The Azure Clash was in full swing.
Students filled the Grand Arena like a roaring sea. Floating platforms hovered in the sky, each holding teams from the first and second years. Colored banners waved with magical runes. Cheers, chants, and sparkles of mana lit the air.
It was chaotic. Energetic. And very loud.
Kael yawned.
He stood in the waiting area for Class Alpha's team. His robe was half-buttoned, and his hair was still messy from sleep. He'd been dragged here by Lyra, who had threatened to sing loudly next to his ear if he didn't get up.
"I hate this," Kael muttered, rubbing his eyes.
Lyra stood beside him, trying to tie her hair while reading the match list. "We're up next. Against Second Year Class E."
"Can I surrender in advance?"
"No. Also, you're team captain."
Kael blinked. "Since when?"
"Since the instructor saw you beat a training golem while half-asleep."
"Oh."
---
The Matchup
On the other platform, Second Year Class E stood confidently. Their captain was a tall girl with sharp eyes and wind magic flowing around her.
Elira stood in the stands, arms crossed, watching closely.
Raen, next to her, said, "They're putting Kael in first? Isn't that a bit unfair?"
Elira shook her head. "They don't know who he really is."
---
Round One
The announcer's voice boomed through a floating crystal mic:
"First Round! Kael Vaelthorn versus Syla Windshade!"
Cheers exploded from the crowd. The second-year students laughed.
"That sleepy first-year?"
"This will be quick."
Syla raised her staff, wind circling her like blades. She pointed at Kael.
"Ready to lose?"
Kael sighed. "Can I go back now?"
"No!"
She charged.
Wind slashed across the arena like knives. Dust blew into the air. Students leaned forward, expecting an epic dodge, a shield, or a counterspell.
Kael took one step to the side.
The wind passed by him completely.
Syla blinked. "Huh?"
Kael rubbed his temple and walked forward lazily.
She panicked and cast a storm wall.
Kael yawned.
The storm crashed… and suddenly stopped.
No explosion. No boom. Just silence.
Syla's magic collapsed mid-air like a broken fan.
"What—!?"
Kael stepped close and tapped her on the forehead.
She fainted.
Silence.
Then—
"…Did he use forbidden pressure magic!?"
"No, he didn't even cast!"
"Maybe she overexerted her mana!"
"Must've been a trick! Illusion! Curse!"
Kael walked off the stage. "Can I nap now?"
"No!" Lyra called.
---
Misunderstood Legend
In the VIP booth, Instructor Rehlan stared down at the battlefield.
"Fascinating. He canceled high-grade wind magic just by existing."
One noble lord behind him whispered, "Could he be using an invisible relic?"
Rehlan smiled. "No. He's just… that lazy."
---
The Second Round
Lyra's turn came next. She was nervous but determined. Kael gave her a thumbs-up before lying down on a bench again.
Her opponent was a flame user. The stage turned hot, steam rising around them.
But Lyra surprised everyone.
Her magic was like a silver breeze—graceful but sharp. She used spatial magic, creating small portals that redirected her opponent's attacks.
At the last second, she trapped his leg in a looped fold of space.
He fell flat.
Lyra bowed politely.
The crowd clapped.
Kael clapped once, slowly.
"Not bad," he mumbled.
Lyra smiled brightly.
---
Unexpected Visitor
Just as the third match was about to start, a sudden burst of dark energy swept over the arena.
A masked figure floated down from the sky, landing at the edge of the ring.
Students gasped. Instructors stood up.
The announcer stuttered, "Wh-What's this!?"
The figure pointed at Kael.
"You. I challenge you. Now."
Kael, eyes half-closed, groaned. "Another one?"
The masked figure growled, "Face me, coward!"
Kael got up and dusted his robe.
"I swear if this ruins my nap…"
---
Surprise Battle: Kael vs Masked Challenger
The challenger dashed forward, blades spinning with cursed fire.
Kael stepped left.
The blades missed.
The figure spun mid-air, unleashing a barrage of shadow bolts.
Kael ducked to scratch his ankle.
All bolts passed over his head.
Gasps echoed.
"Did he read the attack?"
"No—he moved too early! Anticipation at its peak!"
Kael sneezed.
The sound bounced oddly in the arena… and the masked challenger froze mid-step.
Stumbled.
Then fell flat.
"HE DEFEATED HIM WITH A SOUND-BASED MANA DISRUPTION!!"
Kael blinked. "No, I just—"
Too late.
The legend was spreading again.
---
Aftermath
Elira watched in silence, fingers on her lips.
Raen said, "I've studied for six years. I trained under a mountain. And he sneezes people unconscious."
Elira said softly, "He's… something else."
---
Backstage
Kael returned to the waiting room and collapsed on the couch.
"Wake me when it's over."
Lyra sat beside him. "You won again."
"I didn't try."
"That's the problem."
They both laughed.
Outside, the arena still buzzed with shock and awe.
Inside, Kael finally fell asleep—victorious, undefeated, and entirely unbothered.
---
End of Chapter 17