The silence in the Arena was broken by Monica’s clear voice.
"Here are the ranking scores for the first round."
The massive screen above the arena flickered to life, displaying the results.
"These scores were generated by the System, ensuring complete accuracy."
A collective gasp swept through the crowd as they absorbed the numbers.
[First Position: Christopher Valhalla: Points: 1,000 (Maximum Points)]
[Second Position: Mitchell Canine: Points: 200]
[Third Position: Mariana Vanir: Points: 110]
[Fourth Position: Advika Evander: Points: 90]
[Fifth Position: Leon Lil: Points: 70.]
The sheer disparity in points, particularly Christopher’s perfect score, left everyone stunned.
The two girls who had placed ninth and tenth silently exited the arena, their disappointment evident.
Christopher, after a moment of contemplation, turned to Monica.
"Principal Monica!" he called out, his voice amplified by his life force, resonating throughout the arena.
Monica, slightly taken aback by the sheer volume of his voice, responded, "Yes, Master Christopher?"
"May I be excused from the second round? Let the remaining seven compete against each other. It would give them a fair chance."
Mitchell and Mariana exchanged irritated glances. Did Christopher perceive them as so utterly weak that he felt compelled to offer them pity?
Monica, taken aback, looked towards the Dean, who gave a subtle nod.
"Are you certain?" Monica asked. "You will not gain any points in this round, and if four contestants surpass your score, you will be eliminated."
Christopher chuckled. "Do you truly believe they can surpass my score?"
Monica smirked, while the Dean smiled.
"This young man is quite intriguing," he remarked.
"What do you think you are doing?! Just because you destroyed some holographic tigers doesn’t mean you are the strongest! Face me one on one if you dare!" Mitchell’s patience snapped, unable to tolerate Christopher’s perceived arrogance.
Christopher, without turning, glanced over his shoulder. "You are not worthy of my direct attention. My mere energy will suffice to subdue you."
"Young Master Mitchell! Please refrain from disrupting the proceedings. Your opportunity to compete will come in the third round." Monica intervened.
Mitchell gritted his teeth and stepped back.
"What do you all think? Should Master Christopher be excused from the second round?" Monica addressed the remaining contestants.
The seven exchanged glances. Advika was the first to speak.
’I hate to admit it, but what if Christopher participated in the second round and I lost? Competing against these guys offers me a better chance.’ Mariana reasoned, nodding in agreement.
One by one, the others agreed, leaving Mitchell as the last. With clenched fists, he reluctantly nodded.
"Hmm... Mitchell’s persistence is remarkable. Given his registration test results, he should understand Christopher’s superior level. Why this eagerness to fight?" the Dean mused.
"Perhaps he suspects Christopher’s powers were acquired through unconventional means. If that were the case, Christopher wouldn’t be able to wield his life force to such an extent," Monica speculated.
"Let us await the outcome of the third round," the Dean concluded, settling back into his seat.
Monica nodded and turned her attention to the eight contestants.
"The second round will commence in one minute."
All eyes turned upwards, witnessing two magnificent white eagles descending into the arena, each bearing a basket in its talons. The eagles gracefully deposited the baskets before the contestants and soared away.
"Master Christopher, please step back. The remaining seven contestants are to select a paper from these baskets. Within each basket lies a golden ticket. Whoever draws the golden ticket will automatically advance to the next round. If two contestants select the same number, they will engage in a duel," Monica explained.
The seven contestants nodded and approached the baskets. They peered into the baskets, noting the absence of any visible golden tickets.
"Alright... Please select a paper," Monica instructed.
Each contestant retrieved a paper and, with bated breath, and slowly unfolded it.
"Number 4," Advika muttered.
"Number 1," Mariana frowned.
"Number 1," a male contestant echoed.
Mariana turned towards the male contestant, her gaze meeting his.
"Number 4," another female contestant declared, her eyes locking with Advika’s, instantly she turned paled.
"Number 7," Mitchell announced, raising his paper. "Who else selected number 7?"
"I did," a bespectacled male contestant replied.
Mitchell regarded the seemingly nerdy contestant with a smirk.
’This will be a simple victory.’ He thought.
"I drew the golden ticket!" another male contestant exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
All eyes turned towards him, confirming the golden interior of his paper.
"What a lucky bastard!" Mariana hissed.
"Alright... We can--" Monica began.
"I forfeit," a female contestant declared, cutting her off.
"Me too," the other male contestant echoed.
Monica and the audience were taken aback, their gazes filled with disbelief and shock. The two female contestants, possessing only low-stage Beasts and limited experience, were unwilling to face those with perfect-stage Beasts and intermediate-level skills... How will they win?
"What a disappointment. They are already so frightened in a friendly competition. If they displayed such cowardice in the academy competition, they would bring shame upon our Vitality Academy!" the Dean exclaimed, his voice laced with disdain.
"Are you certain of your decisions?" Monica inquired.
"Yes," they replied in unison.
"Very well... Miss Advika and Miss Mariana advance to the next round. Thus..."
All eyes turned towards the bespectacled male contestant, anticipating his surrender. Instead, he adjusted his glasses and offered a faint smile.
’That bastard! Then I won’t hold back.’ Mitchell resolved.
"Alright... You are all aware of the nature of this round, but I will reiterate. Both Master Mitchell and Master Leon will engage in a Beast battle. You are permitted to utilize three Beasts each. Employ your strongest Beasts if you wish to prevail," Monica instructed.
A beam of light materialized several meters ahead, and Leon walked forward and halted within the light and turned to face his opponent.
"Begin," Monica commanded.
"Come forth!" Mitchell bellowed.
The whole arena was stunned into silence, feeling the dense amount of energy emanating from Mitchell and Leon.