Awakening of the Mind Sovereign
Chapter 47: The Duel Begins

Chapter 47: The Duel Begins

The scent of freshly baked bread, roasted meat, and exotic spices blended together, creating an aroma that made Echo’s stomach growl.

Rilan laughed at his expression. "Hungry already?"

Eileen chuckled. "Let’s get him something to eat first."

As they walked deeper into the market, Echo’s eyes darted everywhere.

There were stalls packed with glowing gemstones, shimmering fabrics, and handmade jewelry.

Further ahead, a blacksmith was displaying his finely crafted swords and armor.

Echo watched in fascination as the man hammered a blade, sparks flying into the air.

"That’s real craftsmanship," Rilan remarked.

"Can I have a sword?" Echo asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Rilan laughed. "You don’t need one yet. But maybe in a few years."

They continued exploring, passing stalls filled with fresh fruit, steaming meat skewers, and barrels of different spices.

Echo couldn’t resist and grabbed a small, golden fruit from a stand.

It was sweet and juicy, unlike anything he had ever tasted.

"What is this?" he asked.

The vendor smiled. "Sunberry. Grown in the eastern mountains."

Echo nodded, savoring the taste as they moved forward.

The market was more than just a place to buy goods—it was a glimpse of the world beyond their home.

People from different regions were present, wearing different styles of clothing and speaking in various accents.

There were warriors carrying massive swords, mages in flowing robes, and merchants with exotic pets perched on their shoulders.

For Echo, it was like stepping into a whole new world.

It made him wonder—

Just how big is this world? How much is there to see?

A deep sense of curiosity awakened inside him.

After spending hours wandering the market, they finally returned home.

The experience had left Echo buzzing with excitement.

He had seen so much, but he knew there was still so much more out there.

As he lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, he made a decision—

One day, I’ll explore everything this world has to offer.

And with that thought, he drifted into sleep.

The Passing Years

Time moved quickly after that day.

The seasons changed, and so did Echo.

With each passing year, he grew taller, stronger, and sharper.

His control over mana became refined, and his spells became more powerful.

By the time he turned 11 years old, he had become far beyond what he once was.

The boy who once struggled to summon a small ball of water—

Was now a young warrior in the making.

And this?

---

The Trolys Academy was buzzing with excitement.

From the moment the announcement was made, students all across the academy had been preparing.

The biggest student duel of the year was about to take place—

A tournament that would determine the strongest young fighter in the academy.

Preparations Begin

The academy halls were filled with the sound of clashing swords, crackling mana, and intense training sessions.

Sparring matches were held everywhere.

Some students focused on strength

Others honed their agility, dodging and weaving through attacks with precision.

For those skilled in magic, the days were spent refining spells, pushing their mana control to the absolute limit.

Everyone wanted to be at their best when the tournament began.

After all—

Reputation, honor, and future opportunities were on the line.

The Academy’s Energy

Trolys Academy had always been a lively place, but now?

It felt completely different.

Whispers about potential winners echoed through the halls.

"Have you seen Leon train? His swordsmanship is unbelievable!"

"I heard Mira can cast five spells at once!"

"Kai has been training nonstop! He’s aiming for the top spot!"

Every student wanted to prove themselves.

Even the teachers and academy officials were invested—

Some were placing friendly bets, while others simply watched in anticipation.

Echo’s Perspective

For Echo, this tournament was an opportunity.

An opportunity to test himself—

To see how far he had come, and how much further he still had to go.

Over the past few years, he had trained relentlessly, mastering both martial skills and mana control.

Now, he would get the chance to put it all to the test.

As the day of the duel approached, the academy’s training grounds were transformed.

Massive stone platforms were set up, each serving as a battle stage.

Seats were arranged all around, providing a perfect view for spectators.

Banners of different house colors waved in the wind, proudly representing the students competing.

The atmosphere was electrifying

Excitement, tension, and raw anticipation filled the air.

And then—

The day of the duel finally arrived.

Students gathered around the arena, talking in hushed but excited tones.

The contestants stood ready, each one mentally preparing for their battle.

Above them, the referee stepped forward, his voice echoing through the arena.

"All competitors, step forward!"

A wave of silence washed over the crowd as the fighters walked onto the battle stages.

Echo took a deep breath, his heartbeat steady but strong.

This was it.

Everything he had trained for—

Everything everyone had trained for—

Came down to this moment.

The referee raised his hand.

The crowd held their breath.

And then—

"Begin!"

The first matches of the tournament had begun.

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1. World One – Boundary Energy

The starting point for all cultivators. Those in this realm had only just begun their journey, drawing in energy from their surroundings and refining it within their bodies. At this stage, progress was slow, and strength was limited. Most people in the world never advanced beyond this level, remaining forever at the mercy of those stronger than them.

2. World Two – Initial Energy

The second realm marked a cultivator’s true awakening. Their bodies became more attuned to energy, allowing them to control it with greater precision. Techniques became stronger, endurance increased, and the cultivator could start shaping their energy for specific purposes—be it combat, healing, or magical applications.

3. World Three – Unified Energy

This was the realm where true power began to manifest. A cultivator at this stage no longer simply controlled energy; they became one with it. Their bodies and minds were fully synchronized with their energy, granting them incredible physical strength and supernatural abilities. It was at this level that warriors could shatter boulders with a single strike and healers could mend fatal wounds in seconds.

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1. World One – Boundary Energy

The starting point for all cultivators. Those in this realm had only just begun their journey, drawing in energy from their surroundings and refining it within their bodies. At this stage, progress was slow, and strength was limited. Most people in the world never advanced beyond this level, remaining forever at the mercy of those stronger than them.

2. World Two – Initial Energy

The second realm marked a cultivator’s true awakening. Their bodies became more attuned to energy, allowing them to control it with greater precision. Techniques became stronger, endurance increased, and the cultivator could start shaping their energy for specific purposes—be it combat, healing, or magical applications.

3. World Three – Unified Energy

This was the realm where true power began to manifest. A cultivator at this stage no longer simply controlled energy; they became one with it. Their bodies and minds were fully synchronized with their energy, granting them incredible physical strength and supernatural abilities. It was at this level that warriors could shatter boulders with a single strike and healers could mend fatal wounds in seconds.