Chapter 10: The Amateur Circuit
Lev stood among the crowd of young summoners gathered in the tournament grounds, listening to the official announcement. The tournament organizer, a stern woman in military robes, addressed the assembled competitors from a raised platform.
"Welcome to the Autumn Amateur Circuit," she announced, her voice carrying across the temporary arena. "This year we have one hundred and twelve participants, all recently awakened summoners seeking to prove their worth."
Lev felt a small thrill of excitement. One hundred competitorsâthis was much larger than he'd expected. The tournament grounds sprawled across a section of Equinox's merchant district, with multiple wooden platforms and magical barriers creating several arenas for simultaneous matches.
"The tournament will proceed in phases," the organizer continued. "In the first phase, each of you will participate in three matches. If you lose twice, you are eliminated. If you win twice, you advance to the next phase. The top three competitors will receive not only prize money, but also specially crafted equipment and treasures tailored to their abilities."
Lev's eyes widened. Equipment and treasures? That could be worth far more than the silver prizes. He glanced around at the other competitors, noting their varied appearances and the creatures already summoned beside them. Most had their summons out already, as the rules required â no on-the-spot summoning during matches.
She paused, her expression becoming more serious. "Important tournament rules: Each participant may field only one summon per match. This ensures fair competition and gives everyone an equal chanceâotherwise, those with multiple summons would have an unfair advantage. Any questions about this rule should be addressed before your first match."
"Additionally," the organizer added with a slight smile, "this tournament is sponsored by the Seven Towers and the Royal Army. Representatives from both institutions will be observing the matches, looking for promising talent for their scholarship programs."
A murmur ran through the crowd. Lev felt his heart rate spike. This was exactly what he neededâa chance to get noticed by the army for a scholarship while gaining combat experience. Two birds with one stone, as the saying went.
As the organizer finished her speech and the competitors began dispersing to their assigned arenas, Lev overheard a conversation between two nearby summoners.
"Did you see that Sapphire kid?" one whispered to the other.
"Oh right, the one with the skeleton? I've never seen one before."
"Me neither. Wonder how he got here."
Lev kept his expression neutral, but he felt the familiar twinge of being noticed for his background rather than his abilities. At least he was not straight up hostile.
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The first match was scheduled for Arena Three. Lev made his way through the crowd, Zelem walking beside him with his characteristic dignified bearing. The skeleton's presence drew more than a few curious glances, but most competitors were too focused on their own preparations to pay much attention.
His opponent was already waiting at the designated arena. Marcus appeared to be about sixteen, with the confident bearing of someone who'd been training for this moment. His summon stood beside himâa creature that made Lev's breath catch in his throat.
It was a Storm Wolf, a magnificent creature with silver-gray fur that crackled with electrical energy. The wolf's eyes glowed with blue-white light, and static electricity danced around its form. Even from across the arena, Lev could feel the static making his hair stand on end.
Lev focused his Summoner's Eye on the creature, and the familiar blue window appeared:
Storm Wolf
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Rank: Uncommon
Race: Beast (Wolf)
Attributes: Lightning, Wind
Level: 3
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A magnificent wolf with silver-gray fur that crackles with electrical energy. Its eyes glow with blue-white light, and static electricity dances around its form. This creature combines natural wolf instincts with lightning-based abilities for devastating speed and power.
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Stats:
Strength: 17
Defense: 14
Agility: 39
Intelligence: 16
Wisdom: 13
Mana: 13
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Abilities:
Lightning Strike â Skill Rank A, Proficiency C: High-speed electrical attacks
Storm Speed â Skill Rank B, Proficiency D: Enhanced movement through wind manipulation
Pack Tactics â Skill Rank C, Proficiency B: Can coordinate with other creatures
Electrical Field â Skill Rank B, Proficiency C: Absorbs and disperses physical and magical attacks through electrical energy
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Summon Potential: C
This creature possesses good combat abilities and coordination potential, making it a solid summon for tactical battles.
