Ti passed quickly, and by then, various Academies had already finished their preparations for the upcoming International Arcane Academy Competition.
Indeed, the Marshall Academy was not the only one heavily preparing for the grand competition. All the other Academies wanted to beco the World’s Number One Arcane Academy!
This title was so prestigious after all.
Across the continent, academies from every kingdom and empire were mobilizing their finest students.
Unlike Marshall Academy, which prided itself on teaching all twelve Arcane Paths, many academies specialized in only one discipline. I
In Millton Kingdom alone, twelve academies stood as pillars of their chosen paths.
There was Vermont Academy of Dark Arts, Lakrine Academy of Summoning Arts, Dorelts Academy of Mystic Arts, Rakmiths Academy of Elental Arts, Kildare Academy of Knights, Aufidius Academy of Alchemy Arts, Adaereth Academy of Rune Arts, Lovell Academy of Beast Arts, Magrath Academy of Holy Arts, Langhorne Academy of Combat Arts, Farrel Academy of Psychic Arts, and Mortir Academy of Transformation Arts.
Other kingdoms and empires followed similar traditions, each nurturing its own strengths or Arcane Paths by one Academy.
The Solstice Kingdom, however, was unique.
It boasted two world-class institutions... They were the Azure Sky Academy, which taught six of the twelve paths, and the Crimson Moon Academy, which taught the other six. Together, they represented the pinnacle of Solstice’s arcane education.
On this day, within the towering halls of Crimson Moon Academy, Grand Arcanist Nelia Draavos, and also the Headmaster of the Academy, stood before her assembled students. Her crimson robes shimred as she looked below her...
Her presence alone commanded silence in front of many students.
Professors also lined the sides of the grand hall, with their expressions looking solemn yet proud.
Before him stood the chosen participants, three students from each of the six paths taught at Crimson Moon: Beast Arts, Rune Arts, Holy Arts, Combat Arts, Psychic Arts, and Transformation Arts.
All were under fifteen years old, yet each had been tested, refined, and proven worthy to represent their academy.
Nelia’s voice carried across the hall...
"Students of Crimson Moon," she began, "today you stand not rely as apprentices of your paths, but as representatives of our kingdom. The International Arcane Academy Competition is more than a contest, it is the future of the Arcanists! It will test your skill, your resolve, and your spirit. It will show the world what Crimson Moon has forged."
She paused, letting her words sink in.
"Rember this... Each of you carries the weight of your path. Beast Arts, Rune Arts, Holy Arts, Combat Arts, Psychic Arts, Transformation Arts, these are not re disciplines. They are legacies. They are the lifeblood of our academy. You must honor them with every spell, every strike, every breath."
The students stood straighter, their eyes burning with determination.
Nelia gestured toward the professors.
"Your ntors have guided you, but now you must walk forward on your own. The competition will not be easy. You all heard the Marshall Academy, with its twelve paths, will field prodigies trained across disciplines... trained by Immortals themselves! They will send specialists honed to perfection. And from other empires, challengers will co with techniques unknown to us. You must be ready. They might have an Immortal master, but they were all the sa age as you!"
Her tone softened, though her gaze remained firm as she looked at the students...
"Do not fear failure... Do not hesitate! In battle, hesitation is defeat. In competition, hesitation is sha. Be proud and confident! Courage will carry you even when your strength falters."
The professors nodded in agreent, so stepping forward to add their own encouragent. Professor Kaelen of Beast Arts reminded his students to trust their bond with their Totems... Professor Aris of Rune Arts urged precision above all else. Professor Deyra of Holy Arts spoke of conviction and purity, while Professor Fresca of Combat Arts demanded discipline and endurance. Professor Luthien of Psychic Arts warned of ntal resilience, and Professor Morwen of Transformation Arts encouraged adaptability.
Together, their voices provided guidance to the participating students.
Finally, Nelia raised her hand, silencing the hall once more.
"The ti has co. The airship awaits. You will depart for Luminara Kingdom, where this year’s competition will be held. There, in the easternmost region of the continent, the world will watch. Show them Crimson Moon’s brilliance."
Outside, the academy grounds trembled as the airship descended.
Its hull glead with enchanted runes...
Students gasped as the massive vessel lowered itself onto the landing platform, its banners bearing the crimson moon insignia fluttering proudly.
The chosen participants filed out of the hall, accompanied by their professors.
Other students lined the walkways, cheering and waving, for the best students of their Academy...
"Bring honor to Crimson Moon!"
"Show them the strength of Solstice!"
"Don’t let Marshall Academy overshadow us!"
The participants boarded the airship, their hearts pounding with anticipation.
As the vessel lifted into the sky, Nelia Draavos watched from the platform. She was confident that they would obtain victory!
"Go forth," she whispered. "And return victorious."
***
Far to the west, Marshall Academy was also preparing its delegation. Vale’s disciples and other top students were already selected...
Professors ensured their students were ready, knowing the competition would be fierce.
In the Millton Kingdom, the twelve academies each prepared their specialists. Vermont’s Dark Arcanists cloaked themselves in shadow, Lakrine’s Summoners called forth familiars, Rakmiths’ Elentalists trained with fire and storm, while Langhorne’s Combat Artists honed their bodies to perfection.
From the northern empires, airships and caravans began their journeys. Their vessels were also larger and more luxurious than the airships of the Solstice Kingdom.
As a matter of fact, the Azure Sky Academy of Solstice Kingdom had a smaller airship and could only accommodate a specific number of participants and professors.
Still, everyone was confident that they would be able to win against the Arcanists who were similar to their age!
Furthermore, this was all being watched by everyone in the world!
After all, the International Arcane Academy Competition was not rely an event! It was a convergence of the continent’s greatest talents.
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