Later that night Lee was conducting training practice with his classmates. He decided at the end of practice to tell him all about his conversation with Peter Leaf and give them all the information he was given. There was shock and apprehension by all of his friends. It seemed Lee was the only person in this entire school who hadn't heard of Vladimir Star. He was famous talent known all around the continent. The top talents and wizards on the continent were common knowledge outside of Lee's town it seemed.

Every student but Lee could name every single S ranked wizard in all the continent and knew of the most likely candidates to join the S rank. On the current continent there were only 9 wizards had the S ranking. It was widely believed Vladimir Star was destined to join that esteemed group within the next 10 years.

The heads of the Cloud, Sun and Star house were all S ranked wizards and considered the 3 strongest wizards in all the continent. The Sun and Star houses both had another S ranked wizard besides the head of their house. This put the Cloud house in a difficult spot.

Currently only the head of the Cloud house, Mary's grandfather, was S ranked. He was not getting any younger, and there was much concern about the future of the house. The Cloud house always had at least one S ranked wizard for the past 300 years. Even with a fairly large number of A ranked wizards, it was not enough to save face. It was believed that they didn't have anyone in the main or the branch houses who was promising enough to be S ranked.

Mary, of course, had another opinion about that and she was determined to one day become an S ranked wizard. The Cloud house believed she would became an A ranked wizard and nothing more. This was a large disappointment to the family. Yet another child who had a direct bloodline with their very powerful grandfather that could not achieve S rank. They were running out of time and no one else from her parent's generation was going to have any more children.

Mary started to hear whispers before she came this to school. It seemed they believed the best chance to get an S ranked wizard before her grandfather passed was to have her become a mother sooner rather than later. As each year passed those whispers would no doubt become louder. She worried her grandfather would all but force her to marry a man with a strong magical constitution before she was even 20.

She was free to marry who she wished, but if the head of the Cloud house demanded it and she refused there would be dire consequences. In the worst case she might be expelled by the house and forced to give up the right to her last name. This was one of the reasons why she was desperate to get stronger. The strong may do as they wish. If she showed she had a good likelihood to become S ranked then her standing within her house would improve and her wants would be a greater consideration.

Tom's Uncle was head of the Sky house and the only other S class ranked wizard in zero province. Before him, the Sky house wasn't seen to be worth of much note, but having an S class wizard as their head lifted them out of obscurity and into a position of power. The Cloud house went to great lengths to keep strong ties as well as subtle control over the Sky house. They couldn't afford to lose their loyalty.

The Sun house was considered the most powerful of the big 3 houses. They had a number of young talented wizards and they hoped they could nurture another to S rank soon that would give them a total of 3. If they did, it would be the first time in many decades any of the main houses had had 3 S ranked wizards. A few of the names tossed about had been Augustus Sun and Marcus Sun. Someone apparently heard the name Victoria Sun thrown around too but that was a rather new one little was known about her. The Sun house had clearly been the strongest of the big 3 over the last 20 years.

Before the barrier went up there was a 4th house whose name was mentioned with the other 3 for hundreds of years. At this point it was a mere after thought. People had given up hope the barrier would ever fall. That great houses' place in history had closed. The other 3 great houses publicly spoke of what a shame it was but privately could hardly contain their joy. One less rival to deal with.

Besides these, there was an S class wizard in the Falcon House, it was in the area generally considered to be controlled by the Star house, which meant many considered him one of their number. Another S ranked was from the Dragon house and another was actually a commoner with the last name Mud. Both of whom were in the area considered controlled by the Sun house.

To put it another way....

The Sun house had 2 S ranked wizards and 2 more in their area of control with several great young prospects as well as many stronger A rank wizards.

The Star house had 2 S rank wizards and 1 more in their area control and perhaps the best prospect in all the continent.

The Cloud house had 1 S rank wizard with 1 more in their area of control and no currently promising prospects for any others.

After all this was explained to River, he began to understand why the Star house was acting so boldly. They saw the Cloud house as weak and were worried the Sun house would only grow stronger in the future. If they managed to subdue the Cloud house there was a good chance they could bring Tom's S ranked uncle to their side as well as other strong A ranked wizards that were loyal to the Cloud house.

Lee now understood the standing of the various houses as well as the standing of pretty much the entire continent as a whole. But there was still one thing he didn't understand. “What about the great wizard from the stories who helped defeat the demons and all of his students? Surely they would be considered S rank as well?”

