As she walked further, she noticed a large, intricately designed sign on the wall with the words "The Arcane Legion" emblazoned in bold, shimmering letters. Beautiful and cool murals adorned the walls, depicting legendary battles and powerful mages in action. "Cool!" Amberine shouted, unable to contain her excitement.
A person approached her, clad in a knight's attire, his presence commanding attention. He had the unmistakable aura of an upperclassman from the knight course. "Glad you like it," he said with a smile. "Welcome to the practice of real-time magical combat."
Amberine took in his appearance, noting his handsome face, blonde hair, and the wild, adventurous vibe he exuded. From inside her robe, Ignis whispered, "From his handsome face and blonde hair with that wild vibe, he must be a lady-killer that most stupid girls would want to have a night with."
Amberine snorted, trying to stifle her laughter. Despite her initial hesitation, she replied kindly, "I've come to join the open training held by the club."
The man's smile widened. "Of course! We'd be happy to have you. Follow me, and I'll escort you to where the open training is being held." He led her through the field, chatting amiably as they went. Amberine couldn't help but feel a bit nervous, her mind racing with anticipation.
"So, are you a first-year?" the knight asked, glancing at her with curiosity.
"Yes," Amberine nodded. "Just started this semester. And you?"
"I'm a third-year," he replied. "Name's Roland. I specialize in combining swordplay with magic. It's pretty challenging but incredibly rewarding."
"That sounds amazing," Amberine said, genuinely impressed. "I've always admired knights who can integrate magic into their combat skills. It's like the best of both worlds."
Roland chuckled. "It has its perks, but it also means twice the training. By the way, what's your specialty?"
"I'm still exploring," Amberine admitted. "But I'm leaning towards elemental magic. There's just something fascinating about harnessing the raw forces of nature."
Roland nodded appreciatively. "Elemental magic is powerful and versatile. You'll have plenty of opportunities to refine your skills here."
As they arrived at the designated training area, Amberine froze, her heart skipping a beat. Standing amidst a group of people, effortlessly commanding attention, was Elara. Amberine's initial excitement was replaced by a mix of frustration and dread.
Elara was surrounded by club members, all eager to speak with her and ask about her achievements. Amberine muttered under her breath, "Of course she's here." She felt a surge of irritation, wanting to spit in disgust.
Ignis, ever the commentator, whispered, "It's all because of Elara's talent. You've got to give her credit."
"Shut up," Amberine hissed, earning a curious glance from Roland.
"Something wrong?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It's nothing," Amberine replied quickly. "Just... an old rival."
Roland nodded, understanding. "Friendly competition can be a good motivator."
As they arrived at the designated training area, Amberine froze, her heart skipping a beat. Standing amidst a group of people, effortlessly commanding attention, was Elara. Amberine's initial excitement was replaced by a mix of frustration and dread.
Elara was surrounded by club members, all eager to speak with her and ask about her achievements. Amberine muttered under her breath, "Of course she's here." She felt a surge of irritation, wanting to spit in disgust.
Ignis, ever the commentator, whispered, "It's all because of Elara's talent. You've got to give her credit."
"Shut up," Amberine hissed, earning a curious glance from Roland.
"Something wrong?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It's nothing," Amberine replied quickly. "Just... an old rival."
Roland nodded, understanding. "Friendly competition can be a good motivator."
Elara caught sight of Amberine and smirked, making her way over with the grace of someone who knew she owned the room. "Amberine," she said, her tone dripping with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Amberine forced a smile. "Elara. Always in the spotlight, I see."
Elara shrugged, a glint of challenge in her eyes. "I can't help it if people are drawn to talent."
Before Amberine could retort, the opening ceremony began with a speech from the club president, a tall, imposing figure with a commanding presence. "Welcome to The Arcane Legion," he announced, his voice echoing through the field. "Our club is dedicated to honing our combat skills and pushing the limits of our magical abilities.
Today, you will witness firsthand what it means to be a member of this esteemed group."
The crowd murmured with excitement as the president continued, "We will start with a demonstration of our training methods. Observe closely and see what true magical combat looks like."
The demonstration began with a pair of senior members stepping into the training area. The ground was equipped with various magical tools and items provided by the university to ensure a high-quality combat experience. The seniors activated the magic barriers that surrounded the arena, creating a safe environment for their battle.
Amberine watched in awe as the two mages squared off, their movements fluid and precise. They exchanged spells, each one more impressive than the last. One conjured a barrier of shimmering ice, while the other summoned a torrent of flames to counter it. The ice melted into steam, creating a dramatic visual effect.
Amberine leaned towards Roland. "Do they always go all out like this in demonstrations?" she whispered.
Roland chuckled softly. "Pretty much. They want to show the newcomers what they're capable of. It's both a lesson and a spectacle."
The battle continued with a dazzling display of skill and strategy. The combatants used a variety of spells and enchanted items, showcasing their mastery over different elements. They weaved between offensive and defensive maneuvers, their actions coordinated and calculated. The air crackled with energy, and the ground shook with the force of their magic.
Amberine's eyes widened as she took in the spectacle. She could feel the intensity of the combat, the sheer power behind each spell. It was both exhilarating and intimidating. She glanced at Elara, who watched the demonstration with a calm, confident expression.
As the demonstration came to a close, the president stepped forward again. "Now, we invite any prospective members who wish to try the simulation to step forward. This is your chance to show us what you're capable of."
Before Amberine could fully process the invitation, Elara moved to the front of the crowd. "I want to participate," she declared, her voice steady and sure.
The president nodded, ready to choose an opponent for her, but Elara pointed directly at Amberine. "I choose her."
Amberine's heart skipped a beat. "What? Me?" she blurted out, her voice filled with surprise.
Elara's gaze was unwavering. "Yes, you. Let's see what you've got."
The crowd fell silent, all eyes turning to Amberine. She felt a mixture of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and a stubborn determination not to back down. Ignis whispered encouragingly, "You can do this, Amberine. Show her what you're made of."
Taking a deep breath, Amberine stepped forward, meeting Elara's gaze with a fierce determination of her own. "Alright, let's do this," she said, her voice firm.
The president looked between them and nodded. "Very well. Both of you, take your positions in the arena."
Amberine felt her pulse quicken as she walked to her designated spot. She could feel the eyes of the entire club on her, a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Elara stood across from her, calm and composed, her confidence almost tangible.
As the magical barriers rose around the arena, creating a shimmering dome, Amberine's nerves heightened. She had faced Elara before, but this felt different—more public, more intense.
The president raised his hand. "Begin!"
___
Inside the manor of the Drakhan Family, Draven folded his arms as he looked outside the window.
When the royal banquet started, the pieces would start to move. It will be another arc of a battle of wits and blood. He would very much like to have other devil servants for his protection and to add available cards to his arsenal, but he don't have enough time. The royal banquet is getting near.
Even if he tries to search for one, it would be bad if it's premature.
The Devil Pen does not show a hint that he could release a devil servant registered at its skill, if he couldn't undo it, it would be better to have a strong monster to be his devil servant instead. If possible, a monster that could change the tide.
He would also need one that he could bring anywhere he goes as a personal guard. The Devil Hobgoblin is too notorious for both its physique and its aura are too menacing with devilish aura, bringing it together with him would only bring trouble.
"Slave dealers... But I guess I would need to gain more money first,"