Fight for the Academy's Pride

The roar of the crowd was a distant hum, a constant murmur like the rustle of wind in the trees. I stood in the shadows of the preparation hall, staring at the glowing force-field barrier that separated the competitors' quarters from the arena floor. My hands twitched at my sides, fingertips tingling with anticipation. But my mind was elsewhere—back on the shuttle, just hours before.

We had been on our way to Stellaris, the grand city where the Inter-Academy Tournament was set to unfold. It was a sleek, futuristic vessel, gliding through the starlit void like a bird of prey. The low hum of the engines had been soothing, but the tension in the air among the fifty of us, the Celestial Academy's finest, was palpable.

Miroden Ishtir, the Academy's Vice Dean, had stood at the front of the shuttle, his shining armor catching the flickering light from the overhead panels. There was always something about him that unsettled me—maybe it was the way his intense eyes swept over the students like a hawk, or perhaps it was the mystery of why a man with his reputation had left the Celestial Army Forces to teach at the academy. 

Miroden's voice had been steady and commanding, cutting through the silence like a blade as he briefed us on the tournament's mechanics.

"The Inter-Academy Tournament is more than just a test of combat prowess," he had said, arms crossed over his broad chest. "It's a test of strategy, resourcefulness, and, above all, your capacity to adapt. Victory isn't just about overwhelming power—it's about who can keep their wits when everything is falling apart."

Then, Miroden had raised his hand, gesturing to a holographic display that materialized behind him, showing the different stages of the tournament.

"Every tournament is different. However, the structure of the tournament this year have already been conveyed to all participating academies last night to avoid unfair competition." His voice took on a more formal tone. "The Inter-Academy Tournament is divided into four main rounds, and each of these rounds will challenge you in different ways."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing. The holographic display shifted, showing a diagram with the stages clearly marked.

"All participants will go through the Qualifying round. In this round there will be two stages. Stage One is the Elimination Stage," Miroden explained. "This is where five hundred participants will be divided into ten groups. In this stage, you'll compete in a Dynamic Terrain Match designed to test your adaptability. The terrain will shift and change at unpredictable intervals, throwing environmental challenges into the mix. Your goal: survive, adapt, and eliminate as many opponents as possible. The top performers from each group will advance to the next stage. Only one winner per rank will emerge victorious and qualify for the next stage."

Tournament Structure Overview:

Participants are divided into rank groups based on their individual ranks from 1 to 50. Each rank group consists of participants from all ten academies to be sorted in their designated Arena stages.

Arena Stages:

Arena 1: Participants ranked 1-10

Arena 2: Participants ranked 11-20

Arena 3: Participants ranked 21-30

Arena 4: Participants ranked 31-40

Arena 5: Participants ranked 41-50

Advancement to Quarterfinals: Each Arena's top 10 will advance to the quarterfinals. This reduces the total number of participants from 500 (50 from each of the 10 academies) to 100.

The thought of facing my peers in such a chaotic arena stirred both excitement and nerves within me. Each rank—from the lowest to the highest—would battle in their designated group rank arenas. "For instance," Miroden explained, "all participants ranked 50 will clash against one another in a fierce contest. Each rank will have its own arena, ensuring fair competition."

The display shifted again, showing the different ranks battling fiercely, a flurry of energy and movement. "After the Dynamic Terrain Match, top scorers of their group rank will battle each other and from then we'll determine your overall rank within your group," he said. "The Top 10 scorers will move on to the next stage—Arena Combat."

The display changed to show a grand arena with shifting landscapes—deserts, forests, mountains, even oceans—each rotating seamlessly from one biome to the next. The murmurs among the students grew louder as they absorbed the complexity of the first challenge.

"Stage Two is the Arena Combat stage," Miroden continued, his voice unwavering. "This is where you'll engage in direct one-on-one combat. The rules are simple: knock out your opponent or accumulate more points through attacks, blocks, dodges, and counters. The victor will be the one who either knocks out their opponent or holds the advantage at the end of the match."

