The sound of the trumpet continued for a full minute before Anon decided to stop. Afterward, he placed the trumpet down.
Following this, Anon gracefully leaped down from the wall and landed directly in the arena.
He retrieved his shoes and coat from Sam and returned back to his seat beside Fiona. Silently sitting down, he puts his sunglasses back on.
"You can start the tournament now," Anon said, as he went back to sleep.
"Start the tournament," Fiona ordered with a smile as she retook her seat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it appears the time for the Academic Exchange to commence has arrived, and I can assure you that this year's event will be the most exciting of the entire year," Sam announced as he stepped down from the stage, making way for a young woman of about 600 years old to take his place.
"Hello, everyone. I am the head of the match-setting committee for this year's Academic Exchange Event. I will now announce the first three matches to be held in today's Duel tournament.
So, the first match will be...
Mr. Terry from the Ground Dreams Academy vs. Miss Elowen from the H.P. School of Magic.
The second match will be...
Mr. Gryphon from Tramandine University of Sorcerers vs. Mr. Rowan from the S.A. Academy of Magi.
The third match will be...
Mr. Eldric Elson from Blossom Bliss Academy vs. Mr. Jule, the candidate of the Royal Side.
To those whose names I just called, please proceed to the preparation room. Thank you, everyone," the woman announced before quietly stepping down from the stage.
"Mr. Jule, your name has been called. You should—" Before Maison could finish his sentence, Fiona interrupted him.
"Let him sleep... He'll go when he needs to," Fiona spoke as she showed him the gesture to stop.
"Y-YES, My Queen," Maison replied, immediately backing off.
A small grin appeared on Anon's face.
Sam returned to the stage and began speaking again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to commence the first match of the Academic Exchange with two young students from newly opened academies. Please welcome Mr. Terry from the Ground Dreams Academy."
Clap-Clap-Clap
The audience applauded as a young man with black hair, black eyes, and an average build entered the arena.
"So, Terry... What do you think? What's going to happen today? Do you believe you will win the first match of the academic exchange?" Sam asked.
"Well, what can I say, Sam? It's not about winning or losing. It's about me fighting against a girl. Come on, the match committee could have done a better job. Why would you pair me with a woman?" Terry spoke without hesitation.
"Ummm.... Cough-Cough-Cough Well, it seems Mr. Terry is quite confident. Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome our next student, who is also Terry's opponent. Please welcome Miss Elowen from the H.P. School of Magic."
A woman, around 50 years old with brown hair, golden eyes, and a striking figure, walked up to the stage.
"Hello, Elowen. What would you like to say to Mr. Terry? Any advice for him?" Sam asked with a smile.
"Well, I have one thing to say to him. You're going to get fucked up very bad, Terry. Today, I'll prove that your university is shit-faced," Elowen spoke with a neutral expression.
"Whoa, that's something. It seems both contestants are full of energy and ready to fight. But let me explain the rules of this competition before you start battling each other.
This tournament will take place inside the Immortal Arena, so there's nothing to worry about; you can't die.
The match will last for 15 minutes. If you step out of the arena, you're out. If 15 minutes pass and both candidates are still in the arena, the Immortal Arena's effects will be removed, and any damage you take afterward will not be healed.
You have to fight until one of you goes down, and killing is forbidden. If you kill your opponent after the Immortal Ring disappears, you will be killed as well.
That's why I suggest that the candidates keep a close eye on this giant sand timer glass; it will indicate when your 15 minutes are up.
That's all for the rules. You can use anything in the tournament, and you can attempt to defeat your opponent within the first 15 minutes of the tournament.
Thank you, everyone. I'll step off the stage now," Sam said as he walked toward the sand timer glass.
"I will crush you," Terry declared.
"I'll toss you out before you can even move," Elowen replied.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to start the first match of the Academic Exchange. Candidates, take your positions and be ready," Sam said as he prepared to rotate the sand timer glass to start the countdown.
Both Terry and Elowen assumed their positions and summoned their weapons. Terry summoned a sword, while Elowen summoned a wand.
