Volume 2, Chapter 23: Shadows in the Arena
The sun hung high over the Aurelius Magic Academy arena, casting long shadows across the marble floors. The Inter-Kingdom Magic Tournament continued, drawing an even larger crowd. Nobles, princes, princesses, and elite mages from surrounding kingdoms eagerly awaited the next round.
> "Another day, another display of false weakness," Cael murmured, adjusting his uniform to maintain his "average noble" guise.
"Patience… everything is part of the plan."
Selene hovered nearby, her shadows flickering with restrained power.
> "Master… shall we reveal more this time?" she asked, crimson eyes scanning the participants.
> "No," Cael said calmly.
"We remain a background character. Let them underestimate us… it makes their mistakes sweeter."
Stronger Opponents Arrive
This round featured the best prodigies from neighboring kingdoms, each confident and brimming with magic. Their auras radiated power, yet none could sense the faint but overwhelming Absolute Atomic presence in Cael.
As the matches began:
Spells and elemental attacks collided in spectacular displays.
Cael's movements remained subtle, almost hesitant, giving the impression of a weak or inexperienced student.
Yet, every misstep was calculated he ensured opponents gained temporary advantage while subtly controlling battlefield conditions.
Hints of Hidden Power
Though Cael "lost" again, subtle anomalies appeared:
When a fireball nearly hit him, it exploded prematurely, as if repelled by an unseen force.
One opponent swung a sword imbued with lightning, yet shadows flickered around Cael, diverting its path just enough to avoid contact.
During another spell clash, a faint afterimage of his silhouette split across multiple positions, leaving spectators momentarily stunned.
The crowd murmured:
> "There's… something strange about him."
"I thought he was weak… but those afterimages…"
"Could it be luck? Or is there more we don't see?"
Even the instructors were puzzled, though they chalked it up to untrained but fortunate skill.
Strategic Loss
Cael's final match of the day was against Princess Lyria, a brilliant mage from a rival kingdom. She unleashed a torrent of spells: flames, ice, and gravity manipulation.
> "She's strong," Selene whispered, as shadows flared subtly around them.
Cael dodged and countered just enough to extend the match, but he deliberately allowed Lyria to land a decisive blow.
> "I yield," he said softly, bowing politely.
"You fought well."
Lyria's eyes widened in surprise at his composure and subtle control over the battlefield.
To the spectators, Cael was weak and unremarkable.
To the observant few, the faint distortions, afterimages, and perfectly timed dodges hinted at something far beyond normal power.
Aftermath of Day Two
As the crowd dispersed, whispers spread:
> "Who is that mysterious noble student? Even though he 'lost,' something about him feels… off."
"I've never seen anyone dodge like that… and yet he moves like a weakling?"
Cael and Selene walked quietly through the academy halls, unnoticed and unchallenged.
> "Another day, another display," Cael said calmly.
"They still see only the façade. Good… we keep moving in the shadows, observing, learning… waiting."
Selene tilted her head:
> "Master… the tournament continues, and so do the challenges. When do we reveal the truth?"
> "When it is necessary," Cael replied softly.
"Until then… Absolute Atomic watches, and the shadows guide us."
The sun set over the academy, casting the arena in long, mysterious shadows. To all who watched, Cael remained just another weak noble student but in reality, the Absolute Atomic sovereign prepared silently for the storms yet to come.