I felt a knot tighten in my stomach at the mention of Arena Combat. One-on-one matches were where raw power was tested, and I knew I'd be facing some of the strongest Awakeners in the tournament.

"The Quarterfinals," Miroden said, his voice becoming even more intense, "introduce the Power Zones. These zones are scattered across the battlefield, and each zone is attuned to a specific Zodiac's affinity. When standing in your designated zone, your abilities will be amplified to their maximum potential. But there's a catch—only one Awakener can control a zone at a time. If two competitors enter the same zone, only the one with superior control over their Zodiac energy can claim it."

The holographic display shifted again, showing a battlefield with glowing energy zones, each one pulsing with the power of a different Zodiac constellation. My gaze lingered on the empty, dark spot in the middle of the map—the 13th zone, the one that no one knew how to use. I knew it was for Ophiuchus, but what would happen if I entered it? My mind whirled with questions and uncertainty.

As I sat among the other participants, my eyes fixed on the holographic display hovering above us, Vice Dean Miroden began the briefing for the Semi-Finals. His voice carried a weight that matched the stakes of the competition.

"The Semi-Finals will push each of you beyond your limits," he started, his tone as sharp as a blade. "This round is split into two stages. First up is the Cosmic Challenge Match."

A star-shaped arena materialized on the display, glowing with cosmic energy at its center. Miroden continued, "You'll be divided into six groups, with five participants each. The objective? Simple in theory, deadly in practice. You need to capture and hold the cosmic energy at the center of the arena while fending off your opponents. Keep it on your side for 30 seconds, and you win the match."

I studied the layout of the arena, already calculating strategies in my head. The cosmic energy pulsed with a dangerous allure, and I could almost feel the pressure building in the room.

"You only have 10 minutes for the entire match, so time is against you," Miroden warned. "Don't just think about your offense—your defense must be flawless."

The hologram zoomed out, showing the elimination process. "Only two winners per match will move forward to the Arena Combat stage. Fail here, and your journey ends."

I clenched my fists as the reality sank in. This was more than a battle of strength—it was a battle of will and wit. Miroden's eyes scanned the room, his final words hitting like a hammer.

"Remember, only the top will advance. Make every second count."

I glanced at my fellow participants, some showing nerves, others eager for the challenge. As for me, I was ready. This was the moment where everything would be decided—who would rise and who would fall.

Finally, Miroden's voice dropped into a serious, almost ominous tone. "And now, the Finals, known as the Zodiac Trials. The final stage is not for the faint-hearted. Those who make it to the finals will face the Zodiac Trials—a series of challenges unlike anything you've faced before. The trials are designed to push you beyond your limits, both physically and mentally. It will be a battle of endurance, strategy, and willpower."

The hologram transformed, revealing a grand arena shaped by the twelve Zodiacs' energies, each segment pulsing with vibrant colors and energy that swirled like a living tapestry. My heart raced at the sight. 

"In this round," Miroden continued, "the arena's environment will shift every few minutes, reflecting the powers of the Zodiacs themselves. Prepare to face unique challenges. For instance," he pointed to a fiery section, "the Leo zone will unleash intense heat and solar flares, while the Cancer zone might drown you in water-based hazards or even offer healing springs."

My mind raced at the thought of adapting to such unpredictable conditions. The need for quick thinking and strategy weighed heavily on my shoulders. I recalled my training sessions and how I'd struggled against sudden changes in my environment. 

"Your mastery of Zodiac energy will be your greatest asset," Miroden stressed, his eyes narrowing. "Certain areas may amplify your powers, while others could diminish them. You must be adaptable."

I clenched my jaw, feeling the pressure mount. I didn't see the 13th Zodiac on the arena. What's this suppose to mean? The arena would be as much an adversary as the other combatants.

Miroden continued, detailing how points would be awarded for surviving the chaotic environment, as well as for both offensive and defensive skills.

