The tournament's preliminary arenas usually don't attract many spectators.

Half of the cadets are unable to watch the matches since they are participating in the tournament themselves.

As for the other half, many are scattered across various arenas due to the numerous preliminary matches happening simultaneously.

Aside from some overlapping schedules, most arenas, apart from a few exceptions, are quite sparsely attended and maintain a quiet atmosphere.

However, the arena where Lee Hayul's preliminary match took place was one of those exceptions. There were few empty seats, and despite the lack of external spectators, the arena was bustling with cadets.

"Was that... an expanded ability just now?"

Thanks to this, the recent duel had been witnessed by many.

One cadet, sipping a drink, cautiously spoke. It took a moment for him to collect his thoughts before speaking.

In response to his question, the cadet sitting next to him, still sorting through his own thoughts, replied.

"Yeah, it looked like an expanded ability of the swordsmanship category. It seems to be a unique technique, rather than something from an established school..."

In a world filled with all sorts of supernatural abilities, a unique ability that focuses on mastering weapons like swords can seem rather ordinary.

Even if it utilizes body strengthening, aura, or mana, it still carries a sense of simplicity.

However, this doesn't mean that skill-based unique abilities are dismissed.

Their true value is revealed through expanded abilities.

It’s not just about wielding a sword well; the essence of swordsmanship that defies conventional laws is what makes it extraordinary.

Just like the deep slash carved into the floor of the arena below.

"No matter how skill-based it is, to already manifest an expanded ability... and it's not even the second semester yet? His name is... Aiden Reynolds? What faction is he from? Is he in the advanced class?"

"No, I heard he's from a non-superhuman family and in the basic class. His grades are mid-to-low range."

The cadet tilted his head in confusion.

While it’s true that skill-based unique abilities are comparatively easier to manifest as expanded abilities, it's still no simple task.

"Is that kid special?"

Even though skill-based abilities are easier to develop, the manifestation of expanded abilities is still not easy.

To see such an expanded ability manifest in a cadet who hasn't even completed the first semester... it was astonishing.

And it was a shame that such a cadet had been eliminated in his first preliminary match.

"Even so, his reputation will rise from this match alone. Since he isn’t affiliated with any faction yet, he'll probably receive all sorts of offers."

Indeed, just from this match, word would spread, but had he showcased this ability in the main rounds, it would have had an even greater impact...

Also...

"Well..."

The cadet speaking trailed off, turning his head to look at the slash mark on the ground... and the other mark carved right next to it.

That second slash hadn’t come from the same direction.

The first strike had been dodged, and then an identical slash had been delivered from the opposite side with no delay, carving a parallel mark.

Even recalling it now, it felt unbelievable. He had almost begun writing a counter-spell, thinking he’d fallen under some kind of illusion magic.

"Will it be overlooked...?"

A skill-based expanded ability, manifested by a cadet who hadn't even completed half of their first year in the basic class.

It wasn’t entirely unheard of for a cadet to suddenly display great potential or rapidly develop after being admitted through a special recommendation.

However...

Witnessing the wings of a bird once and then mimicking that wingbeat perfectly to shoot down the very same bird in return... that special admission cadet had left an impact far more striking than Aiden’s display.

"...It's starting."

Before long, the next match began.

It hadn’t been long, meaning there wasn’t much time for recovery.

This was typical of the midterm tournament structure. Preliminary and main rounds followed one after another, meaning contestants had to manage their stamina and recovery.

Soon enough, Lee Hayul stepped onto the stage once again.

Though two competitors stood on the stage, the vast majority of the audience’s attention was focused on just one.

This was partly due to the title of "special admission student" that had followed him since his enrollment.

Partly due to the constant stream of positive news about his rapid growth, and partly because of the heroic actions he had displayed during the Shipnaha incident.

And, of course, because of the unbelievable feat he had just displayed in the previous duel.

"Haa..."

Despite all the attention, the cadet on the opposite side didn’t seem to find it strange or uncomfortable.

In fact, there was an air of acceptance as if this was natural.

[The evaluation will now begin!]

"───, ───, ───..."

