Reincarnation Of A Swordsman: The Omni Mage

[You've Failed Hidden Quest: Win The Electives Battles.]

[You reached the Finals. 5 stat points have been awarded.]

The system's rewards only made Kyle feel even worse, realizing that he had missed out on potential greater rewards.

Kyle clenched his fists, muttering under his breath, "I'm such a loser."

*Creak*

The door to the room he stayed in slowly creaked open. Kyle directed his gaze upwards to get a clearer view of the visitor.

She wasn't a visitor though, rather l one of the academy's medical staff, dressed in a pristine white uniform that contrasted sharply with her dark skin.

"Ah, you're awake," she said with a warm smile. Her voice was soothing, calm—everything Kyle needed in this moment of frustration.

She moved gracefully to his bedside, checking the readings on a small device beside him. "How are you feeling?"

Kyle ran a hand across his aching chest, realizing that he hadn't Ben teated yet.

[HP: 20/76]

He took a slight peek at his status screen to confirm his health points and he was right.

"My chest… it still hurts," Kyle finally gave an answer after a relatively long while for the medic.

She nodded sympathetically, not minding Kyle's 'reluctance' to answer her question, and placed a gentle hand over his chest.

"Let's take care of that."

With a soft hum, she began to channel light magic. A soft glow emanated from her palm, spreading across Kyle's body.

It was warm, but not in an uncomfortable way. Instead, it felt like the sunlight on a cool morning, soothing and gentle.

As the familiar magic effect coursed through him, the pain melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of relief.

Kyle exhaled sharply, his entire body relaxing under the effects of the healing spell.

"That feels... incredible."

The medic smiled as she finished the healing, stepping back with a satisfied nod.

"There we go. Much better, right?"

Kyle nodded, sitting up fully now with little effort. "Yeah, thanks. I feel like a new person."

He rolled his shoulders, marveling at how the aches and pains had vanished as if they had never existed.

"Good to hear," she replied, her eyes studying him for a moment longer, making sure there were no lingering issues.

"You've been out for almost an hour. I decided not to wake you—seemed like you needed the rest."

Kyle blinked in surprise. "An hour?" He glanced around the small infirmary room, trying to piece together how much time had passed since the battle.

"How could I sleep for that long? Did I miss anything?"

The medic shook her head with a kind smile.

"Nothing too important. The awards ceremony will be starting soon, though. They're probably getting everything set up."

Kyle's eyes lit up for a brief moment at the mention of the ceremony.

Despite everything, he hadn't forgotten the rewards that came with going so far into the tournament, at least, he wouldn't be going home empty-handed.

[Don't get too excited] Void's voice cut through Kyle's thoughts. He looked like he was still disappointed with Kyle over the match results.

[You're not getting the grand prize, remember? Try not to embarrass yourself more than you already have.]

Kyle's brief spark of excitement for his rewards fizzled out almost instantly before it could rise any further.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… I guess you're right."

The medic watched him closely, noticing the sudden shift in his mood.

Her brow furrowed, and she hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

"You know, it's not easy losing a match like that. Especially when you were so close to winning."

Kyle glanced up at her, surprised that she seemed to understand exactly what he was feeling.

"I watched the fight," she continued softly, "and I know it must hurt to have come so far only to fall short at the end. But you still did an amazing job. You should be proud."

Kyle managed a weak nod, though her words barely registered.

He was confident and very sure of a win going into this fight, even bragging on multiple times on how he was going to win it all.

Now he had disappointed his expectations, pride wasn't something he could cling to right now. Not after a loss like that.
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The medic seemed to pick up on his lack of enthusiasm and offered him a small smile, her eyes lighting up as an idea formed in her mind.

"How about this? If you're feeling up to it, why don't you go to the ceremony? You'll still be receiving your prizes, after all."

Kyle hesitated, the thought of sitting through the ceremony suddenly lookin unappealing before him.

He wasn't in the mood for more disappointment.

[She's got a point, though] Void chimed in again, this time more practical.

[You may have lost, but you still earned some rewards. If you don't want your rewards; I'm always willing to help you out with it, as long as its approved by me]

Kyle almost felt amused from Void's display of greediness. He had to get his rewards, he couldn't afford for them to waste. "Yeah… okay. I'll go."

The medic smiled, clearly pleased with his decision. "Good. I'm sure you'll feel better once you're out there."

She gave him a final nod before turning to leave the room. "Take your time. The ceremony should be starting soon."

Kyle watched her go, then turned to the mirror across the room. He stood up slowly, testing his legs as he walked over to his reflection.

Just as he had guessed, his face was back to normal—pristine, as if the battle had never happened. There was no sign of the exhaustion or injuries he had endured.

He took a moment to admire himself, running a hand through his hair and smoothing out his clothes before finally leaving the infirmary.

As he stepped outside, the atmosphere hit him like a wave. The coliseum grounds were alive with energy.

Students filled the stands, their excitement easily felt in the air as they buzzed in anticipation for the ceremony.

The chatter of voices, laughter, and the occasional cheer filled the air, creating an electric atmosphere that mirrored the intensity of the final battles.

There was a section reserved for the participants who had made it to the final 16, and Kyle quickly spotted a row that was empty.

The ceremony hadn't started yet, so most of the seats were devoid of students.

He made his way over, slipping into the seat with a quiet sigh. A few of the other contestants were already seated, most chatting excitedly.

Kyle let his eyes wander over the arena, taking in the scene.

The large stage at the center was where the awards would be handed out, and the crowd's excitement continued to build as the minutes ticked by.

Slowly, people filled up the stands, participants sitting together in their designated sections.

"Kyle.."

After a short while of Kyle staring into space, a soft tap on Kyle's shoulder broke his trance.

The fingers that touched him were so delicate, and the voice that followed was just as meek and quiet.

He already knew who it was before he even had to turn around—