Storm Wolf [https://i.imgur.com/DkBGEGs.png]
Lev's stomach tightened. This was a formidable opponentâfast, powerful, and with abilities that could easily overwhelm an unprepared summon. But he had Zelem, and Zelem had been training for exactly this kind of challenge.
The referee, a middle-aged woman in the robes of a magical academy instructor, raised her hand. "Begin!"
The Storm Wolf moved first, darting forward with blinding speed. Lightning crackled around its body as it charged, creating a trail of electrical energy that crackled toward Zelem. The attack was designed to stun and disorient, giving the wolf time to close the distance and deliver a devastating strike.
But Zelem was already moving. His Shadow Step ability activated, and the skeleton vanished into the shadows cast by the arena's wooden supports. The lightning trail passed through empty space, and a moment later, Zelem emerged from another shadow directly behind the Storm Wolf.
The skeleton's sword flashed, charged with dark energy from his Death Cut ability. The blade struck the wolf's flank, but the Storm Wolf's electrical field absorbed much of the impact. The creature spun with unnatural speed, its lightning-enhanced reflexes allowing it to counterattack before Zelem could retreat.
The battle became a blur of motion and energy. The Storm Wolf's speed was incredibleâeven with Shadow Step, Zelem struggled to keep up with the creature's lightning-fast movements. Each time the skeleton appeared behind the wolf, the creature was already turning, its electrical senses alerting it to danger.
Zelem's Death Cut ability proved effective against the Storm Wolf's electrical patterns, but the wolf's natural agility and enhanced reflexes made it difficult to land clean hits. The skeleton had to rely on his learning ability to gradually understand the wolf's patterns and anticipate its movements.
The turning point came when Zelem used Shadow Step to appear at one point as a feint, then immediately shadow stepped to another position on the wolf's flank. The Storm Wolf's attention was divided by the initial appearance, and for a crucial moment, the creature hesitated.
Lev felt the strain through their bond as Zelem executed the double Shadow Stepâthe skeleton's mana reserves dropped dramatically. Such rapid consecutive use of his signature ability was pushing Zelem to his limits, but the skeleton pressed through the exhaustion. The little skeleton seized the opportunity, appearing directly behind the wolf and delivering a perfectly timed Death Cut strike.
The dark energy disrupted the Storm Wolf's electrical coordination, and the creature's movements became erratic. Marcus's face showed obvious strain as he struggled to maintain control of his summon. The wolf managed to stabilize, but the damage was clearâits movements were less fluid, its attacks less coordinated.
Zelem pressed his advantage, using his superior tactical understanding to exploit the wolf's weakened state. The skeleton's learning ability had allowed him to adapt to the Storm Wolf's patterns, and he began to anticipate its attacks with increasing accuracy.
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The match ended when Zelem managed to corner the Storm Wolf and deliver a series of precise strikes that completely disrupted its electrical coordination. The creature's lightning discharges became uncontrollable, and Marcus was forced to dismiss it to prevent further damage.
"Winner: Lev," the referee announced.
The applause was polite but genuine. Lev could see the spectators discussing the match, their expressions showing a mix of surprise and respect. They'd expected the Storm Wolf to dominateâit was a powerful creature with impressive abilities. But they'd witnessed something different: a demonstration of how tactical thinking and adaptability could overcome raw power.
As Lev made his way back to the stands, he noticed several people in military robes and tower insignias taking notes. The tournament's dual purpose was workingâhe was getting noticed.
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The second match was scheduled for the afternoon, giving Lev time to rest and recover his magical energy. He found a quiet corner of the tournament grounds where he could observe the remaining first-round matches and plan his strategy.
Lev and Zelem spent also some of the break in a secluded area, both meditating to restore their depleted mana reserves. The first fight and especially the double Shadow Step had taken a heavy toll on Zelem, and Lev's own magical energy was far from fully recovered. As the afternoon match approached, Lev could feel that neither of them would be at full strengthâa sobering reminder of the tournament's physical and magical demands.
