The arena buzzed with anticipation as Sullivan ascended to the center stage, his presence demanding attention. The once chaotic audience quieted, and the air became heavy with suspense.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Sullivan began, his voice resonating across the vast arena, "after today's thrilling matches, I am here to announce the finalists for the Academy Tournament."
A hush fell over the crowd. Everyone leaned in, eager to hear the names. Sullivan's tone shifted slightly as he continued, "Our semifinalists were Jake, Ray, Katherine Livia, and Boliver Tristuk. Unfortunately, Boliver is unable to continue due to the incident earlier."
Many nodded in agreement, their minds replaying the chaotic battle Ray had ended with his intervention.
"Additionally," Sullivan paused, his lips curving into an amused smile,
"Jake has decided to forfeit his position, granting Katherine a direct path to the finals."
The announcement rippled through the audience, triggering gasps and murmurs. All eyes turned to Jake, seated in the stands, his imposing form slouched as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. Though terrifying in combat, his embarrassed grin betrayed an easygoing demeanor that was impossible to hate.
Ray, however, didn't share the amusement. His crystal blue eyes narrowed as he studied Jake. There was something about Jake's energy, an ominous aura that Ray longed to understand and to fight him. Yet, with the forfeit, that opportunity slipped away.
"That leaves us with our final match," Sullivan continued, his voice rising. "The two remaining contestants, Katherine Livia and Ray."
The arena erupted into cheers, but Ray had been hoping to test himself against Jake, to explore the unique power he had sensed. With that door closed, his focus shifted back to Katherine, who now stood across the stage.
At Myra's signal, both Ray and Katherine stepped forward. Katherine greeted him with her usual grace, her emerald eyes locking onto his with a small, gentle smile.
"It's an honor, Mr. Ray," she said curtly as she chuckled looking Ray's reaction.
Ray gave her a short nod.
As the referee's whistle pierced the air, the final match began.
Ray had no intention of dragging the match out. His Temporal Cognition had already mapped out dozens of potential scenarios. In the blink of an eye, he executed a seamless combination, a Tier 4 Spell – Ice Prison and Tier 3 Spell – Metal Chains simultaneously.
Before Katherine could react, jagged spikes of ice erupted around her, forming an unyielding cage. She summoned Mimi, her wind spirit, to shatter the ice, but as soon as she broke free, glowing chains of metal coiled around her and Mimi, binding them tightly.
The crowd gasped in shock. Ray's execution flawless.
Katherine struggled against the chains, her mana surging, but Ray was already in front of her. His mana-forged sword hovered just inches from her neck. Leaning closer, he whispered,
"Shall we end this here?"
Katherine's breath hitched. Ray's proximity, combined with his overwhelming control, was disarming. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson as her composure faltered.
"I... I forfeit," she stammered, unable to meet his eyes.
Ray released the chains immediately and stepped back, sheathing his sword. The intensity in his gaze softened, replaced by something unreadable, his eyes had a look of longing and sadness, always being distant, seeing that, strange warmth felt in Katherine's chest.
To everyone's astonishment, Katherine involuntarily reached out, her fingers brushing against Ray's cheek as she said softly,
"It's alright now."
The unexpected gesture froze Ray in place. He blinked, momentarily stunned. Around them, the arena erupted in chaos.
"They're... touching!" someone yelled.
"How can two of the most beautiful people in Helios have such a moment?!" another cried out, their voice dripping with envy.
Ray, recovering his composure, gave Katherine a faint smile. Her intentions were clear, and though he didn't know how to respond, the warmth in her touch lingered. Katherine, realizing the spectacle she had caused, turned bright red. She spun on her heel and bolted from the arena, leaving a trail of laughter and whispers in her wake.
"Ray is the winner!" Myra announced, her tone laced with amusement as she watched the unfolding drama.
In the VIP stands, Zeema chuckled,
"Those two look good together."
Grande Silvus merely harrumphed, as Sullivan commented,
"How nice to be young," with a wistful sigh.
The atmosphere shifted as Sullivan raised his hand for silence.
"Now, let us announce the results of the Academy Entrance Exam," he declared.
A massive screen materialized above the stage, displaying the names of the top 200 students. Sullivan began reading aloud.
"In tenth place: Ririna Roberts, with 335 points. Ninth, Lewis Krios, 337 points. Eighth, Xavier Livia, 340 points…"
The crowd listened intently as the names climbed higher.
"…Fourth place: Clea Borris, with 360 points. Third place: Lily Dragonborne, with 389 points. Second place: Katherine Livia, 399 points…"
Sullivan paused, his expression shifting into one of genuine astonishment. "And first place…"
The crowd leaned forward, hanging on his words.
"…Ray, with an unprecedented score of 590 points."
The arena fell silent. Whispers broke out as students and spectators tried to process the impossible number.
"For reference," Sullivan continued, "the highest score ever recorded in this academy was 400, achieved by Nathan Van Dragonborne. Ray's score is not only unprecedented but exceeds the perfect score due to exceptional contributions, including his dual mana and primal energy cores, his unexpected and a new way of portraying magic in written exam, and his intervention to save Zinni Silvus."
The screen highlighted Ray's name in gold, followed by the top ten rankings below it.
Ray stood silently as the announcement concluded, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. Using his Eyes of Limbo, he studied each of the VIPs, his attention lingering briefly on Alaric Krios, who remained notably quiet.
Sullivan continued,
"As for the rewards...."