That day it was very late when they headed back to their dorms.
They fell asleep as soon as they fell on the beds. They still had to wake up early too.
Thomas wanted to tell Simon about his form. He wanted to tell him that he finally succeeded. But he was not there anymore.
The next day, coincidence or not, all of them woke up late. They had to run to the classes but still, they were late.
"You are late. I told everyone that I hate students who come late to my class."
When Thomas's teacher didn't allow him to come in, Thomas could only plead for sorry.
"Why were you late?"
"Well...Yesterday, I awakened my form, so the special class took more time than other days. When we slept it was already late, so I was late when I woke up too.
Awakening the form was a good thing. So of course, the teacher finally let him in.
"Because of that, I forgive you today. But there won't be any next time."
Thomas thanked him and sat in that same usual corner all alone. It was his favourite day in class since he could also train.
"Students, today I have a special announcement about the competition."
As he said, the 6 students started mumbling to each other. Only Thomas silently listened as he saw the teacher getting furious at their disturbing manner.
"Listen! Yesterday, all the academies were taken under the control of the world magic academy. Yesterday evening, they released a special announcement. The annual competitions and all other events would be cancelled."
The teacher stopped for a moment and pressed on his ring.
As soon as he pressed it, something like a screen showed up. Thomas had no idea about what it was made of. But it didn't matter though.
The teacher started talking again while he pointed at that screen from time to time.
"They have organised a special event for all the academies. This will be held in a special place where they said they would announce it later. All the academies must attend this. The purpose is not said. But we guess that they are gonna choose new students for their academy, using this chance.
And the most special thing! You can't join this individually. You must join this as a team. For a team there must be five members. The competition is planned to be held in three months. If you want to join this competition, within these three months, you must join a group and get ready for a team fight. From our academy, we can only present two groups, so you will have a big competition just to join the competition."
It was like a warning. He was telling them that it won't be easy.
Meanwhile, the things Anderson said last night, flashed in front of Thomas. He said they made a perfect team. Was it about this? Did he know this was coming?
The students looked very excited. And also anxious. Because working as a team was obviously annoying. They didn't like that. But they had no other choice.
Working as a team was different and also difficult. You can't do anything as you want. You must need a plan and you must agree with others too.
Of course those hot-tempered guys are gonna have troubles.
That day in the classroom, the teacher discussed this upcoming competition before he started the lessons.
"If your team gets selected to join the competition, you will have to fight with other academies. So if you are not ready to face such a challenge, I suggest you stay away from joining this. Because this is not gonna be easy."
As he warned all of them beforehand, he still saw that everyone wanted to attend it. He couldn't do anything about it. But he knew with the skills of his students, it was really impossible to get selected at least to go there on behalf of their academy.
When he finished speaking, he said he should start teaching now. But suddenly an announcement said everyone should gather in the main hall. So the teacher asked them to leave and even said it must be about the competition he talked about now.
As expected it was about that.
"Hello students! I hope you have been doing well. Now I have something important to inform you guys. But I think your teachers have already informed you. It's about the competition organised by the world magic academy. Yesterday, all the academies were registered under the world magic academy, and according to their rules, our annual competition was cancelled.
This competition is gonna be a hot topic this year. And most specially competitors should compete as a team. So from our school, we have to present two groups. Since these are only for freshmen, we have to choose two groups from all of you.
So now let me ask you.
The students who want to participate in this competition, raise your hands."
As half of the students there raised their hands, Thomas also raised his hand since he knew others would also do the same as him. Even after Anderson said they made a perfect team, in their minds they believed it very high. So there was no problem with trying.
"Then the students who don't intend to participate in the competition, please go back to your classes."
As the principal said, the hall started to get more space. More than half went back to their classes.
"I see now all of you like to join this competition.
I will give all of you one hour. Make a team or join a team. All the teams must have only 5 students. Then be quick and find your team."
The principal didn't give them a lot of time to find their partners. Because he knew the more time they get, the more troubles would come up. So asking them to make a team there, at that short period was like a punishment for those who came there to develop alone. They must be capable enough to join a team in order to attend this competition.
Thomas and the others didn't get invited by anyone. As usual they were pushed away.
They didn't even have to worry about making a team. They already were a team.
Thomas saw the other four coming to him. As they finally met, Kevin couldn't keep his excitement.
"Mr Anderson is really something."
When the time ended, surprisingly, everyone had made a team with 5 people other than 13 students.
Those 13 students still had the chance to make two groups. But no one liked to team up with others. So all of them were sent back.
Then the next hardest thing.
"Choose a leader."
That's when a few groups started to argue. The principal was very displeased with them.
"If you are arguing for such a simple matter, then I am not sure how you guys gonna make a perfect team. Go back!"
Like that six more groups were sent back. The principal was very cunning in his work.
Meanwhile, in a few groups, no one wanted to be the leader or be responsible. Because of that, 2 more groups were sent back.
After everyone was done choosing the leader for their groups, the principal looked at the faces of the students left there.
Then he finally showed a smile.
"Okay...It's done. Remember you can't change groups now. If you want, then be ready to quit participating."
As he said with a smile, the students started to murmur. Seemed like they were thinking of changing groups later. That was also done.
"Now listen. I see now we have 59 groups. You know that this competition is all about team working. All of you, don't have to attend your normal classes anymore. We have 59 teachers here. You team can choose one teacher and practice from now on. After two weeks, we hold a match to select that two groups who will be attending on our academy's behalf."
Then, the teachers he said waited till the students choose them. Before others get their teacher Anderson, Thomas and others quickly ran to him.
"Is Lily the leader?"
"Yes!"
He knew them well. They knew it was always Lily who had the power to control them. She was the most suitable person to be the leader.
"Then are you ready for the challenge?"
Anderson, who knew everything beforehand, encouraged them to go to the highest place.
"Yes!"