"We will now take a recess! Contestants, make your way to the dining hall. The Final Round will commence in two hours. Dismissed!" As the announcer finished speaking, The Neophyte Sentinels made their way to the dining hall again.
The crowds also made their way out, the regional markets had stocked up for this event and had set up stalls with delicious food for everyone to eat.
This time, the Hall was no longer filled with tables and waiters, simple ham sandwiches were being handed out to everyone instead. The commoners ate in peace, but some nobles were discontent.
"I will not eat this! Excuse me, I understand if these common dogs eat food like this, but I cannot eat such dog food." The Young blonde noble yelled at the top of her lungs.
"Miss, these were specially requested to be served by the Hearthfire. Should you have any complaints, I can take a verbal agreement and send such a complaint to our higher-ups." The Server replied curtly.
The Young Noble turned meek at the mention of the Hearthfire. She gazed at the sandwiches with reluctance before going to a corner and nibbling on them.
Daniel had noticed the commotion, but he was never one to meddle in others' affairs.
"What are you thinking about, Daniel?" Adora asked in a mellow tone. Enise also raised her head in curiosity, they had both observed his expression.
"I've never liked the spotlight, I would rather go unnoticed. But that seems to be an impossibility after the Battle Of Fates." Daniel shook his head softly before taking a bite of his food.
"I wouldn't suggest doing that. Here you want to stand out, you want to be skillful, powerful, and confident. This academy is built on the principles of refusing to fade within the sands of time. The strong are respected, whereas the weak are disregarded and ridiculed." Enise replied with sincerity in her voice.
Daniel sighed. "I guess..." Daniel left some thoughts unspoken with an empty feeling besetting his chest.
For a moment, Daniel's mind returned to the fight against the Apes. He had adapted to the situation, though not permanently. Only now, had he begun to realize this once more.
Gradually, Daniel was commencing his metamorphosis.
Enise and Adora noticed the soft light behind Daniel's eyes change, and it made their hearts skip a beat.
At the end of the two hours, everyone began to prepare themselves for the next round. In The Battle Of Fates, the first round shaved the Neophyte Sentinels to twenty-five. The second round shaved them down to ten.
In the final round, the ten remaining Neophytes will be ranked based on their winning streak.
As everyone took their positions, the announcer raised his hand high. The crowds instantly silenced, even the few stragglers getting to their seats did so in a quiet manner.
"In the final round, the top 10 Neophytes will fight for their rankings. Good luck to everyone in the next few battles!" The crowds cheered as the drums started their suspenseful rhythms.
"Daniel, Please step onto the stage." The Old Man spoke this time, as he floated above the stage. Daniel slowly made his way over with calm steady footsteps.
"We can all acknowledge Daniel's strength in the Art of combat. Will anyone step forward to take the mantle of first place?" The Old Man spoke steadily, locking gazes with each Neophyte Sentinel. His eyes weren't overbearing, nor concealed with hidden intentions as he did so.
"I, Aldry Karizma, Heir of the Karizma Noble Clan, will take on this challenge." Aldry walked forward, his voice strong as he spoke with confidence.
"Very good, Meet your match on the stage, Aldry Karizma." The Old Man spoke. His eyes twinkled in anticipation for this match-up.
Aldry sprinted forward to gain momentum before jumping onto the stage. His eyes were consistently attached to Daniel.
"Daniel, I admire your strength! I hope that from these trade of blows, we create a friendship, rather than enmity. Let's have a good fight!" Aldry bowed his head, before taking on a low fighting stance.
Daniel smiled slightly, as he thumped a closed fist against his chest. "Likewise, Aldry. Let's have a good fight."
"Neophyte Sentinels, take your stances!" The Drums and the crowd went wild, as the suspense left everybody with barely any room to breathe.
"For the Battle of Fate, Begin!"