The Lost Mage's Journey

Chapter 10: The Shadow of Power

Scene 1: After Leonis' Victory

The stadium is filled with cheers and applause as Leonis walks away from his victory, his expression cool and collected. His battle against the mages from Region 2 had been nothing short of impressive, and the crowd is eager to shower him with praise. As he moves through the arena, several students rush up to congratulate him, including nobles from his house. He acknowledges their compliments with a cold, polite smile, but his eyes flicker toward Lyka briefly before quickly turning away, his face hardening.

Lyka stands nearby, watching the scene unfold, but she can't shake the feeling that Leonis is purposefully avoiding her. Her chest tightens as she sees him surrounded by praise and admiration, but his cold indifference toward her stings.

Noble Student (cheerfully):
"That was incredible, Leonis! You made it look effortless!"

Leonis (smirking):
"It was nothing. They were hardly a challenge."

As Leonis continues to chat with the nobles, Auron approaches Lyka, sensing the tension in her posture. He sits beside her on the stone steps of the arena, offering a gentle smile to lighten the weight she's carrying.

Auron (softly):
"Don't mind him, Lyka. Leonis just can't stand the thought of a commoner like you representing the school."

Lyka lowers her gaze, her fingers curling into her lap. She had known all along that Leonis and many other nobles wouldn't accept her, but it still hurt. She lets out a quiet sigh, trying to push the feeling aside.

Lyka (murmuring):
"I know... but it's hard not to let it get to me."

Auron places a comforting hand on her shoulder, his voice filled with quiet reassurance.

Auron:
"Forget him. He's not worth it. Just focus on your next fight. You've come this far, and you're going to win."

Lyka nods, forcing a small smile for Auron's sake. But deep down, a part of her is anxious—not just about Leonis, but about the strange feeling lingering inside her. The memory of her dark mana leaking in the classroom earlier that day flashes in her mind, and she can still hear Carina's voice echoing in her head.

Narration (Lyka's thoughts):
"Carina... What are you planning? Why now?"

Scene 2: The Next Round Begins

The time for the next round comes quickly, and Lyka's heart races as she steps into the arena once more. Her opponent this time is a fourth-year student from Region 3—a renowned school that specializes in ancient magic, much like her own studies. The competitor's name is Alaric Valeron, a tall, imposing figure with deep blue robes lined with intricate runes. His presence commands attention, and his eyes gleam with sharp intelligence.

The crowd murmurs in excitement. Alaric is well-known for his mastery of ancient magic, and many consider him one of the strongest competitors in the tournament.

Auron (from the sidelines, whispering to Elara and Darius):
"This guy's serious. He's known for using magic that predates most of what we've learned in the Academy."

Elara (nervously):
"Lyka's strong, but... this isn't going to be easy."

As Lyka faces Alaric, she feels a surge of adrenaline. She knows this fight will push her to the limit, but what she doesn't expect is the subtle, creeping feeling of dark magic swirling around her. It's faint but present—Carina's shadow, hovering in the background of her mind. Lyka clenches her fists, trying to focus, but the whispers of Carina's voice begin to taunt her.