Some time later, the signal came.
Participants from all nine academies were instructed to leave their respective waiting halls and proceed to the central field. Officials guided them through wide corridors that opened directly into the arena.
When Alex stepped through the final archway, the sheer scale of it struck him again.
The Lunar Grand Stadium was no longer an empty marvel of architecture.
Tens of thousands—no, hundreds of thousands—of spectators filled the ascending tiers, a vast sea of color and movement stretching upward in layered arcs. Academy banners fluttered high above their designated sections. Enchanted lights shimmered along the arena's perimeter, adjusting automatically as the sun shifted overhead.
At the center lay the massive modular field—currently flattened into a pristine expanse of polished stone.
Participants began gathering there.
One by one, the nine academies emerged from their respective entrances. Each group wore distinct uniforms, with colors and crests marking their affiliation.
Some walked in rigid formation, disciplined and sharp, while others carried themselves with theatrical flair, fully aware of the spectacle.
Star Shine Academy assembled near the western quadrant of the field. Alex stood among them, posture straight, gaze steady.
Aurora floated slightly above and behind him, eyes wide as she slowly turned in place, taking everything in.
A deep, resonant sound cut through the rising murmur of the crowd.
They were not ordinary instruments—but massive arcane constructs positioned along the upper rim of the stadium.
The sound marked the official beginning of the Nine Academy Tournament's opening ceremony.
As the final academy took its place, the field was complete—nine distinct formations arranged evenly across the vast arena floor.
A ripple of light shimmered high above the stadium.
Alex's gaze lifted.
A figure descended slowly from the sky, hovering at the exact center of the arena. Magic gathered beneath her feet, forming a soft, luminous platform as she lowered gracefully through the air.
The crowd erupted.
Cheers thundered upward, waves of sound crashing against the reinforced barriers that encased the stadium. The energy was overwhelming—excitement, anticipation, pride—melding into a single roaring chorus.
Hovering above the field was an elegant woman with long, vibrant hair that flowed in a striking gradient—from cool cyan at the crown to soft pink at the tips. The strands shimmered as though woven with light itself. Her azure eyes gleamed beneath the glow of the enchantments, sharp and lively.
Rising from her head was a pair of tall, snow-white rabbit ears.
A rabbit-kin.
She wore a tailored ceremonial outfit accented with gold trim and crystalline inlays that reflected the stadium lights. Despite the spectacle, her posture remained relaxed—confident without arrogance.
Aurora blinked. "Oh. She's pretty."
Alex didn't disagree.
High above, enormous holographic projection arrays activated in unison. Translucent screens formed along the arena's inner circumference, magnifying the descending figure so even the highest spectators could see her clearly.
As her feet touched the ground, the luminous platform dissolved into drifting motes of light.
Almost instantly, the roar of the crowd softened.
The rabbit-kin woman lifted one hand slightly. Her voice—smooth, clear, amplified through precise magical resonance—spread effortlessly across the stadium.
"Welcome."
The single word carried to every corner.
"Welcome, esteemed guests, honored faculty, and talented students—to the Nine Academy Tournament."
A fresh wave of cheers followed.
She smiled faintly, allowing it, then continued.
"Today marks the beginning of a tradition that has endured for generations—a gathering of ambition, a celebration of growth, a stage upon which the future stars of Lunar City stand revealed."
Behind her, illusionary sigils flared, and the crests of the nine participating academies appeared in midair, rotating slowly in a grand circular display.
"Representing the finest institutions across our region, nine academies stand before us."
Her gaze swept across the field.
One by one, she began to introduce the participating academies, her voice steady and commanding as the holographic screens shifted to display each crest in brilliant detail.
The rabbit-kin announcer extended one arm, and the rotating crests behind her flared brighter.
"First, let us welcome the reigning champions—Crimson Bastion Academy. With multiple championship titles to their name, they return once again to defend their crown."
The central holographic screens shifted instantly.
A formation of students clad in striking red and gold uniforms filled the projections. Their cloaks were trimmed in metallic thread, their insignia—a blazing shield pierced by a spear—emblazoned proudly across their chests.
The crowd erupted.
Crimson Bastion Academy stood as a pillar of strength and discipline. Renowned for their balanced excellence in both Knight and Mage combat, they were masters of structured battle doctrine and coordinated warfare.
The announcer's hand swept outward again.
"Next—Blitz War Institute! They may not hold the current title—but they are always among the final contenders."
The screens flickered, revealing students in sharp yellow, gold, and black uniforms. Their emblem resembled a jagged lightning bolt crossing a blade and wand.
A different kind of cheer rose—faster, sharper.
Blitz War Institute was famed for its mastery of speed, mobility, and tactical adaptability. Whether Knight or Mage, their combatants were trained to think and move faster than their opponents.
Then—
"Representing one of the oldest institutions in our region—Star Shine Academy."
