It had been two weeks since I returned from the eastern forest, and every moment since had been spent preparing for the Semi-Annual Competition.
The academy buzzed with anticipation as the event drew closer—a gathering of the best and brightest from each class, a chance to prove ourselves in front of the instructors and potential sponsors.
For me, the competition wasn't just a chance to show off my skills. It was a test of everything Kas and I had worked for.
During the past weeks, my daily routine had been grueling but rewarding.
Mornings began with physical conditioning, followed by intense sparring sessions with Kas.
My bond with Kas also deepened through countless battles, and our teamwork improved drastically.
I also spent hours refining my skills and leveling up through a combination of simulated fights and monster hunting.
[Character Stats Updated]
[George Carter: Level 23
Strength: 18.4
Agility: 19.6
Intelligence: 16.2
S.P: 20
Skills:
Animal-Stance: Unity
Madness (Lvl 9)
Quick Dash (Lvl 4)
Low-Level Swordsmanship (Lvl 6)
Double Jump (Lvl 1)]
[Kas: Level 21
Length:94cm
Width: 6.7cm
Str: 26
Agi: 24.4
Int: 13.5
S.P:20
Skills:
Language Speaking (Lvl 2)
Erosion Spit (Lvl 7)
Coiling Dominion (Lvl 4)
Venom Bite (Lvl 5)
Mana Resonance(Lvl 6)]
We had also upgraded our equipment. My Mythril-Edged Sword had been reinforced, and I had purchased a C-rank Shield with better durability. Kas had grown larger and faster, his venom more potent with each level gained.
The day of the competition arrived with clear skies and a cool breeze.
The academy grounds were transformed into a sprawling arena filled with cheering students and spectators.
Colorful banners waved in the wind, and the sound of bustling activity filled the air.
I stood in my dorm room, securing my armor and double-checking my inventory. Kas coiled around my arm, his scales glinting in the morning light.
"Feeling ready, Kas?" I asked, adjusting the straps of my shield.
"Confident," he hissed, his voice calm but focused. "We've prepared for this."
I nodded. "We'll show them what we're made of."
[Inventory Check]
Mythril-Edged Sword
C-Rank Shield
Energy Gathering Pills x2
Heal Pills x4
The competition began with an opening ceremony in the Grand Arena. Hundreds of students stood in the center, representing their respective classes. Around us, thousands of spectators packed the stands, their cheers echoing through the space.
Head Instructor Valen took the stage, his imposing figure commanding silence. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd as he began to speak.
"Welcome to the Semi-Annual Competition!" His voice boomed, carrying authority.
"Today, you will prove your strength, your wit, and your resolve. This is not just about victory—it is about growth. Only the best will rise. Are you ready?" Valen exclaimed.
A roar of excitement erupted from the crowd. I tightened my grip on my sword, adrenaline coursing through my veins.
This year's competition had three stages:
Monster Wave Survival: Teams of participants would defend against waves of summoned monsters. Survivors would advance to the next round.
Team Combat Trials: Randomized teams would face off in tactical battles. Winning teams would move on.
Solo Championship: A final one-on-one tournament to determine the overall champion.
The arena gates creaked open, and the crowd's cheers turned into an anticipatory hush. The platform was massive, surrounded by thick stone walls, with high stands packed with spectators—students, instructors, and even nobles. A magical barrier separated us from the audience, shimmering faintly in the sunlight.
The first stage began shortly after the ceremony. Participants were divided into groups of twenty and sent to separate arenas. I was in Group 8.
There was a moment of silence, broken only by the distant growl of the gate opening on the opposite side of the arena. Then, they poured in—a swarm of twenty Goblin Scouts, their shrill cries piercing the air.
I stood with my assigned group, scanning my competition. Most of them looked nervous, clutching their weapons tightly.
"Focus," Kas hissed.
[Goblin Scout
Lvl 12
HP: 150/150
Str: 7.5
Agi: 10.3
S.P: 8]
A chorus of commands erupted around me as the participants gave orders to their familiars. A nearby girl with a Flame Hawk shouted, "Take to the air! Burn them before they close in!" Her bird screeched, launching itself upward and releasing small bursts of fire. The goblins scattered, avoiding the flames.
Another boy with a Stone Boar barked, "Hold the line! Don't let them through!" His boar charged forward, colliding with two goblins and sending them sprawling.
I stepped ahead, engaging a fight with the goblins and gathering the audience' attention.
The announcer chimed in, skepticism lacing their tone. "It seems George Carter is taking an aggressive approach. Will it pay off, or will he bite off more than he can chew?"
I smirked, gripping my Mythril-Edged Sword tightly. "Let's show them, Kas."
The first goblin lunged toward me, its dagger aimed at my chest. "Kas, Venom Bite!"
Kas darted forward, faster than the goblin could react.
His fangs sank into its neck, injecting venom that spread rapidly.
The goblin shrieked, collapsing seconds later as the poison took its toll.
[Poison Damage: -40 HP/sec]
[-80 HP]
A pair of goblins rushed us next, one wielding a crude spear and the other a jagged sword.
I activated Quick Dash, sidestepping the spear thrust and slicing through the goblin's torso in one smooth motion.
[-80 HP]
"Kas, keep the other one off me!" I commanded.
Kas coiled tightly, lunging at the second goblin's legs and pulling it to the ground.
The goblin flailed as Kas delivered a precise Erosion Spit, the acidic venom eating away at its chest.
[Critical Hit!
-150]
While I moved efficiently, others weren't faring as well.
A girl with a Frost Wolf screamed as three goblins surrounded her.
Her wolf growled and lunged, but its attacks were sloppy, barely driving the goblins back.
"Focus your attacks!" I shouted, slashing through another goblin.
The girl hesitated before nodding. "Ice Fang, now!" Her Frost Wolf latched onto a goblin's arm, freezing it solid before shattering it with a powerful bite.
The last group of goblins, led by a larger, stronger variant, closed in.
[Goblin Cheftain
Lvl: 14
HP: 150/150
Str: 10.5
Agi: 11.8
S.P: 10]
"Kas, let's finish this. Coiling Dominion!"
Kas hissed in acknowledgment, darting toward the elite goblin.
He wrapped around its legs, constricting tightly and immobilizing it. The goblin roared, slashing wildly, but its strikes were clumsy and ineffective.
"Now, Double Jump!" I launched myself into the air, landing behind the goblin and driving my sword deep into its back.
[Critical Hit!]
[-150 HP]
The goblin collapsed, its roar fading into a gurgle.
As the battlefield fell silent, the announcer's voice returned, brimming with excitement.
"And that's it! Group 8 has successfully cleared the first wave, with George Carter leading the charge. What an incredible performance!"
The crowd, which had doubted me minutes ago, erupted into cheers and applause.
"Did you see how he handled that Goblin Cheftain?"
"I thought first-years were supposed to struggle in the first wave!"
"Maybe he's not as weak as he looks."
"This must be a mistake"...said one person in the crowd of spectators
"How is George Carter still in the competition? I've heard his awakened beast is an F rank beast"said an man, appearing to be in his fourties.
"Have you noticed it?something is wrong, White eyed snakes don't grow bigger than 60cm long" a young woman with glasses said while holding a book in her hand.
"The Second Wave is going to start in 1 hour, all participants prepare!" the announcer said.