GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 26.1: Multithreading

Tomas's expression grew serious. "Well, speaking of important things—I was just telling the others. The Ternion Tournament's been moved to first year."

Vel blinked, his distraction evaporating instantly. "The what tournament?"

Before Tomas could respond, Lyvenna strode through the door, her timing impeccable as always.

"News travels fast within the Academy," she remarked, catching the tail end of their conversation. She set down her materials with unusual force. "The Archmagister's decision, announced this morning."

The classroom fell silent. Mira's pen stopped mid-sentence. Enya's focus crystal slipped from her fingers, clattering onto her desk. Even Rohen, typically unruffled, leaned forward with sudden attention.

Vel remained quiet, trying to process what he'd just heard. Tournament? What tournament?

"But isn't the tournament usually held in second or third year?" Mira asked, her voice tight with concern.

"It is. Was." Lyvenna set down her chalk, her movements unusually hesitant. "The instructors' board was surprised too. We've already started prep work."

She turned to face them, her expression troubled. "As for you all..." The words hung in the air as she seemed to struggle with how to proceed.

"Looks like they really want us gone," Rohen said quietly, his voice carrying grim resignation.

"What do you mean?" Vel asked, looking between Rohen and Lyvenna.

Lyvenna exhaled slowly. "The Ternion Tournament, or what's known among students as the Tri-Ts."

"Every cycle, the Academy searches for the finest students. Those who excel receive special training—they become the elites among elites. The future leaders, the warriors who will serve the nation at the highest levels."

She paused, her expression growing more troubled.

"But for everyone else, it's a test. Everything is recorded, evaluated, measured."

She paused, meeting each of their eyes in turn.

"In short, if you don't show any good result or even potential..."

"You get sorted out," Tomas finished, his voice hollow.

"And for it to happen in first year, meaning unstable students..." Lyvenna's words trailed off, then she continued more quietly. "There isn't enough time for proper development. Students with your attunement need longer to reach their potential. Moving it to first year puts you at a severe disadvantage—you're likely to be eliminated before you've had a fair chance."

The implication settled over them like a weight. They were being deliberately targeted.

"How long do we have?" Enya's voice was barely a whisper.

"The second half of the term. The tournament will be the main focus of class and training from then on." Her voice grew quieter. "Two months..."

Vel's stomach clenched. Two months to prove they weren't failures. Two months against students like Kein and Severin who'd trained their whole lives. The unstable attunement students could barely manage basic spells—how could they compete?

For a long moment, silence filled the classroom. Then Lyvenna's expression hardened with sudden resolve.

"Which means we have work to do." She turned toward the board, chalk already in hand.