The next day
All students participating in the main event were gathered in their homeroom to have a brief talk before the start of the second event.
The talk Alex had with Hunter Zol the previous night was informative as he finally had an idea of how he achieved that form.
Not surprising was the fact that they couldn't tell what exactly the trigger was as the two even attempted recreating the conditions for its activation, alas…
They came out empty.
It was a mystery only time would reveal. The only thing he could do now was focus on the second event.
The class was rowdy with discussions about what transpired in the Convergence Maze and how Zen took the kill meant for Alex, putting him in first place.
"Looks like your name is spreading everywhere, Zen," Phell commented listening to the discussions going on.
"Mm." Zen nodded with his eyes closed, appearing as if he was deep in thought about something. Of course, he was only putting on airs and while his fame came from taking what was meant for Alex, that had been the plan since the beginning.
"Does it really matter? The strength Alex showed back then is still a concern no one is actually addressing. In case you guys forgot, today is the Void Gladiator event."
Amon reminded his friends to set their priorities straight.
"Well yeah… But do you honestly believe the strength that surpasses Class E comes with no price? I dare say that strength of his is only temporary and while I'm not sure how he did that, and in a VR world no less, I doubt it would happen again."
Phell countered, his words making more sense than expected.
Amon could only remain quiet after hearing that. Even though he had some doubts, he just didn't like everyone talking about how Zen took Alex's kill when they could talk about other matters.
Suddenly, Amon noticed how quiet the class became and came out of his thoughts. The instructor was in.
"Good morning. I trust you're all doing well," Instructor Horvey asked, his gaze shifting from student to student to determine if anyone was still affected by the events of the previous day.
However, all he received was a round of positive nods.
"Good."
He muttered and went to stand behind the podium.
"As you all know, today is the day you'll be engaging in combat. You already have all the information about what will transpire.
"So I'll keep what I'm about to say short."
His eyes roamed the faces of everyone and then fell on Alex.
"It's been decided Alex would be moving straight to the semi-finals."
Immediately the students registered the information, and they exclaimed in shock.
"What… Why?"
"Is it because of the strength he showed during the final battle?"
Multiple questions from different students resounded throughout the classroom and it wasn't the only class experiencing this as the other classes were receiving similar information.
Alex was slightly taken aback himself before regaining his composure. But he couldn't think of any reason why they would do that.
If their concerns came from him assuming that form again, they didn't have to worry about that. Of course, he wasn't going to say that out loud.
He felt Julia place her hand on his and gave a gentle squeeze. His eyes met hers and he could see the genuine joy in her eyes.
A smile naturally bloomed on his face which was mirrored by Julia. "Give it a rest you two. No one wants to see you guys lovey-dovey every two seconds."
Ross spoke, slightly annoyed at their antics.
"Quiet!"
Instructor Horvey's voice reverberated in the classroom and silenced the rising commotion. He wasn't in the mood to deal with their hurt feelings, and he didn't need to explain anything to them either.
"We have no obligation to explain our decision to you." He started, 'Besides, with what Alex was put through, this is a small compensation.'
"All you have to worry about is yourself and if you manage to get to that stage, you can fight him then."
He finished with a stern expression on his face. It was clear to the students that the decision had been made and their protest wasn't going to change a thing.
One student in particular was boiling in fury.
To Zen, it felt like an insult to him. Why did it feel like he had to prove himself just to face Alex? It didn't make sense and it wasn't fair either.
The way the Void Gladiator matches were structured did not favour anyone specific. Just like a cosmic mana wave, a shifting terrain could take away one person's advantage and favour another.
Remnants of past battles that would occasionally sweep the arena could disorient an opponent for someone, adding to their advantage.
There was no guarantee strength and ability would take you far.
Of course, he wasn't the only one feeling that way, but the academy was not being run by their money. If they didn't like it, they could forfeit; no one was forcing them to partake.
After watching the students settle themselves and regain composure, Instructor Horvey concluded his message.
"Good. From here, you are to go to the combat systems where the tournament will take place in a large arena. Further instructions on what you need to do will be given then.
"You're dismissed."
He made his way out of the classroom shortly after.
"Haa… This is the worst. Why must everything be in favour of Alex?" Oscar muttered to his friends, preparing to leave.
However, Zen did something that stopped everyone in their tracks.
WHOOSH!
In a flash, Zen appeared before Alex and his friends who were making their way out.
Alex noticed this but was not in the mood to entertain him,
"Get to the semi-finals and then you can hopefully have your challenge."
Without waiting for Zen's reply, Alex walked past him, not sparing Zen another glance.
"Hmph!"
Julia snorted when she passed him by as well. She had had enough of this guy.
"Tough luck, buddy," Ross added clicking his tongue, amusement clear in his eyes as he walked past him as well.
At this point, Zen was nothing but a joke in his eyes. He was like a child craving attention.
Zen was fuming with anger when Alex didn't even stop to acknowledge his presence.
'You're going to regret that…'