"Only the top ten will proceed to the next stage—Arena Combat," he concluded, his gaze sweeping across the room. "This is not just a test of strength; it is a battle of wits, strategy, and endurance. Be prepared for anything."

The room went silent, all eyes fixed on Miroden as he continued. "The one who emerges victorious from the Zodiac Trials will earn the title of 9th Star Realm Top Awakener. They will also secure a place among the elite and represent 9th Star Star Realm in the Inter-Realm Tournament, where they will face off against the strongest Awakeners from other top academies across the realms."

The murmurs returned, louder this time. The thought of earning the title of Top Awakener was already enough to stoke ambition, but the idea of competing in the Inter-Realm Tournament—battling Awakeners from across the Zodiac Universe—added a whole new level of intensity. For many, this was the ultimate dream, a chance to prove themselves not just against their peers, but against the very best Awakeners from other realms.

Miroden raised his hand again to silence the group. 

"Listen closely, because these rewards could change your fate," Miroden said, gesturing to the table. "For the Qualifying Rounds through to the Semi-Finals, here's what you need to know."

As Vice Dean Miroden spoke, the holographic display shifted again, casting a bright glow across the room. I leaned forward, my heart racing as the details of the Star Point Rewards illuminated before us. The table shimmered, each row representing the different stages of the tournament.

Star Point Rewards Overview

Qualifying Rounds to Semi-Finals:

Top 10 Scorers

Star Point Distribution (50% to be allocate to their academy):

1st Place: 10,000 Star Points

2nd Place: 7,000 Star Points

3rd Place: 5,000 Star Points

4th Place: 3,000 Star Points

5th Place: 2,000 Star Points

6th to 10th Place: 1,000 Star Points each

Academy with Highest Score per Round:

Reward: 20,000 Star Points

Distribution: 50% to be shared among contributing participants

The vibrant graphics of the rewards glimmered, emphasizing the stakes at play. Each category pulsated with energy, visually representing the urgency and excitement of the tournament ahead.

My eyes flicked across the rewards: Top 10 scorers would earn additional Star Points, with half awarded to them and half to their academy. Every single point we scored was equivalent to a Star Point earned—a perfect incentive to push ourselves beyond our limits.

"The winners of each round will be rewarded handsomely," Miroden continued, his voice steady and commanding. "1st place will take home a staggering 10,000 Star Points, while 2nd and 3rd will earn 7,000 and 5,000 respectively. The stakes keep climbing! 4th place will receive 3,000, and 5th will walk away with 2,000. And don't forget—those ranked 6th to 10th will still earn 1,000 Star Points each."

A surge of adrenaline coursed through me. If I played my cards right, those points could elevate my rank significantly. But it wasn't just about individual glory. I thought about my fellow students; we all needed to contribute to our academy's success.

"Moreover," Miroden added, his gaze intense, "the academy with the highest scores in each round will receive 20,000 Star Points as a reward. Half of that will be shared equally among those who contributed to our collective score."

His words had sent a ripple of determination through the crowd. I'd seen the flicker of excitement in my peers' eyes. The prospect of earning thousands of Star Points, not just for themselves but for the Academy, had sparked a kind of fervor. Even the top-ranked students, those already at the level of Star Warriors, had looked eager to prove themselves.

I felt a mix of excitement and pressure. Each match wouldn't just be a personal battle; it would determine our academy's standing and future access to resources.

"And now," Miroden's tone shifted, the atmosphere thickening with gravity, "let's discuss the Finals Round, where only the top five awakeners will face off. The champion will earn a monumental 50,000 Star Points, with half going directly to their academy. In addition, the champion will receive a 7 Star Rank Weapon, and will earn the title of 9th Star Realm Champion."

