The assembly hall buzzed with hundreds of voices. Students packed the wooden benches, their excited chatter bouncing off stone walls. Speculation ran wild through the crowd.

  "Could be about those attacks near the border-"

  "My cousin said something about a tournament-"

  At the front of the hall, Senior Pat's massive frame settled into one of three ornate chairs on the raised platform. Captain Bizel took his seat next to him, his small stature a stark contrast to his vice-captain's bulk. Their eyes surveyed the gathered students.

  Sitka's heavy boots echoed as he approached the podium. His eyes swept across the hall once before his hands came together in a thunderous clap that cut through the noise like a blade. The sound reverberated through the chamber, and silence fell immediately.

  "Peace," Sitka's deep voice carried to every corner, "is not merely the absence of conflict. It is something we must actively nurture and protect, It requires understanding between peoples, between kingdoms."

  He planted his hands on either side of the podium. "For generations, the four kingdoms found ways to strengthen these bonds of understanding. One of the most celebrated traditions was the Four Suit Academy Competition - a demonstration of skill and fellowship between our lands."

  The silence broke as whispers rippled through the crowd. Sitka raised his voice slightly, commanding attention once more.

  "This year, we return to this noble tradition. The competition will once again bring together the finest students from all four kingdoms - Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, and Clubs - in a test of both martial prowess and diplomatic grace."

  "Our kingdoms have weathered storms together, faced threats as one," Sitka's voice filled the hall. His eyes fixed on distant points as he spoke. "Yet peace is delicate. Like a flower in winter, it must be sheltered, nurtured. This competition serves as more than a display of strength - it is a reminder of the bonds we share."

  His massive frame straightened. "In these halls, you train not just to fight, but to understand power itself. True power lies not in destruction, but in the wisdom to know when to stay one's hand. The Four Suit Competition teaches this balance."

  Captain Bizel leaned forward in his chair, his attention sharp on the students' reactions. Senior Pat's chest swelled with pride as he watched the next generation absorb these words.

  "One month from today," Sitka's announcement cut through the whispers, "representatives from Hearts, Diamonds, and Clubs will arrive at our gates. You have until then to prepare yourselves - not just in combat, but in character. Remember, you carry the honor of Spades."

  The hall erupted in excited chatter. Students turned to their neighbors, some faces lit with ambition, others pale with nerves.

  * * *

  Sitka raised a hand, quieting the excited murmurs. His eyes narrowed as he pulled a scroll from his robes.

  "The selection process proved challenging, given the exceptional talent displayed by many. However, after careful consideration, we have chosen our representatives."

  The assembly hall fell silent, anticipation thick in the air. Sitka unrolled the scroll with deliberate slowness.

  "First among our champions - Hiro La La Raouta."

  "Yo!" Hiro's voice rang out as he rose from his seat. His confident stride carried him through the parting crowd of students. The wooden steps creaked under his boots as he ascended to the stage. He turned to face his peers and bowed, his blonde hair catching the light.

  The hall erupted in thunderous applause. Students jumped to their feet, whooping and cheering. Several voices called out his nickname "Star Slasher!" while others chanted his name.

  "Show them what you got, Hiro!"

  "The Star Slasher's gonna sweep the competition!"

  Hiro's blue eyes sparkled as he straightened from his bow, a grin spreading across his face. The applause continued, echoing off the stone walls. Even the usually stoic Senior Pat cracked a smile at the enthusiasm.

  Juvenis punched the air from his seat, pride evident in his expression for his training partner. Kai joined in the applause, watching as his friend stood tall on the stage, embodying everything a Spades Kingdom representative should be.

  The cheers gradually subsided as Sitka cleared his throat, preparing to read the next name from his scroll.

  Sitka's eyes traced the next line on the scroll. "Our second champion - Juvenis La La Roca."

  The crowd burst into another round of applause. Juvenis sprang from his seat, chest puffed out like a proud rooster.

  "Of course I was chosen." His voice carried across the hall as he marched toward the stage. "A god among mortals such as myself could never be overlooked."

  He planted his feet at center stage, green eyes blazing with intensity. "Listen well, peasants! Your future champion stands before you. My divine accuracy will crush all opposition!"

  Scattered laughter rippled through the crowd. Students exchanged glances, shaking their heads at the eight-year-old's proclamation. A few rubbed their temples, while others covered their mouths to hide their smirks.

  "Yo, that's enough out of you, little master." Hiro grabbed Juvenis by the collar and yanked him sideways. His hand connected with the back of the boy's head with a solid thwack.

