Inter-Academy Tournament

The Celestial Academy's sleek, futuristic architecture never ceased to amaze me.

However, today, the grandeur of the academy did little to lift my spirits. I had just reviewed my current rank and level, and I was deeply disappointed.

I had hoped to be further along by now, but seeing my name buried far below the top contenders was a blow to my confidence.

Determined to change that, I resolved to find out how to improve my rank and level. I needed a concrete plan, something more effective than the usual drills and exercises.

With a deep breath, I approached the digital kiosk located in one of the quieter corners of the academy. The AI interface glowed softly as it awaited my input.

"Welcome, Avant Dekus. How may I assist you?" The AI's voice was smooth and unassuming, a stark contrast to the frustration I felt.

"I need information on how to improve my rank and level," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the edge of frustration that crept into it. "Also, sync the details to my wristband."

The AI blinked for a moment, then responded, "Understood. Syncing the requested information."

A few moments later, a detailed breakdown of options materialized on the screen:

Combat Training Enhancement:

Advanced Drills: These sessions are designed to push your combat skills to the next level. By mastering advanced techniques, you can earn up to 100 Star Points per session.

Specialized Sparring: Engage in high-stakes sparring matches with fellow students or simulated opponents. These matches refine your abilities and can earn you up to 150 Star Points.

Skill Development:

Tier Progression Workshops: These workshops focus on advancing your skills from Tier 1 to Tier 2, offering up to 200 Star Points for successful completion.

Academy Missions and Field Exercises:

Special Assignments: Participate in missions specifically designed to challenge and hone your abilities. Successful completion can earn you up to 200 Star Points.

Field Exercises: These involve complex, real-world simulations that test your skills under varied conditions. Up to 150 Star Points can be earned here.

Academic and Research Projects:

Research Depth: Undertake in-depth research projects to contribute to the academy's knowledge base, earning up to 150 Star Points.

Project Presentation: Present your research findings to peers and mentors. Effective presentations can earn additional Star Points based on their impact.

Inter-Academy Competitions:

Pre-Tournament Matches: These preliminary matches allow you to gauge your skills against other top students. They provide an opportunity to earn preliminary Star Points and evaluate your readiness for the main tournament.

I scanned the options carefully. Each path offered a unique challenge, but combat training and specialized workshops seemed the most direct ways to climb the ranks quickly. However, the Pre-Tournament Matches stood out the most. They weren't just about earning Star Points—they were an opportunity to test my skills against the academy's best before the real tournament even began.

A surge of excitement and resolve filled me. The matches would be the proving ground I needed. If I could make a strong showing here, I could rise through the ranks faster than any training drill or workshop could offer.

I made a mental note to sign up as soon as registration opened. This was my chance. I couldn't let it slip by.

Turning from the kiosk, I took one last glance at the leaderboard. The names at the top, glowing in golden hues—soon, mine would be up there too. I wasn't just going to compete. I was going to win. The road ahead might be hard, but I was ready for it.

As I walked away, the weight of my ambition pushed me forward. There was no turning back now. The tournament wasn't just a competition—it was my first real opportunity to show The Celestial Academy and the entire Zodiac Universe what I was truly capable of.

With resolve in my heart, I headed to the training grounds, prepared to push my limits further than I ever had before.

The training grounds were a flurry of activity. Students were engaged in various drills and exercises, their movements a testament to their dedication and skill. I could see groups practicing combat techniques, others deep in sparring matches, and some focused on solo training sessions.

I made my way to my usual training area, a spot I had claimed as my own over the months. My wristband buzzed slightly as it adjusted to the new session parameters. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the rigorous training ahead.

As I began my warm-up, I noticed Valen Sirius—a fellow student and one of the top contenders—working out nearby. He was focused, his movements precise and powerful.

"Hey, Avant," Valen called out, flashing a friendly grin as he saw me. "Ready for the tournament?"

"Definitely," I replied, trying to mask my frustration. "I just checked out the options for advancement. The Pre-Tournament Matches look promising. I'm going to sign up as soon as I can."

Valen's interest was piqued. "Those matches are intense. They're a real test of skill and strategy. If you're aiming for the top, that's definitely the way to go."

"Yeah," I said, feeling a surge of confidence from his words. "I want to make sure I'm ready, not just for the tournament, but for whatever comes after. Every edge counts."

He clapped me on the shoulder. "You've got the right mindset. Just remember, it's not all about winning. It's about how you perform and how much you learn from the experience."

I appreciated his advice. Valen was known for his skills and wisdom, and his encouragement meant a lot.

I moved to my designated training area and activated the simulation room with a firm command. "Activate Training Session."

The room responded immediately, its walls glowing with a soft blue light. A holographic screen appeared, displaying my current status and progress.

ZUA System Status:

Name: Avant Dekus

Constellation: 9th Constellation (Sagittarius)

Star Realm: 9th Star Realm

Current Academy Rank: 259

Star Class Rank: Junior Recruit

Level: Tier 2

Star Points: 320

Zodiac Affinity: Ophiuchus - undetermined

Skills: Basic Combat Techniques, Star Energy Manipulation, Celestial Resonance...

I reviewed the status window, taking note of areas for improvement. With a focused mind, I began my training session, pushing myself to the limits.

The simulation room was designed to challenge every aspect of my abilities. I engaged in a series of combat drills, each more demanding than the last. My Ophiuchus Binding Chains proved invaluable, wrapping around the holographic opponents and constraining their movements.

I activated Celestial Body Fortification, my reflexes and strength enhancing significantly. The combination of Celestial Resonance and Star Energy Manipulation allowed me to execute powerful, precise attacks.

Despite the intensity, I felt exhilarated with every move. The holographic screen updated in real-time, providing feedback on my performance and tracking my progress.

After an intense training session, I reviewed the results on the holographic screen. The data showed improvements across the board, but there was still room for growth.

"End Training session," I said, deactivating the system. The room's lights returned to their normal setting.

I wiped the sweat from my brow, feeling both exhausted and invigorated. The training had pushed me to my limits, but it was exactly what I needed.

As I left the training grounds, a sense of anticipation filled me. The tournament was approaching fast, and I was more determined than ever to make my mark. The ZUA System, with its detailed feedback and guidance, had been instrumental in my preparation.

With each step I took, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges ahead were daunting, but I was ready to face them head-on. The road to success was paved with hard work and dedication, and I was prepared to walk it with unwavering resolve.

The Celestial Academy, with its advanced technology and rigorous training, had prepared me well. Now, it was up to me to take that preparation and transform it into victory. The tournament was not just a competition; it was my chance to prove myself and showcase my abilities to the entire Zodiac Universe.

"Pre-Tournament Match..."

I smiled while uttering those words.