Just as predicted, the commotion about Alex, the top student of the first years being in the battle royale took over the academy. It became the focus of everyone's discussions. From their walks with friends in and out of the academy ground to when they sat in diners and cafeterias for their meals. It was the talk of the day.
"Yo, have you heard what's going on?" A first-year student from one of the lower classes asked his colleagues as they made their way back from the combat systems.
"Are you referring to Alexander Gray taking part in the battle royale?"
"Exactly, what's your take on that?"
His question made his friends stop briefly to think about it. "I'm not going to lie; I was surprised when I heard that." One of them said as they resumed walking.
"Apparently, despite his strength, his level is still at the low tier of Class F."
"You can't be serious, right? How does someone who came as the top student in the first year end up being at the same level despite all the advantages he had?"
His words made sense. But without adequate information on Alex and his habits, there wasn't much they could say or do.
"I know how that sounds, but the information came from his own classmates. This has already gotten a lot of the students who will be partaking in the battle royale nervous. Some have already made plans to eliminate him first."
"Hmm… That's smart. Even if his level is low, his physical strength is still higher than everyone else." Another said, his right hand on his chin.
"Exactly, and with the number of students that will be in the battle, his chances are honestly slim." Once again, purely looking at it from a statistical viewpoint, Alex's chances were not looking so good. Everyone would want a piece of the top dog; this was not just a saying. Anything that sticks out would be hammered down.
"Well, tomorrow will tell. Right now, we must get ready as well." The friends nodded and left the scene.
...…
The next day
Julia and Ross escorted Alex to the combat systems where Alex and the rest of the students would immerse themselves in the battle. Of course, more than one combat system was going to be used for the event. The seeded students will head to the various auditoria where a live feed of the battle will be shown.
"You guys can go to the auditorium now. Thanks for escorting me." Alex turned to his friend and said, a small smile on his lips. They were at the entrance of the combat systems
"Show them what you're made of." Julia encouraged Alex with a clenched fist and a look that promised pain as if she was the one to fight.
"Hehe… Definitely." Alex's mood became relaxed once he saw Julia's action. He then turned to Ross and nodded.
"Don't hold back, you hear me? If push comes to shove, show them everything you've got." Ross also encouraged. He had no doubt Alex would make it out of the battle royale as a victor.
"It won't come to that, but sure. I hear you." Alex accepted his words and moved to enter the building.
Julia and Ross watched as Alex disappeared into the building. "Let's get going, Julia."
"Mm." She nodded, and they headed to the auditorium for their class.
.....
Once Alex and the other students were immersed in the VR world, they all awakened in a private space for them to change into their combat gear and choose an appropriate weapon. Of course, choosing a weapon was entirely optional as the students could rely on their abilities. Then again, if they had enough mana for that, they wouldn't be in this battle royale.
Alex geared up in black combat wear that offered protection against cuts and scratches, not that it would even matter. He then brought the weapons rack before him. The rack had various collections of weapons from swords, dual blades, spears, battleaxes and other polearms.
'The polearm is my weapon of choice, but I don't want it restricting my movement in the crowded space.' He thought briefly about this as he glanced at the polearms section. 'I also don't want anything pointy at the moment, just something to inflict blunt force.'
He then noticed one particular polearm that looked too short, half the length of typical polearms with a greater degree of thickness. He moved to grab it to take a closer look. The short staff was silver, and octagonal and looked like it was made from a metallic material with parts that looked like small individual pieces put together.
Alex observed the staff, turning it around to understand how its short nature would be useful in a fight, except when used as a whacking stick. He then noticed a stadium close to the centre of the pole with three buttons, coloured in dull grey, white and timid white.
"What's this?" He got intrigued and decided to press the button in the centre and immediately, the staff elongated with a sharp sound.
"Woah!" He exclaimed in surprise and nearly dropped the staff. However, a small grin quickly replaced his shocked expression. He tried out the other two buttons and noted the grey caused an opening at one of the ends to allow small blades to pop out, while the timid white separated the polearm into two short poles when elongated.
He played around with the staff some more, already having made his choice and then picked the magnetic holder of the short staff and placed the shortened staff on his back. It also came with an armband where one could remotely control the weapon in case one throws the weapon and wished to retrieve it without having to cover that distance.
His form as he stood there looked dashing and heroic and if Julia was around, she would have had stars in her eyes just from looking at Alex standing there doing nothing.
He then looked at the time, 'In less than two minutes, we'd be waltzed onto the stage.' His expression took a serious turn, watching as the seconds ticked by. When it reached the end of the countdown, Alex and every other student partaking in the battle royale were taken away from their private space.
When Alex opened his eyes again, he was in a sea of students, each of them wearing a similar gear and carrying their choice of weapons. He lifted his head and looked at his surroundings.
"I see…"