Tom Sky shook his head “after the barrier went up no one has heard about the great wizard or any of his students since. It's thought that either he and the rest of them died while the barrier went up or are all on the other side of it. While it's said there was some sort of betrayal by one of his students and the others and him went into hiding no one really knows where that story came from.”

“My father told me it's just wishful thinking” Derrick added. “I heard, it's exaggerated how strong he and his students really were. Some people even think the old wizard went crazy and killed them all because they weren't good enough for him. Most of his students were orphans or unwanted children from lowly noble houses so ee don't even known who many of his students were.

The ones that were known never went back to their houses. If they are still alive. it's unlikely anyone would even know what they looked liked. As far as how strong the wizard really was, while he did tip the balance of power in the great war and impressive stories are spoken of the things he did; most educated people agree it's unlikely he was as strong as the stories suggest. He was probably only slightly stronger than the current heads of the Star, Sun and Cloud house they say.”

Lee Riven didn't say anything to this. He'd never met any of the heads of the Star, Cloud or Sun houses but he got the suspicion the old wizard was be a good deal stronger than any of them. This talk which had started to become a more popular theory might be something pushed by the Star, Cloud and Sun houses to save face.

The only part of this story he believed was the children the old man took who actually had parent might have been more willing to give them up than the old man let on. Not that it really mattered to Lee. His goal was still the same and this new information didn't change anything. He still to win the tournament and use it to try to find the old man's students.

While he believed in his ability to achieve this goal; when he looked in the faces on everyone else he was surprised. They had gone pale as the news sunk in about what the Star house was doing and that their prized youth would be competing against them. Everyone had a flat and defeated look on their face.

“Surely, you all still think we can win? You aren't going to give up are you?”

“No, we won't stop training River, it's just...” Amanda tried to find the words “we just might need to change our expectations.”

“What are you all getting so down about? So the Star house wants to come here and play their little games? So what? You aren't about to let such a small thing demoralizing you this much are you?”

Tom looked at the ground and kicked a pebble. “I don't think you really understand the power of the Star house. Not even counting Vladimir, they are sending over a number of very strong students no doubt. Id's be shocked if any of them will be below B rank. I want to be hopeful too. I really do. But...”

“Mary, surely you will not take this laying down? You plan to train and defeat that cocky Star house don't you?” Lee believed her fire and desire to win was as strong as his. It was one of the few things he admired about her.

Mary stood up and cast strong wind magic against the magically enforced wall “Dammit! I hate the damn Star house! Don't they realize they're going to ruin my life? Why do I have to get pushed around like this? This is totally unfair! Why did they have send these people? And Vladimir too...”

“What are you talking about? Are you just going to give up?”

“You've never seen him fight. I have.” Mary compose herself. “I understand you're strong River, but this is an A rank wizard who has been handed down every secret technique the Star house has. The Shame of the House of Sun you fought didn't have his family's secret techniques. In a lot of ways that makes Vladimir a lot more dangerous. He won't be weakened before you fight him either like 'The Shame' was.

If anything, the Star house will use every dirty trick they can to make sure you're the one in a weakened state. There isn't much my Cloud house can do to stop them from having things their way. I'm proud of my house, but to be totally honest, they're putting a great deal of effort into keeping up their reputation. They have declined more than most people realize. The powerful name we have is just as important as our actual power to the influence we possess these days.... probably more important.”

Lee River looked to David Rain to say something positive. He didn't say a thing. It was only then that he realized everyone but him had already given up. They all believed Lee River was powerful and they must have seen some effects from the training. But Lee knew the effects wouldn't truly show up until many months later. Clearly they felt he was no match for Vladimir and they would be no match for anyone else the Star house may send to fight.

Lee fully understood how bad this situation was. If they were this demoralized the training would suffer. Then they would really have no chance to win. He was confident in his own power but unsure of how the Star house may bend the rules. Even if he could win his match, if everyone else lost it wouldn't matter. He had to do something to change their current mindset.

*****

Peter Leaf was in his room preparing his lesson plan for tomorrow. He also had a few letters and notes he wanted to read to update him on the current situation. When it came to any plans and movements of the Star house he wanted to know as much as he could. He learned long ago that information was just as, and sometimes more important than, your physical strength.

Right as he finished his lesson plan and started to go over his notes on the Star house he heard a small knock on his door. Who would be knocking this time of night. Perhaps the headmaster already found someone out. He opened the door only to see Lee River and some of his classmates.

