The Grand Magic Tournament had always been a grand spectacle, a celebration of magical prowess and fierce competition. This year, however, an air of heightened anticipation crackled through the capital. The streets were adorned with vibrant banners, and merchants lined the pathways, selling everything from enchanted trinkets to sweet pastries infused with mana. Yet, what truly set this tournament apart was the presence of the King himself.
King Thalos Aurelius was a man of towering presence, known for his strategic brilliance and unmatched wisdom. It was rare for him to attend public events, let alone watch a tournament personally. His arrival at the royal viewing platform sent a wave of excitement and nervousness through the arena. Nobles in richly embroidered robes filled the stands, their eyes gleaming with intrigue. Influential figures whispered among themselves, speculating about the King's motives.
Seated on his ornate throne, King Thalos surveyed the crowd with sharp, calculating eyes. Beside him, the Queen sat gracefully, her expression serene but curious. Advisors and high-ranking officials flanked them, each eager to offer commentary on the rising stars of the kingdom.
The King's gaze swept across the arena, searching for more than just raw talent. He sought character, courage, and the spark of greatness that would shape the future of the kingdom.
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The Opening Ceremony
The arena floor was a vast expanse of shimmering sand, enchanted to withstand the most powerful spells. As the opening ceremony commenced, a procession of contestants entered the arena, each one radiating determination. The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices blending into a deafening roar.
Among the contestants was Lian, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The weight of the King's gaze was palpable, like a heavy cloak draped over his shoulders. He had trained relentlessly under Eldric's guidance, pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion. But now, standing in the heart of the arena, doubt threatened to creep in.
He clenched his fists, grounding himself. Remember why you started this journey, Eldric's words echoed in his mind. Hold onto that, and you'll find the strength to overcome any challenge.
Lian inhaled deeply, drawing strength from the mana crystal embedded in his core. His connection to it had grown stronger with each passing day, and he could feel its steady pulse aligning with his own heartbeat.
As the royal herald announced the beginning of the tournament, Lian's resolve hardened. He was ready.
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Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
The King's Observation
The battles began with a dazzling display of elemental magic. Fire roared, water surged, and winds howled as contestants clashed in fierce duels. The arena buzzed with energy, and the crowd's excitement was palpable.
King Thalos leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he observed the battles. "Impressive," he murmured to his advisor, Lord Valen. "But none of them stand out yet."
"Indeed, Your Majesty," Valen agreed. "Though I hear whispers of a mysterious young mage from Eldralis. They say his power defies expectations."
The King's lips curved into a faint smile. "We'll see."
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Lian's First Battle
When Lian's name was called, the arena fell into a hushed silence. The crowd had heard rumors about the boy from the village, and curiosity crackled in the air. Lian stepped forward, his cloak billowing behind him. His opponent was a tall, muscular mage with flames flickering around his fists.
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
The opponent wasted no time, launching a torrent of fire toward Lian. The heat was intense, but Lian remained calm. He extended his hand, summoning a shimmering barrier of mana. The flames crashed against it, scattering harmlessly.
The crowd gasped.
Lian didn't stop there. He manipulated the barrier, transforming it into shards of light that shot toward his opponent. The other mage barely managed to deflect them, his expression shifting from confidence to wariness.
Focus, Lian reminded himself. Don't just react—control the battle.
He moved swiftly, his feet gliding across the sand as he unleashed a series of precise attacks. Mana swirled around him, responding to his will. His opponent struggled to keep up, his movements growing desperate.
With a final surge of power, Lian disarmed his opponent and sent him sprawling to the ground. The referee's voice rang out. "Victory to Lian!"
The arena erupted in cheers. Lian's chest heaved, but a sense of triumph coursed through him. He had done it.
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The King's Growing Interest
King Thalos's eyes gleamed with newfound interest. "Now that was impressive," he remarked. "Who is he?"
"His name is Lian, Your Majesty," Valen said. "A boy from a humble village, but clearly no ordinary mage."
The King stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Keep an eye on him. I want to see how far he can go."
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The Tournament Continues
As the tournament progressed, Lian faced more formidable opponents. Each battle pushed him to his limits, but he refused to back down. He employed advanced techniques that Eldric had drilled into him—mana amplification, spatial manipulation, and barrier creation.
The crowd watched in awe as Lian adapted to each challenge, his movements a blend of grace and precision. Whispers spread through the stands, and even the nobles leaned forward, captivated by the young mage's prowess.
"Lian's making quite a name for himself," one noblewoman whispered.
"Indeed," another agreed. "He's the most promising contender we've seen in years."
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The King's Test
After Lian's third victory, King Thalos made a decision. He stood, his commanding presence silencing the arena. "Bring the boy to me," he ordered.
The crowd murmured in astonishment as royal guards escorted Lian to the King's platform. Lian's heart raced, but he kept his composure. This was the moment he had been working toward—a chance to prove himself not just to the kingdom, but to the King.
King Thalos regarded him with a piercing gaze. "Lian, your performance has been remarkable," he said. "But tell me—what drives you to fight?"
Lian met the King's gaze steadily. "I fight to protect those I care about and to prove that strength isn't determined by birth or status. It's earned through hard work and conviction."
The King studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Well said. Continue to fight with that conviction, and you'll go far."
As Lian returned to the arena, his resolve burned brighter than ever. The King's words had validated his journey, but they also set a new challenge. He would not rest until he had earned the King's full recognition.
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The Path Ahead
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the arena, Lian stood victorious once more. The path ahead was still uncertain, but he knew one thing for sure—he would face it with unwavering determination.
The Grand Magic Tournament was far from over, but
Lian was ready to rise to the challenge. And this time, with the King watching, failure was not an option.
