Time was passing quickly as both academies prepared for the upcoming interschool sport. Even though no announcements had been made, most students were aware that it was that time of year.
His watch was beeping, jolting him awake from his sleep. The others were already awake, waiting for him to get up. Tahir looked around and realized that his entire team was present.
"You do realize you are the one we are all waiting for, right?" Zahra questioned.
"Oh, sorry, I will be ready in a minute." Tahir said as he stretched.
Because he was shirtless, the three girls all turned red as they looked at his ripped body.
Zahra flung a pillow at him, saying, "Have some shame and put some clothes on."
Laughing Tahir went to the bathroom to get ready. The entire team was on their way to the announcement hall when they noticed murmurs around them.
When they arrived in the room, they saw their name listed as one of the top ten for the most crystals.
"Attention, everyone. It is with a heavy heart that I stand here today to tell you all about our fallen comrades. The beast hunt was not intended to include powerful beasts. Legendary-tier beasts were not supposed to live there. I, along with the entire military school, are mourning our fallen comrades. But we should also remember that every soldier dies the moment they enter the academy. Our comrades' memories would live on in our hearts forever.
With that said, I would like to congratulate the people who made it into the top 10. Particularly the team with the level 2 user. However, the beast hunt is no longer considered a test. Those who placed in the top ten would not be required to take the test again. This is the very least we can do.
Also, I am sure many of you are aware that the interschool sport in which we consistently lose is just around the corner. Due to the unexpected death, not everyone is able to participate. Those who are unable to continue would be excused from the military school. And anyone who wants to continue will be trained by us. We apologize for allowing you all to witness the beast's blood bath.
I would like to encourage those of you who are ready to compete in the upcoming competition to send your entries to John. He would handle it and get you in. It would take a total of 20 participants, with three making it to the finals. With that said, you are all free to take the day off. Thank you."
A sergeant who Tahir remembered his name to be Billy said before going off stage.
A large number of students chose to return home because they were scared. Fortunately, some barely survived.
Tahir was seen with a large grin on his face. His smile widened with each passing moment.
"That face is familiar to me. What is going on in that mind of yours? Wait, you are thinking about entering the competition, right? You are thinking about the strong people who will be fighting." Kris remarked.
Yes, imagine all those users with Strong abilities. All the tough guys. I also get to see the world's leaders. Of course, I am eager to get there, and I know exactly how. Tahir said this while maintaining a smirk.
Kris, Esha, Zahra, and Jude all submitted entries based on Tahir's advice.
Tahir, on the other hand, had finished today's training and was now in John's office.
He was going through John's things when he came across a mask. It was somewhat terrifying and had a small word written on it. The words were "devil."
As soon as he saw it, he devised a plan while wearing the mask.
"Oh, you discovered my favorite mask back in the day. To help me overcome my fear of monsters, my master always wore it while training me. It is quite cool." John explained.
"So, John. I would love to compete in the interschool sport. I would also like to remain anonymous throughout the contest." Tahir responded, completely ignoring John's story.
"How will you maintain your anonymity?" John inquired.
"By donning your mask. Nobody is aware of the mask, right?" Tahir replied.
"Yes, nobody is aware. I will get your entry ready. What name would you like to go by?" John conceded.
"I would love to use the Devil." Tahir responded.
"Very well. We would begin preparations immediately." John said.
Tahir smiled as he placed the mask in a leather bag and made his way to the hostel.
The next morning arrived quickly, and Tahir and his entire team worked hard every day after that. Tahir kept the mask a secret from his team and would reveal it on the day of the contest.
The contestants' names were pasted on the announcement board, and one odd name stood out. The name was the Devil, and it had a power level of three.
Everyone was wondering who could be the fool who was a level three and willing to compete.
****
In another military school, a group of three students had assembled.
"We would compete and win, just as we did every other year. Regardless of who we encounter. We will always be the winners." The person suspected of being the boss spoke with a cool smile, while his colleagues nodded in agreement.
"So everyone should get enough rest. We will depart by tomorrow." A military officer stated.
Finally, the day of departure arrived, and both schools were already filling up the buses. The same way they were teleported in. A gas was used to induce sleep in them. Except this time. Tahir developed resistance to it. Nonetheless, a leather bag was covering their head.
Tahir used his listening skills to determine that they had traveled through a rough forest before arriving in town. The town's noise and cheers when they saw the military bus awoke some people. Tahir removed the leather bag from his head as he gazed through the windows. They walked into what looked like a large stadium.
Participants were all given passes to use in their rooms and to distinguish them from non-participants.
"Take some rest; the tournament will begin tomorrow. "John said before heading to his room.