Wunderkinds

|Lancelot|

I climbed the stairs to the stage, a sense of trepidation sending shivers down my spine. Gary Whiteborn, my formidable opponent, stood across from me, his gaze cold and indifferent.

As I ascended the steps, each one feeling heavier than the last, I couldn't help but feel a wave of uncertainty wash over me. This was the first time I had faced such a formidable adversary, and doubts plagued my mind.

With cautious steps, I reached my position, standing face to face with my greatest enemy. Gary's amethyst eyes scanned me dismissively, as if I were inconsequential in his eyes.

"Assume your positions, Gary Whiteborn and Lancelot Orbel!" the Director's voice boomed, before she exited the stage, leaving us to face each other alone.

"And now, let the final match begin!"

Gary assumed a confident stance, his posture riddled with openings. I dared not approach him recklessly, wary of his formidable sword technique. His right thumb rested on the hilt of his sword, a silent threat.

Taking a deep breath, I settled into a proper stance, channeling the wind mana around me. The air on the stage thickened, but Gary's expression remained unchanged.

A heavy silence hung in the stadium, the audience on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the battle to commence. On the stage, the tension was palpable, each second ticking by agonizingly slowly.

Drops of sweat trickled down my neck as I mustered my resolve. I knew I had to act, to make the first move.

I conjured the wind mana, shaping it into thirteen swirling green arrows. With a flick of my fingers, I released them, propelling them towards Gary with precision.

But Gary's movements remained unaffected as he unsheathed his sword with a swift motion, intercepting my spell effortlessly.

Drawing my own sword, I revealed its silver hilt to the audience for the first time, before lunging towards Gary with determination.

Surrounding my blade with a swirling aura of wind mana, I aimed a powerful thrust towards his neck. Yet, he calmly deflected my attack using his black sword.

Exhaling a breath, I continued my assault, employing the Orbel swordsmanship techniques passed down by my father. Each slash was met with Gary's unwavering defense, effortlessly parrying my blows.

Realizing that I needed to go all out, I unleashed my ultimate technique—Mana Sovereignty.

Harnessing the wind mana in the vicinity, I commanded it to obey my will, causing Gary's own mana to dissipate. Surprise flickered in his eyes as I used this opportunity to propel him backward with a forceful strike, augmented by my mana control.

Reacting swiftly, he conjured a protective shield of lightning mana around himself, anticipating my next move.

But I had anticipated his counter. Exploiting the momentary vulnerability, I bombarded him with a barrage of wind magic, seizing the opportunity to strike with my sword.

With my blade enveloped in a deep green vortex of wind mana, I aimed a precise thrust towards his heart. Gary's indifferent eyes betrayed a hint of worry, a fleeting moment of vulnerability, just before his lightning armor materialized, halting my attack.

Nevertheless, my strike was so potent that it shattered his lightning armor upon impact.

In a sudden turn of events, he countered with his black sword, its speed blurring even to my augmented sight.

Unyielding, I relied on the intricate swordsmanship techniques inherited from my father, keenly detecting the subtle changes in the air around me. With calculated precision, I countered his rapid thrusts, refusing to be overwhelmed.

Summoning my mana once again, I conjured a series of razor sharp wind blades, unleashing them towards Gary. His body contorted with remarkable agility, evading or blocking each of my attacks in a display of prowess that bordered on the extraordinary.

A sense of awe washed over me as I witnessed his incredible skill. This opponent was truly exceptional. But I refused to let my admiration hinder my determination.

I pressed on, relentlessly driving my attacks forward, taking advantage of the slight advantage I had gained. Blow after blow, I closed in on him, pushing him further back with each strike.

A flicker of doubt crossed my mind. Was this too easy? But I dismissed the thought, reminding myself not to underestimate my opponent. I focused on the battle at hand, unwilling to be distracted by uncertainty.

In a moment that seemed to stretch infinitely, Gary's grip faltered, and his sword slipped from his hand, soaring out of the stadium. The crowd erupted into cheers, and the Director proclaimed my victory.

Yet, an unsettling feeling settled within me. Something was not right. It had been too straightforward, too convenient. That's when realization struck me like a bolt of lightning.

Gary had been using Illusion Magic.

|Gary|

'His control over wind magic is truly troublesome,' I thought, feeling a tinge of frustration as our clash intensified. It was disheartening to admit that my proficiency in lightning magic was lacking. Having focused extensively on honing my skills in the other elemental cores during my year of adventuring, my control over lightning had fallen slightly behind. In a battle against anyone other than Lancelot, it might not have been an issue.

