The Northern Continent spanned more than a million miles. The continent had many small, large, and medium-sized countries. It consisted of 77 small nations titled as 'Countries', 18 medium-sized nations titled as 'Kingdoms', and 5 large nations titles as 'Superkingdoms'. Thus there were a total of exactly 100 nations within the Northern Continent.

At the very center of the continent, surrounded by the 100 nations, lied the Grand Sky Empire. It was so big that on the map, the other countries were barely visible compared to it, except the 5 Superkingdoms.

The 77 small nations pretty much did not know anything about the existence of the Grand Sky Empire. Only their Royal Families had a vague idea. The 18 Kingdoms, on the other hand, had a slight idea about the Grand Sky Empire and had indirect contact and communication. The 5 Superkindoms were the most privileged. They were directly connected with the Grand Sky Empire. They had both economic and diplomatic relationship with the Grand Sky Empire.

But with the current events, after the Grand Academy Tournament was announced, the existence of the Grand Sky Empire has become known to everyone throughout the 100 nations. Those who knew beforehand understood the grandeur of this event and as for those who did not know, they were all awed by the hype that built up throughout the continent for this single event.

At this moment, at the center of the Grand Sky Empire, in the Imperial Capital, inside the Imperial Palace, on a majestic throne made out of various kinds of high-grade material, a sturdy middle-aged man with a powerful aura sat with pride. This was the Grand Sky Imperial Court. All the ministers and officials were present in the court. As the man on the throne, the Emperor, gestured with his hand, one of the officials began to speak.

"Your Majesty! The 100 Nations have all selected their participants for the Grand Academy Tournament. They have all notified us via the communication talesmen we gave them. They will be arriving at the capital soon.", the official reported.

"Good. Are the venues completely prepared?", the Emperor asked

"Yes, Your Majesty!", the official replied in a hurry.

"Have you reported everything to Lord Grand Sky Scholar?", the Emperor asked.

When the Emperor talked about this 'Grand Sky Scholar' person, his tone was full of respect. One could only wonder what kind of person deserved such respect from the Grand Sky Emperor, the Supreme Ruler of the Grand Sky Empire, as well as the topmost person in the entire Northern Continent.

"Yes, Your Majesty. As Lord Scholar is overseeing everything, he is the first person we reported."

"Well done. Do whatever is left to be done, and report to me when the 100 Nations arrive.", the Emperor ordered.

"Understood, Your Majesty!", the official bowed.

"You may now leave.", said the Emperor.

As soon as he got permission, the official bowed and left the court.

"Chief minister!", the Emperor called out after a while.

"Yes, Your Majesty?", the chief minister came in front and bowed down, waiting for the Emperor's Orders.

"Summon every one of the Princes, as well as the Princess, to the Royal court. Tell them to come as soon a possible.", the Emperor issued an order.

"Yes, Your Majesty! I understand!", the Chief Minister nodded.

"Okay, then. Leave now. Everyone else also leave now.", the Emperor ordered.

The prime minister bowed and left, followed by everyone else on the court.

Inside the empty court, the Emperor sat with his chin resting upon his hand. He was lost in deep thought. Everything was going according to plan. If this plan succeeded, the Empire's strength will rise to a whole new level. But for the great calamity that is about to befall this continent, will this be enough? He didn't know the answer, he could only wish for a miracle.

As the Grand Academy Tournament came near, many things were ready to be unraveled, and a whole new episode of this story was about to be told.

And So it began.

END of ARC 5, ACT I

ARC 5, ACT II.