  "Ow! How dare you strike a god!" Juvenis protested as Hiro dragged him into position.

  "Gods should know when to shut up." Hiro positioned Juvenis beside him, keeping a firm grip on his shoulder.

  Juvenis crossed his arms and scowled, but remained in place, muttering under his breath about "disrespectful peasants" and "divine retribution."

  Sitka's crimson eyes flickered down to the scroll once more. "Our third champion - Huffy La La Pirata."

  The crowd burst into appreciative nods and cheers. Huffy's stocky frame rose from his seat, his deep brown eyes twinkling with mischief.

  "Thanks for the honor!" He patted his stomach as he walked down the aisle. "But you know what would make this moment even better? If any of you fine folks have some snacks to spare - I'm talking pastries, sandwiches, maybe that chocolate bar you've been saving..."

  Students laughed and shook their heads at his typical food-focused response. A few reached into their pockets, pulling out wrapped treats.

  "I've got half a candy bar!"

  "Here's an apple!"

  "Take my sandwich!"

  Huffy's face lit up as he snatched the offerings mid-stride, stuffing them into his uniform pockets. "You're all too kind! This'll fuel me right through the competition!"

  Sitka's gaze locked onto Huffy, the temperature in the room dropping several degrees. The Vulcanite caught the look and quickened his pace, nearly tripping up the stairs in his haste to join the others.

  "Right, right, sorry Professor." Huffy shuffled into place beside Juvenis, still munching on his newly acquired treats. Crumbs sprinkled onto the stage as he attempted to stuff the remaining food into his already bulging pockets.

  "If you're quite finished with your impromptu food drive..." Sitka's voice carried a sharp edge that made Huffy swallow hard.

  Sitka's eyes returned to the scroll. "Our fourth champion - Fillomina La La Reigel."

  The crowd's attention shifted to Fi, who sat rigid in her chair. Her pale blue eyes widened as color rushed to her cheeks. She gripped the edges of her seat, frozen in place until the student next to her gave her a gentle nudge.

  Fi rose on trembling legs. Her long brown hair fell forward, partially hiding her face as she kept her gaze fixed on the floor. Each step toward the stage seemed to require immense effort, her shoulders hunched as if trying to make herself smaller amid the applause.

  "The Chanteuse Harmonia!" Someone called out from the crowd.

  "Show them your voice, Fi!"

  The encouragement only made her blush deepen. She ascended the stairs with careful, measured steps, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Taking her place next to Huffy, she stole a quick glance at the crowd before dropping her gaze again.

  Huffy, still working his way through a sandwich, offered her a sympathetic smile and a small wave. Crumbs tumbled from his lips as he whispered, "Want some? Nothing beats stress like good food."

  Fi shook her head quickly, taking a tiny step away from the shower of crumbs. The crowd continued their enthusiastic applause, genuine warmth and support in their response to the shy singer.

  "Our final champions," Sitka's voice cut through the applause, "Kai and Mei."

  The assembly hall fell silent. Students exchanged confused glances, their whispers growing louder with each passing second.

  "The new students?"

  "They just got here."

  "How did they qualify?"

  Kai's eyes widened at the announcement, but he squared his shoulders and stood. His dark purple hair caught the light as he made his way through the crowd. The wooden floorboards creaked under his steps, each footfall echoing in the unusually quiet hall.

  Mei followed close behind, her fingers nervously adjusting the strap of her alchemy satchel. Her short brown hair bobbed with each careful step.

  "Why him?" A voice shouted from the back of the hall. "He's only been here for weeks!"

  The dam broke. Students jumped to their feet, voices rising in protest.

  "There are third-years who've trained for this!"

  "What makes them so special?"

  "This isn't fair!"

  "Professor Sitka, explain yourself!"

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  The crowd surged forward, their faces twisted with indignation. Some pointed accusatory fingers, while others waved their arms in frustration.

  Kai continued his walk toward the stage, his face set in determination despite the hostility around him. Mei stayed close, her warm brown eyes darting nervously between the angry faces.

  The protests grew louder, bouncing off the stone walls until they merged into a cacophony of dissent. Students pressed closer, their movements becoming more aggressive as they demanded answers from their professor.

  A thunderous clap echoed through the hall. The sound reverberated off the walls, silencing the protests as students clutched their ears. Sitka lowered his hands.

  "If anyone questions their selection-" Senior Pat's voice rolled through the assembly hall, his accent thick as he stepped forward. "Come forrrrward and challenge them."

