Chapter 50 THE GRAND CEREMONY

"Hey, have you heard? Today is the rookies of this year tournament" "Yeah I have, but I heard that the rookies this year aren't all that strong compared to previous rookies" "Yeah I noticed, I have a sister who is one of the rookies. And honestly, she isn't even close to how strong I was when I was her age" "Wait, you have a sister?" "Did I said that? You must have misheard" Right at this moment, at the southern area of the prestigious Pace Setter Academy, an innumerable amount of students could be seen going into a huge coliseum. "Is this where the tournament will be hell?" And about a fair distance away from the coliseum, three boys could be seen staring at this huge building. And the person who asked this question is none other than Kaelen who apparently is in the middle amongst the three boys. "It seems so" And by his left is where Morris stood as he replied with an unsure look on his face. While at Kaelen's right is none other than Ethan. The colossal coliseum loomed on the horizon, its towering walls casting long shadows across the bustling grounds of the Pace Setter Academy. Made of ancient stone, intricately carved with symbols of power and legacy, the structure was a testament to centuries of tradition and strength. The entrance arch, wide enough to accommodate a dozen students walking side by side, was adorned with banners fluttering in the breeze, each bearing the insignia of the Academy. As Kaelen and the other two boys approached, he could see the innumerable amount of students streaming towards the coliseum, their excitement palpable. The wide, cobblestone pathways leading to the entrance were packed with eager participants and spectators alike, all dressed in the various uniforms of their respective ranks and houses. The hum of chatter filled the air, punctuated by bursts of laughter and shouts of encouragement. The outer walls of the coliseum were lined with towering statues of legendary warriors, their stone gazes fixed sternly upon the gathering crowd, as if measuring the worth of each student who passed beneath their feet. The sheer scale of the structure was awe-inspiring; it was clear that this was no ordinary arena, but a place where destinies were forged, and the greatest rookies of the year would emerge. The coliseum's interior, just visible through the massive arched entrances, revealed row upon row of seating, designed to hold tens of thousands. The atmosphere inside was electric, with the roar of the crowd already starting to build in anticipation of the battles to come. High above, the sky was a brilliant blue, unblemished by clouds, as if nature itself was holding its breath for the spectacle about to unfold. This was the stage where legends were born, and every student entering knew that their performance here could define their future. The weight of history and expectation hung heavy in the air, but so too did the thrill of competition and the promise of glory. "I still can't believe you guys tricked me to come here" Kaelen suddenly said with a bitter smile on his face right after they walked into the coliseum. "Well that will be true if I was regarded as one of the strongest apprentice in the school" Ethan said while nodding his head in approval. "Huh? And what do you mean by that?" Kaelen quickly asked with a confused look on his face "What I mean is that those two boys defeated the strongest apprentice student in the school" Ethan said with a serious expression on his face. "What!?" Kaelen exclaimed with a shocked expression on his face. Even Morris was taken aback by this piece of information. At this moment, they have finally arrived at where the participants of the tournament are seated. "Well this is where we go different ways. Will we meet after the ceremony" Ethan said with a light smile on his face. "Sure" Kaelen replied with a confident smile on his face. And so, Kaelen and Morris separated with Ethan as they walked into the participants seating area and find a seat to be on. 'It seems like almost everyone improved over these past few weeks' Kaelen thought after he sensed the Mana emanating out of all the people seated in the participants area. "Look! The Headmaster has arrived!!" Just then, an anonymous person suddenly exclaimed which made Kaelen to shift his attention towards the stage. At this moment, everyone including Kaelen and Morris could see Sylvester coming up the stage with two people behind him. These two people were apparently a boy and a girl who are both internal students of the academy. The boy, with his tall and athletic build, moved with a fluid grace that suggested years of rigorous training. His dark brown hair was cropped short, and his sharp, steel-blue eyes surveyed the arena with a focused intensity. He wore the Pace Setter Academy uniform with pride, the fabric hugging his frame and accentuating his well-defined muscles. His expression was one of quiet confidence, a subtle smirk playing at the corners of his lips as if he knew the power he wielded. The air around him seemed to hum with controlled energy, hinting at the formidable abilities that lay just beneath the surface. Beside him, the girl moved with an elegance that was both effortless and precise. Her long, chestnut-colored hair cascaded down her back in a sleek, straight line, contrasting with her sharp, emerald-green eyes that shone with intelligence and determination. She carried herself with a calm poise, her steps measured and deliberate, exuding an aura of composed strength. The Pace Setter Academy uniform she wore seemed almost tailor-made, fitting her slender frame perfectly and highlighting her refined yet powerful presence. Her gaze was unwavering as she surveyed the audience, her lips pressed into a thin line of focus, revealing the sharp mind and disciplined spirit that had earned her the rank of adept. Together, the boy and girl walked with a synergy that spoke of shared experiences and mutual respect. Their presence on the stage alongside Sylvester was a testament to their skill and dedication, marking them as rising stars within the academy, poised to leave their mark on the Pace Setter legacy. "Interesting..." Morris suddenly muttered with a small smirk on his face. But coincidentally, Kaelen heard him which led him to ask curiously. "What is?" "Oh you will find out soon enough" Morris instantly replied with a mysterious tone as he fixed his gaze on the girl who is standing behind Sylvester. As for Sylvester himself, right after climbing the stage, he immediately announced with a dignified look on his face. "Welcome to the Grand Ceremony of the Pacesetters Rookie tournament"