Exchange Festival (6): Clash of Archspirits
The academy exchange festival, now celebrating its fifteenth anniversary, was the grandest annual event, bringing together six prestigious academies led by the renowned Terastial and Celestial Academies. Among all academy events, this one ranked among the most significant, where representatives from each school fought desperately to uphold their institution's honor and their own prestige. It was a brutal, life-or-death struggle—calling it anything less would be an understatement.
In the midst of everyone standing with solemn or at least serious expressions, one oblivious human yawned lazily, stretching his arms wide.
"Gonna be a while before it's my turn."
It was Seong Hyun-jin. He was pleased to be participating in the comprehensive duel, but learning it was scheduled for the very last day of the exchange already had him feeling a bit bored. It meant he'd just be spectating the other days.
"At least you're competing in the event you wanted, right?"
"Yeah, that's why I'm sitting here quietly."
"...It sounds like you'd have thrown a fit if it wasn't."
Seong Hyun-jin shot Serena a sullen look, as if to say why treat me like a problem child? She grew even more exasperated at his expression, but before she could argue, someone ascended the stadium platform.
"Greetings, everyone. Student representatives who have traveled from eight academies!"
The one opening the exchange wasn't the Celestial Academy's chancellor or student council president representing the current students. It was a distinctive figure wearing a golden sun mask and dressed like a crisp gentleman in a pristine white tuxedo. The outfit was one thing, but the mask was truly eye-catching—especially on a day with few clouds, where the sunlight reflected off the gold, making it glitter blindingly.
Seong Hyun-jin squinted against the glare and muttered,
"What a weird-looking guy."
Unlike him, the others didn't complain about the light despite being dazzled. They seemed shocked by the man's appearance instead.
"He's here in person...?"
"You know him?"
"It'd be weirder if you didn't, junior."
Ciela explained,
"He's the one who sponsored the prize money for the martial exhibition."
"...Pardon?"
Even the clueless Seong Hyun-jin grasped it instantly. The man on stage was the sponsor of the martial exhibition's prizes. In other words, one of the Palstar Heroes.
"I am Giovanni, sponsor of this fifteenth academy exchange festival—and its host!"
The Gold Star, Giovanni.
"So he's the Gold Star?"
"Yeah, we knew he had ties since his merchant guild is sponsoring the event, but I didn't expect him to show up himself."
"Hmm..."
From what he'd vaguely heard, the man was swimming in wealth. Seong Hyun-jin figured there might be something big to gain by impressing him now. He resolved,
"Gotta make a good impression on him."
"...Junior, are you short on cash lately?"
Ciela let out a hollow chuckle, and Serena shook her head slightly in disbelief beside her.
"Before we begin, let's express our thanks to Dean Shania for helping make this exchange a success."
At Giovanni's mention, Shania stood briefly and waved. Applause erupted from all directions.
"Also, our gratitude to the representatives from Terastial Academy, Celestial Academy, Marinel Academy, Igniel Academy, Umbril Academy, Trickiel Academy, Gresial Academy, Petriel Academy... and all eight academies! With that, let the fifteenth academy exchange festival officially begin!!"
Giovanni announced the start with a bright, energetic voice. His enthusiasm suggested taking the reins as host had been entirely his own decision. And so, the festival kicked off in earnest amid his joyful tone.
"Student representatives will compete against those from other academies according to the schedule! It's your chance to show what you've learned and how much you've grown at your academy!"
Giovanni continued,
"For our first event to kick things off with a bang—'Spirit Duel'—all participants, please gather at the stadium center!"
The opening event was the Spirit Duel. A contest decided purely by spirit power, without weapons.
Terastial Academy's representative for this was...
"Do your best out there, Serena. Be careful."
"Got it."
Serena Eldark, contracted with the Archspirit of Flames. It was a highly strategic and rational choice. While Yeonhui had a divine spirit and Ciela another Archspirit of a different attribute, they had their own events to handle. Serena was the optimal pick—not just rationally, but because her fire-attribute Archspirit boasted the strongest raw power, ensuring she wouldn't be outmatched in a direct clash.
As Serena strode confidently to the center, the crowd buzzed—unlike with the other entrants. Even those unfamiliar with Terastial Academy recognized her status from the massive dragon horns protruding beside her head.
"Hey, that's her..."
"Yeah, the Dragon Star's daughter."
"Heard she enrolled at Terastial this year—guess it's true."
"Whatever else, she's gorgeous."
The spectators reacted variably, showering Serena Eldark with attention. Her striking beauty, as captivating as her horns, drew the men's gazes especially.
Seong Hyun-jin, watching her attract eyes without even trying, said enviously,
"Wish I could get famous like that."
"You're pretty famous already, junior. Is there anyone at our academy who doesn't know your name now?"
"What have I done?"
"What haven't you...?"
Ciela trailed off, as if listing it all would be too much.