However, it wasn't as if the opposing cadet was ready to accept defeat either.

With a serious look, they clasped their hands together, forming a hand sign.

At the same time, they began to chant, their words carrying mana into the air.

The incantation, paired with the hand sign, controlled the flow of their mana.

Their robe billowed as a small gust of wind swirled around, generated by the mana that was now forming a spell in midair.

Whoosh! Multiple fireballs began to form in rapid succession.

A streamlined and fast-paced attack using condensed spells.

About ten fireballs in total were launched all at once. Red trails streaked across the arena as they hurtled towards Lee Hayul.

All eyes were on Hayul, standing in the fireballs' path.

He extended his hand.

Unlike in the previous duel, he wasn’t holding his sword. It remained quietly at his waist.

Nor did he form a hand sign like his opponent. He didn’t even mutter a chant.

He neither clasped his hands together, nor let his voice resonate with intent.

Yet, without any of this...

Whoosh! Dozens of fireballs floated behind him, all ready to be launched.

The fiery trails from both sides collided in midair.

Boom! Boom! The fireballs exploded one after another, a deafening roar filling the arena, and a thick cloud of black smoke rose from the center of the stage.

And then.

Whoosh!

Through the smoke, more fireballs soared directly toward the opposing cadet, causing their expression to twist in frustration.

Boom!

A series of explosions erupted from one side of the stage.

"......"

Magic without chants or hand signs.

Most mages can perform such feats. It’s difficult to do at first when learning magic, but later on, it becomes a skill that many are capable of.

Yet few mages make active use of it.

There’s no reason not to use hand signs and incantations when casting spells.

The advantage of silent casting is speed? In truth, using hand signs and chants is often faster and more efficient.

The stage was filled with the brilliance of back-to-back spells.

A variety of trajectories crossed the air, while other spells smashed and destroyed parts of the stage. Counter-spells clashed in midair.

It was one-sided.

One side's magic was overwhelming the other's. Not only were there more spells, but their power was far greater.

The control of the battlefield was gradually being seized by one side. The opponent's attempts to counter the spells were being seen through and reversed.

It was as if they could see every move in the arena.

Just as Lee Hayul had dominated with his sword in the earlier duel.

Now, he was dominating his opponent with magic.

"...Sensory-based."

Lee Jiyeon, who had been watching the scene unfold, muttered to herself.

Her green eyes followed the spells filling the air.

They were clear and efficient, yet flexible, ready to change form at any moment.

"Hmm?"

Her friend sitting next to her reacted to her murmuring, but Jiyeon had no time to care.

‘...Sensory-based, you say?’

At the time of enrollment, it was said that his unique ability was sensory-based.

But just now... he had completely overpowered a cadet who possessed swordsmanship skills, even replicating the expanded ability they had manifested.

Now, he was suppressing a cadet with a unique ability for magical aptitude, using overwhelming magic.

And recently, rumors had spread about his affinity with the five elemental spirits.

Physical ability, mana manipulation, unique abilities, swordsmanship, magic, spirit affinity...

Each of these talents, individually, would be more than enough to make someone capable of standing their ground against many foes. Together, they amounted to a level of talent that could lead an army.

His talent shone. His potential glimmered brilliantly.

It was a light that captured the attention of everyone, one that eventually earned respect and admiration.

Lee Jiyeon knew that light.

Those she had known from a young age had it.

It was the same light that had radiated from Hong Yeonhwa, who used to run around energetically.

The same light that had shone from Baek Ahrin, who had always seemed playful despite her innocent facade.

It was a light that she had never possessed herself.

And now, that very light—or perhaps even brighter—was gleaming from the stage, showing off its brilliance.

Crack

"........"

A surge of emotion welled up inside her. It was a pathetic, bitter feeling, one she despised even as she recognized it.

 

Suddenly, a dizzying sensation crept up from my feet. It felt as if electricity were flowing through me, and my legs began to tremble.

‘I’m exhausted...’

My body swayed. I tried to hold on, but sensing that I was about to collapse, I reached out to steady myself against the wall.

My breathing was ragged. I took a moment to catch my breath.