"3...2.....1..... GO!" Sam announced as he flipped the sand timer glass and started the sand flow.
Anon immediately opened his eyes and observed both of them.
"Who do you think will win?" Fiona asked.
Anon promptly used his skill on both students.
(Demonic Eyes)
[Name: Terry]
[Class: Swordsman]
[Race: Elf]
[Level: 50]
[Status: A mediocre swordsman who typically employs a single sword style in combat.]
(Demonic Eyes)
[Name: Elowen]
[Class: Mage]
[Race: Elf]
[Level: 70]
[Status: An average mage student with a desire to capture your attention and potentially become your concubine.]
"Wow," Anon remarked after reading Elowen's description.
"What's wrong? Is something amiss?" Fiona inquired.
"Ah, no, no... that girl is strong. She will win the match," Anon said with a smile as he gazed at Elowen.
"Exactly... I'm thinking the same thing," Fiona agreed.
'Ahhh... Mr. Jule is looking at me with a smile. I have to defeat this pimp and capture his attention even more,' Elowen thought as she smiled at Terry.
"Drunken Sword Swing Technique..." Terry shouted as his body became exceedingly flexible, and he began to move as if he is heavily stoned.
"Root Grasp...." Elowen initiated her skill, causing two thick roots to sprout from the arena's ground and ensnare Terry's legs.
"What the heck? Let me go, woman. I'll kill you..." Terry yelled as he realized he couldn't move from his spot. He attempted to cut the roots with his sword, but the more he cut, the more they grew.
"Whoa... it appears that Mrs. Elowen has entangled Terry with her roots, and there's no easy way out," Sam announced.
"Release me, you bitch!" Terry began to exclaim, but a sound interrupted him.
"Fireball..."
Boooom
Suddenly, a fireball struck Terry's body, propelling him out of the arena.
"Wow.... Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have a winner for the first round. Let's have a big round of applause for Mrs. Elowen," Sam declared.
Clap-Clap-Clap
The audience erupted in applause, marking the end of the first round of the Academic Exchange Event.
"No, she cheated. I don't know how, but she cheated. I can't be defeated by a woman. I'm a man, damn it!" Terry shouted as two guards forcibly ejected him from the Colosseum.
"Well, it appears that Mr. Terry can't accept the truth, but now that it's been thrust upon him, he'll have to come to terms with it.
Now, without further delay, let's commence the next round of the duel.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our next round's competitors...
Mr. Gryphon from Tramandine University of Sorcerers, this guy is also called the lion of the Second senior year.
Once, he fought off a demon from the academy on his own and saved his girlfriend from a Demon Bull." Sam announced.
A young man with muscular body, Black hairs and Black eyes promptly entered the arena and waved to the audience.
"Hello, Mr. Gryphon. How are you feeling today?" Sam asked with a smile.
"Well, I'm feeling blessed today, Sam. It's as if Lady Luck is on my side, and I'm brimming with energy. I suggest you ask my opponent how he's feeling because I'm positively charged and i will tear apart anything or anyone who comes in front of me now, of course not you." Gryphon replied while flexing his biceps for everyone to see.
"Wow, it looks like Mr. Gryphon is in a highly energetic mood, just like Terry," Sam commented.
"Hey, what do you mean by that?" Gryphon immediately inquired, puzzled.
"Ah, nothing, sir. Well, why don't we welcome our next student... Everyone, please welcome Mr. Rowan," Sam said as a young man around 56 years old ascended to the stage.
Rowan had an unusual air about him, with his pale complexion, long hair obscuring his face.
"Who is he?" Anon asked Fiona, puzzled.
"He's a student of the S.A. Academy of Magi. They specialize in dark arts. Don't be deceived by his appearance; he's quite formidable," Fiona replied.
"Ah, I see," Anon responded as he used his skill to inspect Rowan.
(Demonic Eyes)
[Name: Rowan]
[Race: Elf]
[Class: Dark Martial Artist]
[Level: 68]
[Description: A rather enigmatic individual whose body has been trained in a harsh environment. Despite his slender appearance, he possesses great strength. After delving into dark arts, he lost his sanity and became a pawn of the academy.]
