The Transmigrated Author

[Pinnacle Academy, Stadium 1 - Arena A: Outer Hallway]

As I started making my way back to collect my crossbow from the dorm, an unexpected encounter sent shivers down my spine.

"...!"

Striding down the hallway was a man who, at first glance, seemed like he might be a reporter here to cover the tournament.

Yet, there was an undeniable wrongness about him, an oppressive weight to his presence that set my every nerve on edge.

Something about this man was monstrously powerful. As we passed, a wave of suffocating energy washed over me, a force far beyond the familiar energy a person usually has.

My body was screaming to run. I realised that I was face to face with something dangerous, something I didn't understand.

My head whipped around, fear and confusion twisting in my head. The man walked on, his gaze fixed ahead, seemingly oblivious to my presence. He didn't even acknowledge me, as if I were nothing more than dust.

But I couldn't help it, This either was a Villain or a hero I haven't ever heard of yet.

[Perceptive Mind Has Been Activated!]

[Due to the character's strength you are unable to see the full status window of their abilities, stats, and current thoughts.]

[Stats Restriction: Strength, Mana, Speed, Durability, 2 Special Elemental Attributes]

[Name: Morwen Cross, Strength: ???, Mana: ???, Elemental Attribute: Darkness, ???, ???,]

This was Morwen Cross in disguise. But... why was he here and how did he get here? This man was an untouchable Villain, powerful and dangerous. His presence near the academy, couldn't ever be detected by the strongest of heroes because of how good of a mage he was the uniqueness and quality of his powers are different.

I searched my mind for answers. What scheme was unfolding? Was he here to take someone? A horrible thought struck me – was he planning another raid on Pinnacle?

The desire to warn someone, anyone, flared within me, but it was quickly extinguished by a sickening realization.

Morwen Cross was no fool. He would have anticipated being discovered, and if so, it meant that even a full-scale alert might do little to stop his plans.

My hands clenched into fists, frustration and fear gnawing at me. All I could do was watch and observe.

Learn what I could of his true intentions, perhaps find a weakness, an opportunity. It felt like a pathetically small action in the face of such a threat, but survival had taught me that sometimes, the only option was to wait your time.

For now, I had to stay calm. Morwen Cross in the heart of Pinnacle... this was far more dangerous than any tournament match.

***

{Jan's POV}

[Pinnacle Academy, Stadium 1 - Allen's Cafe]

Jan leaned back in his chair, still feeling a little guilty from yesterday's match against Camila. However, it was tempered by a genuine concern for his opponent. Camila, sitting across from him at Allen's bustling café, laughed good-naturedly, a blush wiping her cheeks.

"I mean, you gotta give me some credit, at least," she teased, her tone light and playful.

Jan smiled sheepishly. "Aw, sorry, Camila. Didn't mean to downplay it. But... it wouldn't be any fun if I didn't at least challenge you a bit, right?"

Lyra, her bright hair framing a delicate face, chimed in with a giggle. "I still can't believe I drew Noah in the round of 32. Talk about bad luck." A frown briefly flitted across her features. "Honestly, I was even happy about getting to the round of 32."

"Hey, you did great," Jan said reassuringly. "Noah's really strong, there's no shame in that."

Camila nodded in agreement. "He was one of the favourites to win it all. You held your own for longer than most would have!"

ugh...

Valencia, usually so composed, merely grunted in response. She looked exhausted, her eyes half-lidded as she slumped against the table.

She felt guilt cross her face... she probably shouldn't have stayed up so late playing Crownfall after their early dismissal yesterday.

Jan checked his watch with a thoughtful look. "First match of the day is up," he spoke, excited for a person he knew wouldn't disappoint him. "Rel verse Carlos, I'm gonna check it out. Anyone coming?"

Camila immediately perked up, "I am! Just let me finish this pastry."

Lyra's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Rel? sure…"

Valencia, however, didn't seem impressed. Her gaze swept over the name 'Rel' with a judgment bordering on disdain.

Bazz shrugged, patting his full stomach. "Gonna pass, lads. Just devoured a feast fit for a king."

Jan stood up stretching, "Your loss. If you change your mind, come find me in the stands."

Bazz and Valencia nodded and With that, he strode towards the exit, Camila hurrying to keep up. Lyra, motivated by boredom more than genuine interest, trailed behind.

Inside the stadium, a new battle was about to begin.

***

My footsteps echoed in the dimness of the arena tunnel. The guards, sharp as ever, gave me a short nod after their final inspection. "You're cleared," one grunted. "Proceed on through."

With a steady breath, I stepped out into the blinding light of the stadium. A wave of noise washed over me – a decent crowd, but thankfully, nothing overwhelming.

Looking across the stands, I saw a familiar face. There was Jan, perched in the front row seats, waving enthusiastically with that pretty boy smile of his. Next to him sat Camila and Lyra. An awkward smile twitched my lips in response.

My attention snapped back to the task at hand as I spotted Carlos, already waiting at the centre of the massive white platform. He looked relaxed, a flicker of arrogance twisting his lips. The memory of his sneers back in the presentation hall fueled a cold determination within me.

Suddenly, the announcer's amplified voice filled the arena: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first quarterfinal match! On one side of the platform, we have the talented Carlos Muller!"

A smattering of applause rippled through the crowd. It was polite but lacked genuine enthusiasm.

The announcer continued, his voice rising with the practised cadence of a showman, "And on the other side, Rel Laurence!"

There was a pause, a wave of confusion through the audience, and then a few scattered claps. I couldn't help but grin wryly. This was the embarrassment I was getting from nobody like me being watched.

"Fighters," the booming voice resonated, cutting through the murmur of the crowd, "take your positions!"

I walked to my designated spot on the platform, my crossbow held steady.

Carlos loosely held his wand, still maintaining that cocky look in his eyes. This wasn't just about winning, not for him. He wanted to crush me, but I wasn't going to let him do that so I'll take it a little more serious from here on out.

_____________

Authors Notes:

- Perceptive Mind is the ability to see the truest status of any user Rel chooses to analyse but a limitation of this factor is that if the opponent's strength is greatly above the level of Rel he is not able to fully grasp the extent of their powers and abilities.

- Because of how skilled Morwen is as a mage, He can conceal his mana to a point where he cannot be detected

- Rel can see the truest forms of physical appearance regardless of how a person disguises themselves this is all thanks to Perceptive Mind's ability.