I had fought three matches in the preliminaries.

The first was against Aiden, the second against a magic major, and the third against a combat major who specialized in unique abilities.

There had been little time to rest between matches. Perhaps that’s why none of the bouts had lasted long.

But now that the preliminaries had started in the afternoon, the sun was already beginning to set outside.

‘Was it a mistake to use the expanded ability...?’

The Versatile expanded ability.

Thousand Faces.

An ability that manifested during training under my master, its name refers to its endless adaptability.

The ability allows for the imitation of skills and actions, specifically in areas where I have accumulated a high level of proficiency in Versatile.

It was an expanded ability that lived up to the Versatile label.

‘It’s similar to Homogenization.’

Homogenization mimics the attributes and nature of unique abilities and mana.

Thousand Faces imitates techniques and actions.

Both share the commonality of mimicking what belongs to others.

If used together, they could generate incredible synergy.

Though, of course, that would depend on my capabilities...

And right now, my capabilities weren't sufficient to handle that.

‘Ugh...’

My legs gave out, and I slumped down against the wall.

‘Maybe I shouldn’t have used it...’

Skill-based expanded abilities typically consume mental energy.

While other unique abilities rely on mana, skill-based abilities are part of the realm of technique, and thus demand mental strength.

Of course, they also consume mana, but the mental energy they drain is far greater.

Phew... I exhaled deeply and shook my head.

I was beginning to regret using it.

I had never intended to use Homogenization from the start.

The situation wasn’t desperate enough to require it, and I wasn’t confident I could handle the aftermath.

Mimicking unique abilities wasn't unheard of, but such mimicry usually came with strict conditions and limitations.

Moreover, mimicking abilities as powerful as Hellfire and Ocean's Wrath, abilities considered to be on another level, was fundamentally impossible.

Homogenization was different. With enough proficiency, it allowed me to mimic most special and elemental abilities.

The only resources it consumed were my own mental and magical energy.

It was a power capable of summoning a storm even greater than Shipnaha's. If not for the association's help in controlling information, I would likely still be plagued by inquiries...

But Thousand Faces was a bit different.

Skill-based unique abilities are generally easier to manifest as expanded abilities than other categories.

There are various reasons for this, but the main one is that skill-based abilities are easier to establish as personal.

Take the swordsmanship category, for example. While specific techniques may vary, the fundamental principle of "wielding a sword" remains the same.

Because of this, the expanded abilities of swordsmanship are generally similar.

One may slash multiple times with a single swing. One may send out a sword wave to strike enemies at a distance.

One may twist the trajectory of a thrust to bypass defenses, or strike downwards with enough force to break through barriers.

Because the fundamentals are similar, the results tend to resemble each other.

As such, those who possess skill-based unique abilities often gather and develop their abilities together.

These groups are commonly referred to as schools or clans.

One of the most prominent examples is Sanjagae Sword, which Katsuki Yusei belongs to.

It’s a union of three swordsmanship schools, one of the most influential groups in Japan.

If one builds enough rapport with Katsuki Yusei, they can become involved with Sanjagae Sword.

In any case, this is why imitating skill-based expanded abilities is a low hurdle. It’s considered acceptable.

I had already discussed this with my master. In the end, we concluded that there was no need to hide Thousand Faces.

So I used it... but maybe I overestimated my mental strength.

Splat

‘Ah.’

Just then, my nose started to itch, and suddenly, a nosebleed dripped down.

I wiped it off with a grimace.

Clack

I heard footsteps echoing from the hallway. Startled, I quickly wiped my nose again.

I had narrowed my Observation Power due to the headache, so I couldn’t sense who was approaching from the corridor.

But I recognized it.

The sound of their footsteps, their breathing... and even the nature of their mana.

It was someone I didn’t want to show myself to in this state.

I hurried to stand up.

Thud

‘Ugh.’

But my weakened legs gave out, and I collapsed with a thud. The sound echoed down the quiet hallway, and the approaching presence quickly rushed toward me.

"Ha, Hayul?!"

The person I didn’t want to see me like this...

Hong Yeonhwa screamed in alarm as she ran toward me.