After the announcement, Archer and the others got up to look for Ophelia to find out their groups. While walking, Llyniel asked the group, ”The next part of the tournament is in the Sabat Kingdom, right?”

Nefertiti answered, ”Yes, the Knockout Stage is hosted in the Sabat Kingdom. After that, the Quarterfinals will be held in my homeland.”

Everyone nodded, but Archer wasn’t paying attention. He heard Ella making adorable noises as she got comfortable in his arms. The large group walked for a while until the headmistress appeared in front of them.

”Oh, hello, Archer and friends. I was coming to look for you guys,” Ophelia smiled.

She then spotted the sleeping half-elf and asked, ”What happened to her?”

When the group heard her question, they giggled before Archer explained, ”Our dragon girl got her drunk on some expensive wine, but funny enough, we were just looking for you to find out what groups we’re in for the Qualification Round.”

Ophelia nodded as she took two pieces of paper and handed them to him. She said, ”This will tell you what groups you and your girls are in, while the other is for your friends.” .𝒎

”Thank you, Ophie.” Archer smiled as he handed Lioran the paper with the other’s names.

When the headmistress heard him use her nickname again, her cheeks flushed, but she shook her head and retorted. ”Can we talk for a moment, Archer?”

Archer nodded with a grin before telling the girls to wait for him. After that, he followed behind the witch, who stopped by a bench outside the arena. Upon seeing the view, he told Ophelia to wait a moment.

She agreed as Archer returned to the domain and put Ella in bed so she could rest. While doing that, he scanned the treehouse to check on Sera, who was in a deep sleep. The air was crisp and cold as Archer returned to the snow-covered grounds.

He spotted Ophelia sitting on a bench, her gaze fixed on the serene landscape stretching before her. Archer approached and sat beside her with a soft crunch of snow beneath his boots.

“Hey, Ophie,” Archer greeted her softly, his voice conveying warmth despite the chill in the air. “You wanted to talk?”

Ophelia turned to him, her expression thoughtful yet resolute. “Yes, Archer. I’ve been thinking a lot lately, especially with the tournaments coming to an end soon.”

Archer nodded, his curiosity piqued. “What’s on your mind?”

Ophelia sighed, her breath visible in the cold air. Looking gently at Archer, she stated, “I’m not your witch dragon.”

She said firmly, brushing aside the mention of her family, “Let’s refocus. I believe it’s time for you to depart from the college, Archer. It’s clear that this environment no longer serves you. You’re destined for greater things, out there in the vast world, going on adventures and discovering new lands.”

He furrowed his brow, processing her words. “Leave the college?” he repeated, his voice hinting at uncertainty. “But what about my girls? They seem to enjoy it here.”

Ophelia smiled softly. “Your girls are always welcome to stay, Archer,” she reassured him. “But I think they’ll understand if you venture out alone. They’re a strong group and thrive no matter where they go.”

Archer fell silent, his mind racing with thoughts and emotions. Leaving the college meant leaving behind the familiar comforts and routines he had grown accustomed to, but deep down, he knew Ophelia was right.

A whole world awaited exploration, and he couldn’t longer ignore the call of adventure. Archer loved exploring unknown lands and wanted to dive into a dungeon, but with attending classes, there wasn’t enough time.

But something was nagging him, so he asked. ”What about this expedition after the Celestial Magic Tournament?” he smiled before continuing. ”I still want to take part in it. Traveling to an unknown continent is exciting.”

She nodded. ”Yes, and you will be there. The emperor has asked for a place for you to be saved on the ship. But that won’t be until the tournament ends and everything is organized.”

Archer’s eyes widened in amazement, and he asked, ”Can you tell me about the land? What’s it like?”

Ophelia smiled. ”Well, get comfortable as I tell you Valkyria Blackwood’s account of landing on the Unknown Lands. It’s fascinating!”

_____________________________

Valkyria Blackwood’s POV

A year before Archer participated in the Arcane Magic Tournament, a cat woman with vibrant purple hair and mesmerizing glowing eyes conversed with the emperor within the halls of the Avalonian palace.

Standing tall at five foot ten, she possessed the physique of a seasoned warrior. Her expertise in fire, thunder, earth, and water magic excelled her through the Avalon imperial army and earned her many awards.