'I must tap into my primary core once more,' I resolved, cursing silently at the oversight.

Summoning my illusions once again, I utilized my primary core to subtly manipulate the ambient mana, weaving a complex web of deception. However, my plans took an unexpected turn as Lancelot displayed an uncanny awareness, realizing he was ensnared within an illusion.

"I am the Master of Wind, and Illusions fall under the domain of Wind magic as well," Lancelot declared confidently, raising his hand to dispel the illusions that had engulfed him.

My mind raced with astonishment. How had he managed to discern the illusion? Could it be his indomitable competitive spirit?

Undeterred, I seized the opportunity to execute a powerful technique, even if it meant exposing my primary core.

With a burst of speed, I activated the Third Movement of the Keiki Style: Void Step. In the instant the illusions dispersed, I materialized behind Lancelot, launching my attack before he could react in time.

Automatically, wind shields manifested in a desperate attempt to defend against my onslaught, but they proved feeble against the force behind my strike. Lancelot was sent hurtling out of the stadium, propelled by the impact of my attack.

The Director's expression transformed into one of sheer astonishment as she announced my victory, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the Three Races Tournament is Gary Whiteborn, representing the Human Race!"

|Arthur|

I stood there, utterly astonished, my mouth agape in awe. The sheer display of power from both contestants left me and the entire audience in a state of disbelief.

Gary's performance, in particular, was nothing short of extraordinary. His illusions were already impressive, but the final move he executed was devastating. It appeared as though he had effortlessly teleported behind Lancelot before launching his decisive attack.

'Grandpa was right. This match serves as a wake-up call for me,' I reflected, humbled by the raw talent and skill exhibited before my eyes.

Cynthia, too, seemed taken aback as she regained her composure to announce the victor. "The winner of the Three Races Tournament is Gary Whiteborn, representing the Human Race!"

The applause that followed was deafening, a thunderous testament to the awe-inspiring performance delivered by Gary. Yet, despite his triumphant victory, I noticed a tinge of frustration beneath the cold mask he wore.

Curiosity piqued, I wondered, 'Why does he seem so frustrated when he emerged as the champion?'

After a brief intermission, all the participants were escorted back to the arena for the much-anticipated award ceremony.

"Let us commence the award ceremony!" Cynthia's voice brimmed with excitement as she took center stage.

"Darror and Rachel both made it to the semi-finals, deserving recognition for their outstanding performances," she declared. "However, after careful consideration from the royal family and the judges, it has been decided that Rachel showed superior skill and determination, earning her the third-place position. Therefore, Rachel Glidesburn claims third place in the Three Races Tournament!"

A surge of joy filled me as I watched Rachel approach Cynthia, her face radiant with elation as she accepted the bronze medal. It was evident that Rachel's exceptional abilities had rightfully secured her position above Darror.

"In second place, we have Lancelot Orbel!" Cynthia continued, presenting Lancelot with the silver medal, which he accepted with grace.

Finally, the moment arrived. Cynthia's voice resonated throughout the stadium as she declared, "And now, we present the gold medal and crown the ultimate victor of the Three Races Tournament, Gary Whiteborn!"

The applause that erupted was unparalleled, a resounding ovation in honor of Gary's remarkable achievement. With utmost pride, he stepped forward to receive his well-deserved accolades, the gold medal gleaming in his grasp as he ascended the podium.

As the fervor gradually subsided, Cynthia concluded the ceremony, marking the end of the Three Races Tournament.

'This experience was truly worth every moment,' I thought, a sense of fulfillment washing over me as I prepared to depart with my family, cherishing the memories we had forged.

However, just as we were about to leave the stadium, Vincent posed an intriguing question, breaking my reverie. "Would you like to meet them?"

|Gary|:

A surge of triumph coursed through my veins as I ascended the podium to receive the coveted gold medal. The weight of Monarch's Indifference, the emotional detachment that had plagued me since childhood, seemed to lighten with each step. 'Perhaps this victory is slowly eroding the barriers I have built,' I mused inwardly, relishing in the newfound sensation.

With the medal in hand, I approached Rachel and Lancelot, both of whom had showcased exceptional skill and prowess throughout the tournament. They greeted me with genuine admiration and camaraderie, acknowledging the power of my illusions and the awe-inspiring final move I executed.

