Chapter 18: ARCADIA’S YOUNG ELITES
The Arcadia Young Elite Tournament — the pinnacle of youthful magic, ambition, and prestige — was about to begin.
The competition arena stood like a slumbering giant beneath the golden morning sun. Its towering stone walls, carved with ancient sigils, loomed over the crowd like a divine monument. Spectators flooded the massive stands — nobles and commoners alike — the air pulsing with excitement and anticipation.
Whispers and predictions buzzed in every direction. From the high balconies of noble families to the standing crowds in the outer ring, all eyes turned toward the grand gates, waiting for the arrival of the thirty-two chosen prodigies.
And then — the first group entered.
Clad in crimson and gold, a squad of mages strode confidently through the gateway. Leading them was a tall youth with white hair and flame-shaped earrings glinting in the sun. His presence alone seemed to shift the very air.
"That’s Rovan Yale..." gasped a noblewoman.
"The heir of the Yale family?"
"A Tier 2 Mage before seventeen. Earth and Flame affinity," a man murmured in awe. "They say he fought a volcanic spirit beast bare-handed in a dungeon and walked out laughing."
His every step caused subtle tremors, like the ground itself acknowledged his magic. But his swagger wasn’t just for show — his raw strength and heritage backed it. He grinned, eyes scanning the crowd with amusement, completely unfazed by the thousands watching.
"Let the peasants whisper," he muttered to a teammate. "I’m here to win."
Not long after, a chill swept through the arena.