"Wow, that's quite an academic history," Anon thought as he observed Rowan.
"Well, I'll step down from the stage now," Sam said as he descended and approached the sand timer glass.
"Candidates, summon your weapons and prepare to fight," Sam announced.
Gryphon promptly summoned a broadsword into his hands, while Rowan enveloped his body in a dark, foreboding mana.
"I thought dark magic was prohibited?" Anon asked Fiona.
"That academy isn't under our jurisdiction. They teach on the coastlines, so there's little we can do about them. They only participate in this tournament," Fiona explained.
"3... 2... 1... GO!" Sam shouted as he flipped the sand timer glass, setting the sand flowing.
"Die, you damned practitioner of dark arts!" Gryphon yelled as he charged toward Rowan with great speed.
Rowan didn't budge from his spot; it was as if he was waiting for something.
"Why isn't he moving?" Maison wondered aloud.
"He's waiting," Anon stated.
"Waiting? Waiting for what?" Maison asked, confused.
"He's waiting for his opponent to commit to a certain direction or action, providing him with an opening," Anon replied with a smile.
"Hyyyaaaaa....." Just as Gryphon halted at a particular distance and swung his sword, Rowan moved at an incredible speed.
Dodging Gryphon's sword, Rowan appeared behind him.
"Huh...?" Before Gryphon could grasp what had occurred, a punch pierced through his chest.
"Guhhhhh..." Gryphon coughed up blood and perished on the spot.
"What a ruthless young man," Fiona remarked as she gazed at Rowan.
"Hmm...? Is that ruthless to you?" Anon asked with a puzzled expression.
"What do you mean?" Fiona inquired, puzzled.
"Ah, nothing. Let's continue watching," Anon said with a smile.
The Immortal Arena shimmered, and Gryphon was revived. However, this time, he didn't give Rowan a chance to attack. Swiftly and fluidly, Gryphon swung his sword, cutting Rowan into five pieces while he was still in mid-air.
Chek
Thud-Thud-Thud-Thud-Thud
Rowan's body parts fell to the ground like pieces of a puzzle, and he didn't utter a sound.
"W-Wow... it's a one-on-one, ladies and gentlemen. Initially, Rowan killed Mr. Gryphon, but this time, Gryphon killed Rowan. These two students are highly skilled in combat, as anyone can see," Sam announced.
"What's wrong with that kid? Why did he let his opponent get up? He could have killed him before he even woke up," Anon grumbled in irritation.
"That's called honor, Mr. Jule. It's a quality displayed by those who fight on the royal side as well," Mrs. Glen stated mockingly from behind.
"Is it necessary?" Anon inquired of Fiona.
"Winning is the most important thing, Mr. Jules. When you enter that arena, you either win or lose. The choice is yours. Honor matters more when you fight on the coastlines and borders of the elven kingdom.
You're not a knight either, so do whatever it takes to win," Fiona replied.
Mrs. Glen fell silent after hearing the Queen's response.
"Alright, then. I'll do as I please," Anon replied with a smile.
The Immortal Arena shone once more, and Rowan was revived.
"Come at me, you bastard...." Gryphon taunted.
Rowan immediately sprinted toward Gryphon, but as soon as he entered a certain range, Gryphon activated his skill.
"Deep Cuts..."
Suddenly, Gryphon's broadsword was enveloped in a sharp red aura as he moved it with astonishing speed, slicing Rowan into five pieces.
Chek
Thud-Thud-Thud-Thud-Thud
Rowan's body parts fell like a hotdog, and not a sound escaped his lips.
"Woahhhhh... Impressive! Ladies and gentlemen, we have the winner of our second round... Mr. Gryphon. Let's give him a big round of applause!" Sam shouted.
Clap-Clap-Clap
The audience erupted in applause.
"Well, it's time, everyone. Time to witness our Royal Candidate in action.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr.Jule to the stage," Sam announced.
Clap-Clap-Clap
The applause filled the arena as everyone turned their attention towards Anon.
