The court officer walked up to the participating mages with a simple wooden cylinder. No one moved, everyone knew how vital the first match was. The rules stated that in the group stage, each group would have two matches per day, with one player sitting out. After the group stage, they would rest for two days before entering the final rounds. The finals consisted of three rounds - two on one day, followed by a rest day, and then the final championship match. As such, gaining an advantage by facing weaker opponents early in the competition would conserve magic power and help prepare for the final showdown. Every mage participating in this competition had their eyes set on the championship crown.