Chapter 22

The best seats in the arena were occupied by high-ranking nobles, members of the Imperial Family, and mages, including the Mage Tower Master. 

A man with black hair leaned forward with his elbows resting on his knees, his posture showing clear focus on the match. 

At first glance, his gaze seemed indifferent, but in truth, he was observing every flow of magic. He analyzed the precision of the calculations and the density of the magic.

After the female student’s victory was confirmed and she stepped off the arena, the man crossed his arms and leaned back.

“She’s grown well.”

The Mage Tower Master, Ruanes Histeron, smiled with satisfaction.

Aside from the excessive magic leaking around Iberia Del, likely due to Mental Magic, she was truly flawless.

Still, with that much magic leaking out, something significant was bound to happen sooner or later. It seemed that something both interesting and troublesome would occur soon.

His eyes glimmered with a mix of emotions.

***

The next match took place that same afternoon.

Iberia had a simple lunch and arrived early at the waiting room. She had already secured her armor meticulously. A thread bracelet given to her by Young Master Nesferos dangled from her wrist.

As she habitually touched her wrist, her fingers brushed against the thread bracelet.

Seeing it brought Young Master Nesferos to mind. Iberia clenched the bracelet tightly. Perhaps it was just her imagination, but she felt a cooling sensation in her head. Her nerves, which had unknowingly been on edge, seemed to relax.

Iberia, who had been calmly closing her eyes, sensed someone’s presence and opened them.

“Hello.”

She greeted her opponent, who had entered the waiting room, but the other girl ignored her and sat on the opposite side.

Feeling awkward, Iberia closed her eyes again and reviewed the formulas she had practiced countless times.

Soon, the announcement sounded, and Iberia stepped onto the arena.

The arena was packed with spectators. Iberia took a deep breath and composed herself.

“So, it really is your first time participating?”

At the sudden remark, Iberia’s blue eyes turned to her opponent. The girl, who had ignored her earlier, was now trying a shallow psychological tactic.

“You seem too nervous. Relax a bit.”

Iberia neither smiled nor frowned. She simply gazed at her opponent quietly.

The one who had spoken ended up feeling awkward instead.

How can someone be so unresponsive?

The girl furrowed her brows and glared fiercely at Iberia.

Soon, the bell signaling the start of the match rang.

Her opponent cast spells recklessly. Her lack of precision made her an easy opponent for Iberia.

The flames her opponent summoned were extinguished before they could even take shape. Three consecutive wind spears failed to reach Iberia and vanished. Her opponent’s growing panic was evident. Iberia smiled faintly, pulling the corners of her lips upward.

“Ha…”

In the current situation, that smile had a significantly negative impact on her opponent.

The girl began casting spells wildly, as if she intended to use up all her magic.

‘If she uses up her magic like that, she won’t have anything left. What’s her plan if she wins and advances?’

Still, she had no intention of losing out of idle curiosity. Even the magic she was using against this opponent felt like a waste.

Iberia quickly placed a small flame on the knot of her opponent’s armor. The flame was just hot enough to burn the knot without affecting anything else.

After a few exchanges, her opponent’s armor began to fall apart.

When the referee declared Iberia the winner, she smiled with a peculiar sense of accomplishment.

***

Iberia continued to win on the second and third days of the main tournament.

If she won three more matches, she could reach the finals.

The magic department tournament had no division by grade. Students from the first to fourth years all participated, resulting in a large number of matches.

Iberia rubbed her temples. Her magic reserves were gradually depleting. She couldn’t even remember how many matches she had fought over the past three days. The relentless schedule left little time for rest, making the tournament incredibly exhausting.

The mental fatigue was one thing, but the real issue was her dwindling magic reserves.

Despite her mounting anxiety, Iberia didn’t show it in front of others.

Today was the third day of the main tournament, the day when the new match brackets would be announced before dinner. Iberia glanced at Cynthia, who was busy at their booth, and asked cautiously.

“Cynthia, are you very busy?”

“Yes, oh my. Our booth is so popular, isn’t it?”