"Mr. Jule, I believe it's your turn to step down and fight," Fiona remarked, looking at Anon.
"I know," Anon replied as he rose from his seat and leaped into the arena.
Anon landed gracefully on the arena floor, acknowledging the audience with a smile as he waved his hand.
"Mr. Jule, please share your feelings about fighting on the side of Royalty," Sam inquired.
"Just bring my opponent. I don't care for idle chatter," Anon responded with a stern expression.
"Very well. Now that Mr. Jule is here, let's introduce his opponent.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Eldric Elson from Blossom Bliss Academy," Sam announced.
As soon as Sam made the announcement, a rumbling sound echoed from the entrance hall of the arena.
"Is it getting warm in here?" A man with an average build, an elegant figure, a handsome face, and well-groomed hair remarked as he entered the arena. He exuded a refreshing energy and the pure scent of blossoms.
"Mr. Jule, huh?" Eldric inquired with a smile.
"Yes," Anon replied with a serious demeanor.
"Don't get too full of yourself, kid. Just because you have that ancient Trumpet doesn't mean you'll win this match. I'll crush you like an ant and make you a laughingstock in front of everyone.
I did some research on your background. It's said you mentally tormented a student named Oxmaul and then killed his entire family, except for his mother. Is that true?" Eldric asked with a smirk.
"Every word of it is true," Anon responded without hesitation.
Eldric closed the distance between them and whispered in Anon's ear, "Try me."
Anon burst into laughter, a maniacal laugh that sent shivers down Eldric's spine.
"Hmm...? What's so amusing?" Eldric asked, confused.
"I find it amusing because you've just given me permission. Those who didn't grant me permission suffered like weaklings. I'm curious to see what happens to you," Anon replied with a psychopathic grin.
"Ahahah... What are we waiting for? Let's start this match now," Sam interjected as he stepped down from the stage and headed toward the Sand Timer Glass.
"Summon your weapons and prepare to fight," Sam announced.
Eldric promptly summoned a wand into his hand, while Anon summoned nothing, standing there bare-handed.
"Aren't you going to summon your weapon?" Eldric asked with a smirk.
"I don't need them to deal with the likes of you," Anon replied, his smile unnerving.
"Ah... that smile," a woman sitting beside Jessica remarked.
Jessica turned to look at the woman, who turned out to be Eve, with Deris beside her.
"Excuse me? What's wrong with his smile?" Jessica inquired, confused.
"Huh...? You wouldn't understand. There's nothing wrong with the smile. It's just that whenever I've seen him smile like that, his opponents never left the arena with their sanity intact," Eve explained.
"Ummm... Can you explain?" Jessica pressed for more information.
"Oh, you'll see in just a minute," Eve replied, her attention back on the arena.
"HoHoHo... You're going to meet a gruesome end, and I'm going to relish it," Eldric taunted as he noticed that Anon was fighting without a weapon.
"3... 2... 1... Fight!" Sam shouted as he flipped the sand timer glass, causing the sand to flow to the other side.
"Water Bullets!" Eldric shouted, summoning thousands of water bullets around him and firing them at Anon.
Anon sighed and raised his hand, stopping the water bullets in mid-air. He then released them, and they fell to the ground like ordinary droplets.
"Haha... Nice try," Eldric remarked, immediately erecting a defensive barrier to protect himself from Anon's counterattack.
However, to his surprise, Anon didn't attack; he simply stood there, smiling.
"You missed your chance to attack me, loser," Eldric taunted. "Icicle Shards."
Eldric summoned thousands of icicle shards behind him. "Die!" he shouted as he hurled them toward Anon.
Once again, Anon raised his hand, using his telekinesis to stop all the icicle shards in mid-air, causing them to drop harmlessly to the ground.
"Shit..." Eldric muttered as he activated his defensive barrier once more. He was certain Anon would finally strike, but to his bewilderment, Anon remained motionless.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, Mr. Jule isn't attacking Mr. Eldric; he's merely blocking Eldric's attacks. Is this some sort of challenge for Mr. Eldric, or is Mr. Jule merely mocking him?" Sam commented, laughing.
