Finally, the moment to open the arena space had arrived.
The plaza had been completely transformed: it was no longer the flat expanse of yesterday but instead sculpted into a sunken centre with raised edges, forming a vast amphitheatre. Many people were already seated on the stands — ordinary folk and Mages.
Notably, the principal and several senior Elders were present, and of course, a fair share of upper-level students.
"I heard a kid with the strongest Light aptitude on the continent showed up yesterday."
"Great aptitude doesn't mean much if you don't know how to use it."
"You only learn by doing. When I first came here, I didn't know anything either—nearly died in the arena, ha ha ha."
From the start, the contest was unfair. Plenty of rich children had early access to magic training; children born into poverty, no matter how talented, often didn't know how to apply their gifts.