"You know better than anyone."
"Huh?"
Seong Hyun-jin blinked innocently.
"I just fought a few times here and there..."
"Those fights are why."
"Still, only certain people know about it."
He pointed at Serena in the center.
"Serena's just getting recognized right away."
"That's 'cause she's the Dragon Star's daughter..."
"Man, I wish I was Master's biological son!"
Ciela snorted in disbelief.
"...Then you wouldn't admire her like you do now."
"Oh, yeah. Never mind."
Seong Hyun-jin promptly abandoned the dream. He glanced around at the other participants but recognized no one noteworthy.
"Don't know any of 'em, so not sure if Serena can handle it."
"Dunno about the others, but I know that one."
Ciela pointed to a student three spots behind Serena.
"From Marinel Academy. He's been famous since the academy research institute days. Another Archspirit contractor. Should be a good matchup if he faces off against Senior Serena."
"What kind? Even among Archspirits, not many can beat Serena in firepower."
As Seong Hyun-jin said, attributes varied even among the same rank. In a duel hinging on overwhelming power, few could rival a fire Archspirit.
Ciela answered his puzzled look simply:
"The Archspirit of Lightning."
# The exchange festival's first event: Spirit Duel.
"Incredible! Serena Eldark advances from the round of eight to the semifinals with another one-shot victory!"
Serena, living up to the rumors of wielding the Archspirit of Flames, crushed her first opponent and the next almost instantly. And in the finals, she faced the student Ciela had mentioned.
"The Spirit Duel, our exchange's opening event, comes down to its final match! Introducing the finalists: From Terastial Academy, Serena Eldark!"
Marinel Academy's second-year combat major top student.
"And from Marinel Academy, Mikhail Shebock!"
Mikhail Shebock. Another firepower powerhouse, contracted with the Archspirit of Lightning.
"Knew you'd make it this far, Miss Serena."
"...Yes, barring any upsets, this was inevitable."
No other entrant had a spirit capable of overpowering their Archspirits in raw power. Serena had expected Mikhail in the finals from the start, and so had he.
"This duel is purely about spirit prowess."
"Skill in wielding them matters too. Though neither of us seems lacking there."
Mikhail glanced at Giovanni, signaling the end of introductions and the start of the match, then bowed his head.
"Please, one strike."
"Likewise, best of luck."
"The Spirit Duel finals begin now!!"
After their courteous bows, the two unleashed their spirit power without hesitation at the signal, clashing head-on.
KABOOOOOM!!!
Flames and lightning collided in a massive explosion, unleashing a ferocious gale. Yet neither budged an inch. Their opening strikes had been perfectly even.
Having gauged each other's level, they wasted no time.
"Spirit Manifestation."
"Spirit Manifestation."
Summoning their spirits' physical forms to maximize power and settle the duel.
Behind them, the silhouettes of their spirits began to take shape.
"Here they come! The Archspirits of these two contractors reveal themselves!"
ROOOARRR!!
Serena Eldark's Archspirit of Fire, Ifrit.
RUMBLECRACK!!
Mikhail Shebock's Archspirit of Lightning, Thunder God Bird.
With two rare Archspirits manifesting at once, the arena heated up.
"Never thought I'd see two Archspirits clash in my lifetime."
"And the top firepower attributes too. This'll be insane."
"Hope I don't get launched away."
As the spectators' anticipation swelled, so did Serena and Mikhail's tension. The first exchange could end it. They both thought the same: total focus, full power, or lose.
Watching, Seong Hyun-jin tsked at Serena's hesitation.
"She's overthinking. Just go all-out and it's over."
"Enjoying the match, Junior Hyun-jin?"
Elena approached him mid-watch. He grinned at her question.
"Yeah, spirit slugfests are kinda fun."
"Really? I don't like it much since it's not direct combat."
Elena said,
"Nothing beats fighting hands-on for the thrill."
"Fair, but this has its own charm."
She smiled lightly.
"Maybe I should've skipped the sim and done a duel. Gotta move to scratch that itch."
"You yielded the sword duel spot."
"There's the comprehensive duel."
"What about mine?"
"Why not try the sim war this time, Junior?"
"Pass."
Seong Hyun-jin shuddered dramatically, making Elena chuckle.
"Kidding."
"Still scary."
As Elena bantered idly with him, she scanned the surroundings and spotted a surprising face, widening her eyes slightly.
"Oh my, that's the Wise Star."
"Wise Star?"
Another Palstar Hero here? Seong Hyun-jin followed her gaze curiously to Abraham Nobwells heading somewhere. Toward Shania.
"Heard the Divine Star invited him to Celestial Academy, but wandering separately like this... guess the Wise Star's up to something on his own."
"...Huh."
Seong Hyun-jin tilted his head. He'd expected a benevolent, wise look fitting the Wise Star title.
Why does he look... deranged?