The moment Aura stepped into the principal's office, he noticed something strange. The principal, a tall rabbit-eared Beastman, was already bowing slightly to the human man who had brought Aura in.
With a wave of his hand and a polite but firm tone, the human said, "Please, Principal Gorrin, I'd like to speak with the boy in private."
"Yes, Vice President Lyon." The principal bowed and left the room without question.
Aura looked up curiously. This man had presence. His clothes were clean and formal, decorated with the crest of the Southern Royal Academy. The air around him felt heavy, not with magic or pressure—but authority.
The man turned to Aura and smiled. "You've done something very interesting, young one. Defeating fifty monsters alone before any other student finished even half... and you're only four years old. That's a record."
Aura blinked and didn't respond.
"I'm Lyon," the man continued. "Vice President of the Beast Department at the Southern Royal Academy. I came to inspect the monster training session... and then I saw your result." He leaned in a little. "Tell me. What is your awakening power?"
Aura tensed. He hadn't thought of that. He knew he couldn't say 'Primordial Dragon' or even mention his real race. What could he say?
[System activated.]
[Suggested response: Say you are a Mystic Combatant—a rare and powerful awakening that allows use of both magic and martial arts.]
Aura's eyes widened a little. That sounded like something that could work.
"I'm… a Mystic Combatant," he said.
Lyon paused. His eyes slightly widened in shock. "Mystic Combatant? That's... almost unheard of."
Aura nodded slowly, pretending to be nervous. "I… can use different magic… and martial arts."
"A hybrid class with such compatibility at age four… Astounding." Lyon rubbed his chin. "And your level?"
"I just reached Level 2 today," Aura said quietly.
Lyon pulled out a sleek magical tablet and started typing. Then he brought a communication orb to his lips and whispered something Aura couldn't hear.
After a moment, he turned back to Aura. "You have talent, Aura. And talent should never be wasted."
Aura felt a twinge in his gut. He already had a strange feeling this man wasn't just complimenting him—he had plans.
"There's a special event," Lyon explained, "hosted by the Southern Royal Academy. A Monster Challenge Arena. The strongest newly awakened humans, demons, and beastkin from across the southern region gather to compete. Winning can bring opportunities—support, sponsorship, rare resources."
Aura swallowed. That sounded dangerous.
"I want you to participate."
Aura looked up at him and asked cautiously, "Can I think about it?"
Lyon's smile faded slightly. "This is not a request. You're a top-tier awakened now. You must attend. The academy expects it."
Aura hesitated. He couldn't leave so soon. Not with the goblin threat looming over the village.
He spoke softly, "But… my village might be in trouble. There's a war coming. The Goblin tribe declared war. I… I don't want to leave them behind."
Lyon raised an eyebrow. "War?"
Aura nodded. "They killed some Foxy. Declared war. Five days from now."
Lyon frowned, then leaned back in his chair. "Hmm…"
He closed his eyes for a second, thinking. Then he smiled again. "Don't worry. I'll handle it. The Southern Royal Academy has contacts everywhere. I'll send word to the Goblin council through a diplomatic channel. They won't make a move before the tournament. And even if they do…" He stood up. "You'll be far away by then."
Aura didn't respond.
Lyon stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have a gift. If you stay hidden here, you'll be wasting it. Go. Show your strength. Protect your village through power."
Aura looked down, thoughtful. ["He's dangerous,"] he thought to himself, ["but I need his support… and I need to get stronger."]
"I'll go," he said softly.
Lyon's smile returned, broader this time. "Good. I'll arrange the transport. You have two days. Rest. Prepare."
Aura bowed lightly, then turned and left the room.
Lyon watched him go, eyes glowing faintly. "What a rare piece… A Mystic Combatant, at age four. This could change everything."
Outside, the arena was almost empty. Only the homeroom teacher was still there—pacing nervously.
When he saw Aura, he walked up quickly. "You're… already done?"
Aura nodded. "Yes, Teacher."
Behind the teacher, two large figures limped toward them—Gruk and Dur, the Ogre brothers.
They were bruised, limping, and covered in minor wounds, but their eyes were shining with admiration.
"Master!" Gruk called out, thumping his chest.
"We failed to defeat fifty monsters… but you did it in one go!" Dur added.
Aura looked at them, confused and embarrassed. "Don't call me that."
"We must!" Gruk insisted. "In Ogre culture, when someone of equal rank defeats us fairly, we become their subordinates!"
"I didn't ask you to—"
"We insist," Dur said firmly.
Aura sighed, but after a moment, he smiled a little. "Fine… but don't make trouble."
The ogres both beamed.
Later, Aura returned to the village. The air was different—tense, heavy, like a storm was coming. Knights were moving quickly, checking supplies. Villagers whispered among themselves.
Kael stood in front of their house, issuing orders.
When he saw Aura, his face softened. He forced a smile and walked up. "Welcome home, Aura."
Aura didn't respond, just hugged Kael around the waist.
Kael lifted him gently and walked back inside.
Inside the house, Riku was awake, sitting near the window with a blanket wrapped around him.
"Aura!" he called out when he saw him.
Aura ran over and sat beside him. "How are you feeling?"
"Better. Still sore," Riku muttered, then looked him over. "Where did you go?"
"Training," Aura said with a grin. "I got stronger."
They talked for a while—about school, about the ogres, about lunch—and laughed together like normal kids.
For a moment, the weight of war faded.
Later that night, Kael and Lily joined a war meeting with the Queen and the elders. Aura and Riku curled up in bed.
Aura whispered, "We'll protect this village. I promise."
Riku smiled sleepily. "Together?"
"Together."
They drifted into sleep, unaware of the storm approaching from the horizon—and the fate waiting at the Monster Challenge Arena.