The next competitor he'd face was a girl named Elara, and Lev watched her practice with growing concern. She had a single summon, but it was unlike anything Lev had seen beforeâa Luminous Guardian, a rare and powerful construct that seemed to glow with inner light.
Lev had heard rumors about Elara's backgroundâher parents were famous light magicians in the Tower of Light, and she'd been training with some of the most skilled practitioners in the kingdom. The Luminous Guardian at her side was a testament to that training, its form composed of solidified light that shimmered with magical energy.
Lev focused his Summoner's Eye on the creature:
Luminous Guardian
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Rank: Rare
Race: Construct (Light)
Attributes: Light
Level: 7
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A humanoid construct made of solidified light, its form glowing with inner radiance. The creature's body seems to be composed of pure light that has been given physical form, creating a being that can both protect and attack with equal effectiveness.
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Stats:
Strength: 17
Defense: 22
Agility: 20
Intelligence: 59
Wisdom: 30
Mana: 59
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Abilities:
Light Barrier â Skill Rank A, Proficiency B: Creates protective barriers of solidified light
Blinding Flash â Skill Rank A, Proficiency C: Releases bursts of intense light that can disorient opponents
Radiant Strike â Skill Rank B, Proficiency A: Channels light into powerful melee attacks
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Summon Potential: B
This rare construct combines defensive and offensive capabilities with high magical power, making it an excellent summon for strategic battles.
Luminous Guardian [https://i.imgur.com/JSY3Kn3.png]
This was a completely different kind of challenge. The Luminous Guardian was not only rare but also significantly more powerful than anything Lev had faced before. Its light-based abilities could potentially neutralize Zelem's shadow-based attacks, and its higher level meant it had more experience and power.
The afternoon match began with the same formalities. Elara was clearly confidentâher rare summon had performed well in the first round, and she'd had time to observe Lev's abilities. She was prepared for a tactical battle, not a quick victory.
When the referee called for the match to begin, the Luminous Guardian moved with deliberate grace. Instead of charging forward like the Storm Wolf, it created a barrier of solidified light that glowed with protective energy. The construct's approach was methodical, focused on controlling the arena's space and limiting Zelem's mobility.
But the real tactical advantage became clear as the battle progressed. The Luminous Guardian continuously emitted light from its form, illuminating the entire arena and eliminating most of the shadows that Zelem relied on for his Shadow Step ability. What had been a battlefield with numerous shadowy corners and hiding spots became a brightly lit space that left Zelem with few options for teleportation.
Zelem responded with his own tactical approach. Rather than engaging directly, he used Shadow Step to reposition, appearing and disappearing through the few remaining shadows to test the Luminous Guardian's reactions. The skeleton was learning the construct's patterns, looking for weaknesses in its defensive formation, but his mobility was severely limited by the lack of shadows.
The first exchange came when Zelem attempted to strike from behind, only to find his sword blocked by a sudden wall of solidified light. The Luminous Guardian's defensive abilities were impressiveâit could create barriers almost instantly, and its light manipulation allowed it to control the battlefield with precision.
But Zelem was adapting. The skeleton's learning ability allowed him to quickly understand the Luminous Guardian's defensive patterns, and he began to use feints and misdirection to create openings. When the construct focused on blocking one attack, Zelem would use Shadow Step to strike from an unexpected angle.
The battle became a complex dance of light and shadow. The Luminous Guardian used its light-based abilities to create blinding flashes that disoriented opponents, while Zelem used his shadow-based abilities to move through the darkness. The coordination between light and shadow created a beautiful but deadly ballet.
As the fight progressed, Lev began to understand something fundamental about Zelem's nature. His summon was built for the assassin's roleâteleporting in, delivering devastating strikes, then disappearing before the enemy could counter. But against an opponent like the Luminous Guardian, who could control the battlefield and eliminate his mobility advantages, Zelem's lack of defensive capabilities became painfully apparent. The skeleton was designed to strike from shadows, not to endure prolonged engagements in the light.
