Chapter 5: Training Arena and First Challenge
After completing the rather complicated registration process with a teacher sitting at a garden table nearly buried under stacks of papers as tall as an arm, Sirius followed the flow of other prospective students moving in one direction. The white fox perched back on his shoulder, occasionally moving its ears when hearing distant noises.
"The training arena is over there," said a red-haired girl to her friend while pointing toward a large building visible in the distance. "They say we'll be tested on our magical abilities and combat experience there."
"I hope I don't embarrass myself," her friend replied with an anxious tone. "I only started learning basic magic last year."
Sirius heard similar conversations throughout the journey. Some prospective students appeared confident, others looked nervous, and some seemed very tense. The mixed atmosphere of excitement and anxiety felt thick in the air.
Asteria's training arena turned out to be larger than Sirius had imagined. The giant oval-shaped building was about thirty meters tall with sturdy white stone walls. At the top of the walls, large windows allowed sunlight to enter perfectly, creating warm natural lighting inside the arena.
Upon entering, Sirius was amazed by the complete facilities available. The main arena was a circular field with a diameter of about fifty meters, its floor made of solid stone, with tiered spectator seats arranged to accommodate hundreds of people.
What caught the most attention were various supporting facilities surrounding the main arena. In the eastern corner was a treatment room equipped with clean white beds and various healing potions neatly arranged in glass cabinets. Several healing wizards in light green uniforms were already prepared with their magical medical equipment.
On the arena's west side was a weapon storage that interested Sirius. Tall wooden racks displayed various weapons neatly. There were rows of large swords with blades as wide as an adult's palm, regular swords of standard size gleaming sharply, and knives of various shapes and sizes.
Spears stood upright on separate racks—there were pointed spears with long blades like giant needles, and spears with wide blades. Magic wands from various types of wood were beautifully arranged, each having unique carvings and crystal decorations.
In another section, wooden bows of various sizes hung neatly, while arrows with colorful feathers were stored in leather tubes. Most unique was the collection of chains and whips hanging on the wall—there were thick chains like those for binding wild beasts, and thin whips like flexible ropes.
Sirius walked closer to the sword rack, his eyes scanning each displayed weapon one by one. His hand almost reached out to touch the handle of a sword with dragon carvings on its blade, but he abandoned the intention when hearing a loud and authoritative voice.
"Welcome, prospective students of Asteria Academy!"
Everyone turned toward the source of the voice. In the arena's center stood an old man who immediately drew everyone's attention despite his simple appearance. His hair was white as snow, same as his long beard reaching his chest. His clothing was only a plain brown robe that looked worn, and in his hand was only a simple wooden staff without any decorations.
But there was something in the way he stood and spoke that made everyone immediately know he was no ordinary person. His aura radiated wisdom and quiet yet intimidating strength.
"Allow me to introduce myself, my name is August Eldoria," said the old man with a warm smile that made the wrinkles on his face deepen. "I am the headmaster of Asteria Academy, and today I will personally oversee your ability tests."
Murmurs of admiration could be heard from various directions. August Eldoria's name was a living legend in the magical world. Many had only heard his name in stories but never seen him directly.
"I'm very much looking forward to your performances today," August continued with eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Especially the unique magic you might possess. Believe me, in my very long life, nothing is more delightful than seeing new and surprising magical wonders."
Sirius observed the academy headmaster's face carefully. Despite his very advanced age, August's eyes radiated enthusiasm like a small child about to watch a circus performance. It was clear that he truly loved magic with all his heart.
"Now, the test rules are simple," August raised his wooden staff. "You will fight one-on-one to demonstrate your magical abilities and combat experience. For those who feel they don't have adequate combat experience yet, don't worry. I will provide assistance in the form of additional classes at the end of academy hours to hone your abilities."
Some prospective students looked relieved hearing this, while others seemed even more excited.
"Very well, now I will announce the pairs who will fight," August pulled out a long scroll of paper from behind his robe. "First pair: Elena versus Marcus."
Two people stepped forward—a blonde-haired girl with clear blue eyes, and a stocky young man with brown hair and rough hands like a blacksmith's.
August continued reading names, and each called pair stepped forward to introduce themselves. Sirius listened patiently while observing his potential opponents. Some looked confident, some nervous, and others appeared experienced in combat.
"Seventh pair," August's voice rang clearly throughout the arena, "Sirius versus Kael."
Sirius felt many people's attention turn to him. He walked casually forward, the white fox still faithful on his shoulder. Several prospective students whispered seeing his unusual pet.
"Which one is Sirius?" asked a young man with a loud and confident voice.
August pointed toward Sirius with his staff. The young man immediately turned and walked closer with large strides. Sirius carefully observed his potential opponent—a youth his age, but much taller and more muscular. His shoulders were broad, his arms muscular, and his way of walking showed he was accustomed to physical combat.