"You son of a... Are you making fun of me?" Eldric demanded angrily.
Anon merely smirked and reached into his inventory. Eldric strengthened his defensive barrier, thinking Anon was about to withdraw a weapon. To his shock, Anon pulled out a cigar.
Anon lit the cigar and took a long drag.
Puff
"What a delightful flavor," Anon remarked as he exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"You, bastard! You want to toy with me?" Eldric shouted, pointing his wand at Anon and beginning to chant a spell.
"Ah, damn it... that's a tier-3 spell. Mr. Jule needs to stop him before he completes the incantation," Maison whispered.
"Shhh... Let me observe without any interruptions, Maison. It's getting interesting," Fiona ordered.
"Yes, my queen," Maison replied, quieting down.
"Frost Nova..." Eldric chanted, releasing a beam of compressed ice directly at Anon's face.
Anon inhaled a large plume of smoke into his mouth and flicked away his cigar.
His chest started shining into golden colour and his throat shone in a shade of light green colour as he looked at the frost Nova approaching towards his direction.
"Ah, shit... cover your ears." Jessica warned Eve and Deris as she covered her own ears.
Eve and Deris followed Jessica's instructions and covered their ears as looked at Anon in confusion.
(Deafening Roar)
BHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
A thunderous roar erupted from Anon's mouth, resembling the trumpet he had played earlier. Everyone in the Colosseum covered their ears, their eyes wide in astonishment.
The Frost Nova couldn't even reach Anon due to the deafening roar's ultimate sound waves , and Eldric felt an incredible force pushing him back.
His ears started bleeding and his skin started peeling off of his muscles.
[Deafning Roar] [S-Rank] [Commentator Exclusive Skill]
[Deafening Roar is a legendary skill, attainable only by the most exceptional individuals who have reached the pinnacle of their abilities. It is a technique that harnesses the essence of raw power, channeling it through the practitioner's very being to produce a devastating and awe-inspiring effect.
To wield the Deafening Roar, one must first gather their inner energy, drawing it into their chest with a profound focus. This energy is then meticulously channeled to enchant the vocal cords with the purest and most potent form of mana, a magical essence that transcends ordinary spells.
Once the enchanting process reaches its culmination, the stored energy in the practitioner's chest is released with a force that defies comprehension. It courses through the vocal cords, transforming into an unparalleled sonic wave of destruction.]
Anon halted the skill after one minute.
All eyes were fixed on Eldric, whose eyes had receded deep into their sockets. His muscles and bones were visible, his skin peeled from his body. It appeared as though he were still standing in the arena, but in reality, he had perished 32 seconds ago.
Anon discontinued his skill, retrieved another cigar from his inventory, and lit it, puffing away as if nothing had transpired.
"T-That skill... How did he obtain such a skill?" Mrs. Glen asked, her expression filled with shock.
Not only Mrs. Glen but everyone around the Queen, including the guards, royal ministers, and even the royal mages, were astonished.
"He must have acquired that skill when he blew the trumpet. Our father always spoke of it, that the one who played the Trumpet would receive unimaginable power. Is this the power of which our father spoke?" Fiona pondered, gazing at Anon with a smile.
Jessica had similar thoughts as she observed Anon.
"L-Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Jule used a single skill to eliminate his opponent without even laying a hand on him. Is this the might of royalty? Could Mr. Jule truly win this year's Academic Exchange Event and alter the course of history?" Sam declared.
"Master, did you acquire that skill from the Trumpet?" Jessica inquired.
"Yes, my dear," Anon confirmed.
"I knew it."
Suddenly, the immortal arena illuminated, and Eldric's body was restored to its original state.
"Haaaaaah...." Eldric exhaled deeply as he returned to life.
"Welcome back," Anon greeted with a smile.
Eldric began to sweat profusely and took cautious steps backward.
"Where do you think you're going?" Anon asked as he disappeared from his position and reappeared behind Eldric.
Eldric sensed a menacing aura behind him, compelling him to cast a defensive barrier around his body.
