The grand arena was alight with anticipation.
It was finally time for the official declaration of the winner of the Academy Exchange, as well as the grand prize that would go to each student who won.
The stage, adorned with banners from all the competing academies, glittered under the brilliance of magical lanterns.
Students and spectators alike cheered as the winners of each stage took their place at the front of the stage. The air was charged with excitement, the energy of the Exchange Matches still drifting in the air.
Ash stood silently to one side of the stage, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd and the Nirvana Gate contingent.
Dredd Zerik, the Expert Stage winner from Nirvana Gate Academy, stood confidently in the center, basking in the glory of their newly achieved status as the top academy. His demeanor was smug, his shoulders squared, exuding an air of invincibility.
