In the center of Starlight Academy, a vast open ground had been transformed into a grand arena complex. Many arenas—each designed to host numerous battles, with a grand golden arena at the center standing above the rest—were arranged in a circular formation, surrounded by rows upon rows of seats that rose like a coliseum.
The entire setup was completed in just a few weeks, a testament to the efforts of hundreds of workers who were hired and labored every day to prepare for the Gala.
Now, the stands were overflowing with a roaring crowd, their loud cheers erupting like thunder. The air shimmered with pure excitement, thick with anticipation, as the energy of thousands pulsed through it.
It was not just a gathering—it was a spectacle of ambition, power, and pride.
Encircling the central arenas were the tall buildings of numerous departments, their banners fluttering proudly in the breeze.
Within them all, specialized competitions showcasing each discipline—ranging from inscription and talisman crafting to potion brewing and beast fights—were being held.
The entire academy campus had turned into a festival of brilliance and rivalry. The gates of Starlight Academy stood open to the public for this rare occasion, allowing civilians to witness the academy's finest.
High above, many floating drones hovered, capturing every moment and broadcasting the events live to the entire continent—and maybe even beyond the Human Continent.
Despite the buzzing excitement, security around the academy was tighter than ever.
All the older individuals who usually rested within the academy had emerged to guard its towering walls. Numerous Lights, hired by the VP from elite guilds, were scattered among the crowd, blending in seamlessly.
Everyone entering the academy had their belongings checked, and a gray wristband equipped with AI-powered surveillance was fastened around their wrist to monitor their movements—ready to alert authorities at the slightest sign of suspicious behavior.
The host of the Gala, Professor Moore—who, despite his punishment period, had secured the job after pestering the VP day and night—tapped his microphone as he floated above the bustling crowd.
Around him were students from Starlight Academy and numerous other academies, along with many civilians and Lights who had been gathering since early morning.
"Good afternoon, everyone!"
Moore's voice rang out, energized and warm, cutting through the lively chatter.
"I welcome you all to this year's Gala—an extraordinary event where talent, skill, and passion unite in a grand celebration."
He chuckled when the crowd turned their attention to his handsome figure floating above the arena, clad in a tailored suit.
"So, prepare yourselves for a week filled with thrilling competitions, breathtaking displays, and unforgettable moments!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as Moore announced the highlight of the battles—the competition that would crown one student as the Star of the Generation for a year.
Many Lights from various academies and guilds floated out from the crowd, ready to serve as referees and ensure fair battles.
After the fights began, Max soon stepped confidently onto the stage when his name was called. Moore seized the moment to capture the crowd's attention once more.
"That's my disciple! Watch closely—he defeated his opponent in mere seconds!"
He laughed, and immediately, many eyes turned to the tall, handsome, golden-eyed youth standing atop the arena stage.
Max gave an awkward wave, unsure why Moore was drawing so much attention to him—unaware that his master was proudly boasting to revive his dear disciple's fame, which had recently been overshadowed by that damn Skyler's rising popularity.
Still, Max's mere presence was enough to make the crowd cheer. Among them were guild leaders from powerful organizations, present to scout promising young talents.
They had taken notice of Max long before the Gala. After all, he made quite a name for himself since joining the academy.
With a massive following on Star Net and many admirers who had already crowned him the top genius of his generation, Max—and his close-knit group of friends—were destined to rise to the top in the future.
Unfortunately, they had not taken part in any of the Annual Galas in previous years, as they were not yet formidable enough to compete with the Elite Class students who had entered the Battle Royal and gained a tremendous surge of power thanks to the valuable resources they uncovered there.
Max Hales and his team had instead been focused on training, completing missions, and preparing to enter the preliminary test.
Still, they accomplished numerous heroic deeds, such as rescuing students from the Dark Lights and helping solve the mystery of explosives planted within the academy.
That was why many speculated that Max would claim the golden stage and the title of Star of the Generation this year, despite being only a first-year Elite student. He had grown a lot over the past few months, and although this was his first time taking part in the Annual Gala, many spectators had already placed their bets on him to win.