"U-Ultimate Defense B-Barrier..." Eldric stammered fearfully, covering himself in a thick mana barrier. It was his most potent defensive skill.
"Hehe... Let's see what this barrier of yours can withstand," Anon said as he seized Eldric's neck from behind and threw him to the ground. Eldric's mana barrier prevented him from sustaining damage, but he was immobilized, unable to move or flee from Anon's presence.
"What's happening? It's like my entire body is frozen; I can't take a single step... I lack the strength to even stand up in front of him. What should I do—guh..." Before he could muster any strength, Anon stood over his chest, pointing him toward the ground.
Then, Anon aimed his finger at Maison.
"Hmm... Is he pointing at me?" Maison asked, puzzled.
"He is... I believe," one of the royal ministers remarked.
Anon redirected his finger, pointing it back at Eldric.
Maison, his expression filled with anger, rose from his seat.
"This rascal..." Maison uttered, his tone furious.
"Maison, sit down... Don't let him provoke you," Mrs. Glen advised.
Anon grinned, took a deep drag on his cigar, and exhaled smoke, concentrating mana into his chest, as he had done before, but this time, the energy was five times more potent.
"N-No... N-Noooo..." Eldric cried out, but it was clear what was going to occur.
Anon's chest radiated with a golden glow, while his throat emitted a dark green light.
"My Queen, the energy within his body is extremely destructive. If he releases that energy toward the boy, it will shatter the immortal formation beneath the ground, and Eldric will perish," one of the mages warned, panic in his voice.
Sam heard the news and announced it loudly, "Mr. Jule... Stop! You will kill him. The immortal formation will shatter..."
"Damn it... I can't control it. The energy within my chest is escalating rapidly, becoming more unmanageable with each passing second. If I make even the slightest movement, my throat will explode, and the audience seated in front of me will perish," Anon realized, struggling to hold the energy within. Blood streamed from his eyes, and the glow from his chest intensified with each passing moment.
Everyone watched, waiting to see what would happen next.
Eve and Deris were equally curious about Anon's course of action.
"The energy within his chest is incredibly concentrated. If he releases it, the immortal formation will be destroyed..." Mike observed from above the Colosseum.
"You can't go... Everyone will see you," No.300 advised Mike, attempting to restrain him.
"N-No... Please... I beg you," Eldric pleaded desperately, unable to escape even when Anon removed his foot from his chest.
'LINKKKKKK....' Anon shouted mentally.
[I understand, Master.]
Link took his original snake form and wrapped around Anon's neck.
[Master, I will reposition your neck to face the sky.]
'DO IT...FASTTTTT' Anon ordered.
Link arched his hood backward, shifting Anon's neck upward toward the sky.
[NOW, MASTER....] Link spoke.
As soon as Anon's gaze met the sun, he opened his mouth and unleashed the roar towards the sky.
Everyone covered their ears and stood up, even the Queen herself rose from her royal chair, her face etched in astonishment.
"Beautiful..." Fiona spoke.
(Deafening Roar, Seventh and Last Form: SOARING THROUGH THE HEAVENS)
BHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
The sound tore holes in the clouds and sliced through the air. It resembled a massive dragon ascending to the heavens.
Meanwhile, Link struggled to maintain his form, as the energy emanating from Anon's throat was immensely destructive. If he released his hold on Anon's throat, his body would explode along with Anon's throat.
[I warned you, Master, to keep your anger in check...] Link spoke with a tense voice as he tightened the grip around his neck.
Anon's roar on that day became the sole sound heard across all the kingdoms of the holy land simultaneously.
Human Kingdom...
"What was that?" Derein, who sat atop her castle with Arthur, asked as she heard the sound.
"Eh... Probably some child playing with a toy in the garden," Arthur replied nonchalantly, leaning in to kiss Derein.
Dwarf Kingdom...
"What the hell was that ?" An old dwarf questioned.
"I don't know, My King. It's coming from the Elven Kingdom. Our radars have detected something very unusual at the centre of the elven kingdom." Another Dwarf answered.