I barely survived.
That was all I could think of while standing in line to get my O shaped card, signifying my triumph over the X shaped card owners.
"Next" the instructor called, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I stepped forward, and he handed me an O-shaped card. I thanked him and started preparing to leave.
"Hey"
Somebody called out to me.
I turned to see a familiar face: the boy who had nearly killed me in the trial.
His hair was black and his eyes yellow and looked like a snakes eyes.
"Hey, good fight back there," he said, extending a hand. "Name's Cain. What's yours?"
I hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. "My name is Douglas."
The reason I hesitated was he was Cain Stark, the younger brother of the rich and famous entrepreneur Thomas Stark.
Of the two brothers one was gifted with immense wisdom and extraordinary decision making whilst the other was a genius that was revered even within Bless, the worlds best academy.
"Well, Douglas. I guess I will see you around."
He broke off the handshake and turned around to leave.
"I'll see you around, Cain."
He turned and smiled at me than left.
"I guess its time for me to leave too" I muttered.
***
Back in my dorm I threw myself towards the bed. This day had been rough but the fruit of my hard labor was sitting in the nightstand, giving a light glow.
I couldn't stop thinking about the next phase. A tournament among the O-holders meant I'd be facing the best of the survivors and most likely, the main cast.
***
The next day came faster than I wanted. After an almost restless night, I joined the other participants in the academy's arena.
They sent the match list to everybody's devices, There were 1024 participants in the O card category.
I searched for my name and found out I had been matched with a girl named Elise.
Although the fact I didn't recognize them meant they were not from the main cast, I still couldn't afford to be careless.
Also there was the fact that this phase of the exam was open to the public eye, meaning if I failed miserably everybody would be able to see it.
It was making me nervous.
Fights played out on multiple platforms, with holograms projecting the action for everyone to see.
When my name was called, I stepped onto the platform but I was still slightly nervous.
Standing before me was a tall woman with a stern expression and a staff bound to her back.
Elise stood across from me, her staff glowing faintly as she prepared her spells.
"Begin!" the AI announced.
Elise wasted no time, launching a barrage of fireballs in my direction. I dodged the first few, but the last one grazed my shoulder.
My clothes were slightly burned I felt pain in my shoulder but I paid no heed to it.
I channeled mana into my eyes and shot our a few arrows to her seemingly weak spots.
Whilst doing this as if I gained enlightenment I got a thought.
'If I can enhance my respective organs with mana than what would happen if I channeled mana into my brain? Would it make the world go slower to me or enhance my thinking speed?'
But I couldn't try it now as it was too dangerous. What if my brain exploded?
I tried to focus back into the fight and saw a fire arrow coming towards my face.
I luckily managed to dodge it and immediately rushed towards her.
She wasn't expecting me, a sharpshooter whose weakness was close combat, to dash forward.
But she forgot one thing. Just as close combat was sharpshooters weakness it was most mages weakness as well and I knew that very well.
She tried to block my fist with a hastily barrier but she was too late.
I could see the fear and desperation in her eyes yet my hands didn't stop.
I hit a woman but did I feel bad? No it felt wonderful. You may call me a sore loser but the experience I had with women in my past life were anything but nice.
The punch sent her skidding back.
There were 2 ways to win in a round, first was knocking your opponent by either them admitting defeat and resigning or you making them unconscious.
The second was to make them step out of the arena.
And as Elisa was a mage, to make distance she stood on the edge.
So when my punch connected and sent her hurling back, she landed outside the arena thus making me the victor.
The AI's voice rang out.
"Participant Douglas Preto, Advances to the next round."
Elise clenched her fists and looked down but I had no intent to console her and neither did I have the right to as the one who crushed her dreams.
***
Back in the waiting area I collapsed into the bench.
I glanced at my device and saw the updated bracket. It showed I won but my opponent was still undecided.
As I rested a shadow fell on me. I looked up to see who it was and saw that it was Laura Janet.
"You, whats your name?" She asked with a strangely calm behaviour.
"Douglas Preto, and yours?" I asked out of necessity since I didn't want to be seen as a creep.
"Laura Janet. Don't forget my name since this is not over yet. I will make you pay for what you did to my brother and me."
Ahh, how great? I have people after me for revenge now.
Before I could respond, she stormed off.
"Great. As if this tournament wasn't hard enough already."
The AI's voice chimed through the arena speakers again, drawing everyone's attention.
"Round 2 match-ups are now available. Please check your devices for updates."
I reluctantly looked at the screen, I was really nervous and I looked at the screen in anticipation. My name popped up:
Match 45: Douglas Preto vs. Lucas Maxgrave
"Fuck. I am dead."