"So you're my opponent?" Kael stood in front of Sirius with arms folded across his chest, looking him up and down with a dismissive expression. "Didn't expect to fight against a kid like you."
Several prospective students around them began paying closer attention. Some started whispering about the striking physical difference between the two.
Sirius looked at Kael calmly, a thin smile appearing on his lips. "Just ordinary?" he tilted his head slightly, his tone casual but something in his eyes changed. "Are you sure judging by physical appearance alone is enough to win against someone?"
"Of course," Kael laughed loudly, his voice echoing in the arena. "Look at the difference between us. I've been training with weights and fighting since I was ten years old. While you... seem more suited to reading books in the library than fighting."
The white fox on Sirius's shoulder made a small 'grrr' sound, as if disliking Kael's attitude. Sirius gently stroked its fur to calm it.
"Hmm, interesting," Sirius stepped slightly closer, his posture remaining casual but the aura around him changed. "So you think body size determines someone's magical strength?"
"Magic is important, but without physical strength to support it, magic is just a waste of time," Kael showed off his arm muscles. "Besides, with my combat experience, I'm confident I can defeat you before you have a chance to use any magic."
Several prospective students began gathering around them, interested in the tension building. Some started mentally betting on who would win.
Sirius was quiet for a moment, then smiled broadly—but this smile wasn't the friendly smile he usually showed. There was something cunning and challenging in that smile.
"You know," Sirius said in a still casual tone, "I can't hold myself back when fighting against people like you."
He paused briefly, his icy blue eyes looking directly into Kael's eyes with an intensity that made some people around them feel uncomfortable.
"I also don't like people who are overly confident without clear reason. Especially if they underestimate others just because of physical appearance."
Kael seemed slightly surprised by Sirius's aura change, but he quickly hid it with another loud laugh.
"Oh, so now you want to threaten me?" Kael stepped closer, trying to intimidate with his height. "Fine, I'm even more impatient to teach you a lesson about life's reality."
"Threaten?" Sirius raised an eyebrow, then laughed softly—but his laugh sounded cold. "No, no. I'm just stating facts. You'll learn the difference between confidence and arrogance later."
The atmosphere around them grew more tense. Several prospective students stepped back slightly, feeling the unpleasant atmospheric change.
August Eldoria, who had been watching their interaction with an amused smile, finally clapped slowly.
"Alright, alright," August said in a comforting tone. "Save your energy for the fight later. Sirius and Kael will fight in the seventh order, so you have time to prepare."
Kael stepped back while still looking at Sirius with a dismissive gaze. "Don't back down before your turn."
Sirius only smiled thinly and turned around, looking for a seat in the spectator stands. The white fox on his shoulder looked back and stuck its tongue out at Kael, making some spectators who saw it chuckle.
In the spectator stands, Sirius found an empty seat next to a handsome blonde-haired young man. Interestingly, the young man wore a black shirt exactly the same as Sirius wore—apparently the standard uniform for prospective students.
"May I sit here?"
The blonde young man turned and smiled kindly. His eyes were sparkling golden, contrasting sharply with his soft-looking blonde hair. His face was handsome with a firm but not too hard jaw, and his smile looked genuine.
"Of course," the young man replied while shifting his body slightly to make room. "I'm Aeris Astravelle. You must be the Sirius from earlier, right? The argument with that muscular guy was quite interesting."
Sirius sat comfortably, the white fox jumping down and curling up in his lap. "And that wasn't an argument, just a difference of opinion about how to judge someone's abilities."
Aeris chuckled. "A polite way to say he was arrogant and you were annoyed."
"Maybe," Sirius smiled, this time a more natural smile. "But seriously, I really don't like people who immediately judge based on physical appearance alone. The magical world isn't that simple."
"Agreed," Aeris nodded while watching the arena below where the first pair was already preparing. "Besides, from how you handled him earlier, it seems you have some hidden tricks."
Sirius glanced at Aeris with narrowed eyes. "Why do you think so?"
"Intuition," Aeris shrugged. "Plus, your fox got upset at Kael earlier. Animals can usually sense their owner's strength. If he's confident you can win, then you must have something."
The white fox in Sirius's lap raised its head and looked at Aeris with intelligent golden eyes, as if assessing whether this young man could be trusted or not.
"Will you also fight later?" asked Sirius while stroking his fox's fur.
"Fifth order," Aeris answered. "Against a girl named Vivian Rosewood. From her name, she seems to be from a noble family."
"Nervous?"
"A little," Aeris admitted honestly. "But more excited actually. It's been a long time since I fought someone who was really serious."
In the arena below, August Eldoria raised his staff high. "First battle begins!"
Elena and Marcus began moving in the arena, each releasing their magical auras. The show began, and Sirius prepared to observe carefully.