No More Pain For This Villain.

"Rise and shine, princess," said the voice in my head. I opened my eyes to see Blaze in front of me.

He came late at night. According to him, he was wandering the city.

"You know that lying won't get you anywhere. Just tell me what you did yesterday," I said as I got up.

"I am not lying," he repeated his words from yesterday.

"Fine, just don't do anything stupid, to be honest. I know you want to kill the headmaster, but patience is the key," I reminded him that we are not a match for anyone of that caliber.

"I know... anyways, it's starting," Blaze diverted the topic. "How are you feeling? Nervous?"

I jumped out of bed and stepped towards the bathroom. "Nah, just a bit empty," I said as I went in to freshen up.

After getting ready, I got out of my room and went towards the common room.

Professor Night was already there.

"Where are the others?" I asked casually.

"They are coming. Still looking like you are excited," she pointed out as I took a seat in front of her.

"Oh, I am," I replied shortly.

"That's great," she sighed. "Ren, if I remember correctly, you are a four-star warrior, right?" Looking at me with a meaningful gaze, she questioned.

"Yep, weaker than half of the team," I chuckled. "Sorry to disappoint."

She went silent.

Someone entered the room. Turning around, I saw that it was Vexa, wearing the same lighted gear that she wore during the Selections, her hair tied in a tight bun.

"You should've worn something like that too," said Blaze in my mind as he jumped on my shoulder.

I was in my usual attire. The only thing that was different was the badge of the Imperial Academy that the professor gave us last night to wear.

It had an eagle on it as an indication. Other schools will have their respective badges too to help identify the members.

Soon Adam entered alongside Isolde and Erik, all ready, and Aron was the last one to enter.

"Morning, everyone," Adam greeted as he took his seat beside Isolde.

"Morning," Isolde and Erik echoed in unison.

Aron remained silent, his expression unreadable as he settled into his seat.

Professor Night cleared her throat, drawing our attention. "Alright, everyone. Let's do it."

After Professor Night's directive, we filed out of the common room and made our way through the dormitory corridors. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of ancient battles and legendary wizards. The soft glow of enchanted lanterns illuminated our path, casting shifting shadows that danced along the stone walls.

As we exited the dormitory, we were greeted by the grandeur of the Nexus Institute of Magic. The sprawling campus was nestled within a vast underground cavern, its towering spires reaching up towards the glittering crystal ceiling. The air was thick with the hum of magical energy, and the sound of our footsteps echoed against the cavern walls.

We walked in silence, each lost in our own thoughts as we made our way towards the heart of the academy. The tension in the air was palpable, a sense of anticipation hanging over us like a heavy cloak.

When we arrived at our destination, we found ourselves among a throng of students and teachers from six different magic academies across the world. Thirty-six students in total, each representing their respective schools, stood in clusters, exchanging nervous glances and murmuring amongst themselves.

Amidst the crowd, the staff of the Nexus Institute of Magic exchanging nervous glances and murmuring amongst themselves.

stood tall, their robes billowing in the underground breeze. At the forefront stood Headmaster Amrose Nexus, his imposing figure commanding attention as he addressed the gathered students.

"Welcome, esteemed guests, to the Nexus Institute of Magic," he began, his voice echoing through the cavernous chamber. "Today marks the beginning of the Mage's Gambit, a test of skill, wit, and determination unlike any other."

I observed the scene before me, taking note of the expressions on my teammates' faces. Adam stood tall, his jaw set with determination, while Isolde and Erik exchanged nervous glances. Vexa remained composed, her gaze steady as she surveyed the crowd.

Aron, as usual, was the picture of stoicism, his expression unreadable as he stood amongst us.

Amrose Nexus continued his speech, extolling the importance of the Mage's Gambit and its significance in the magical world. He spoke of the challenges that lay ahead, the trials we would face, and the glory that awaited the victors.

But beneath his confident exterior, I sensed a hint of arrogance, a pride that bordered on hubris. It was clear that he relished the opportunity to showcase the power and prestige of the Nexus Institute of Magic to the world.

As the speech drew to a close, I felt a surge of unease wash over me. The weight of expectation hung heavy in the air, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

But there was no time to dwell on my doubts. The Mage's Gambit awaited, and we were about to embark on a journey that would test us in ways we never imagined.

[Hour Later.]

I turned behind me, only to discover a sheer drop spanning hundreds of feet, the edge of the world seemingly just a breath away. Beside me, the majestic unicorn carriage that had accompanied us lifted off the ground and soared into the air, disappearing into the abyss below.

Turning my attention back to the front, I found myself confronted by a figure cloaked in pure white robes. His presence exuded an aura of otherworldly power, and in his hand, he held a thin sword with a chipped blade and rusted edges.

With a swift motion, he tossed the sword into the sky, where it glinted in the ethereal light. Then, with a voice that seemed to resonate with the very fabric of reality, he spoke, commanding and enigmatic.

"Find it," he commanded, his words echoing across the barren landscape, carrying with them a weight of urgency and mystery.