Tidal Frost Academy, one of the only two top-grade academies in the Asur Water Continent, stood as a pillar of strength, its influence rivaling even that of the royal family. Yet, despite their prestige, neither of the two academies dared to challenge the authority of Sage Alucard, the continent's most formidable figure. His sheer presence ensured that no institution, no matter how powerful, ever sought to rise beyond their place.

  Like every other academy in the continent, Tidal Frost Academy was buzzing with excitement as discussions about the upcoming Champion Battle filled the air. This tournament, held once every three years, was the grandest competition for young cultivators across the continent. But this time, the atmosphere was even more intense—because the strongest man in the continent had taken an interest in it.

  The academy's grand courtyard was packed with students, most of them discussing the tournament or watching sparring matches between competitors. The clashing sounds of weapons, bursts of elemental energy, and the excited chatter of students created a lively yet tense atmosphere.

  In one section of the courtyard, a group of four stood watching a sparring match taking place in the arena ahead.

  A young man in his early twenties—Mark—leaned slightly toward his companion, his sharp gaze never leaving the fighters in the ring. Standing at six feet tall, he had a lanky frame, but his posture carried confidence. With his arms crossed, he suddenly turned to his teammate and asked,

  "Sorin, do you think there's any team capable of defeating us?"

  Sorin, who stood beside him, remained silent for a moment, his piercing eyes fixed on the match in front of him. He was of the same age as Mark, yet his presence felt heavier, more composed. Without shifting his gaze, he finally responded,

  "Don't underestimate your opponents. Haven't you heard the saying? 'The moment you think you're unbeatable is the moment you start losing.' Just because we have a strong team doesn't mean others won't. Every academy will send their elite cultivators—we're not the only ones aiming for first place."

  Mark frowned slightly but nodded. "You're right, Brother Sorin. But aside from the Ice Witch of our academy and that duo from Frostwater Academy, I don't think any other mid-grade academy has the strength to compete with us for the first-rank position."

  Before Sorin could respond, a melodious voice chimed in from behind them.

  "You're underestimating the competition again, Mark."

  Both young men turned their heads to see Dessy, a stunning young woman with striking features and a confident smirk. Her long, silvery-blue hair cascaded down her back, swaying slightly in the gentle breeze.

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  Sorin finally shifted his attention to her, tilting his head slightly.

  "Your thinking is flawed as well, Dessy." His voice was calm but firm. "From the outside, it might seem like there are only three real threats—us, the Ice Witch, and Frostwater Academy's duo. But when the competition begins, hidden opponents will reveal themselves. Just because we haven't heard of them doesn't mean they don't exist."

  He crossed his arms, his sharp eyes glinting with seriousness. "That being said, with our current strength, we still have a high chance of winning."

  From Sorin's other side, another voice entered the conversation—this one carrying a sense of youthful sharpness.

  "But this time, things feel different."

  The speaker was Rhona, the youngest among them. Though still in her late teens, she carried herself with the confidence of someone far beyond her years. Her deep, ocean-blue eyes held a thoughtful expression.

  "This competition seems more… intense," she continued. "Even Lord Nyxaris Velmora from the Invincible Heaven Continent has shown interest in it. Someone of his caliber paying attention to our tournament is… unusual."

  A moment of silence followed as the weight of her words settled over the group. Lord Nyxaris Velmora wasn't just any powerful figure—he was a legendary cultivator, a being who stood at the pinnacle of human strength. His involvement in a youth competition was as bizarre as a king personally overseeing a street brawl.

  Sorin's expression darkened slightly as he nodded. "You're right, Rhona. That's exactly why I said this year's competition is different. It's not common for a figure like Nyxaris Velmora to take interest in a youth tournament without a reason."

  He glanced at his teammates before continuing. "I've heard a few things from the Headmaster as well."

  At his words, all three of them immediately perked up. Even Dessy, who often acted disinterested, showed clear curiosity. Seeing their anticipation, Sorin elaborated.

  "The Headmaster said that the most powerful cultivators of the human race have been acting strangely—tense, as if something is weighing on them. The very forces of nature seem to be shifting, and yet, instead of addressing the problem, Nyxaris Velmora has chosen to observe our competition. When the other powerhouses heard about his interest, they were just as confused."

  Dessy furrowed her brows. "That… does sound strange."

  Mark crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "So what does the Headmaster think? Does he have any idea why Lord Velmora is doing this?"

  Sorin exhaled, shaking his head. "No. But he did say one thing: 'If a being at the peak of cultivation suddenly turns his gaze toward a group of younglings, then it's because something important is about to happen.'"

  A heavy silence fell over the group as they absorbed his words.

  What could possibly be so special about this tournament that it drew the attention of someone like Nyxaris Velmora?

  Suddenly, Sorin's gaze sharpened. "Wait—where is Sam?"

  Dessy, momentarily pulled from her thoughts, blinked before replying. "He said he preferred training over watching these sparring matches. He's at the training grounds."

  Sorin sighed, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "That guy is becoming a cultivation maniac… but that's not a bad thing." He turned, stretching his arms. "We should follow his example. Let's go train as well."

  "No, Captain! Not you too!" Dessy groaned, exasperated.

  "Yes, Brother! We already train twice a day—pushing too hard might do more harm than good!" Mark added quickly.

  But Sorin was already walking away. With no choice left, the rest of the team reluctantly followed.

  As they left, many students turned their heads to watch. Even some instructors, who had been observing the matches, took note. After all, this was one of the two strongest teams in the academy—a group that naturally drew attention wherever they went.

  Among the spectators, debates erupted.

  "I'm confident that Senior Sorin and his team will win the championship for our academy this year."

  Another student shook their head. "I support Senior Sister Freya's team. They have just as much of a chance."

  "But don't forget the duo from Frostwater Academy. I think they're our biggest threat."

  "No way. Our academy still has a higher chance of winning than Frostwater Academy."

  As the debates continued, the tournament date steadily approached.

  With it, the anticipation for a grand clash between the younger generation grew stronger.

  This year's Champion Battle was destined to be unlike any other.