"Ten thousand points? That alone could put you in the lead, forget about the other events?" A student exclaimed, coming out of his gloominess.
Indeed, this final event culminated in the ultimate prize all the students wanted. But there was more.
"Naturally, it's not the only reward." Instructor Horvey added causing the murmurs to increase. Excitement could be seen on the faces of some students, well, those who thought little about what their actions could mean.
"The final victor will be given the opportunity to have a one-on-one talk with Hunter Zol Knight."
"Really?!"
"Woah?! We get to meet Hunter Zol?!"
Almost the entire class roared in excitement. Alex and his friends, however, thought nothing of it. They had literally met the person two days ago.
"Your uncle sure knows how to bring the party," Ross muttered but his words were mostly drowned in the noise that had taken over the class.
"Meh." Of course, to Julia, it was but a simple call to get in touch with him, so the rewards weren't that appealing to her.
She already had the ultimate one in her book though―Alex. She turned to him and smiled sweetly. This competition was going to be a place where she would show Alex her commitment to him. Nothing else mattered to her.
Alex could tell what she was thinking and smiled in response. Even he was not sure what he would do if he was pushed to the brink. But one thing was clear to him, he would never betray his friends. That was absolute and no amount of systemic reconditioning was going to change that.
His eyes held a resolute light within, a silent promise to give his absolute best.
"Settle down"
The instructor had enough of the noisy atmosphere, and they quickly obeyed. He nodded in approval and then concluded his description.
"The event will be a four-day event, a day for each. Due to your numbers in the thousands and how much power you wield, the world you'd be competing within will be stronger than our planet.
'This is to prevent too much destruction interfering with the structures built. Naturally, that also means, being slammed into them will bring unimaginable pain."
Some students gulped once they were reminded of the pain they would be experiencing as well.
"You are at liberty to carry whatever you deem necessary for the first, third and fourth event. That would be all."
He ended his explanations. Whatever questions they had was up to them to figure out as they went. The academy was not here to feed them everything.
Watching the instructor exit the classroom, a momentary silence settled in the classroom before voices began to be heard, and soon, discussions and what they planned on doing during the event.
"Let's get out of here. We can use the rest of the day to come up with some plans on our own." Ross suggested and got up from his seat.
Alex and Julia followed suit and made their way to the door. But someone entered their line of sight and they came to a halt.
Instantly, the commotion began to die down. A repeat of what happened the first day of their academy life was once again happening.
Zen and his friends stood before Alex, Ross and Julia. Alex narrowed his eyes at the actions of Zen but kept quiet in the meantime. There was nothing he could do right now, except talk.
However, Julia wasn't going to have any of it. "What do you want now, Zen? We're busy, find someone else to bother." She waved her hands as if to shoo him away.
"Relax Princess, you already know why I'm here," Zen replied, his arms folded around his chest. But none of them were intimidated by his stance. Ross was easily the tallest person around.
"Exactly, and there is nothing to say. Your chance to fight Alex will be available in the main event. So why are you here?" Ross chided with a small frown.
He didn't appreciate how this loser wouldn't let things go, and honestly, it was getting old.
"…" Zen was speechless for a few seconds as his gaze shifted to the observing classmates.
'Tch. Why don't you mind your damn business.' He thought in annoyance but actually said, "I want to make one thing clear to Alexander."
His face took on a stern expression and focused on Alex, ignoring the glued Julia by his side.
"The first stage is a bust, and the second stage could have a different outcome once the brackets are drawn. So, I want your word that we would clash in one of the stages, preferably the third stage or the final stage."
The instructor might not have mentioned it, but if only one person could claim the Sigil of Celestial, then it meant it could be taken from another person. This was a simple deduction anyone could come up with and he wanted to make sure Alex gave his word to abide by it.
Ross turned to observe Alex's expression as Zen's words made sense. There was still a chance that they clashed during the second stage, which was the most ideal, but anything could happen.
Alex of course, found no problems with his suggestion. He stared at Zen for a couple more seconds before saying, "If we fail to fight during the second stage, then, you can come find me during the second stage."
Zen remained quiet and as if understanding the reason, Alex added, "You have my word." He promised.
"Mm." Zen nodded and then walked away. There was nothing else to say.
Alex and his friends watched him leave and noticed how some of Zen's friends had apologetic expressions.
'I wonder if their friendship would hold during this competition.'
"Why can't he just give it a rest?" A student muttered but the silence in the classroom made his whisper resound in everyone's ears.
Some agreed and some just didn't care. They had their own plans to make and soon, the students began exiting the classroom.
"Come on," Julia muttered and guided Alex along. Whatever that was going to happen, she had absolute faith in Alex's ability to come out on top.