Sitting face to face with Lyra at the training table, Astrid softly chanted the common incantation for the Ignite spell. Warm flames ignited around them, slightly dispelling the intense chill in the room.
"Lyra, although I haven't mentioned much about the behind-the-scenes of the competition before, the students have been discussing it these days. You must be aware of what winning the championship this time means."
Seeing Lyra lean her sword against her chair and sit up straight to listen to her, Astrid propped her chin with one hand, softening her voice slightly.
"The venue for this Magic Exchange Competition is the capital of the Valeria Empire, the glorious and magnificent Imperial City. Throughout the empire's thousands of years of history, how many young heroes have this grand city nurtured."
