Chapter 10. The Master.
Today, the entire city gathered in the central square near the Leader's Palace, creating a loud hum in the air. Every resident wanted to share their undoubtedly important thoughts on the event. The crowd sat on a newly created ice tribune, excitedly watching the improvised arena where the Leader's son and a student chosen by the masters were about to fight. After all, events where the whole city could participate didn't happen often, and watching mages battle was always fascinating.
"I see, I see who the Water Masters chose," shouted one of the sharpest-eyed people in the stands, pointing to one side of the arena.
"That's Gozu. I've heard his mastery is especially strong—even a master would need to be serious when fighting him," said a tanned man with rough features, deep in thought.
"Yeah, the masters aren't sparing the Leader's son at all, even though he's the one who stirred up this mess. I just hope he doesn't lose his drive after this defeat," commented a gray-haired elder with the aura of a man wise with experience.
While the crowd discussed one of the opponents, Gozu strolled casually to the center of the arena, striking a heroic pose as if he were facing not a boy three times younger than him, but an entire fleet of the Fire Army led by the Western Dragon, Iro, himself. Some noticed that someone had grown quite fond of being in the spotlight.
Most of those seated didn't believe a six-year-old boy, who looked more like a full nine years old, could win. People quickly forgot the stir he caused at birth, the miracle he performed for his sister's birth, and the rumors about his water mastery. It's hard to trust mere gossip if you haven't seen it with your own eyes.
Then, on the other half of the arena, a beautiful white-haired boy appeared, and the tribune fell silent. Most of the townspeople craned their necks, trying to get a better look at Yuki—after all, this was the first time many had seen the Leader's son.
"Uh, did the Leader have two daughters?! Why do I see a little girl?" a particularly loud boy shouted, breaking the silence. At this comment, our main character's eye twitched—or maybe it just seemed that way.
As soon as the first whispers began, the stands erupted into chatter, making it impossible to hear anything clearly.
Meanwhile, Yuki approached his opponent with a bored expression.
The elder tasked with overseeing the fight stepped onto the arena, seeing the participants were ready.