Chapter 29: Mock Battles
It was massive.
A circular structure that stretched hundreds of meters wide, surrounded by towering stands that climbed high into the sky.
Protective barriers covered the edges of the battlefield, glowing with magical symbols designed to prevent stray attacks from reaching the audience.
There was also a dome surrounding the battlefield itself, ensuring that health couldn’t drop below 1 and preventing death.
Thousands of people had gathered in the stands.
Students.
Teachers.
Parents.
Professional fighters.
Even representatives from various organisations.
And they weren’t the only ones watching.
Above the arena, dozens of floating cameras hovered in place, broadcasting the event across the world.
The Mock Battles were not just a test for the first-year students.
They were also a showcase.
A chance for talented individuals to be noticed.
Hundreds of thousands of people watched the academy’s first-year battles every year, searching for the next generation of powerful fighters.
Inside the first-year waiting stands, hundreds of students sat quietly.
Some were nervous.
Some were excited.
Some were already planning how they would show off.
Kalon sat among them, calmly looking down at the arena below.
His opponent’s name had already been announced. It was a student he had never spoken to before from a different class.
He didn’t care who they were. Not because he looked down on them, but rather because his mind was elsewhere.
A few weeks ago, he had struggled against opponents who were physically stronger than him. He had been bullied and battered in ways he never thought he could endure.
Today... He wanted to show the world the difference.
The stands suddenly became quieter as a man walked into the centre of the arena.
He wore the official uniform of the academy, with a magical microphone attached to his collar.
The moment he stepped forward, his voice was amplified throughout the entire arena.
"Welcome, everyone, to the annual Academy of Systems First-Year Mock Battles!"
The audience erupted.
Cheers echoed throughout the stadium.
The announcer smiled as the cameras focused on him.
"Today, we will witness the first official battles of this year’s newest generation of System users!"
Behind him, a massive screen displayed the names of every first-year participant.
"These students have spent the past week awakening their systems, learning their abilities, and preparing themselves for combat!"
The crowd cheered again.
"However, remember this!"
The announcer’s expression became serious.
"These battles are not about victory alone. They are about proving your potential."
A wave of excitement spread through the audience.
"The academy does not expect first-year students to possess the strength of experienced fighters. What we want to see is growth, determination, and the ability to overcome your limits!"
The announcer raised his hand, and the magical barrier around the arena brightened.
"Each match will have a five-minute time limit!"
The information appeared on the large screens.
"Victory can be achieved through surrender, knockout, or if your opponent is unable to continue fighting!"
The announcer’s voice became louder.
"As always, don’t worry about death. Our protective domes won’t allow anyone’s health to drop below 1. We can thank the Emperor for this! All injuries will be healed by our greatest medical awakened."
The crowd applauded once again.
The announcer looked towards the first-year stands.
"First-year students, prepare yourselves!"
The students immediately began doing exactly that.
The announcer smiled as he watched the students preparing themselves.
"The first match will begin in five minutes!"
The arena shook with excitement.
Kalon remained seated. His eyes stayed focused on the battlefield.
The flames inside his chest burned quietly, as though the Emberheart was preparing itself.
Not only that, but the Ninefold Sunbreaker rested within him.
And today, the world would see what it was capable of.
"Let the First-Year Mock Battles begin!"
...
The battles began to fly by one after another.
Students entered the arena. Some were battered, whilst others were completely dominant in their fights.
Some were close bouts that reached the time limit, whilst others were finished in under a minute.
Of all the battles, there were a few that stood out to the world the most.
The first was Richard, Kalon’s greatest bully.
The man revealed a water affinity and used a skill to trap his opponent inside a bubble of water, causing him to nearly drown.
Another was Daniel, the man who had ordered Brandon to attack Kalon.
This man wielded a wooden sword like it was the deadliest weapon in existence. His opponent had no chance against his speed.
Ruby, Richard’s sister, was another student who stood out, but not for the same reason.
She had a close fight with a girl named Theresa but managed to come out on top.
Ruby fought with a bow.
There were others from different classes who Kalon was mostly unfamiliar with. They stood out too, but it was clear that the students who stood out the most were Richard and another boy named Levian.
Levian was a boy from a different class with a storm affinity.
He conjured a sword made from purple lightning that looked so terrifying his opponent immediately forfeited the fight.
Since Levian and Richard were the only students who had shown an affinity, they were the ones who stood out the most.
After their bouts, they had both been promised a Steel Pill, and their followers had shot up by thousands.
Numerous organisations took down the two young men’s details, hoping to reach out to them in the future.
And as Kalon watched, he felt no jealousy.
He was only focused on the battle coming up.
"And for our next bout, can I please call to the arena: Kalon Manchester and Wilson Badger."
Kalon took in a deep breath and slowly let it out.
Immediately, he felt nerves trying to force their way into his body, but he didn’t allow them to.
He knew that it was all in his mind.
There was nothing to be afraid of.
So, without further hesitation, Kalon left his seat in the stands and made his way towards the centre of the arena.
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