"As you all know, today marks the second event organized by the student council, which serves as the closing act for the academic festival," said Professor Emilia, her cold eyes piercing through us. "This event is of great importance, both for you and for the academy's reputation. It is also a chance to shape the image you want to project to the citizens of the Empire."
She paused for a few moments before continuing.
"This small meeting is to remind you to give your best and to go over some important rules. First: you have the option to surrender if you wish; it is your choice, and you have every right to do so. Second: the matchups will be random but quite fast. The coliseum field will be adjusted so that five pairs can fight simultaneously. We don't want the event to drag on, especially since it will take place in the afternoon, and our goal is to finish before midnight — also for the sake of the spectators. Third: you are allowed to choose one artifact of your preference, such as a weapon or armor. However, the use of items like potions, magical objects, and the like is strictly forbidden. I trust you understand."
Professor Emilia lowered her gaze for a moment, frowning slightly, then looked back at us.
"You are not allowed to kill your opponent. You may not cause any severe injuries — whether it be to vital organs, the soul, or the mind. The main purpose of this event is to showcase the power and excellence of our academy within the Empire, not to kill each other. Now, moving on..."
"There will be guests. As you all know, the Lunar Empire has taken an interest in our academic festival and sent two representatives. By order of the Emperor, they have the right to observe the event. It is important that we do not bring shame upon our Empire. That will be all. I wish you the best of luck, students," she concluded coldly, turning to leave.
Arthur remained silent, lost in thought.
"Representatives from the Lunar Empire..." I muttered to myself. I had no idea about that.
Leslie, however, didn't seem to care at all. She walked closer to Arthur, wearing a confident smile.
"Are you ready?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with a peculiar light.
Arthur pondered for a moment before replying.
"I think I am. At the very least, it can't be worse than the beginning. Don't worry about me — you should be focusing on your own match," he said with a soft smile.
"Well, I'm not too worried. It'll be pretty easy for me," Leslie replied, brimming with confidence.
"Urgh! Why does it have to be so troublesome?" Evelyn grumbled, frowning in frustration.
"Well... there's nothing we can do about it," Daniela said with a smile as she stood up. "Let's have fun! The festival ends today and we won't be able to keep training."
"Alright," I nodded. She was right. I needed to relax a little.
"Today is a historic day for the Empire, for the Academy, and for all of you! For the first time, you will witness the young elites of the Empire. To close this first academic festival with a bang, we will proceed with the duels between first-year students!" Alexandra announced, her voice full of excitement, her eyes sparkling as a gentle smile curved her lips.
The coliseum roared with cheers, the excitement rippling through the air. Everyone raised their hands toward the dark sky, which was beautifully lit by stars shining in all their magnificence.
The entire arena was illuminated by countless floating orbs of light, allowing the spectators to clearly watch the students' duels. Even so, some young men and adults couldn't help but fix their eyes on the elegant evening dress worn by the representative of the commoners.
Alexandra smiled radiantly. She was beyond thrilled with how the festival had turned out. Thanks to it, her people had the chance to see, firsthand, what the Imperial Academy was truly like. Wanting to give her followers a memorable experience, she had arranged a little theatrical moment for them — something they could recall fondly and tell their children and friends about. The president, Elizabeth, had truly come up with an incredible idea to close the festival in this way.
"Without further delay, let the show begin!"
"I think it fits me perfectly," I said with a smile, looking at the three girls.
Leslie frowned, placing her hands on her hips, and gave me a thorough once-over.
"It's not too heavy, is it?" she asked, seeking confirmation.
I moved around a little, testing it, and shook my head.
"No, it's perfect. Your choice was spot on for this kind of thing."
"Hmph! Of course it was!" she replied proudly, flashing a confident smile.
"Will you be alright?" Evelyn asked, looking at me with her large red eyes, as innocent as a child's.
"Don't worry, I'm confident," I nodded. Truthfully, I was a bit nervous, but I didn't want them to worry about me. After all, it was the first time I'd be fighting in front of so many eyes.
"Without further delay, let the show begin!"
The voice of the young announcer, full of excitement, echoed across the room, marking the official start of the second event.
"Uff... I'm getting a little nervous," Daniela confessed, forcing a tense smile.
"So am I," I thought to myself.
"Leslie, you're up first," came the cold voice of Professor Emilia, resonating from behind us. She was sitting on a chair, calmly reading the small book in her hands.
"Alright," she said. She was more than ready, already wearing the set of armor she had chosen herself, and her sword rested at her side.
"Good luck," I told her with a gentle smile.
Evelyn nodded too, while Daniela, still visibly nervous, managed a small nod and added:
"Hehehe, watch me closely!" Leslie said, grinning, as she stepped out of the room where Class 2 — our class — was waiting.
Professor Emilia called out four more students, who left alongside Leslie, heading to the coliseum.
Before us, a mana screen lit up, clearly displaying the five platforms where each pair of students would duel.
The moment Leslie and the other four students stepped onto the field, the crowd erupted with an overwhelming cheer, almost deafening in its enthusiasm. At the same time, another group of five students entered the arena. I carefully observed each one of them... I didn't recognize any of them.
I couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor bastard who would have to face Leslie.