  Captain Bizel emerged from the shadows, his presence commanding immediate attention. "The stage is open. Show us why you deserve their spot."

  The angry voices died in their throats. Students who moments ago shouted protests now shuffled their feet, avoiding eye contact with the three knights.

  "Yo, look at that." Hiro crossed his arms, a knowing smirk playing across his face. "All bark, no bite."

  "Such cowardly peasants." Juvenis shook his head. "They dare question the divine wisdom of our instructors?"

  The crowd thinned as students backed away, their earlier bravado evaporating under the knights' steady gazes. A few whispered among themselves, but none stepped forward to issue a challenge.

  "As I thought." Sitka's voice cut through the silence. "These selections weren't made lightly. Each champion has proven their worth through action, not words."

  Captain Bizel nodded, satisfaction evident in his expression. "The matter is settled. These six will represent Spades Academy in the upcoming competition."

  The assembly hall remained quiet, the students' earlier protests replaced by sheepish acceptance. The three knights exchanged subtle glances, their plan to establish Kai and Mei's legitimacy having played out exactly as intended.

  * * *

  Through the parting crowd, a flamboyant figure strode forward, jewels glinting on his elaborate attire. Flebilis La La Retardari raised his metal-clawed hand with theatrical flourish.

  "I, Flebilis the North, challenge this newcomer to prove his worth!"

  Before the echo of his voice faded, a second figure emerged from the shadows. Debilis La La Retardari moved with understated grace, her dark clothing a stark contrast to her brother's ostentation.

  "And I, Debilis the South, demand an alchemy battle with the girl."

  The twins stood side by side, their presence commanding attention. Flebilis preened under the crowd's gaze, while Debilis wore a calculating smile.

  The assembly erupted in excited chatter. Students pushed and jostled for better viewing positions, their earlier protests forgotten in the face of potential entertainment.

  Senior Pat's lips curled into a satisfied grin, his eyes twinkling as he rolled his R's. "Now this is morrre like it!"

  The crowd surged toward the sparring grounds, their feet thundering against the stone paths. Students climbed onto benches and ledges, determined not to miss a moment of the impending battles.

  Sitka's imposing figure cut through the chaos as he made his way to the center of the sparring ground. His blood-red eyes surveyed the gathering crowd, their excited whispers falling silent under his gaze.

  "The nobles of House Retardari have issued their challenges," Sitka's voice carried across the grounds. "Let us see if our new students are worthy of their selection."

  * * *

  "No need to hold back," Sitka's deep voice resonated across the sparring grounds. "The match ends when two contestants fall or can no longer continue."

  Kai shifted into a defensive stance, his muscles coiled with anticipation. Beside him, Mei's fingers brushed against the vials in her pouch, her eyes fixed on Debilis.

  The Retardari twins faced their opponents. Flebilis flexed his metal claws, the sunlight glinting off their razor edges. Debilis remained still, her hands hovering near her twin satchels.

  "Begin!"

  Flebilis burst forward, his claws slashing in a deadly arc toward Kai's chest. Metal scraped against metal as Kai blocked the strike, the impact sending vibrations through his arms.

  In that same moment, Mei's hand whipped out of her pouch. The vial spun through the air, shattering at Flebilis' feet. White smoke billowed upward, crystallizing into a rapidly growing mass that encased his boots.

  "What-" Flebilis yanked at his trapped feet, his usual swagger replaced by frustration.

  Debilis moved with fluid grace, pulling two vials from her satchels. The contents splashed across the hardened substance, dissolving it in seconds. Flebilis stumbled free, his face flushed with anger beneath his jeweled attire.

  The crowd pressed closer, their excited murmurs rising as the battle unfolded. Senior Pat's voice carried over the din. "That's some quick thinking from our new alchemist!"

  Flebilis pressed his advantage, his claws a blur of motion. Each strike came closer than the last, metal singing through the air. Blood welled from shallow cuts across Kai's arms and chest where the noble's attacks found their mark.

  Across the field, Debilis and Mei traded potions with lethal precision. Glass shattered and chemicals mixed, creating bursts of colored smoke and crystalline formations that crackled as they spread.

  Debilis reached into her twin satchels. Four vials gleamed between her fingers before she flung them downward. The glass exploded against the ground, and thick vines erupted from the earth, their thorned tendrils whipping through the air.

  Kai's blade flashed as he cut through the attacking vines, plant matter falling in chunks around him. But his focus on the vegetation left him open. Flebilis slipped through his guard, claws raking across Kai's side.

