The professors sat around the grand observation room, their eyes fixated on the many screens that displayed the different groups of students, all preparing for the second phase of the Admission Tournament. There was a distinct air of anticipation in the room, but opinions among the faculty were varied.
"The students have been surprisingly resilient," one professor noted, adjusting their glasses. "But I'm concerned that the tournament is pushing them too far, too quickly."
"Nonsense," another professor countered, a grin tugging at the corner of their lips. "The pressure is exactly what they need. Only under immense stress will the strongest of them rise to the top."
"You're thinking too much like a combat instructor. Not all strength comes from fighting ability," chimed in a third professor, scrolling through the digital records on their Aetheris. "Some students have shown remarkable strategic thinking. It's not always the strongest that survive, but the most resourceful."
As the conversation continued, various professors shared their observations from the first phase. Some were impressed by the promising students who had stood out during the one-on-one combat, others were more analytical, focusing on the skills they could nurture or the weaknesses that needed addressing.
"The next phase will provide much more valuable data," one of the senior professors said, their eyes never leaving the screen. "It will be interesting to see how these students adapt to more than just brute combat."
Grandmaster Veridane remained silent as the discussions swirled around him, his gaze fixated on the monitors showing the many groups of students. His calm, calculating expression betrayed none of his thoughts. The others could talk as much as they wanted, but Veridane was looking for something deeper—something only a select few students would reveal in the coming trials. His eyes briefly flickered over the groups forming alliances and those that moved with caution. "Let them show their true potential," he mused silently.
....
In one of the many forests that surrounded the arena, Ash stood with his two groupmates—a calm smile playing across his lips. He looked relaxed, hands resting casually on his sword's hilt, as they discussed their strategy for the second phase.
"We should focus on completing the objectives," Ash said in his usual carefree tone. "Attacking other groups is risky, and it might take longer than simply finishing the tasks."
His teammates, a tall male student with a sharp look and a soft-spoken female student with glasses, exchanged glances.
"True," the male agreed. "But the objectives alone won't give us the highest points. Other groups may decide to eliminate weaker teams early on for an advantage."
"We'll just have to be careful," Ash replied with a light chuckle. "Besides, there's no point in being reckless. We can always adjust our plan depending on how things go."
His carefree demeanor reassured his teammates, though they both knew Ash was anything but naive. There was something in his tone, a subtle confidence that made them believe his strategy would work.
....
Across the arena, Seraphina stood with her two female groupmates, both of whom were eyeing the nearby teams warily. One of her groupmates, a fiery-looking girl with short hair, was studying the surrounding competitors with a critical eye.
"Some of these groups look like easy targets," she muttered. "We could take them down quickly and steal their points."
Seraphina, her arms crossed and her expression cold, merely nodded. "You two should focus on the objectives. I'll handle anyone who tries to interfere."
Her groupmates exchanged uncertain looks.
"Are you sure about that? What if someone stronger than us comes after you?" the second teammate, a more cautious girl, asked.
"Let them try," Seraphina replied without missing a beat. "I don't intend to waste time. We'll complete the objectives while reducing the competition."
Her teammates still seemed hesitant, but Seraphina's confidence was unwavering. She had a clear plan, and she saw no reason to doubt herself.
Not far from Seraphina's location, Soren was barking orders at his teammates with little patience.
"I'll take care of the objectives," he said sharply, folding his arms. "You two are here to support me when I need backup, nothing more."
One of his teammates, a nervous-looking boy, opened his mouth to suggest a plan, but Soren quickly cut him off.
"I don't need your ideas. Just follow my lead, and we'll be fine." His tone was harsh, his impatience evident.
The two students exchanged glances but didn't argue further. Soren wasn't interested in collaboration—he was only focused on winning, by any means necessary.
…..
Unlike the others, Gaius was surrounded by several students who seemed to be forming a temporary alliance with his group. He stood in the center of the gathering, calmly discussing plans and strategies with the others, his voice smooth and reassuring.
"We can achieve more by working together for now," he explained. "There's strength in numbers, and if we split the objectives and watch each other's backs, we can secure a better position in the tournament."
His groupmates and the allied teams nodded in agreement, unaware that Gaius was secretly logging information about each student on his Aetheris. When one of his teammates noticed the device, Gaius smoothly redirected the conversation, his charming smile never faltering.
"I'm just keeping track of our progress. Don't worry—we've got this."
Meanwhile, Caspian's group was already on the move, heading toward the area where the second phase would take place. His teammates exchanged worried looks as they followed him.
"Are we sure we should be moving this fast?" one of them asked, hesitating. "What if we run into another group unprepared?"
Caspian didn't even slow his pace. "Don't be ridiculous. If we're going to win, we need to take initiative."
His outward confidence was clear, but inside, Caspian couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He hadn't seen Kallus since the locker room incident, and the tension of knowing his rival was out there somewhere made him push forward with more urgency.
...
Elena was tapping on her Aetheris, trying to sort out the details of the second phase, but her mind kept wandering back to her failed attempt to recruit additional members for her group. She couldn't help but feel frustrated.
"It's because of him," she thought, glancing at Lucius, who stood nearby, surveying the other students. "They're all afraid of him."
Outwardly, Elena kept her calm demeanor, but inside, she couldn't help but think of the other students as cowards. No one wanted to approach Lucius, and while she understood their hesitation, she also found it irritating.
Her gaze lingered on Lucius's face for a moment too long, and when he suddenly turned to meet her eyes, she quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.
"What's wrong?" Lucius asked, his tone as neutral as ever.
"Nothing," she quickly replied. "I just… I couldn't find anyone to join us."
Lucius gave her a cryptic response. "We'll be fine."
Elena blinked in confusion, not quite understanding what he meant. Before she could ask, Lucius offered her a warm smile, something she hadn't seen from him before.
"Trust me," he added. "It's better this way."
Elena felt her heart skip a beat, though she wasn't sure why. She nodded, unsure of how to respond.
Grandmaster Veridane's voice echoed across the arena, drawing all the students' attention.
"The second phase is about to begin."
A low hum of mana filled the air as the environment around the students began to shift, the space warping with magical energy. The once ordinary landscape was now morphing into a simulated battlefield, the mana particles creating a new, unpredictable terrain.
"Remember the rules," Veridane continued, his voice stern. "Work with your teams, complete the objectives, and beware of your competitors. No killing, no poison, and no outside help. Anyone caught breaking these rules will face severe consequences."
The ground beneath the students' feet seemed to shimmer with power as the second phase was set into motion, the tension thick in the air as the challenge officially began.