The entire arena froze over in an instant, as if it had transformed into an icy cavern. The ice spread so fast that even Toma couldn’t react—his body was sealed inside solid frost before he could move.

  The commentator stared in disbelief.

  “Arvian just turned the match around in a single second!? People, let me ask you as an ordinary person—how can students be this strong?!”

  Toma, you’ve grown far too much in such a short time…

  Arvian’s thoughts raced.

  Only three years since your ability awakened, and you’re already advancing in giant strides—trying to catch up to me. I can’t allow that.

  I remember the day it happened. Arlen and I only wanted you to escape. We tried to save you…

  But in the end, you ran back.

  You were the one who saved us.

  Back then, I wouldn’t have stood a chance against the demons. That was the moment I swore I would never be this weak again.

  Arvian released the ice restraining the referee as well.

  He stepped closer, concern in his voice.

  “Excuse me—are you alright?”

  The referee shivered slightly, but nodded.

  “I’m fine. Just… cold.”

  “Could you please start the countdown for Toma?”

  “Of course.”

  The referee moved toward the frozen figure at the center of the arena and raised his hand.

  Inside the ice, Toma was still conscious.

  Damn it… it can’t end like this.

  I have to defeat Arvian.

  He can’t beat me again.

  Move… move… MOVE already, Toma!

  The countdown began.

  “Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two—”

  The next instant, the impossible happened.

  The ice shattered.

  Toma burst free and lunged at Arvian at the fastest speed he had ever reached.

  Arvian didn’t hold back. He answered with everything he had.

  Their attacks collided.

  A massive explosion erupted, sweeping across the arena in a violent shockwave. Both boys were hurled backward, slamming into opposite walls.

  The commentator couldn’t contain himself anymore.

  “This is unbelievable! I’ve never seen a final like this—the most unpredictable one yet! Toma and Arvian are truly on the same level! Neither can overpower the other!”

  Toma slowly pushed himself up.

  I have to win. I have to win.

  He charged again.

  Arvian braced himself.

  Focus. I need to strike at the right moment.

  Perfect timing—that’s the only way.

  Just as Toma closed the distance, Arvian moved.

  He caught Toma and instantly froze one of his arms solid. With his other hand, he formed a massive ice spike and drove it forward.

  The spike pierced Toma’s clothes and cut into his skin.

  At that exact moment—

  The bell rang.

  Toma froze in place.

  The match was over.

  Arvian had won.

  The arena fell into stunned silence. Even the commentator stood speechless. Nearly half a minute passed before he finally spoke.

  “Well… it seems this year’s new champion of the Academy Tournament is Arvian Lysell. By all appearances, a new young star has been born within the Lysell family.”

  Toma sat on the ground, dazed.

  Arvian stepped closer and offered him his hand.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  “Well fought, Toma. It was a great match.”

  Toma accepted the help and stood up slowly.

  “Yeah… thanks…”

  Soon after, the award ceremony began. The staff quickly set up the stage, and the academy’s leadership arrived.

  First, the headmaster placed the silver medal around Toma’s neck. The audience responded with a thunderous round of applause.

  Toma barely reacted. His expression was dull, distant. After a moment, he removed the medal and held it loosely in his hand.

  Next came the gold medal for Arvian. The audience applauded again—less passionately, but sincerely.

  Toma stepped forward.

  “Congratulations, Arvian. You’re ahead of me.”

  Arvian understood. This wasn’t a moment for comfort—and even if he tried, it wouldn’t help.

  So he answered simply.

  “Catch up quickly. I’m going to grow even stronger.”

  A faint smile crossed Toma’s face.

  He turned away and headed toward the locker room, lifting one hand in a light wave without looking back.

  As he walked, the crowd stood one last time, chanting his name. In return, Toma applauded them softly as he left the arena.

  Arvian remained behind, celebrating.

  At the edge of the stands, Toma’s family and friends watched in silence.

  Nira burst into tears. Emion lifted her onto his lap and gently rocked her.

  “Hey, don’t cry. Be proud of your brother. He fought with everything he had.”

  “But Dad… I wanted Big Brother Toma to win!”

  “I know, sweetheart. We all did.”

  Lyrien clenched her hands, clearly shaken. She knew how important this match had been to Toma.

  “Isn’t there any way we could comfort him?”

  Demia shook her head slowly.

  “It wouldn’t help. When Toma feels like this, he prefers to be alone. He’ll rest—and tomorrow, he’ll be better. But thank you for caring about my son, Lyrien.”

  Lyrien’s face flushed red.

  Nearby, Arlen stared at the arena, lost in thought.

  I’m sorry, Toma.

  In the end, you couldn’t defeat Arvian.

  But one day… you will. I know it.

  Still… it feels like you two are racing neck and neck, while I’m just watching from the outside.

  I can’t stay behind.

  I have to catch up too.

  Toma was raging in the locker room.

  “Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Fucking hell! Why am I still weak!? Why can’t I win!? How do I get stronger!?”

  His voice echoed off the walls as frustration tore out of him. “I wanted to defeat Arvian so badly… so why does it never work out!? I need to be stronger. Stronger!”

  Unable to contain himself, Toma lashed out, kicking lockers and knocking equipment to the floor.

  ***

  High above the arena, the captains watched in stunned silence.

