The next day, the day of the exhibition match, it rained mercilessly. Luckily, by the time of the exhibition match, the rain petered out to a drizzle.
Over the top of the Colosseum, to make sure spectators did not get wet, a hood curved over the top. It created a shadow in the Colosseum but it was gone when the lights were turned on.
Today, I came with Kana and Tatsuya.
"Do you think the first-years have a chance, Shoya?"
"I don't know but I don't think it'll be good."
They looked almost unreliable. Plus, the American branch has a variety of classes compared to us. It would be a matter of matchups.
[Hello everyone!]
Someone greeted the spectators as a holographic screen appeared in mid-air.
"It's not that one guy from last time. I'm surprised."
Kana said, almost intrigued.
"I, on the other hand, am happy."
He was annoying. Whatever that guy's name was? I didn't like him.
The announcer was a woman. A woman that I knew. Merlyn Pandora. For some reason, she was announcing which didn't seem to fit her image. Everyone was excited either way.
[I am Merlyn Pandora and I will be your announcer today, alongside a guest, Principal Kamish!]
The screen switched to the principal, who smiled at the camera.
['I'm happy to be here and I'm happy that I'm able to commentate for an exhibition match like this. We had an event similar last year and I heard it went well. So, I invited the American branch here to have another one to lift everyone's spirit.']
They then went on to explain the rules. It was similar to last time, not that I remember too well. The rules were 10-minute bouts. No limit to the use of lethal spells due to the principal's Singularity protecting the students. To make it fair, weapons will be provided by the school, excluding summoned weapons and mana weapons. One could win by restriction, knockout, out-of-bounds or mana depletion. Generally, the same rules as last time. The only difference was the stages that the Landscaper would change to. Since a year ago, they improved it and changed the possible stages.
The matchups went like this:
Mashiro vs Chain
Alicia vs Stan
Ryouta vs Tianna
Kamina vs Nate
Yuichi vs Keith
Yuri vs Aurora
"I looked at their profiles and they looked strong."
Kana said, putting her phone into her pocket.
"I'm not sure our branch will get much from this. Compared to our year and the third-years, they don't look strong. Ah, is that wrong to assume?"
"No, I also agree with you, Kana. I doubt they can win. Well, at least, we have two wins guaranteed."
"How can you be so confident?"
Tatsuya asked.
"You could say it's a hunch."
The first match would begin any second. Mashiro and Chain faced each other, scowling at one another. It was clear that they were sizing each other up like two predators in the wild.
The stage that was selected by the Landscaper was a water stage called Hydro Falls. It consists of a large waterfall and two separate areas of land, on each side of the waterfall, along with rocks in the stream that could be used as stable land.
['The match will begin in...']
The spectators also chanted.
["3, 2, 1!"]
There was a bell and the match began.
None of the two attacked straight away, which annoyed some of the spectators. They still scowled at each other, instead of moving.
However, Chain made the first move.
[Chain seems to be doing something. Ah, it seems like she's using a summoning circle. A weapon, perhaps.]
"That's... She's an Armament Contractor."
Tatsuya muttered.
"Wait, but she was classed as a summoner, not a contractor?"
Kana stated, surprised.
Does that mean she has something up her sleeve?
A pair of sai appeared in her hand. From her smile, I'm assuming that's what she wanted.
Mashiro grew fox ears and a large fluffy tail. She got low to the ground, ready to pounce at Chain.
['That looks like a wonderful Singularity.']
Kamish said, practically talking to herself.
The moment she changed her stance, Chain launched herself at Mashiro. The sai transfigured into two kodachi, clad in potent mana.
She slashed relentlessly at Mashiro, who swiftly dodged each slice. The shockwaves from the kodachi cut some branches from trees behind them. Mashiro carefully watched the kodachi, slicing the air, before she closed the distance and struck forward. Chain spun around her and stepped on her tail, sending impulses down Mashiro's spine.
It looked painful. Cats don't like having their tail stepped on. Neither does Kuro if I'm correct.
[Mashiro seems immobilised! Will this be the end?]
Merlyn seems to be having fun commentating.
Chain turned her kodachi to the flat side and struck down at Mashiro's neck—there was a sharp CLANG!
Chrysus appeared, like a guardian angel, blocking the kodachi with her golden gauntlets.
It's saying something if Chrysus doesn't use her peacock feathers. They're an impregnable defence.
['Oh, seems like Mashiro has a familiar by her side.']
[I wonder when she summoned it. I saw no summoning circle.]
"That golden armour looks so cool. I wonder how strong that familiar is."
"It does look strong, seeing how it blocked the kodachi, even if it was the flat side, its defences must be strong."
"Yeah..."
Kana made a good and accurate deduction.
Chain was unnerved. As she tried to retreat, Chrysus drew an ensō in the air with her palm. It turned golden, before blasting Chain away and everything behind her.
[A powerful move from the familiar! Mashiro is okay but is Chain down for the count?!]
"That move is scary. Who knew that girl had a familiar like that with her?"
"You're telling me..."
I'm happy that Chrysus didn't use that against me. I probably would've been dead if she did.
The smoke cleared up and Chain laid on the ground, or what remained of it, unconscious.
['The winner of the match is Mashiro! This means that it starts in the Japanese branch's favour!]
Hopefully, the rest of the match goes this smoothly, leading to our win.
·———·
"Faith, do you have the Key's location?"
Regulus asked his servant.
"She's currently in her dorm. She seems to be down with a fever."
"Usually, I would do something that's more fun than kidnapping her, but it can't be helped. I wouldn't do this too, but..."
Regulus used one of his Singularities; his eyes changed and so did his hair colour. His build became slightly smaller and his face changed.
An insidious smile perked up his face.
"I thought using the faces of someone alive was impossible with that Singularity, Master."
"Using. Replicating isn't impossible, though that means you three won't have disguises for a while. I'll have a little fun before we take her. Tell Ophelia to book a ship for later tonight."
"Yes, Master."
Faith disappeared without another word.