The screens displayed deep blue uniforms embroidered with golden star patterns that shimmered faintly under the enchantments. Their emblem—a radiant star encircled by orbiting rings—glowed proudly above them.
Founded generations ago, Star Shine Academy carried a legacy steeped in history. Known for rigorous foundational training and exceptional balance between magical theory and martial discipline, it had produced countless influential Knights and Mages alike.
The projection swept briefly across their formation.
The cheers were strong—though not as thunderous as Crimson Bastion's.
The announcer continued smoothly. "Dawnspire Academy. Underestimate them at your peril."
The projection shifted to an all-female formation dressed in elegant white and rose-gold attire. Their emblem—a rising sun framed by delicate wings—shone brightly.
Dawnspire was an academy renowned not only for refined magical instruction, but also for excellence in auxiliary arts and battlefield support.
Next—
"Ashford Institute."
The screens displayed students clad in deep violet and silver. Arcane sigils shimmered faintly along their sleeves.
Ashford was widely regarded as one of the most magic-focused academies. Their curriculum emphasized advanced spell theory, mana manipulation, and large-scale casting techniques.
"Greyfield School."
Their uniforms were understated—charcoal gray accented with muted blue. Their emblem, a stylized quill crossed with a blade, reflected a different philosophy.
Greyfield was known for its emphasis on logistics, planning, and battlefield intelligence. Every Knight and Mage was trained not only to fight—but to analyze.
"Iron Ward Academy."
The screens now displayed a strictly uniformed, all-male formation clad in dark iron-gray armor trimmed with bronze.
Iron Ward prided itself on discipline, physical conditioning, and relentless endurance. Their Knights were among the most resilient in the region, and their Mages specialized in reinforcement and enhancement arts.
"Leycross Academy."
A sea of emerald and silver uniforms filled the projection. Their emblem resembled an intricate geometric rune.
Leycross excelled in mana flow studies and environmental synchronization. Both Knight and Mage were trained to draw upon surrounding energies, adapting seamlessly to shifting terrain.
"And finally—Stone Gate Academy."
The holograms shifted to deep brown and dark green. Their crest—a massive fortified gate—stood proudly above them.
Stone Gate was synonymous with defense. Their doctrine centered on fortification, barrier mastery, and attrition warfare. In prolonged engagements, few could match their stamina and cohesion.
As the final crest rotated into place, all nine emblems hovered together in a brilliant circle above the arena.
The announcer lowered her hand slightly, azure eyes gleaming.
"Nine academies. Hundreds of students. Countless hours of preparation. Today, they stand not merely as competitors—but as representatives of their legacies."
Then, with a graceful turn, the rabbit-kin announcer continued.
"Before we proceed," she said smoothly, "it is my honor to introduce the esteemed judges who will oversee this year's Nine Academy Tournament."
The holographic displays shifted once more.
One by one, distinguished figures appeared upon the screens—senior battle instructors, decorated veterans, renowned scholars of arcane theory, and licensed high-tier arbiters from Lunar City itself. Each name was announced with formal precision, accompanied by a brief summary of their credentials.
"And now," her tone lifted slightly, "we are honored by the presence of a most distinguished guest."
The projection widened.
Seated within an elevated central viewing platform was a figure in formal ceremonial attire—dark robes accented with silver threading, with the sigil of Lunar City embroidered across the chest.
"The City Lord of Lunar City."
The entire stadium rose into a wave of applause.
The City Lord inclined his head with calm authority, offering a brief, composed acknowledgment to the crowd.
Once the applause faded, the announcer clapped her hands lightly, drawing attention back to the arena floor.
"With the formalities complete, we shall now proceed to the opening event of this year's tournament."
Her gaze swept across the gathered formations.
"All participants—except those of the Newcomers' Division—may withdraw and join their respective academy sections in the stands."
Today belonged to the first-years.
Within minutes, the massive field felt noticeably less crowded.
Only the Newcomers' Division participants remained.
From each academy, ten representatives from the Knight Faculty and ten from the Magic Faculty stood in formation—twenty students per institution.
Nine academies.
One hundred and eighty expected participants.
Or so it should have been.
The announcer waited for the cheers to soften before continuing.
"This year," she declared, her voice resonating clearly through the enchanted amplifiers, "the Newcomers' Division will host a total of one hundred and seventy-nine participants."
A subtle murmur spread across the stands.
Ten Knights and ten Mages from each of nine academies. It should have been one hundred and eighty.
The announcer smiled faintly, clearly anticipating the reaction.
"Yes," she continued, "for the first time in the history of the Nine Academy Tournament, one participant has registered to compete in both the Knight Division and the Magic Division simultaneously."
The murmur intensified.
Some spectators leaned forward. Others exchanged looks of disbelief.
The holographic displays flickered—then slowly converged on Alex.
Aurora turned her head toward him.
"Well," she said, a slow grin spreading across her face, "that's one way to make an entrance."