The scent of
freshly baked bread, roasted meat, and exotic spices
blended together, creating an aroma that made Echo’s stomach growl.
Rilan laughed at his expression.
"Hungry already?"
Eileen chuckled.
"Let’s get him something to eat first."
As they walked deeper into the market, Echo’s
eyes darted everywhere
.
There were
stalls packed with glowing gemstones, shimmering fabrics, and handmade jewelry
.
Further ahead, a blacksmith was displaying his
finely crafted swords and armor
.
Echo watched in
fascination
as the man hammered a blade, sparks flying into the air.
"That’s real craftsmanship,"
Rilan remarked.
"Can I have a sword?"
Echo asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Rilan laughed.
"You don’t need one yet. But maybe in a few years."
They continued exploring, passing stalls filled with
fresh fruit, steaming meat skewers, and barrels of different spices
.
Echo couldn’t resist and grabbed a small, golden fruit from a stand.
It was
sweet and juicy
, unlike anything he had ever tasted.
"What is this?"
he asked.
The vendor smiled.
"Sunberry. Grown in the eastern mountains."
Echo nodded, savoring the taste as they moved forward.
The market was more than just a place to buy goods—it was a
glimpse of the world beyond their home
.
People from
different regions
were present, wearing
different styles of clothing
and speaking in
various accents
.
There were
warriors carrying massive swords
, mages in
flowing robes
, and merchants with
exotic pets perched on their shoulders
.
For Echo, it was like stepping into
a whole new world
.
It made him wonder—
Just how big is this world? How much is there to see?
A deep sense of
curiosity
awakened inside him.
After spending hours wandering the market, they finally returned home.
The experience had left Echo
buzzing with excitement
.
He had seen
so much
, but he knew there was still
so much more out there
.
As he lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, he made a decision—
One day, I’ll explore everything this world has to offer.
And with that thought, he
drifted into sleep
.
The Passing Years
Time
moved quickly
after that day.
The seasons
changed
, and so did Echo.
With each passing year, he
grew taller, stronger, and sharper
.
His control over mana
became refined
, and his spells
became more powerful
.
By the time he turned
11 years old
, he had become
far beyond what he once was
.
The boy who once struggled to summon a small ball of water—
Was now a young warrior in the making.
And this?
The
Trolys Academy
was
buzzing with excitement
.
From the moment the
announcement
was made, students
all across the academy
had been preparing.
The biggest student duel of the year was about to take place—
A tournament that would
determine the strongest young fighter in the academy
.
Preparations Begin
The academy halls were filled with the sound of
clashing swords, crackling mana, and intense training sessions
.
Sparring matches were held
everywhere
.
Some students focused on
strength
, practicing heavy strikes with their weapons.
Others honed their
agility
, dodging and weaving through attacks with precision.
For those skilled in
magic
, the days were spent refining spells, pushing their mana control to the absolute limit.
Everyone wanted to be at their best when the tournament began.
After all—
Reputation, honor, and future opportunities were on the line.
The Academy’s Energy
Trolys Academy had always been a lively place, but now?
It felt
completely different
.
Whispers about
potential winners
echoed through the halls.
"Have you seen Leon train? His swordsmanship is unbelievable!"
"I heard Mira can cast five spells at once!"
"Kai has been training nonstop! He’s aiming for the top spot!"
Every student
wanted to prove themselves
.
Even the teachers and academy officials were invested—
Some were placing
friendly bets
, while others simply watched in
anticipation
.
Echo’s Perspective
For Echo, this tournament was an
opportunity
.
An opportunity to test himself—
To see how far he had come, and how much further he still had to go.
Over the past few years, he had trained relentlessly, mastering both
martial skills
and
mana control
.
Now, he would get the chance to put it all to the test.
As the
day of the duel approached
, the academy’s training grounds were
transformed
.
Massive stone platforms were set up, each serving as a
battle stage
.
Seats were arranged all around, providing a perfect view for spectators.
Banners of
different house colors
waved in the wind, proudly representing the students competing.
The atmosphere was
electrifying
.
Excitement, tension, and raw anticipation filled the air.
And then—
The day of the duel finally arrived.
Students gathered around the arena, talking in hushed but excited tones.
The contestants stood
ready
, each one mentally preparing for their battle.
Above them, the
referee
stepped forward, his voice echoing through the arena.
"All competitors, step forward!"
A wave of
silence
washed over the crowd as the fighters walked onto the battle stages.
Echo took a deep breath,
his heartbeat steady but strong
.
This was it.
Everything he had trained for—
Everything
everyone
had trained for—
Came down to this moment.
The referee raised his hand.
The crowd held their breath.
And then—
"Begin!"
The
first matches
of the tournament
had begun
.
1. World One – Boundary Energy
The starting point for all cultivators. Those in this realm had only just begun their journey, drawing in energy from their surroundings and refining it within their bodies. At this stage, progress was slow, and strength was limited. Most people in the world never advanced beyond this level, remaining forever at the mercy of those stronger than them.
2. World Two – Initial Energy
The second realm marked a cultivator’s true awakening. Their bodies became more attuned to energy, allowing them to control it with greater precision. Techniques became stronger, endurance increased, and the cultivator could start shaping their energy for specific purposes—be it combat, healing, or magical applications.
3. World Three – Unified Energy
This was the realm where true power began to manifest. A cultivator at this stage no longer simply
controlled
energy; they
became one with it.
Their bodies and minds were fully synchronized with their energy, granting them incredible physical strength and supernatural abilities. It was at this level that warriors could shatter boulders with a single strike and healers could mend fatal wounds in seconds.
1. World One – Boundary Energy
The starting point for all cultivators. Those in this realm had only just begun their journey, drawing in energy from their surroundings and refining it within their bodies. At this stage, progress was slow, and strength was limited. Most people in the world never advanced beyond this level, remaining forever at the mercy of those stronger than them.
2. World Two – Initial Energy
The second realm marked a cultivator’s true awakening. Their bodies became more attuned to energy, allowing them to control it with greater precision. Techniques became stronger, endurance increased, and the cultivator could start shaping their energy for specific purposes—be it combat, healing, or magical applications.
3. World Three – Unified Energy
This was the realm where true power began to manifest. A cultivator at this stage no longer simply
controlled
energy; they
became one with it.
Their bodies and minds were fully synchronized with their energy, granting them incredible physical strength and supernatural abilities. It was at this level that warriors could shatter boulders with a single strike and healers could mend fatal wounds in seconds.