"Your mastery of Illusion magic was truly remarkable," Lancelot exclaimed, his eyes brimming with excitement. A faint smile graced my lips, acknowledging his praise.

As we reveled in our accomplishments, a figure approached us, instantly recognizable as Vincent Helstea, a trusted confidant of my father. "Vincent Helstea?" Rachel and Lancelot echoed in unison, their familiarity with the man evident.

In the periphery of my vision, I caught sight of other familiar faces drawing near. Turning my gaze, I noticed my own parents standing there, their presence both unexpected and somewhat unsettling. By their side stood three additional adults, likely the parents of Lancelot and Rachel.

The silence that had settled between us was swiftly shattered by the joyous reunion and the exchange of heartfelt congratulations. It was then that my father directed his attention to Vincent, inquiring about the purpose of his visit. Intrigued, I observed the gathering, realizing that there were more people in attendance than I initially perceived. Vincent's family, including his wife and daughter, were present, as well as another family and the parents of Arthur, our enigmatic fellow competitor.

Amidst the mingling adults, greetings were exchanged and conversations ensued. Lilia Helstea and Arthur approached our group, extending their warm greetings to us.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Gary Whiteborn, Lancelot Orbel, and Rachel Glidesburn," they greeted us with sincere courtesy.

"No need for formalities among peers," I responded, my tone laced with a touch of congeniality. "After all, we are of the same age and standing."

Engaging in conversation, I couldn't help but notice Arthur's penetrating gaze upon me. There was an intensity in his eyes, as if he sought to discern the depths of my thoughts. An unsettling feeling stirred within me, an intuition that suggested there was more to Arthur than met the eye. I refrained from voicing my suspicions, however, wary of exposing myself as a fellow reincarnate, particularly when I remained uncertain of his origins.

"You possess remarkable strength, Arthur," Lancelot commended. I detected a glimmer of recognition in Rachel's gaze, though the nature of their connection eluded me.

'How does Rachel know him?' I pondered silently. 'Arthur is a commoner, albeit with ties to Vincent Helstea, but I, too, have not crossed paths with him until now.'

|Arthur|

The Twin Horns separated from us before we met with the nobles, saying that they weren't dressed well enough and didn't have the etiquette to do so.

Vincent and Father's pleas and requests for them to stay fell on deaf ears as Helen just gave a soft smile before departing with her group.

Although I was a bit sad that the Twin Horns already left, my heart was thumping in excitement at the prospect of meeting the three geniuses, especially Gary Whiteborn.

And I wasn't disappointed. All three of them were exceptional, which was more apparent when I was right in front of them.

"Are you interested in adventuring, Arthur?" Gary asked me a question stoically.

I nodded my head and responded, "My parents are ex-adventurer's, and I want to become one as well."

He then took out a badge from his spatial ring before showing it, "I am a certified AA-class adventurer. I have been adventuring for a year now."

Everyone's eyes, including mine, widened in shock.

"A-an AA-class adventurer already?" Rachel said as she gasped.

Gary simply nodded before replying, "I wish to reach S-class atleast before attending Xyrus Academy at the age of 12. Speaking of which, are the three of you also going to attend that academy?"

The three of us nodded in unison, causing a mysterious smile to appear on Gary's face as he muttered, "Good."

This encounter with Gary, Rachel and Lancelot further solidified my determination to become an even stronger adventurer and I couldn't wait to see what the future holds for us as we pursue our dreams.

|Virion|

Before my eyes stood four extraordinary individuals, their very presence hinting at the profound impact they would have on the future. I couldn't help but recognize the magnitude of their potential, the seeds of greatness waiting to blossom.

A strong urge to approach Arthur tugged at me, but I restrained myself, not wishing to disrupt the interaction he was sharing with the other prodigies. They were engrossed in conversation, their minds undoubtedly brimming with ideas and insights. It was a moment to be respected and observed from a distance.

A wistful smile graced my lips as I contemplated the possibilities. In my mind's eye, I envisioned the addition of Alistair to this remarkable gathering. The mere thought of their combined talents sent a thrill through my veins.

The sheer magnitude of their abilities was almost unfathomable. I could envision a future where the seven of them, united by their extraordinary gifts, would naturally ascend to the white stage. It was undeniable that they would play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of Dicathen, whether it be ushering in an era of unparalleled prosperity or heralding its downfall.

My grin widened, fueled by the excitement and anticipation of witnessing the grand tapestry of their collective achievements. The world would undoubtedly tremble in awe at the sheer brilliance and potential contained within these remarkable individuals.