If Iberia brought up the match brackets, Cynthia would undoubtedly insist on going with her, even in the midst of her busyness. Deciding against it, Iberia quickly left the booth without saying more.

The brackets were posted on the wall next to the library.

As she walked to the library, Iberia circulated her internal magic to maintain her focus. Magic use was prohibited outside the practice grounds, so she couldn’t draw on the surrounding magic. However, circulating her internal magic didn’t deplete it, so there was no need to rely on external sources.

Standing before the brackets, Iberia slowly searched for her name. Her eyes widened when she saw the name next to hers. She double-checked to ensure she wasn’t mistaken, silently hoping her eyes were playing tricks on her.

“…Are you kidding me?”

Iberia held her head in her hands. Her opponent was the Crown Prince.

Why is a graduating student even participating in the tournament?

Iberia found herself resenting the Crown Prince before quickly shaking her head in alarm.

Graduating students were allowed to participate. It wasn’t against the rules, and while rare, it wasn’t unheard of.

Of course, the Crown Prince had no need for further status or connections. He didn’t need to impress anyone.

Her thoughts began to spiral into resentment. At that moment, someone called out to her.

“Iberia?”

The voice was familiar. Iberia composed her expression and turned toward the speaker.

“Hello, Young Master.”

“Did you come to check the brackets?”

“Yes.”

Young Master Nesferos nodded at her response and turned his gaze to the brackets. Soon, he pointed to Iberia’s name: Iberia Del versus Achel Demian Keitanner.

Young Master Nesferos studied her expression.

“Don’t overdo it.”

“…”

“And don’t worry.”

Iberia avoided his gaze, unable to respond.

Even though he told her not to worry, she couldn’t help it. The Young Master, who had been watching her intently as if expecting an answer, suddenly asked a lighthearted question.

“Is your match tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“After your match tomorrow, want to grab dinner outside? Lacanel’s festival is famous for its night market. We can look around while we’re there.”

“If I make it through the match safely, let’s go.”

It was a somewhat impulsive agreement. Iberia blinked in surprise at her own words. Just then, a breeze blew, scattering her hair. Perhaps because of the wind, her thoughts felt even more chaotic.

Young Master Nesferos smiled beautifully. Even though her agreement was conditional, the fact that Iberia had responded positively to his suggestion was a new signal.

***

Iberia shook her head, trying to brush away the vivid memories of the previous day. She couldn’t understand why she had given such an answer, why she had agreed to Young Master Nesferos’s suggestion.

With her match against the Crown Prince just moments away, she couldn’t afford to be so distracted.

She felt as though she were floating. Furrowing her brows, Iberia clenched her fists tightly. Her neat nails left marks on her gloved palms.

The waiting room was cold. Leaning against the icy wall, she finally felt grounded.

Just then, she heard movement outside. Iberia froze. Although there was still some time before the match began, the only person who might enter the waiting room now was the Crown Prince.

Sure enough, the door opened, and a blond man stepped inside. His every step was smooth, making him seem like someone who could blend in anywhere while still drawing attention. His light blue, almost gray eyes scanned the room.

Iberia stood and bowed deeply.

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

“Let’s have a good match, Miss Iberia.”

The Crown Prince cut her greeting short without hesitation. He extended his hand toward her.

From experience, Iberia knew he was asking for a handshake. Her right hand, which she needed to touch his, trembled slightly. Clasping his hand, she replied briefly.

“Yes, I look forward to it.”

Her hands, already cold by nature, felt as though they had been detached from her body.

Silence filled the waiting room.

Surely, he wouldn’t kill her here. The possibility that the Crown Prince had spared her so far just to kill her during the match…

Iberia instinctively began calculating but exhaled softly to stop herself. She needed to focus. The Crown Prince, seated with one leg crossed, watched her intently.

Instead of worrying, it was better to think productively. Iberia mentally reviewed magical formulas that could aid her survival.

She considered forfeiting as soon as she stepped onto the arena, but her pride wouldn’t allow it. She decided to do her best, at least until she couldn’t anymore.

Soon, the announcement called for them to step onto the arena.