Zelem fought valiantly, using every trick he'd learned. His Shadow Step allowed him to avoid the worst of the light-based attacks, and his Death Cut ability proved effective against the construct's light form. But the simple fact was that he was outmatched by the rare creature's superior power and abilities.
The turning point came when the Luminous Guardian managed to create a light barrier that trapped Zelem in a corner. The construct moved in for the finishing blow, and despite Zelem's desperate Shadow Step attempt, the skeleton couldn't escape the coordinated attack.
The match ended with Zelem's defeat. The skeleton had fought brilliantly, but the Luminous Guardian's rare abilities and superior power had proven too much for a single creature to overcome.
"Winner: Elara," the referee announced.
Lev dismissed Zelem with the same careful process, feeling the familiar exhaustion of magical channeling. But this time, the exhaustion was mixed with something elseâfrustration, yes, but also a growing understanding of his own limitations.
As the magical energy flowed back into the card, Lev focused on Zelem's status, and the familiar blue window appeared with updated information:
Skeleton Swordsman "Zelem"
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Rank: Uncommon
Race: Undead Warrior (Undead)
Attributes: Death, Shadow
Level: 7
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An ancient skeletal warrior in masterwork armor, gripping a sword with perfect form. Azure magical fire burns in its eye sockets, and shadows seem to writhe around its form even in the static image. Despite its unsettling appearance, this creature possesses extraordinary potential for growth and adaptation.
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Stats:
Strength: 13 + 1 = 14 Defense: 20 + 5 = 25
Agility: 43 + 8 = 51
Intelligence: 31 + 8 = 39 Wisdom: 19 + 1 = 18
Mana: 30 + 7 = 25
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Abilities:
Swordplay â Skill Rank S, Proficiency B: Master-level combat techniques with enhanced precision
Learning â Skill Rank S, Proficiency S: Can acquire new skills at unprecedented rates
Shadow Step â Skill Rank A, Proficiency B: Teleportation through shadows with improved range and fluidity
Death Cut â Skill Rank B, Proficiency C: Necrotic energy-infused blade attacks with enhanced potency
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Summon Potential: S
Legendary potential for development, showing remarkable growth through combat experience.
Zelem had grown significantlyâhis agility had increased substantially, reflecting his role as a speed-based fighter, and all his other stats had improved as well. The skeleton's abilities had also become more refined, with his Shadow Step and Death Cut showing improved proficiency.
As he made his way back to the stands, he could hear the spectators discussing the match. Their conversations were filled with technical analysisâthe effectiveness of rare summons, the tactical advantages of light-based abilities, the importance of power levels in competitive summoning. But Lev barely heard them. His mind was focused on one simple fact: he'd lost.
Not just lost, but been outmatched. The Luminous Guardian had systematically eliminated his advantages, turning his greatest strengthâShadow Stepâinto a liability. It was a humbling experience, and for the first time since his awakening, Lev felt truly inadequate.
He'd lost his first match, which meant he was now at one loss. He still had two more matches to win if he wanted to advance to the next phase. But more importantly, he'd been shown the gap between his current abilities and what he would need to succeed at higher levels.
The tournament had revealed something crucial about his own limitations. Zelem was an exceptional summon, but he was still only one creature. Against opponents with rare summons or superior tactics, Lev would always be at a disadvantage. His seven card slots were both a blessing and a responsibilityâhe had the potential to field a team of summons that could work together in ways that single creatures couldn't match. But to realize that potential, he needed to acquire more cards and develop the strategic thinking to coordinate multiple creatures effectively.
As he prepared for his next match, Lev found himself thinking about what kind of second summon would complement Zelem's abilities. The skeleton was excellent at close combat and tactical positioning, but he lacked ranged attacks and area control abilities. A creature that could provide support from a distance, or one that could control the battlefield while Zelem engaged in close combat, would significantly enhance their effectiveness.