The arena was filled with tense silence as Gran Drakov’s deep voice echoed across the stone walls.

“Congratulations… to eleven of you!”

The crowd froze. Murmurs and startled whispers spread instantly. Most of the students had only counted ten survivors passing through the Gate of Trials.

“Eleven?” one student whispered. “I only see ten of them!”

Gran Drakov’s gaze swept across the group. “Yes, eleven. The eleventh student… reveal yourself.”

Before anyone could react, Leon’s figure shimmered in the air, blurred and wavering like a mirage. Within a heartbeat, he vanished from sight, leaving the remaining students in stunned silence.

“What… what just happened?!”
“He… he disappeared!”
“This isn’t possible!”

The students scanned the arena frantically, eyes darting everywhere. Then, almost theatrically, Leon reappeared beside Elena Elsgard, sitting casually on the edge of her seat.

Elena gasped in shock, her ice-blue eyes wide. She instinctively jumped out of her seat, stumbling slightly, and conjured a sharp, gleaming ice sword in her hand, pointing it directly at Leon.

“W-what—!?” she stammered, her voice a mix of shock and irritation. “Since when…? How do you sit beside me without me even knowing?!”

Leon raised his hands slightly in mock surrender, leaning back casually with a faint smirk. “Relax. I just… wanted to make a proper entrance.”

The crowd erupted in whispers and murmurs, still reeling from the spectacle.
“He… he’s already on the other side?!”
“How did he pass the gatekeepers?!”
“That’s impossible!”

Gran Drakov, however, remained calm, his eyes unreadable. Only he knew the truth — Leon had used a clever mirage technique and his past-life knowledge to secretly cross the gate, ensuring no one could detect him.

Elena’s ice sword shimmered in the sunlight as she adjusted her stance, eyes still locked on Leon. “You—this is unacceptable! Explain yourself!”

Leon leaned slightly closer, his smirk playful. “I’ll explain… later. Right now, just enjoy the view.”

Gran Drakov raised a hand, silencing the arena. “Enough chatter. The Gate of Trials is complete. Those who passed, follow the attendants to the next phase of the examination. The rest… return to the academy grounds for training. You have much to learn.”

Leon exhaled slowly, feeling the thrill of victory and anticipation. Next phase… nothing will stop me this time.

Beside him, Elena finally lowered the ice sword slightly, though her icy gaze remained sharp and analytical. Leon’s eyes followed hers, determination settling firmly in his chest.

The real challenge is only beginning.