  The vines found Mei, wrapping around her waist and hurling her into the stone wall. The impact knocked the breath from her lungs. Her fingers fumbled with her pouch, pulling free a healing draught. She downed the contents, feeling some strength return to her battered body. But as she pushed herself up, the vines struck again. Her legs wobbled, threatening to give out as she fought to maintain her balance.

  "Your alchemy is child's play," Debilis's dark eyes glittered with amusement. "Let me show you what true mastery looks like."

  The vines withered and crumbled, dissolving into a fine green mist. Mei stumbled backward, finding her footing as she retreated to Kai's side. Across the field, Flebilis strutted back to his sister, metal claws gleaming with traces of Kai's blood.

  Debilis reached into her satchels, producing two vials filled with swirling crimson liquid. She handed one to her brother, a knowing smile playing across her lips. The twins uncorked the vials in perfect sync and drank.

  The change was immediate. Flebilis's muscles bulged beneath his ornate clothing, and a red glow pulsed beneath his skin. Debilis's movements became sharper, more precise, her eyes taking on an unnatural sheen.

  "We can't let them have the advantage." Mei's fingers trembled as she pulled two vials from her pouch. The liquid inside shimmered with an iridescent blue. She pressed one into Kai's hand.

  They downed the potions together. Heat coursed through Kai's veins, his wounds closing as strength flooded his limbs. Mei's breathing steadied, her stance growing more confident.

  The pairs clashed in an explosion of movement. Flebilis's enhanced strength sent his claws whistling through the air with devastating force. Kai met each strike, his own enhanced reflexes allowing him to match the noble's speed.

  Mei and Debilis traded blows with their alchemy. Explosions of color and chemical reactions filled the air between them. Where before their exchanges had been measured and precise, now they hurled combinations of potions that created chain reactions of increasingly volatile effects.

  The ground cracked beneath their feet as Flebilis brought both claws down in an overhead strike. Kai caught the blow on his blade, the impact sending shockwaves through both fighters. Neither showed signs of backing down, their enhanced strength pushing them to new limits.

  Mei's hand brushed against her nearly empty pouch. Five vials clinked together - all that remained of her arsenal. She caught Kai's eye, a silent understanding passing between them. Their enhanced abilities wouldn't matter if they ran out of resources.

  Across the field, Debilis's twin satchels still bulged with potential. She lifted them with a flourish, the sound of clinking glass announcing her advantage. Her lips curled into a knowing smile as she glanced at her brother.

  "Let's finish this, dear brother. They've provided adequate entertainment."

  Debilis's hands moved in a blur, two vials sailing through the air. They shattered against the ground, releasing a thick white mist that engulfed the arena. The fog swallowed everything - the crowd, the walls, even the sky above disappeared behind the chemical haze.

  Mei's mind raced. The mist would mask their approach, letting the twins strike from any angle. Her fingers closed around three of her remaining vials. She couldn't waste them, couldn't miss. With practiced precision, she hurled them in a triangle pattern across the arena.

  The vials burst. Clear liquid mixed with the mist, creating a chemical reaction that began eating away at the fog. Patches of visibility opened up - but too late.

  A flash of metal caught the light. Flebilis emerged from the dissolving mist, his claws leading the way. Mei tried to dodge, but her enhanced reflexes couldn't match his speed. The metal talons found their mark, piercing through her stomach.

  The remaining mist dissipated, revealing the scene to the stunned crowd. Mei hung suspended on Flebilis's claws, blood staining her clothes where the metal had run her through.

  Blood sprayed across the arena as Flebilis yanked his claws free from Mei's body. Her knees buckled, crimson staining the ground beneath her.

  Kai's world narrowed to a single point. His feet moved before his mind could process, blade already sweeping toward Flebilis's throat. The noble danced backward, his laughter echoing across the grounds as he retreated to his sister's side.

  "Kai-" Mei's voice came out weak, but her hands were steady as she pressed two vials into his palm. The glass was warm against his skin, the liquid inside pulsing with barely contained power. Without hesitation, he downed both potions.

  Energy surged through his body, his muscles humming with newfound strength. The world sharpened, every movement crisp and clear as his speed quadrupled.

  A river of blood flowed across the ground, coalescing into solid forms. Sitka strode forward, his blood constructs clearing a path as he reached Mei. He scooped her up, his power already working to knit her wounds closed.

  "She'll live." Sitka's voice carried the weight of certainty. "Focus on the fight."

