“Dual Spirits: Rising Beyond the Ranks”

On the day of competition, Velaris Spirit academy main facilities were empty. New students who were already gathered at academy arena. As for the senior students who were in the podium and discussing with each other how many of them will pass this elimination round. As for the professors who are sitting higher place than second year's student. In the center there was a crimson throne and on both side were, where academy's professors seated.

As the crowd settled, the arena hushed. A podium rose in the center, and Headmaster Arden stepped forward, his imposing figure radiating authority. His silver hair gleamed under the sunlight, and his voice boomed across the arena.

"Welcome, young competitors in Velaris academy arena! You stand here today for recognise as something which lead you to glory and power. But to ascend, you must prove your worth. This Elimination competition will separate the determined from the weak, the exceptional from the ordinary. Those who prevail will be recognized as students of Velaris Academy—an honor that carries the weight of responsibility and glory."

A wave of anticipation swept through the audience, but Arden wasn't finished. His gaze hardened, and his voice grew solemn.

"Before we proceed, let us reflect on the history that brought us here today."

The world of Arcanis was once a land of harmony, divided into several great empires: the Arcanis Empire, the Solomon Dominion, and the Frostbane federation, to name a few. Each region was governed by its unique culture, spirits, and traditions. Yet, they all shared one common enemy—the Abyssal Rift.

The Abyssal Rift, a tear in the fabric of reality, had unleashed monsters upon the world centuries ago. While the empires had managed to push back the tides of destruction, the Rift had never truly been sealed. Its presence grew stronger with time, and recent months had seen an alarming increase in monster activity. Cities were vanishing, trade routes were severed, and even seasoned spirit users found themselves outmatched.

Arden's tone deepened. "The week we stand in marks the beginning of a troubling era. Reports from across the empire confirm a surge in monster appearances, and their strength is unlike anything we've seen before. This is no coincidence. The Abyssal Rift grows restless, and only through unity and strength can we hold it at bay."

He gestured toward the six prodigies of the Spirit Clans were, seated on a raised platform. "Even the legendary Spirit Clans recognize the urgency of this crisis. They have sent their finest to compete, not for personal glory, but for the survival of their legacies. This competition is more than a test; it is preparation for the battles that lie ahead."

The six great Spirit Clans had shaped the history of Arcanis, their mastery over unique spirits elevating them to near-mythical status. Now, their descendants stood ready to uphold that legacy:

The Radiant Phoenix Clan: Masters of fiery rebirth and radiant destruction.

The Abyss Serpent Clan: Wielders of shadow and poison, feared for their lethal precision.

The Thunder Drake Clan: Commanders of storms and speed, unparalleled in swift combat.

The Frost Fang Clan: Ice manipulators whose chilling techniques froze the battlefield.

The Verdant Gryphon Clan: Aerial warriors bound to nature's might.

The Obsidian Shadow Clan: Illusionists thriving in chaos and deception.

Each clan had sent a representative to the tournament, their presence a stark reminder of the stakes involved. These prodigies weren't here for ordinary rewards; they sought the Legendary Soul Gem, an artifact said to awaken unparalleled power within a spirit.

The Soul Gem hovered above the arena in a shimmering projection, its radiant energy pulsing with a hypnotic rhythm. Arden gestured toward it. "This is the prize for the champion of this tournament. A treasure that can unlock the ultimate potential of any spirit. But beware—power comes at a cost. Only the strongest in body, mind, and spirit can wield it."

The revelation sent a ripple of awe through the audience. For some, the Soul Gem was a dream of greatness. For others, it was a means of rewriting their future. For the Spirit Clans, it was a weapon to secure dominance.

The headmaster's speech concluded with a powerful declaration: "Let the tournament begin!" The holographic board shimmered to life, displaying the first matchups. Kayn's name stood out, paired against Lysander Flameheart, a fiery-haired combatant known for his explosive spirit abilities. The crowd murmured, and anticipation thickened.

Kayn, unfazed by the whispers, stepped forward. His week of preparation had been grueling but transformative. Guided by the Abyss Shadow Wolf's agility and the Eclipse Shadow Dragon's raw power, Kayn had grown stronger—his control sharper, his instincts keener.

From their elevated platform, the prodigies of the Spirit Clans watched. Draven Obscura of the Obsidian Shadow Clan leaned forward, shadows flickering in his eyes. "So, this is the dual spirit awakener everyone's been talking about."

Eira Frostfang of the Frost Fang Clan crossed her arms, her icy gaze fixed on Kayn. "He won't last long."

Zara Stormwing of the Thunder Drake Clan smirked. "He's unpredictable. That makes him dangerous."

Magical barriers flickered to life around the arena, ensuring the safety of the audience. Kayn and the Lysander faced each other, the tension palpable. Lysander grinned, flames licking at his fingertips. "You should've stayed in the stands," he taunted.

Kayn's expression didn't waver. His spirits' voices echoed in his mind:

"Stay calm," the Abyss Shadow Wolf growled. "He's brash, and that will be his downfall."

"Overpower him," the Eclipse Shadow Dragon rumbled. "Show him the strength of shadows."

The signal blared, and the match began. Flames roared as Lysander charged, but Kayn's movements were a blur of precision. Shadows danced around him, countering every attack. The crowd watched in awe as Kayn's dual spirits worked in harmony, turning the tide of the battle.

By the end of the match, Lysander lay unconscious, defeated but unharmed. Kayn stood victorious, his name flashing on the board. The crowd erupted into cheers, and the prodigies exchanged glances.

"He's better than I thought," Draven admitted, a hint of respect in his voice.

"This is just the beginning," Eira said coldly.

The tournament had only just begun, and with each victory, the path to the Legendary Soul Gem grew more treacherous. For Kayn, the journey ahead was fraught with danger—but also with opportunity.