So, when Charles noticed Isaac casually wager one million Star Coins on Skyler's victory—against the other bettors—and a thousand Star Coins against the students who had risked the precious Star Coins in their student ID cards, he nearly fainted.
He grabbed Isaac's and gave him a firm shake, trying to snap the man out of it.
"Have you lost it? Skyler is missing! You'll lose all your money! How can you bet so much on someone who isn't even here?!"
Isaac's vision spun from the firm shaking. Charles's loud voice drew the attention of the nearby crowd, but neither he nor Isaac paid the onlookers any mind. Isaac patted Charles's hands, signaling him to let go.
Isaac straightened his uniform as the bewildered young man released him.
"That's nothing. My family is rich. Even if I lose, they wouldn't care. Besides, my luck's pretty good—I've never lost money, not even when I practically threw it away on useless things. So don't worry. I even placed money on you to make it to the finals. My advice? Bet on yourself... and on Skyler."
Charles's lips moved quietly in shock, but ultimately, he truly couldn't find the words.
Skyler had been missing for weeks—gone without a trace. Of course, he was worried about him, but he also knew that wherever Skyler was, he was probably all right.
After all, if anyone were to suffer from a kidnapping, it would be the kidnapper—not Skyler. His wicked smirk alone could send anyone fleeing for life—not to mention the saintly good side he sometimes revealed.
Still, wagering so much money on Skyler's victory when he was absent and the Gala had already begun was, in Charles's eyes, just throwing money away for nothing.
Yet, Charles gritted his teeth and placed a bet of five thousand Star Coins on Skyler's victory against the other students. He put the Star Coins he had in his student ID on the line. He wasn't rich, so he could only wager what he had earned on his own. He even placed two thousand Star Coins on Isaac's victory in the potion-making fight.
"Done..."
His hand trembled as he held his ID card, the screen flashing a pitiful balance of 102 Star Coins—his fortune nearly wiped out.
Isaac chuckled, amused, as if watching a good drama unfold for his entertainment.
"You'll get back a hundred times more."
He assured. But Charles just gave him a blank stare. He had gone crazy as well, it seemed. Knowing full well that Skyler was missing, yet still putting everything on the line—just because he wanted that bastard to actually show up at the last second.
"But I fear I won't even get back what I wagered. What if I fail to pay my annual fee...? Maybe I'll get kicked out of here."
Isaac gave his shoulder a reassuring pat.
"You can always borrow from Skyler."
Charles's face went even blanker.
"You really think Skyler—the guy who won't even part with a single Star Coin, not even for snacks—would pay for me? Seriously?"
Isaac fell silent, choosing not to comment. In the brief time he had spent with Skyler, he already knew the man well enough to know just why Charles was feeling so downcast.
He unlocked his phone and saw countless students, Lights, and civilians laughing and commenting online about his and Charles's anonymous bets on Skyler's victory.
The Gala had already begun, leaving no chance to withdraw or change their bets.
The crowd sighed at the duo for making such a reckless last-minute wager—betting on Skyler, who had been missing for weeks and was rumored to be either kidnapped or maybe even dead. What a waste of money.
Still, no matter how much they all probed, they couldn't identify the two anonymous bettors hidden within the massive crowd.
Isaac closed his phone with a sigh. After reading the negative comments, he began to wonder if Skyler really wouldn't show up.
But honestly, he didn't care about the money—his family was ridiculously rich.
Suddenly, Charles's name was called amid the loud murmurs and cheers, his student ID card buzzing with a notification as well.
He was summoned to the stage to face a student from another academy in battle.
Isaac gave him a silent good-luck nod as Charles quickly rushed toward the arena.
While he was battling, far from the crowd, inside the familiar dorm building, a blood-soaked figure appeared, groaning softly.
Skyler's eyes gleamed as he stepped into his room, holding Riruru's sleeping figure in his arms. After laying her down gently on the bed, he headed for a quick shower, aware that he had barely made it back on time.
"I almost died... but it was worth it."