Cain had won.
Cain had won?
Cain...
Shit.
*Host, this is better for you.* The soul stuck within the system said.
"How so?" I asked skeptically.
*Objectively, host will have more chances to shine if the protagonist falls behind.*
"Thats true, but I think it is not at all better for me."
"Firstly, I want to remain low until I become strong enough, so attention isn't good for me."
"Secondly, Sam changing makes our knowledge practically unusable as our entire plot was based around him."
*If that is your wish, host.* The soul within my system replied as if they were disappointed.
Everybody around me was starting to get up as the matches ended for today.
Tomorrow, the final match between Lucas and Cain would commence.
A match that was never supposed to happen.
I started going back towards my room while thinking to myself to find an answer.
But no answer could be found.
***
"I... these dreams of mine..."
"Weren't I the rightous heir to the throne known as first place?"
"So what the hell happened?"
A young boy with golden hair was lying on the ground, seemingly talking talking to himself.
"Hey." An voice the boy hadn't heard much yet still recognized called out to him.
"Good fight out there, man." He smiled sheepishly and offered his hand.
The boy was Cain Stark, the opponent that crushed his dream.
"Yeah..." Sam responded before taking his hand half heartedly.
Cain pulled Sam to his feet with surprising ease.
"You almost had me back there," Cain said.
"That lightning move of yours? Nearly fried me. You're good, Dagon. Real good."
Sam knew he was just trying to cheer him up but didn't understand why.
"Thanks." he finally muttered, brushing off his pants.
"But almost winning doesn't count for much."
Cains grin widened. "You're wrong about that. Almost means you're close. And close means next time you'll get it."
"If anything, I'd rather fight you again when you're at your best."
Sam glanced at Cain, then let out a chuckle.
"Next time, huh?"
"Yeah." Cain said, slapping him lightly on the shoulder.
"Dont let this loss get into your head. Everybody loses at least once."
Sam chuckled bitterly. "I doubt you lose much."
"Not often." Cain admitted.
"But like I said, it happens."
I watched this exchange from afar, standing in the shadows just outside the arena exit. The two of them looked so different.
Although Cain was the same as he was depicted in the book, the Sam I knew wasn't here.
And this scene wasn't supposed to happen too.
This was bad.
Really bad.
Tomorrows match, Cain versus Lucas, wasn't supposed to exist.
And that terrified me.
Lucas was strong, of course. In the original story, he was an arrogant powerhouse, the type of character meant to challenge the protagonist in the finals.
But Cain? Cain was never meant to make it this far.
Although Lucas would most likely win, my head wouldn't let the thought go.
'What if Cain wins?'
I clenched my fists.
No.
I couldn't afford to let my anxiety control me. Not now.
The soul within my system had been wrong. This wasn't better for me, not even close.
If anything, it felt like the world itself was slipping further out of my grasp.
But... since when was the world within my grasp?
How did I become this arrogant just because I knew the future.
Yes, knowledge is power but that is only if you can use it to your advantage.
Right now I was weak, very weak.
I turned away from the scene and made my way back to my room, my mind already working through the possibilities.
If the protagonist wasn't the protagonist anymore...
Who was?
Was there no protagonist in this world?
Then what would happen to the countless things he was supposed to do?
I had been arrogant, thinking I could live comfortably in this hellish world just because I got a glimpse of the future.
I went back to my dorm and slept for the rest of the day because I had been so tired of analyzing and overthinking every little detail.
***
"Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the final day of the Ranking Exams of Bless Academy. According to today's program, we will have our final match and the award ceremony."
I sat in my seat.
The holographic display in the middle of the arena lit up, showcasing the final match's lineup.
[Lucas Maxgrave vs. Cain Stark]
Lucas was leagues ahead of Cain in raw power and technique, at least according to the original storyline.
So I was almost certain Lucas would win, yet the feeling gnawed at my heart.
Lucas, with his sharp features and cocky grin, radiated the aura of someone who already considered himself the winner.
His white and black with a touch of gold uniform shimmered in the sunlight, highlighting the fact he was not only charming but capable too.
Cain, on the other hand, looked calm but determined. His usual grin was no longer on his face, replaced with a focused expression.
The two fighters stopped at the center of the arena, facing each other.
"Please get back to your places."
The AI referee warned them.
Tch
Lucas clicked his tongue before taking his place and Cain did the same.
The tension in the air was almost suffocating.
The crowd's murmurs and excited chatter slowly died down as the match was about to begin.
I leaned forward in my seat, gripping the edge of the chair. Despite my internal struggle to remain calm, my heart was racing.
This was it.
The announcer's voice boomed over the arena.
"Final match of the Bless Academy Ranking Exams. Lucas Maxgrave versus Cain Stark. Everybody, are you ready?"
"YEEEAAHHH" A collective scream came from the stands.
Lucas cracked his neck, smirking as if the outcome was already decided. "Good luck."
Cain however, said nothing. His snake-like yellow eyes gleamed with a quiet intensity.
The AI referee's voice commanded.
"Begin!"