Chapter 11: Friendly duel match
A match between Ben and terra had been set up in three hours, Ben quickly met up with magnus to inform him.
"Magnus there you are,em there's been a change of plans so no rift raiding today,"he said with a neutral expression.
"Eh....!? wait what do you mean,i don't understand you just left the headmaster's office a little while. What happened in there uh?,"he asked curiously.
Magnus's eyes narrowed in confusion. "What's going on, Ben? You were just getting ready for our rift raid, and now you're telling me it's off?"
Ben sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just got out of a meeting with the headmaster. He's set up a friendly duel match between me and Terra."
Magnus's eyes widened in surprise. "Terra? As in, Terra Earthen George, the Platinum rank student legendary rank 4 talent?"
Ben nodded. "The one and only. And the match is in three hours."
Magnus whistled. "That's short notice. What's the reason behind this sudden match?"
Ben shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure. The headmaster just said it would be beneficial for both of our growth and development as warrior's and when he said it it felt like he was hinting at terra herself."
Magnus raised an eyebrow. "Beneficial? That's a pretty vague reason. I smell something fishy going on here,i did hear that she's his personal disciple or something."
Ben frowned, his mind racing with possibilities. "I don't know, Magnus. Maybe the headmaster just wants to see how we match up against each other and if you are correct then he trying out a competitive training for her and maybe then i get to showcase my training and capabilities too, maybe."
Magnus snorted. "Please, Ben. You're not buying that neither are you fooling me, are you? Cause am sure There's more to this than meets the eye."
Ben sighed, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "Look, Magnus, I don't have time to speculate about the headmaster's motives. I need to get ready for this match."
Magnus nodded, his expression serious. "Alright, Ben. I'll help you get ready. But mark my words, there's something fishy going on here,"he says while raising his index finger like a teacher .
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Ben and Magnus walked into the cafeteria, the smell of food wafting through the air. They grabbed a couple of trays and started loading up on food.
Ben piled his tray high with pasta, meatballs, and a side of garlic bread. Magnus, on the other hand, went for a more balanced meal, with a mix of veggies, lean protein, and whole grains.
As they sat down at a table, Ben took a bite of his pasta and started chewing thoughtfully.
"Hey, Magnus?" Ben said, his mouth still full.
Magnus looked up from his food, a questioning expression on his face. "Yeah?"
"I need your help with something," Ben said, swallowing his food.
"What is it?" Magnus asked, his interest piqued.
"I need you to help me spread the word about my match with Terra," Ben said, his voice low.
Magnus raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Isn't the match going to be announced to the whole school?"
Ben shook his head. "No, the headmaster said it's going to be a private match. Only a select few are going to be invited."
Magnus's eyes narrowed. "That's weird. What's the headmaster's motive for keeping it private?"
Ben shrugged. "I don't know, but I need your help to inform my cousin and friends. Can you help me get in touch with Ryder, Alethea, and Aliya?"
Magnus nodded. "Yeah, I can do that. But why do you want to invite them specifically?"
Ben smiled. "They're my closest friends and family. I want them to be there to support me."
Magnus grinned. "Alright, I'll help you get in touch with them. But you owe me one, Ben."
Ben chuckled. "I'll owe you one, Magnus. Thanks for your help."
As they finished their meal, Magnus pulled out his comms device and started typing away.
"Alright, I've sent out messages to Ryder, Alethea, and Aliya," Magnus said, looking up at Ben. "They should be getting the messages any minute now."
Ben nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "Thanks, Magnus. I appreciate it."
Magnus grinned. "No problem, Ben. That's what friends are for."
As they left the cafeteria, Ben couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. His match with Terra was just a few hours away, and he was ready to give it his all.
The headmaster office
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Terra walked into the headmaster's office, her eyes fixed on Mr. Elijah Nightshade. "Headmaster, I've been wondering... it's not like you to go out of your way to set up a match for anyone,so why the sudden match between Ben and me?" she asked, her voice calm and collected.
Mr. Nightshade leaned back in his chair, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Ah, Terra, you're as perceptive as ever. I suppose it's only fair that I tell you the reason behind this match."
Terra raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.