  Only Captain Lysell looked satisfied, a rare smile crossing his face. Pride filled his voice as he spoke of his bloodline.

  “My grandson… I’m proud of you.”

  Zarek, on the other hand, looked far less pleased.

  “Damn it. I was really rooting for Toma. That kid’s flashy—and he’s got real talent, too.”

  Captain Elarion nodded in agreement.

  “He has nothing to be ashamed of. Toma Sorien will become an excellent warrior. In the end, he only lost by the smallest margin.”

  Thalia crossed her arms, her expression softening.

  “Yes. I feel terribly sorry for Toma. He fought incredibly well. Poor Lyrien must be sad now—she was really rooting for Toma’s success.”

  Zarek turned toward Captain Silren.

  “And you? You’ve been awfully quiet.”

  Silren, despite Toma’s defeat, wore the same gentle smile as always.

  “Good grief—what can I even say? I was rooting for the blue-haired boy, but I did say that the Lysell boy was the more likely winner. Still, he has greater potential than the Lysell boy and could become much stronger in the future. So all I can say is that Toma Sorien is a very intriguing young man.”

  Zarek nodded slowly.

  “You’re right. And once again, your prediction was spot-on.” He straightened. “But I’ll be taking my leave. I still have an important matter to attend to.”

  As he walked away, Zarek cast a sideways glance at Thalia.

  “If you miss me, you know where to find me.”

  Thalia didn’t even look his way.

  “I won’t miss you at all. Just go and do whatever you want.”

  ***

  Far away, in a cramped apartment in a small, distant city, Kiron lounged on his couch, eyes glued to the broadcast. A bag of chips rested on his chest, a bottle of cola balanced nearby.

  A twisted grin spread across his face.

  “So they finally brought down that blue-haired bastard. Good.” He laughed softly. “Just wait, Toma Sorien. I can’t wait to kill you.” His expression darkened. “And I hate the Ice Division too. Once Toma’s gone, their captain will be next.”

  The room shifted as another familiar presence appeared behind him.

  “Lord Kiron,” Amon’s calm voice echoed, “if you are ready, we should begin preparations.”

  Kiron slowly rose to his feet.

  “Yeah, yeah. I know.” His eyes gleamed with anticipation. “Humanity’s about to be hit by a calamity they’ll never forget.”

  A low, devilish laugh filled the room.

  “This little game…” Kiron said softly, “…is finally getting interesting.”

  ***

  By the end of the day, Toma lay sprawled on his bed, weighed down by exhaustion and disappointment, talking to his mother on the phone as she tried to cheer him up a little.

  “But really, my son, if you don’t want to be alone tonight, you can always come over and sleep with us at the hotel.”

  Toma stared at the ceiling.

  “It’s okay, Mom. I’m fine—just really tired. I think I’ll rest for now.”

  “All right. You did great today, Toma. We love you.”

  “Love you too, Mom. Bye.”

  After the call ended, Toma let out a long breath and dropped the phone onto the mattress.

  “Damn it… this loss really hurts.”

  The screen lit up again. Messages. A lot of them.

  “Huh… looks like Lyrien and Arlen sent something too.” He glanced through the notifications. “Comforting messages, huh… I should reply before I sleep.”

  Then he scrolled a little further—and froze.

  “…Wait. There’s more?”

  The girls he’d met before the match, the ones who’d taken selfies with him, had all sent messages as well.

  “…You’ve gotta be kidding me. All six of them!?” Toma groaned. “There’s no way I’m replying to all of this right now. I’ll deal with it in the morning.”

  He rolled onto his stomach and buried his face under the pillow.

  Just as he was about to drift off, his phone rang again.

  “Ugh… who is it now?” he muttered, lifting his head.

  One glance at the screen made him blink.

  “…Inspector Carter?”

  He answered immediately.

  “Hello? Inspector Carter?”

  On the other end of the line, Carter spoke in that familiar, confident voice Toma hadn’t heard in ages.

  “Hey, Toma. I hope I’m not disturbing you. I just got off the phone with Arlen and thought I’d call you too.” There was a brief pause before Carter continued warmly. “First of all—congratulations. Even if you didn’t win the championship, you were the most spectacular fighter today. You caught everyone’s attention.”

  Toma hesitated, unsure how to respond.

  “Uh… yeah. Thanks.”

  “So, like we discussed, from tomorrow on you’ll be studying with me as private students for your graduation exams. I’ll talk to the Academy’s director in the morning, then I’ll come pick you and Arvian up in the afternoon.”

  Toma’s fatigue vanished in an instant. His eyes lit up.

  “Of course! That sounds amazing!”

  But Carter wasn’t finished.

  “I trust you’ve already talked this over with your parents. That part is rather important.”

  Reality hit him like a slap.

  “…Damn it. I haven’t told my mom anything yet.” Toma quickly added, “But don’t worry, Carter. I’ll handle it—I’ll talk to her!”

  “Good.” Carter sounded satisfied. “Then prepare yourself, Toma. Starting tomorrow, a new chapter begins on your path to becoming a warrior.”

  Something else surfaced in Toma’s mind.

  “Inspector Carter…” He hesitated for a moment. “Could I make one more request? It’s selfish—but it’s important.”

  “I’m listening.”