Aurox woke before the arm even sounded.

  For a moment, he thought it was still night, but the light seeping through the curtains said otherwise: the sun was already rising over the city of Babel, and with it, the most anticipated day of the semester.

  The University Championship wasn’t just a tournament among students — it was an event. A festival of promises and bets, of watchful eyes and possible destinies. Rumors spoke of fans, broadcast channels, emotional family members, and even representatives from major professional groups and guilds roaming the campus. Bolder whispers cimed that a noble family, the Ivanovas, would be present. But no one knew for sure.

  Aurox sat on the edge of his bed.

  The dorm was strangely silent, even with the distant murmur coming from outside. It was as if that part of the world were holding its breath.

  He took a shower, brushed his teeth, and stood for a while looking at the mirror. His hair was a bit messier than usual. His face, slightly pale. There was something in his eyes — something he didn’t yet know how to name. A reflection that resembled strength... but didn’t hide the fear.

  As he dressed, he touched the Book of Legends in its tattoo form. The magic there pulsed lightly, like a muscle preparing itself. Aurox ran his fingers over his skin.

  “You’re quiet today…”

  No response. As always. But he could feel it.

  On his way to the central courtyard, he crossed paths with students and workers preparing the event areas. Magical screens rose by themselves, local broadcasters adjusted floating cameras, and even street vendors offered enchanted miniatures of the favorite competitors — even though no one knew exactly who would face whom.

  He walked slowly, taking it all in. Trying not to overthink. His gaze crossed paths with groups of cheerful families, some holding improvised signs, others with magical banners fshing names and nicknames.

  But his family hadn’t arrived yet.

  For a moment, Aurox’s chest tightened. They had promised to come. But maybe they were stuck in traffic, or maybe they got lost among the campus gates. He tried not to let it shake him. Not now.

  Hours ter, he reunited with his friends in one of the internal pzas. Kael spotted him first and nodded. He was stretching his neck like he was preparing for just another workout, his backpack tossed casually on the ground. Nina sat atop a floating box, fiddling with her phone, seemingly calm. Mika, of course, was the first to speak — loudly, as always.

  "THERE YOU ARE! I was starting to think you were going to show up right at the st second with your mysterious, dramatic style," she said, running toward him.

  "Not dramatic... just walked around a bit," Aurox replied with a restrained smile.

  "And what about that outfit?" She circled him. "Way too loose! You know we have to change before the matches start, right? Bet you didn’t even bring your combat clothes."

  Aurox blushed.

  "I did… it’s in my backpack."

  "Alright then, keep hiding your shonen protagonist look!" Mika teased, poking his shoulder.

  Even with the tension in the air, everyone seemed excited. It was a strange mix of nervousness and thrill — like they were about to perform in a py they hadn't fully rehearsed but where each of them wanted to shine.

  In the distance, a new wave of murmuring spread through the pza. More guests arrived, some dressed far too extravagantly to be just spectators. Aurox’s eyes briefly turned to the crowd.

  “The world’s watching…”

  And he wondered once again if he would be ready when the stage called him.

  The lively conversation among friends was interrupted by a sharp burst of static, followed by a clear, firm voice echoing through the loudspeakers spread across campus:

  "Attention all students registered for the tournament, please proceed immediately to the central gymnasium. The match draw will begin in ten minutes. Anyone not present will be automatically disqualified."

  A brief silence fell over the group. Mika reacted first:

  “IT'S TIME, guys! Let’s go before someone forgets the way!”

  Kael smiled calmly, Nina pocketed her phone, and Aurox felt his heart pound harder.

  They hurried toward the central gymnasium, one of the most famous spots on campus. Inspired by an ancient Greek coliseum, the enormous circur building rose imposingly, with its white marble walls and bleachers filled with spectators. Inside, a rge stone ptform about twenty-four meters in diameter awaited solemnly — reserved for the finals.

  When they entered the gym, the deafening roar of voices engulfed them. Packed bleachers buzzed with excited families, rowdy fans waving glittering signs, and photographers snapping pictures at every suspicious movement.

  "Look at this..." Nina murmured, impressed.

  At the center of the grand ptform, a young, elegant woman, wearing a perfectly tailored presenter’s uniform, smiled contagiously at the crowd. Her long, fluffy white ears — a trait of her rabbit-reted mutation power — swayed gently as she waved. Beside her stood a small metal box with a rge, glowing blue crystal at its center.

  "Who’s that?" Aurox asked, intrigued.

  "Bia. She's famous online," Mika quickly answered, admiring. "She runs a channel about tournaments and student battles."

  "And why does she have... rabbit ears?" Aurox whispered awkwardly.

  "Cosmetic mutation. I'd have ears like that easily," Mika replied without hesitation. Kael stifled a ugh while Nina rolled her eyes.

  The luminous timer above finally hit zero, and Bia began to speak, her voice amplified by magic to reach everyone:

  "Welcome, dear students, honored guests, and esteemed audience! Welcome to Babel University’s semester tournament!" She paused dramatically, letting the crowd erupt in cheers. "My name is Bia, and I’ll be your host for this wonderful event!"

  A fresh wave of appuse rippled through the gym.

  "Today, we will discover who among you will become Babel’s next legend!" she continued, pointing to the box beside her. "This little magical marvel is registering the faces of all competitors present here. The match draw will be completely random, ensuring exciting and unpredictable battles!"

  Some students began murmuring nervously, while others stretched, trying to appear confident in front of the cameras and photographers.

  "In addition to this magnificent main arena, the university has prepared eight secondary arenas where the initial matches will take pce. You’ll fight until only our TOP 8 remain!" Bia expined animatedly, raising one hand theatrically. "And don't worry: after each match, you’ll have a full match’s worth of time to rest before potentially being drawn again!"

  She took a deep breath, savoring the rising tension:

  "The tournament works in two phases: lose once and you fall to the losers' bracket; lose twice, and you’re out! Let the excitement begin! Good luck, dear competitors, and may the strongest win!"

  With a theatrical flourish and a radiant smile, Bia gently touched the crystal. Instantly, a gigantic hologram lit up above the gym, slowly revealing the first match pairings and the arena number where they would fight.

  Aurox looked up at the hologram, feeling a chill run down his spine.The decisive moment had arrived.

  He was there, among hundreds, waiting for destiny dictated by a magical crystal.His heart raced even faster when, across the ptform, he spotted a familiar group rushing to find seats in the bleachers.

  It was his family.They had arrived.

  There was no turning back now.