Dylan had done the best he could to win his match, just like how Kayden, Paul, and Shawn had did during theirs. However, after all his efforts, hearing from the announcer himself that his match had ended in a draw, he wasn't sure how to feel about it. For one, he had just proven that he was no better than his older sister, who hadn't been chosen for this competition during her own time last year. Moreover, he was sure that she was currently mocking him from the other room meant for the second year students.
"Since neither of you won the match, no student year is earning a poing. That is all I have to say for now. You all can now head your ways," the announcer said, dismissing both students. Dylan couldn't stop thinking about his loss today. However, upon entering the waiting room, Kayden and a few other quickly went over to congratulate him. He may not have won, but he was still one of the few of them who was able to hold his own against a second year student. That was still an impressive feat in its own right.
It was finally time for the last match of the day. So far, everyone present had been taken through major highs and lows, experiencing massive joy over wins, and immense misery over loss, particularly from the second year students. They didn't take it lightly whenever they lost a match. To them, it was a jab at their strength and pride, two things they would always do their best to protect no matter what.
The next two fighters to combat had been called, and stepping into the ring, from the first year students, was a female student named Sophia Monica. And, from the second year students, the last contestant who would be participating today was a girl named Margaret Monica. These two were sisters, and now, they would be facing off against each other, not only to see who is more skilled and well-versed in tactics, but also to prove who is the better sibling.
The match had begun, and the timer had begun. These two contestants had tidal class abilities. Their abilities allow them to create and control ice at will. Using her ability, Sophia quickly surrounded herself in a thick film of ice. Using her ability this way wouldn't affect her. However, if it was her sister who had used her ability on her, then she would be feeling the intense effects of the cold.
Increasing the amount of ice around her body, she was doing her best to protect herself from whatever attack that would come her way. Meanwhile, seeing this, Margaret channelled a large amount of Mana into the palm of her hands, causing them to glow bright blue in colour. Shooting both hands out, a massive breeze filled with ice particles shot out, heading towards Sophia at a rapid pace. The attack had covered the entirety of the left side of the Arena. The only thing that was currently keeping her safe was the ice film around her body.
However, that was slowly beginning to give out, as her sister's ice was gradually consuming her own. It was only a matter of time until she would loss.
Suddenly, a dinging sound could be heard, signalling the end of the match, causing Margaret's eyes to go wide in shock. Her eyes darted left and right, but she could clearly see, as displayed by the large screen above, that the timer had gotten to zero. She had just lost the match, and she was quite sure that her peers weren't going to take this loss lightly. Moreover, she couldn't even bring herself to understand how she had lost her fight in the first place.
Sophia, upon realizing this, was filled with joy. She had just bested her own sister today, in this match. She couldn't begin to express her excitement and joy as the announcer had declared her as the winner of the match. Walking back into the waiting area, most of the students there were quick to congratulate her on her win. From the names that were called, they knew that these two were related, so after seeing her pull a win, they were more than happy for her, and glad that they had stolen another win from the snobby second year students.
In less than an hour, ten matches had taken place, each spanning for nothing more than ten seconds. During those matching, the spectating students, as well as those in the VIP area, were paying close attention to the participating students during their matches. Just as this was a training experience for the first year students, it was also an opportunity for them to get selected and taken away to receive further training from one of the influential individuals present today.
Today, the first year students had ended up loosing against the second year students, scoring four points, while the second year students ended up scoring five points. While the first year students were waiting in a separate room, the announcer had decided to call out the names of all ten of the students who had participated today.
Heading out into the Arena, they all assembled before the announcer, as well as the officials in the VIP area. They were all aware of those who had won today, and now, it was time to see who will be selected out of today's event.
From the VIP area, a old man wearing a dark suit and glasses had stood up, clearing his throat, before speaking through a microphone which was made available in the VIP area. He was about to state who he will be choosing to train in the future.
Although today, the winning students would be taken away to receive further training, they would still be allowed to come back for the academy to participate in major class activities, such as the expedition course. They were still military students in the first place, so they still had the responsibility of following the school's curriculum.
"After witnessing all of these young students display their talents today, I must admit that they all have potential, and a bright future awaits each and everyone of them in the future. However, for today, I must only choose one of the winning students, and so, the student who will be leaving this academy with me to receive further training outside is... Paul-"
Just as the old man was about to finish his sentence, a loud shriek could be heard, and not long after, a large figure had descended into the centre of the Arena, barring its jagged teeth and claws at everyone and everything present. This creature had three tails extending from its exterior. Sharp claws and teeth. Three large horns and two smaller horns on its head. A spiny head. Blue skin. Yellow glowing eyes.
This creature stood over six feet tall, wearing wizard clothing. It produced a hissing sound as it turned its head left and right. Everyone present had quickly gone into a state of panic. The students couldn't stop screaming as they scattered all across the Arena, trying their best to make an exit.
Seeing as the people were trying to leave, the creature began to gather its energy in its right hand, and hurling the attack forward, it collided with the large double doors, causing them to burst open in flames, forcing the students to come to a halt. Glancing back at the creature, it wasn't long until it started charging at them as well, with its mouth wide open.
As well, the ten students, who had been called into the Arena, began running in all sorts of directions, doing the best they could to get to safety. Paul, Shawn, Hilda, and others, quickly made their way back into the waiting room, right after seeing what the creature had done to the large double doors. Although that may not have been the smartest option, right now, everyone was far too stressed to think clearly.
Meanwhile, upon laying his eyes upon the creature, Kayden's body was reacting strangely to it. In the middle of his thoughts, a dinging sound could be heard from his mind, and appearing right in front of his eyes, was something he hadn't seen in almost a month. In response to the appearance of this creature, the system had given him a quest.
[Quest Received]
[You have come in close proximity to a Shale]
[However, you are far too weak to do anything against it]
[Survive]
[Reward: An Upgrade]
Reading the information, Kayden couldn't help but agree with what the system had to say. Although he was mad at the fact that it took so long for it to finally give him another quest, after he had failed the first one he had been given. He had run into the waiting room, along with the others, hoping that the higher ups would be able to deal with the current threat.
___________
I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
My goal is to one day become a famous author.
If you want my dream to become a reality, then please keep on reading and support this work.
I'm glad to see that so may of you are currently enjoying the story. If you're interested, then perhaps you could consider joining my discord.