Geometric Mage: First Spell, Circle

<Alright!! Then let me introduce today's participants, though I think no introductions are needed! It is them, the four main factions of the academy! Give a warm welcome to the Red Dragons, the Black Tortoise, the Silver Phoenix, and… the Yellow Tiger!> the announcer's words igniting a roar of cheers.

The energy in the arena turned electric as the crowd's shouts mingled with the hum of the lights illuminating the central ring, a vibrant pulse of anticipation.

Lian observed the scene with a mix of curiosity and determination, the combat token still tightly gripped in his hand, its faint glow a reminder of his commitment.

Maybe I should have really come back tomorrow? What should I do now? How could I participate in this event? his mind racing with uncertainty.

Questions upon questions filled his mind, each one a weight on his resolve.

The fusion of the four rings into a single, massive platform had transformed the atmosphere, the air thick with the stakes of the moment.

It was no longer about simple duels between students, but a clash between the most powerful factions of Astralis Academy, a spectacle of power and prestige.

<Tonight, you will witness an unforgettable show!> the announcer continued with an excited voice, igniting everyone's emotions, his words fanning the flames of anticipation.

<The four factions will face off against each other. Each faction will field three members, and the winner will be decided by a series of direct elimination duels! The matchups will be random, after all…> his voice trailing for dramatic effect.

The announcer paused for a moment, just long enough to hush the crowd and make them tremble with excitement, the tension palpable in the silence.

<After all… luck is part of an individual's skills! You cannot hope to win without a healthy and glorious STROKE OF LUCK!> his words booming with theatrical flair.

The crowd erupted in a roar, excited shouts, hands clapping together, feet stomping on the ground. The noise was deafening, a tidal wave of enthusiasm.

<The rules? The same as always: no lethal blows, no artifacts, only your mana and your skill!> the announcer's voice clear and commanding.

While the crowd shouted enthusiastically for the impending clash, Lian had a strange expression. But before he could think further, the announcer silenced the crowd with a cough, a sharp sound cutting through the noise.

<Everyone, there is a PLOT TWIST! A new participant will step onto the ring before everyone else. He refused to back down to anyone while insisting with all his heart to participate in tonight's clash, despite it being privately organized among the four factions. And since he will not leave, he will step onto the ring first!> the announcement sparking a surge of murmurs.

The crowd's shouts from the stands grew even more excited as murmurs and discussions spread everywhere, a buzz of curiosity and skepticism.

<Give a warm welcome to the one who wants to ruin—or improve—the event, Lian Veyr!!> the announcer's voice ringing with dramatic flair.

"Eh?" The combat token in Lian's hands began to tremble and glow brightly as the announcer called his name, a beacon of his unexpected spotlight.

He had been called to fight! He could not back out now, or he would have been better off burying himself from the embarrassment, the weight of the moment sinking in.

"Well, a great way to make a debut…" he murmured shakily, looking around. A spotlight shone on him, urging him to move, its beam relentless and unyielding.

The members of the four factions stared at him with amusement as murmurs and sly smirks adorned their faces, their expressions a mix of mockery and intrigue.

The crowd cheered and rooted for him, while others shouted loud boos and whistles, and still others cursed and threatened Lian to step aside, a cacophony of support and scorn.

Lian stood up from his position. He was excited and scared at the same time. He was not afraid of fighting against the four factions. Most of them were Bronze 4, with only four of them, one per faction, at Bronze 5, a challenge he believed he could meet.

He could do it! Maybe… his confidence wavering under the pressure.

Almost the entire arena against him was something he had never imagined. The weight of the gazes and curses undermined his confidence and performance, each stare a needle in his resolve.

He had never experienced anything like this; it was too much. His breathing was uneven as his blue eyes scanned the crowd. His legs nearly gave way under the weight of the pressure, his body trembling with the intensity.

Breathe, Lian, breathe—I am stronger, I cannot lose! After all, I bet on myself; I cannot lose everything! That damned old man did not warn me at all. He definitely wanted me to lose, curse him! his thoughts a whirlwind of frustration.

Lian cursed in his mind as the memory of the grizzled-bearded man at the desk came back to him, a spark of indignation fueling his resolve.

But before he could continue thinking further, the announcer declared his first opponent, the moment of truth arriving swiftly.

He belonged to the Red Dragons. It was none other than Brutus, the boy from earlier who had wanted to kick Lian out of the area, his presence a bitter irony.

Maybe I should have accepted his kind invitation to leave… why do I always end up like this? Why can I not follow my father's advice about not being arrogant? Even Freddy told me, making me understand with a solid punch to the face… I am hopeless- his thoughts heavy with self-reproach.

<On one side, we have the unknown Lian, Bronze 4. On the other side of the ring, we have Brutus, Bronze 4 of the Red Dragons. Place your bets, people!> the announcer's voice booming with excitement.

The moment the announcer said those words, a device lit up next to each seat. There, the boys could place their bets, a flurry of activity sparking across the stands.