SSS-Class Overlord: My Harem Rules the Realms (18+)
Chapter 36: Tournament Between New Generation?

Chapter 36: Tournament Between New Generation?

Slowly, the vast chamber of the Imperial Mage Assembly filled to its brim. New colors rippled

through the gathered ranks as three more towers arrived in disciplined formations.

First came the Wind Mage Tower, their robes pale silver, embroidered with curling streaks of jade

thread that shimmered like gusts of air.

Their Tower Master was a wiry man with sharp cheekbones and eyes like clear sky, his hair a cascade of silver-white streaming halfway down his back. Every step seemed almost weightless, as if the marble floor itself exhaled to carry him forward.

Beside them arrived the Earth Mage Tower. Their robes were deep brown and moss green, heavy

fabrics that seemed carved from stone and soil.

The Earth Tower Master was a broad-shouldered woman with skin the color of sunbaked clay, dark eyes glinting with steady strength beneath a crown of tightly coiled braids adorned with gems like river pebbles.

Finally, the Water Mage Tower glided in, clad in robes of shifting shades of blue, from pale

turquoise to midnight indigo.

Their Master was a tall man of lean build, with sea-green hair rippling like liquid silk and eyes reflecting the depths of sunlit lagoons. His aura carried the hush of waves retreating over sand.

All three hailed from the Empire’s distant eastern provinces, lands of stormy mountains, vast

deltas, and ancient coastal cities.

When all were assembled, the six Tower Masters advanced in solemn procession to the great

round table at the center of the marble floor. The table itself was an artifact of the Empire—pure

white crystal, veined with silver lines of magic running like rivers beneath its polished surface.

Each Tower Master took a seat, their respective colors radiating around them like living banners.

Behind them stood their chosen high mages and younger disciples, arrayed in disciplined

formations.

Inferax Blazegale crossed his thick arms, crackling faint heat into the air. Frosthaven sat like a

carved block of ice, silent as snowfall. Velexaria leaned back, shadows swirling in subtle patterns

about her chair.

The Wind Tower Master sat gracefully, robes rustling with phantom breezes. The Earth Tower Master folded her powerful arms across her chest. The Water Tower Master simply smiled serenely, fingertips rippling in the air as though caressing invisible currents.

A hush fell across the vast space as heavy footsteps echoed from the far end of the chamber.

Emerging from a smaller side door came a single man, robed in the Empire’s colors of royal gold

and crimson. He moved with crisp, military precision, his bald head gleaming under the glow of

enchanted chandeliers. A slim, rune-inscribed staff was clutched in one hand.

He reached the center of the round table and inclined his head deeply to the six gathered Tower

Masters.

"Honored Magi," he proclaimed in a voice that carried with an edge of authority, "I am Magister

Halvorth, Imperial Liaison for this summit. I speak on behalf of His Imperial Majesty and the High

Court."

He paused as a low ripple of power swept through the runes lining the hall, sealing the chamber in

glimmering barriers of gold and violet.

"By decree of the Emperor, this gathering is to remain secret. No knowledge of what transpires

here shall leave these walls without direct Imperial sanction. Any breach will be considered high

treason."

No one needed to be told what the penalty for treason was.

Halvorth’s eyes swept the Tower Masters. "We are gathered to discuss not only the future of

magical cooperation within the Empire—but to witness and measure the strength of the next

generation."

He raised his staff, tapping it once against the crystal floor. A resonant chime rang out, echoing

like a silver bell.

"It is now time for each Tower Master to introduce their next generation of mages—the ones they

believe will carry the Empire’s legacy forward."

He gestured toward the Fire Tower.

Inferax rose, towering like a mountain wreathed in heat. "From the Fire Tower, I name Seraphine

Blazegale, prodigy of the Fifth Circle, and Dragan Flameshatter, whose fists have broken more

stones than he’s read books."

Dragan grinned broadly and flexed for the audience, to a few amused chuckles.

Next came Frosthaven, who simply stood and intoned, "Astara Vale and Veyr Kalt." His voice was

as crisp as icicles forming.

Wind Tower Master rose, speaking with flowing cadence. "From the Wind Tower, I present Liora

Skywaltz, mistress of aerial manipulation, and Eron Gale, swiftest among our ranks."

The Earth Tower Master stood, voice rumbling like rolling stones. "Earth Tower offers Helgar

Stonevein, unrivaled in geomancy, and Mira Thorne, sculptor of living wood and vine."

The Water Tower Master’s voice rippled like a gentle tide. "From the Water Tower, Kalen

Riversong, shaper of tides, and Selene Coralshade, mistress of healing and veiling currents."

Finally, all eyes turned to Velexaria.

She rose slowly, her robes whispering like night breezes. "From the Dark Mage Tower..." Her eyes

gleamed as she inclined her head toward Ethan. "Ethan Graves."

A ripple of whispers surged through the hall as mages craned their necks for a better look.

Velexaria’s lips curved slightly, but she offered no further detail. She sat back down, letting silence

fill the gaps.

Halvorth inclined his head. "Very well. Now that all introductions are complete, we proceed to the

second matter."

He cleared his throat, voice tightening with authority.

"By order of the Emperor, a friendly tournament will be held among the newly introduced mages.

Its purpose is to evaluate magical potential, adaptability, and the forging of new alliances.

However..." His expression grew stern. "There are rules."

He raised a hand, counting off fingers.

"First—no lethal blows. No killing shall occur within this tournament."

"Second—no destruction of another mage’s mana core. Any such attempt will be treated as a

crime against the Empire."

"Third—no maiming. Limbs shall remain attached to the bodies they were born with."

A few scattered snickers and groans rippled through the assembled disciples.

Halvorth gave them a sharp look. "Failure to adhere to these rules will mean instant

disqualification and possible criminal charges."

He lowered his staff. "The tournament will begin tomorrow morning, at first light. Rest well tonight,

mages. For tomorrow... the Empire shall see who among you is truly worthy of the title prodigy."

He struck his staff once more on the crystal floor, sending another resonant chime swirling

through the enchanted air.

Slowly, the gathering began to break up, murmurs and speculation running like quicksilver

through the ranks.

Ethan exhaled, excitement dancing in his eyes. Lysena leaned closer with a wry smile. "Looks like

tomorrow’s going to be fun."

Kaeron snorted. "Fun? Try hazardous."

Ethan grinned. "Good. I wouldn’t want it any other way."

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.