The time for Combat Session had finally arrived.
Looking at his phone, it was June 17, 2148.
Two weeks had passed since Brandon's arrival in this world.
Looking around, students had already gathered. From what he knew, there were a total of 100 people in his Combat Class section.
Meaning, a total of 50 pairs.
Also...
'There are new faces...'
It seemed like there were new classmates in their class. Most likely because some had already been expelled.
Glancing at his side, Amy stood tense and silent.
The two had not exchanged any words since arriving in the room.
In front of them was Evelyn Cessna, their Professor, standing on the podium.
She seemed to be checking a bunch of documents, before redirecting her gaze to the students in front of her.
"I hope you all have practiced enough. Here are the details for today's session."
She then reached out towards a white device on the table in front of her, clicking the button.
Wooosh—
As soon as she did, a blue holographic frame materialized. On it were what seemed to be the details for whatever was planned for today.
[Combat Session]
[Type: Battle Royale]
[Location: Virtual Simulation Room]
[Objective: The primary objective of the battle royale is to be the last pair standing.]
[Environment: The virtual simulation will feature diverse and dynamic environments, including forests, mountains, ruins, beaches, and tundra.]
[Safe Zone and Convergence: Throughout the match, a safe zone will periodically shrink. Students caught outside the safe zone will immediately be disqualified.]
[Rules:]
Due to it being virtual, killing is allowed.
All sorts of modes for fighting are allowed. But duelists are advised to bring their signature weapon before entering the pods.
Teaming is allowed. But remember, there shall only be one pair left standing.
Torturing is not allowed. We know some of you students here are sadists. Hence, if caught, you will be immediately disqualified.
[Grading System:]
1st–2nd : A
3rd–6th: B
7th–12th: C
13th–22nd: D
23rd–50th: F
While the students continued to read the details of the task, Evelyn sternly stated,
"I know the placements are ridiculous. But don't worry, an F does not mean an expulsion. You'll only be graded 0."
She took a brief pause, walking around, assessing each student—who wore looks of tension in their faces, then continued,
"The only basis for expulsion will be disqualification. So please try to not get yourself disqualified."
She then continued on about how the Virtual Simulation will take place.
In the room they were in, there were a hundred–white circular pods, each in the shape of a full grown adult.
Once the pod was entered, each student will put on a white helmet called 'Augma Nerve'.
After wearing, it was advised to keep their minds clear and ease their tension.
As soon as they were ready, all they had to do was mutter the words, "Activate Link", and the Virtual Simulation pod would start.
It was also advised to have a full belly and hydrated, as the entire session would last for five hours.
But it was already debriefed in their Astrea Academy app, the moment they woke up in the morning.
After it was all settled, each student entered the pod.
Brandon entered a pod that was next to the one Amy entered.
Settling inside, Brandon donned the Augma Nerve, covering his entire head.
Gradually, his mouth parted open to mutter,
"Activate Link."
Voooosh–
***
"Who do you think is going to win?"
Evelyn then pondered at Vanessa's question.
Glancing at the pods around her, one-by-one, each pod started to glow a bright white.
She didn't know how to respond to Vanessa, who was sitting right beside her.
Evelyn was seated as well, turned the chair around, and glanced at the wide screen in front of her.
The screen displayed the entire environment inside the Virtual Simulation.
On it, the students were spawned with their pair, separated from other pairs.
Though, the viewing room was in the same place as the Virtual Simulation area, it was situated at the top, separating the two sections.
Changing the channels to see each students' face, none of them were familiar to her.
She was a newly appointed Professor after all. She didn't know any of the kids in her class.
She then turned to Vanessa, who was shoving her fork with pastry in her mouth, and asked,
"What about you? Any guesses?"
"All the Professors who were tasked with the first years think it's Raven Blackheart."
"..."
Who…?
"Haha, give me the remote, I'll show you what he looks like."
Switch– Switch– Switch—
Until the channel stopped to pause at a boy with jet black hair, and ocean blue eyes.
On both of his hands were daggers, he seemed to already be prepared.
Unlike the students, the Professors harbored no discrimination towards Duelists.
Not just the Professors, but most adults in the working society.
When she first heard of the hierarchy in the Academy, Evelyn thought it was stupid.
She then turned towards Vanessa again. She seemed to have finished her pastry.
But…
She took another one from her bag, opened it, and nibbled.
'What a weirdo.'
But Evelyn smiled, they went way back during their academy days after all.
They were best friends.
But to her initial statement, Evelyn was puzzled.
If that's what the other Professors think, then what did Vanessa think?
Thus, she decided to ask,
"Do you also think it's Raven Blackheart?"
"Nope."
Vanessa stated with no hesitation, as if she was already sure who was going to win.
"Then who?"
"I'm still unsure about him, but I believe his potential is way more than Raven's."
Who was she talking about?
Switch- Switch– Switch—
Until the channel paused once again.
What met Evelyn's line of sight was another boy, with long pale-white hair, and ice-blue eyes.
When Evelyn caught sight of him, her eyes shot wide open.
From her side, Vanessa let out a laugh.
"Hahaha~ Do you see it too?"
"Yes…"
"He thinks he's hiding it well, but most of the Professors had suspected it already."
A possible Deviant.
Unlike the students, Professors who had an expertise in mana could distinguish an individuals' mana signature.
It was possible to hide it, of course. But it seemed like the boy didn't know how.
If a Mage with one affinity had their mana signature in the same color as their elements, then a Deviants' color was pure white.
But of course, not everyone could actually distinguish it. It was only the ones' who had meticulously studied mana to the brim.
"Interesting… What's his name?"
"Brandon Locke."
"Ah, what rank is he?"
"1,890th."
"..."
Was she joking?
She had to be.
How could a possible Deviant ranked so low?
"Hahaha~ Unfortunately, I'm not joking. I was pretty disappointed too. But still, he has potential."
"How did he place so low?"
"He was mostly held back by his test score."
"Ah."
So he was an idiot.
Power means nothing when your brain can't even comprehend with it.
Then what was so special about him, that even someone like Vanessa could be confident in him winning?
She was then snapped out of her thoughts, as Vanessa called out to her, pointing at the screen.
"Look, it's starting."
Before Evelyn looked at the screen, her attention lingered elsewhere.
"Your face."
"Oh... Thanks."
There were traces of whipped cream all over her mouth.