As he said this, the holographic display shifted once more, showing a glowing table of Star Point Rewards for the Finals:

Finals Round (Top 5 Awakeners):

Champion:

Reward: 50,000 Star Points

Academy Share: 50%

Weapon: 7 Star Rank Weapon

Title: 9th Star Realm Champion and Top Awakener

2nd Place:

Reward: 30,000 Star Points

Academy Share: 50%

Weapon: 6 Star Rank Weapon

3rd Place:

Reward: 25,000 Star Points

Academy Share: 50%

Weapon: 5 Star Rank Weapon

4th Place:

Reward: 15,000 Star Points

Academy Share: 50%

Weapon: 4 Star Rank Weapon

5th Place:

Reward: 10,000 Star Points

Academy Share: 50%

Weapon: 3 Star Rank Weapon

The room buzzed with the implications of that title. It wasn't just about individual strength; it was about legacy, prestige, and the resources that would come with it.

"2nd place will receive 30,000 Star Points and a 6 Star Rank Weapon; 3rd will earn 25,000 Star Points with a 5 Star Rank Weapon," Miroden continued, his voice steady. "4th place will take home 15,000 Star Points and a 4 Star Rank Weapon, while 5th place will gain 10,000 Star Points along with a 3 Star Rank Weapon."

I could feel the tension in the air, thick as fog. The weight of our decisions was growing heavier. The stakes were high, and the pressure to excel felt almost unbearable.

Miroden continued with his brief. "Only the Top Five Awakeners from this tournament will qualify for the Inter-Realm Tournament. These five will face challenges greater than anything we've seen before, and they will represent the pride of their Academy on the grandest stage."

Miroden paused for a moment, letting the gravity of his words sink in before he continued. "The academy with the highest score will earn the title of Top Academy of the 9th Star Realm. This means free unlimited access to the Stellaris Star Resources Vault, the Zodiac Training Realms, the Cosmic Battlegrounds, and the Zodiac Altars—all of which will significantly enhance your training and growth."

Top Academy Title:

Reward: Title of Top Academy of the 9th Star Realm

Free Resources Benefits:

Unlimited access to:

Stellaris Star Resources Vault, Zodiac Training Realms, Cosmic Battlegrounds, and Zodiac Altars

Other Academies: Limited access to resources (Randomly Distributed)

A sense of urgency sparked within me. Winning wasn't just about personal glory; it was about securing our academy's future, ensuring we had access to the best resources to hone our skills.

"The other 9 academies will receive limited access to these resources," Miroden concluded, his expression firm. "This tournament is not just a test; it's an opportunity to cement your legacy. Fight not just for yourself, but for the pride of your academy."

The rewards were significant, and it became clear that success in the tournament could fast-track any of us to the next rank within the Star Class. The Star Points earned would also open doors to advanced training, rare resources, and more.

Miroden's eyes swept across the room, gauging the students' reactions. "Now, I understand you may have questions, so feel free to ask before we continue."

Immediately, several hands shot up. A student at the back, his voice sharp and questioning, raised his hand and spoke first.

"What happens in the finals if your Zodiac isn't one of the twelve?"

Several heads turned toward me. I could feel their eyes, full of skepticism, doubt, and maybe a little fear. Ophiuchus, the 13th Zodiac—an enigma wrapped in legends of destruction. I wasn't like the others. My Zodiac wasn't part of their established order, and the weight of that isolation pressed heavily on my chest.

Miroden paused, his gaze settling on me for the briefest of moments before he responded, "That will depend on Avant. Stellaris will accommodate appropriately should he make it to the finals."

A snort of derision from one of the participants, followed by laughter, had made my blood boil.

"Highly unlikely," they'd muttered under their breath, though loud enough for me to hear.

The vice dean had said nothing more, but his eyes remained on me a little longer than I liked. The weight of expectation, of doubt, pressed down on me harder than ever. If I made it to the finals, I knew I would be fighting more than just the opponents in front of me—I would be battling the legacy of Ophiuchus itself.

Now, standing in the dim light of the arena's antechamber, I shook the memory from my mind. My next match was moments away, and I couldn't afford to get lost in my thoughts. I needed focus.