The air in the arena was thick with tension as the first phase of the Admission Tournament drew to a close. All around, the murmur of hushed conversations carried through the stands. Whispers of strategy, speculation, and anticipation buzzed among the students like the quiet rustling of leaves before a storm. Everyone was sizing each other up, trying to gauge who might be friend or foe in the next phase of the tournament.
A tall figure with sharp eyes watched from the back of the group, his hands tucked into the pockets of his uniform. He didn't trust anyone here. His mind worked quickly, assessing the other students' performances in the first round. Some had shown strength, others creativity. But strength wasn't everything. He needed to find a balance—a few capable students to align with, ones who wouldn't stab him in the back the moment they thought they could advance.
No alliances yet, he thought. Let them make the first move.
A girl with long, dark hair sat in silence, her arms crossed as she glanced around the stands. Her focus was on the students who stood out—those who were more than just noble heirs riding on family names. She had seen enough of their arrogance already, but a few students had surprised her. She'd make mental notes of them.
I'll need to find the right moment. These noble beast will come crumbling down soon enough.
A boy with a nervous smile, fiddling with his Aetheris, couldn't shake the growing anxiety in his chest. He had barely made it through the first round, but he knew the tournament had only just begun. His thoughts were scattered—who should he trust? Who might be his opponent next? He kept glancing toward the stronger students, wondering if he should try to approach them now, before it was too late. But every time he took a step forward, his courage faltered, and he stayed rooted in place.
...
Among the observers, Elena Drexith moved with purpose. Her sharp Red eyes scanned the arena, her long, flowing hair bouncing lightly with each step she took. Every movement was deliberate, every glance calculated. She didn't need to be the strongest; she just needed to be the smartest.
Elena had been watching the battles closely, identifying the students who were worth approaching. She had seen enough to know that alliances would make or break a student's chances in the next phase. The Environmental Survival phase wasn't something anyone could tackle alone—not without significant risk.
As she passed a small group of third-year students, she flashed them a charming smile. "Impressive matches today," she said casually, her tone disarming. "It's always exciting to see what the younger years bring to the table, isn't it?"
One of the third-years, a girl with silver hair, raised an eyebrow. "You're not wrong," she replied. "I saw your performance, by the way. Strong showing."
Elena laughed lightly, though inwardly, she was already calculating the best way to use this interaction to her advantage. "Thanks. It's a tough crowd this year." She let her gaze sweep across the stands, feigning casual interest. "So many strong contenders. It's going to be an interesting survival phase, don't you think?"
The third-year nodded, but Elena could see the flicker of consideration in her eyes. This was just the beginning. Elena would make more small talk, more calculated interactions—laying the groundwork for potential alliances without revealing her hand too early.
Better to start now, Elena thought. Make some connections before they become enemies.
She moved on to another group of students, always careful to plant the right seeds—never too eager, never too desperate. She didn't need friends; she needed useful tools. In the game of survival, that was what mattered most.
....
In another corner of the arena, Ash Braker was all smiles as he gathered a small crowd of students around him. His upbeat attitude and easygoing nature made him approachable, and many students were naturally drawn to him. They weren't just curious about his impressive performance; they were eager to align themselves with someone who exuded confidence and charm.
Ash laughed at something one of the students said, nodding as if he'd known them for years. Inside, though, his mind was already moving ahead. He had his own plans for the next phase, and alliances were part of that. But he wasn't going to force anything. Let them come to him. That way, when the time came, he'd have the advantage of knowing who he could trust—or at least, who he could use.
I just need to keep things light, he thought. No need to make enemies right away.
Meanwhile, Seraphina Lysandor was taking a more direct approach. She stood tall, her cold crystal blue eyes surveying the students around her, many of whom averted their gazes. Her presence alone was enough to intimidate, and that was just how she liked it.
Her interactions were curt, her words precise. She wasn't interested in making friends or forming close bonds. She wanted alliances—temporary, practical, and easy to discard when they no longer served her purpose.
A small group of students cautiously approached her, hoping to catch her attention. Seraphina didn't smile, but she acknowledged their presence with a curt nod. "The Environmental Survival phase is not a game," she said coldly. "I have no use for those who hesitate."
The students exchanged nervous glances, but Seraphina's coldness only heightened their desire to impress her.
Feat is a powerful motivator, Seraphina thought, watching them carefully. I'll use it in my favor.
On the other hand, Soren, bruised but not broken from his earlier match, was also gathering his forces. Unlike Seraphina's direct approach or Ash's natural charisma, Soren relied on subtle threats and intimidation. He wasn't looking for equals—he was looking for subordinates.
"You saw what I can do," he growled to a group of students who had hesitated to join him earlier. "Do you really want to be on the wrong side when the next phase begins?"
The students, intimidated by his presence and still shaken from the earlier battle, quickly agreed. Soren smirked. This phase was about more than just survival—it was about dominance.
.....
While alliances and strategies were forming all around the arena, Lucius found himself sitting alone in the stands, watching the scene unfold. He had stayed quiet during the first phase, and now, it was painfully obvious just how isolated he had become.
Not a single person's approached me, he thought, letting out a slow breath. Just like I expected… but damn, it's still depressing.
He glanced around at the other students, all gathered in tight-knit groups. Ash was surrounded by eager students, Seraphina had her own circle of wary admirers, and even Soren was commanding a small army of followers with nothing more than a few threats.
But Lucius? He sat alone, unnoticed by the others. It wasn't surprising, considering the original Lucius had alienated almost everyone before Marcus had taken over. Still, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
Thanks, original lucius. You really set me up for success here, Lucius thought sarcastically.
Part of him wanted to be relieved that no one had approached him—it made staying out of the plot much easier. But another part, a small and uncomfortable part, couldn't help but feel… disheartened. As much as he wanted to avoid getting tangled up in the story, being completely ignored wasn't exactly the confidence boost he needed.
Lucius sighed and leaned back in his seat, staring up at the ceiling of the arena. Maybe its better this way. Less drama, fewer headaches. I just need to keep on surviving, no biggie…
He glanced down at the arena floor, where preparations for the next phase were already underway. The Environmental Survival phase was going to be brutal, and the alliances forming around him only reinforced the reality that he would be on his own.
Yup. Just me, myself, and a survival scenario. He groaned inwardly, resting his head in his hands. I'm so screwed.