  The Retardari twins circled Kai, their enhanced abilities matching his own. Debilis's hands never strayed far from her satchels, while Flebilis's claws dripped with fresh blood - Mei's blood.

  "What's wrong?" Flebilis's voice dripped with mock concern. "Did we break your little alchemist?"

  "Such a shame." Debilis shook her head. "Perhaps she should stick to brewing love potions."

  Something snapped inside Kai. The world around him began to slow, as if moving through honey. Familiar threads of possibility stretched between him and the twins, just like during his sparring match with Hiro. But this time, the threads carried an edge of deadly intent.

  Time crystallized around Kai as the threads of possibility materialized. Unlike his match with Hiro, these weren't the familiar golden strands. Dark, pulsing tendrils stretched between him and the Retardari twins, each one carrying the weight of different outcomes. The threads writhed with an ominous energy that made his skin crawl.

  His instincts screamed to follow the brightest path to victory, but his attention locked onto one particular thread. It thrummed with a darkness that should have repelled him, yet drew him in like a moth to flame.

  Flebilis lunged, claws extended. Kai's body moved with liquid grace, following the dark thread's guidance. The noble's attack passed through empty air as Kai slipped past his guard.

  The knife in Kai's hand found its mark. Metal bit deep into Debilis's flesh, drawing a crimson line across her torso. She crumpled, her twin satchels hitting the ground with a chorus of tinkling glass.

  "Sister!" Flebilis's face contorted with rage. His claws flashed in the sunlight as he charged at Kai.

  The threads vanished like smoke in the wind, snapping Kai back to normal time. His arms jarred with the impact as he caught Flebilis's strike on his blade.

  Behind them, Sitka's blood constructs carried Debilis to safety. The Sanguine Ogre's power flowed into her wound, stemming the bleeding and knitting flesh back together.

  * * *

  Flebilis charged at Kai, his metal claws slicing through the air in a frenzied assault. Each strike came faster than the last, forcing Kai to weave and dodge. The effects of Mei's potions began to fade, their movements growing heavier with each passing second.

  Sweat dripped down Kai's face as he parried another swipe. His muscles burned, screaming for rest. Across from him, Flebilis's chest heaved with labored breaths, his usual grace giving way to desperate lunges.

  The noble's claws plunged into the arena floor. With a grunt of effort, Flebilis swept his arms upward, tearing chunks of stone from the ground. The rocks hurtled toward Kai in a deadly barrage.

  Kai's blade flashed, deflecting the projectiles. His eyes narrowed, recognizing the attack for what it was - a distraction. He'd seen this pattern before during their fight. Flebilis would use ranged attacks to mask his approach, then strike from an unexpected angle.

  The moment Flebilis moved, Kai was ready. He stepped inside the noble's guard, blade finding its mark. Steel bit deep into flesh as Kai's strike connected. The force of the blow sent Flebilis flying backward.

  The noble crashed to the ground, his metal claws clattering against stone. He tried to rise, but his arms gave out beneath him.

  Kai raised his arm in victory. The gesture lasted only a moment before exhaustion claimed him. His knees buckled and he collapsed to the arena floor.

  The crowd erupted. Students leaped to their feet, their cheers echoing across the grounds. The sound washed over Kai as he lay there, too tired to move.

  * * *

  Captain Bizel strode into the arena, his boots clicking against the stone. The crowd fell silent as he approached the exhausted fighters. His presence commanded attention, drawing all eyes to his small but powerful frame.

  "Stand if you can," Bizel's voice carried across the arena. "Both of you have shown exceptional skill today."

  Kai pushed himself up on shaking legs. Beside him, Mei rushed forward to help steady him. Flebilis managed to rise as well, though he kept his distance.

  "The kingdom of Spades requires strength. Today, you've demonstrated that strength comes in many forms." Bizel turned to address the crowd. "I hereby announce that Kai and Mei will represent our academy in the upcoming Four Suit Competition."

  Murmurs rippled through the spectators. Sitka emerged from the shadows, his imposing figure drawing immediate attention.

  "Let me restate the full roster." Sitka's deep voice silenced the whispers. "Our representatives will be: Hiro La La Raouta, Juvenis La La Roca, Huffy La La Pirata, Fillomina La La Reigel, and Kai and Mei."

  The named competitors straightened at the announcement, pride evident in their postures despite their various states of exhaustion.

  "Training begins tomorrow at dawn," Sitka announced. "The six of you will prepare together. This competition demands not just individual excellence, but teamwork and trust."

  Bizel nodded in agreement. "You have one month to become a cohesive unit. Make every moment count."