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"Complicated, huh..." Aria muttered as if thinking about something. "Then... Are you giving the egg to be related to that?"

"Ha, I really can't hide anything from you..." Adrian smiled wryly.

"But you are hiding everything now," Aria commented.

"..." Adrian didn't say anything in response.

"Look, Aria," Adrian began, his tone sincere. "I know it seems like I'm hiding a lot, and I am. But it's not because I don't trust you. It's because this is bigger than just rumors or misunderstandings. It's something I have to handle carefully."

Aria studied him for a moment, her expression softening slightly. "I believe you, Adrian."

"But... You have to understand that if you're in trouble, I want to help. I can't just stand by and watch you go through this alone."

"You always do everything alone..."

'And get hurt... injured... Yet nobody knows what you did...' She continued in her mind.

"Thank you." Adrian smiled gently, he knew she was worrying about him. "But, let's return to the class now, ok? Or else we'll be late."

"Hmm..." Aria sighed, her expression still filled with concern but tempered by a reluctant acceptance. "Fine, let's go back," she agreed, though her eyes remained sharp and watchful.

______ __ _

The Combat Training class ended without much of a disturbance. Students also stopped talking about the rumors, though only openly. Adrian was grateful enough his name was cleared.

He now hoped Dream Stalker wouldn't do something again for a while since he needed to prepare for the upcoming big event - The Tournament.

'If I am not mistaken, next week the Academy will officially announce the Tournament, the events it will have, their dates, and any other info related to it needed. I need to be ready for that. This will be my chance to get back at the Dream Stalker. Haha, just you wait...'

Adrian gathered his things and headed toward the dorm.

______ ____ __

One week later. Later in the evening.

As Adrian arrived at the first floor of the Dorm, the Reception Hall, he noticed a group of students gathered around a bulletin board screen.

"Has it come out?" He muttered while approaching it.

He saw the official announcement for the upcoming tournament. The events were listed, along with their dates and other crucial information.

_______________

[Celestial Arcane Academy Tournament Announcement]

Dates:

Preliminary Rounds: January 10-14

Quarter-Finals: January 15-17

Semi-Finals: January 19

Finals: January 21

Events:

- Individual Combat Championship

- Spellcasting Trials

- Team Battle Tournament

- 7 Star Strategy Games

- Beast Tamers Challenge

- PotionCrafting Tournament

- ...

....

...

[Registration for each event closes on January 8th. You can find more information about the events in the Registration Hall.]

_______ _

The list of events continued and it contained many interesting events.

As Adrian read through the list of events, one in particular caught his eye:

- Mystic Pie-Eating Contest.

It was a whimsical event where participants competed to eat as many enchanted pies as possible within a limited time. The pies have various magical effects, from making the eater levitate slightly to causing them to temporarily speak in animal tongues. The winner receives a golden pie trophy and a month of special meals prepared by the academy's top chefs for free. What a fitting prize.

Adrian couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of his fellow students floating around the dining hall or conversing with animals. The image of Ardel trying to eat as many pies as possible while randomly levitating was particularly amusing.

However, his amusement was short-lived. He sighed, feeling a pang of disappointment. "It's too bad," he muttered to himself. "One can only participate in five events, and my plate is already full."

Adrian had already decided to focus on the most critical events to showcase his skills and hopefully gain some leverage against the Dream Stalker. The five events he had chosen were:

Individual Combat Championship. This event as well might serve as the main event of the whole Tournament. Because it will also serve as the physical exam for the first and second years. He needs to participate in order to keep his first rank. If he can that is.

Trials of Illusions: Due to Instructor Doome's suggestion(order), he and other three students from the first years would have to attend it. But he was looking forward to it.

Team Battle Tournament: 5 vs 5 team battles, just like the one in the joint class event. But the loser would be eliminated and the winner advances to the next stage. This was also one of the events where Dream Stalker would interfere and he could use it to his advantage.

7 Star Strategy Games: A mental challenge that would allow him to showcase his tactical and strategic abilities. Any student from any year could participate in this event. And he was aiming to win since he needed the reward for his plan work.

The fifth event he chose was the Arcane Knowledge Quiz. This event required participants to answer questions about magical theory, history, and practical applications. Adrian had always been a hardworking student, and he hoped that his extensive knowledge would give him an edge. The reward for winning the Arcane Knowledge Quiz was a rare magical artifact from the academy's treasury.

And he was aiming to get it since he would need it for another event after the tournament.

With a clear plan in mind, Adrian headed towards the Registration Hall to officially sign up for his chosen events. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as students discussed their choices and formed teams.

Adrian quickly registered for his events, his thoughts already racing with plans and tactics. However, just as he was about to leave, he noticed a group of students entering the hall. He naturally recognized them at a glance.

"Hey, Adrian! You came here to register too?" So did they.