She was known as Valkyria Blackwood. She was a celebrated explorer and the younger sister of Empress Chloe Avalon. She was renowned for her passion for scouring uncharted territories and embarking on daring expeditions.

“Valkyria. I have a mission of great significance for you,” Emperor Osoric began, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

She inclined her head respectfully, her violet eyes fixed upon the emperor, awaiting his command.

“You are to join the Frontier Fleet,” the emperor announced, his tone unwavering. “Under the command of Admiral Vera Highmore. Your destination is the Unknown Continent in the North-West.”

Valkyria’s heart quickened at the mention of such a daring expedition. The Unknown Continent held mysteries beyond imagining, and exploring its uncharted territories excited her.

“Additionally,” the emperor continued, “you will be accompanied by a battalion of Magic Knights and Marines, totaling four thousand of our finest soldiers. They will make landfall with you.”

Her eyes widened in awe at the magnitude of the forces coming with her. The combined strength of the Frontier Fleet, Magic Knights, and Marines represented Avalon’s resolve to explore and expand its reach.

“Your mission,” Emperor Osoric declared, resonating with authority, “is to lead this expedition, establish contact with any indigenous peoples, and assess the land for its strategic value to the empire and our people.”

Valkyria nodded solemnly, a fierce determination shining in her yellow eyes. She understood the gravity of her task and was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

“Admiral Highmore will provide you with the necessary resources and support,” Emperor Osoric concluded with a smile. “May the spirits of our ancestors watch over you, Valkyria, and make sure you return; otherwise, your sister will kill me.”

With a deep bow of gratitude, Valkyria expressed her unwavering dedication to Avalon and its people. She turned on her heel, her mind racing with plans and preparations for the epic journey ahead.

She departed from the palace and went to the elevator, descending to where her team awaited below. Stepping out of the fort that stood sentinel, she caught sight of her companions.

There was a dwarf woman in the group; her name was Thora Stonebeard, and she was carrying a big shield on her back because she was their tank. She had light brown hair and bright blue eyes.

Valkyria found it odd that the woman had a large chest despite being less than five feet tall. Nevertheless, she had a beautiful face and a charming button nose. Pausing in her stride, she couldn’t suppress a smile as the dwarf’s dimples deepened with her words. ”Thora, are all the ladies here?”

”Yes, Bosslady. What is the new mission? A lost kingdom or some more ruins?” Thora commented with an excited tone.

”We’ve been allowed to explore the Unknown Continent alongside the empire’s troops. We must head to the imperial shipyard to meet with Admiral Highmore for more information.”

The dwarf woman got excited and lunged toward Valkyria, wrapping her strong arms around her in a crushing hug before speaking. ”Yes! There are new lands to discover, Bosslady. We can earn more gold!”

Valkyria laughed as she managed to get out of Thora’s arms while asking. ”Where are the others?”

Thora remained silent and guided her to a cafe where five women were seated. Valkyria glanced at each of them. The first woman she noticed was Cleo Riversong, a cheetah demi-

human withblonde hair and stunning violet eyes. She shared Valkyria’s warrior spirit, though she excelled in magic.

Next was the team’s healer, a high elf named Lirael Sunfire. Despite being banished from the Nightshade Empire for her banned experiments, Valkyria welcomed the mage with open arms, as she was a powerful mage in her own right. She turned to the last three women, all human.

Two were warriors, and the last was their tracker, Soraya Oceanheart, who hailed from the southern part of the empire with brown hair and amber-colored eyes. Nia Ravenscroft, the third daughter of Duke Ravenscroft, joined Valkyria’s adventures while exploring a ruined city in the Summerfield Duchy.

She bore a striking resemblance to her aunt Eleanor with her vibrant orange hair, complemented by piercing red eyes and a towering height of six feet. Meanwhile, Serena Wintergale, originating from the Frostwyn Duchy, possessed petite stature and mesmerizing green eyes.

Once a slave, Valkyria freed her, and Serena became fiercely loyal in return. The women bonded more, some more than others, as Nia started a harem that included Soraya and Serena.

Please let me know if you spot any mistakes, and I will edit them. Thank you

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