“Well it's nice to see you Lee and it's nice to see some of my other wonderful students too. However, it's a little late to pay such a visit. If you want to talk I think tomorrow would certainly be a better time.”

“I'm afraid this can't wait Mr. Leaf. It's about what we discussed earlier today. I would like you to come with us. We have a very important matter to discuss about the upcoming tournament.” Lee had a very insistent look on his face.

“Very well, let's go then. The sooner we get this done the better and I don't want to be found wondering the halls here at night. Not that I would get in the same trouble you all would, but annoying questions might be asked.” He followed Lee and the other students to an isolated training area.

“Teacher, you said before you were unsure if you could beat Vlad yourself correct? That means you are also not fully sure you can't either correct?”

Peter thought about this for a minute. “I don't know for sure so I can only guess. I suppose it would be pretty close either way. I would suppose at this very moment I'd have a slight advantage over him in power. By the end of the school year who knows if that would be the case The Star house also has a number of techniques and that would be where the greatest problems would be.”

“If you're about his strength then that's perfect.” Lee walked up on the stage. “I want you to have a match with me.”

Peter was shocked “What? A student fighting a teacher in a match? I never heard of such a thing... and a first year at that.”

“If you are about as strong as Vlad then this will be a good test for where I currently stand against him correct? I think this is something we can't afford not to do.” Lee face showed his determined and clear intend not to back down from this.

“You can't be serious!” Mary had half a mind to run on stage and pull him off. “Just face the facts, you won't be defeating Vladimir Star. Now get off that stage before you get hurt trying to do something stupid!”

“I do plan to fight Vladimir but ideally I won't be the one to beat him. If things go as I want I hope that will be you Mary.” Lee didn't take his eyes off hers. He wanted her to see that he was serious in what he said.

“Lee don't be silly. Mary is an exceptional talent but for now she is D ranked... maybe she'll make C ranked by years end. To expect her to beat a talent like Vladimir who has 2 years more experience is absurd.” Peter walked on stage and and was trying to coax him into stepping down.

“By the time our training is over by years end I expect everyone in this room to be strong enough to beat a B ranked wizard. Also when it comes to tricks why can't we use a few of our own? If the Star house isn't going to fight fair than why should we?” Lee squared off against Peter preparing to attack.

“Strong enough to beat B rank? You can't believe that can you? You say B rank like it's nothing. Maybe for you it's possible but not everyone is lucky enough to be as blessed by talent as you.” Peter wanted to try to calm Lee down but every instinct screamed that he couldn't let his guard down with the way Lee was looking. Without even thinking he started to take a fighting stance to match Lee's.

“The problem with everyone here is you are assuming what your limits will be before you even try. That is the way which leads only to failure. You're wrong about me Mr. Leaf. I have the worst talent of anyone in this room. The reason I got to where I am is knowledge and hard work. It's a path anyone can walk. I'm going to make everyone, including yourself, believe our victory is possible.

You came to be earlier asking me to help you achieve a miracle victory. You acted like it was us going against great odds to change the inevitable winds of fate. I should have said something then but I was foolish missed the meaning of your words. Now with my friends and you here I fully understand what the problem is. The problem is you all believe we are looking for a ray of hope in the darkness.

I say that the opposite is true. I believe when the time comes we will be an overwhelming force that will make the Star house the ones praying to any gods who will listen for a miracle. The only way that won't be the case is if we continue to think it's hopeless. If we train thinking it's pointless the training will become just that.”

Peter shook his head “Lee, it isn't that I don't want to win. I asked you try to join the school team to increase the odds. Bur it's still currently impossible. Maybe if we can coax the Sun house into interfering or sending a few students over we might have a shot but as of now we simply don't have a winning hand. I plan to try to do that too or anything else I can to win. I just don't wan you to have unrealistic expectations. Idealism and a positive attitude alone can't change the situation.”

“No it can't, strength is what allows one to change the situation. That's why I'm going to have you help me demonstrate how strong our hand is right now. I suggest you come at me with everything you've got. If you try to hold back even a bit; it'll be over before you even have a chance.”

Before Peter could say anything else he was forced to take a step back. Not from a spell or a punch. It was purely the pressure Lee exuded. His stance, his mana, the energy he was pulling in from nature.

Peter gathered his own mana in response. His senses sharped. His heart beat increased. “If you're going to talk so much then you need to back it up my precious student. People who can't back up what they say and deliver on their promises are one of my dislikes.”