasps spread through the arena.
High above, Kaelan's thoughts move.
Invisible power flows from him.
A transparent shield shaped as thin skin forms around Darus at the exact moment the flames engulf him.
The dragon fire roars against the barrier.
The audience falls into stunned silence.
Then chaos begins.
Supporters from the House of Mai-en-Nub leap to their feet.
Anger flashes across their faces.
Spells bloom in their hands as they prepare to retaliate.
The arena trembles on the edge of violence.