"In three months' time, our academy will be competing against the other two academies from the Aether and Terrakai continents," Mr. Nightshade explained.
Terra's eyes widened in surprise. "The Inter-Academy Tournament?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.
Mr. Nightshade nodded. "The very same. And I believe that a match between you and Ben will help us determine which students will represent our academy in the tournament."
Terra's expression turned thoughtful. "I see. And what makes you think that Ben and I are the right candidates for this match what about the Older students?"
Mr. Nightshade leaned forward, his eyes glinting with intensity. "Because, Terra, you and Ben have the potential to be two of the strongest students in our academy. And I believe that this match will help us unlock that potential."
Terra nodded, her mind racing with the implications of the headmaster's words. She knew that the Inter-Academy Tournament was a prestigious event, one that could make or break a student's reputation.
And now, it seemed that she and Ben were being considered to represent their academy in the tournament. The thought sent a thrill of excitement through her veins.
"I guess I have no choice but to complie with you, Headmaster," Terra said, her voice firm and resolute.
Mr. Nightshade smiled, his eyes glinting with approval. "I knew I could count on you, Terra. Now, go and prepare for your match with Ben."
Terra nodded, her mind racing with the implications of the headmaster's words. "I understand, Headmaster. But can you tell me more about the Inter-Academy Tournament? I've heard of it, but I don't know much about its history."
Mr. Nightshade leaned back in his chair, a faraway look in his eyes. "Ah, yes. The Inter-Academy Tournament. It's a long-standing tradition, one that dates back to YGM 12, 37 years after the Great Merge."
Terra's eyes were fixed on the headmaster, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean by the early days of our academies?" she asked.
Mr. Nightshade smiled. "You see, Terra, after the Great Merge, which occurred approximately 87 years ago, the three main races - the humans, the Terrakai, and the Aethers - decided to rename their continents after their previous planet names."
Terra's eyes widened in surprise. "I didn't know that," she said.
Mr. Nightshade nodded. "Yes, it's a little-known fact. The humans renamed their continent 'Earth', the Terrakai renamed theirs 'Taia', and the Aethers renamed theirs 'Terrabus'. And it was during this time, exactly 37 years after the Great Merge, that the Inter-Academy Tournament was established."
Terra's eyes were fixed on the headmaster, her mind racing with the implications of his words. "And the tournament is held every five years, with the top students from each academy competing against each other?" she asked.
Mr. Nightshade nodded. "Exactly, Terra. The tournament is a chance for the top students from each academy to compete against each other, to showcase their skills and abilities, and to promote unity and cooperation between the three continents."
Terra thought for a moment before asking her next question. "Headmaster, what about the older students? The ones who are already in their final years? Will they be participating in the tournament as well?"
[11/28, 11:40 AM] Meta AI: Here is the continuation of the conversation:
Mr. Nightshade's expression turned thoughtful. "Ah, yes. The older students. Well, Terra, the Inter-Academy Tournament is typically geared towards students in their third year and below. However, there is a separate division for older students, known as the 'Masters Division'."
Terra's eyes widened with interest. "The Masters Division? I've never heard of that."
Mr. Nightshade nodded. "Yes, it's not as well-known as the main tournament, but it's an important part of the Inter-Academy Tournament nonetheless. The Masters Division is open to students in their final years, as well as recent graduates who are looking to test their skills against the best of the best."
Terra's mind was racing with the implications of this new information. She was determined to learn more about the Inter-Academy Tournament, and to make sure that she was prepared to compete at the highest level.
[11/28, 11:40 AM] Meta AI: Here is the conclusion of the chapter:
Terra nodded, She felt a surge of determination and excitement. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Thank you, Headmaster," Terra said, standing up from her chair. "I won't disappoint you."
Mr. Nightshade smiled, his eyes glinting with approval. "I have no doubt that you will make us proud, Terra. Now, go and prepare for your match with Ben. I expect great things from both of you."
Terra nodded, and with a determined look on her face, she left the headmaster's office. She knew that the road ahead would be tough, but she was ready to face it head-on.
The stage was set for the ultimate showdown. Terra vs Ben. The fate of the Inter-Academy Tournament hung in the balance. Who would emerge victorious? Only time would tell.