Inside a skyscraper in Phoenix city, a meeting was being held by the leaders of the top four academies in all four empires.
A large table was placed in the middle while all those involved in the meeting were sitting around it.
Sitting at the end of the table was a man who, unlike the others who were in suits, was wearing a plain white shirt. He looked plumpy with a scrunchy beard that made people wonder if he really slept at night.
This man was the man in charge of Phoenix military academy, the academy that produced the best ability users and fighters, that was why there wasn't really any academy that could beat Phoenix when it came to strength.
Well the other two empires had tried and failed but one empire hadn't tried and that was Crockel, but even if they wanted to go against Phoenix, the other empires would just laugh at them because Crockel was considered the weakest empire in the world.
The three other leaders of the other schools had their seats placed a little closer to Gary the head of Phoenix military academy.
Kelvin had his seat at the other side while the remaining two heads were sitting together at the other side, the rest of the seats were filled up by the staff brought by the heads so that they could help them when they were discussing certain areas.
"How's everyone preparing for the inter academy tournament?" Gary asked.
"I think we are going to go home with every trophy." A lady said. "Except for the fighting competition that is." She said turning to Gary.
The lady who had just spoken was the principal of Eukerion academy, Rosa Bliss.
A blonde-haired woman who seemed to be in her early thirties, she has a trait for boasting.
"We are doing fine," Jack said ignoring Rosa's blabberings.
Jack was the head of Tron Ville academy, a middle-aged man who always gave off a calm expression.
"We are trying." Kelvin finally said.
After getting his answers from his colleagues Gary decided to go straight into what they were going to be discussing.
The inter academy competition was an annual competition held by the four academies.
The events that took place in the competition were the fighting competition, the range competition, the soul weapon competition, and the talent show.
Michael wanted to hear their opinions on whether a competition should be added and the ways the others could be improved.
"How about adding a race?" Kelvin suggested.
"A race," Gary said.
"What's the point if it's added you'll just end up losing that one too," Rosa said, looking at Kelvin.
Gary turned to her with a look that sent her crawling back into her shell.
"Can you explain how a race can help choose talented students?" Gary asked.
Michael adjusted himself in his seat and cleared his throat before he began his explanation.
"Take for instance in a situation where you need someone to go back and get resources in the battle. Who would be the best person to send in this type of situation?"
"A fast person," Gary said.
"Exactly."
"But Kelvin, is this going to be a natural speed competition, or is it going to be based on abilities?" Jack asked.
"It should be based on the abilities because our goal is to see who has developed their speed ability more."
"Ok," Jack said.
"Or we can do both," Gary said.
"That can work too," Kelvin said.
"So it's decided, a racing competition will be added to the tournament."
"Another trophy to our collection," Rosa said with a cheery voice causing the three others to turn to her with cold stares.
The meeting continued with the staff bringing up issues and things they wanted to be resolved about the tournament.
******
In a very dark hall where every room was fitted with iron bars, Van could be seen sitting on the bed provided in one of those prison rooms with his head held down.
He quickly pulled his head upon hearing footsteps approaching his cell, he slowly put it down on seeing who had appeared in front of his cell.
Nicole was back in her usual suit and hairstyle and had come to check up on Van because she had questions that she needed answers to.
"This place was just receiving its finishing touches," Nicole said, looking around. "I never expected the vice principal to be the first person to get thrown in here.
"You can mock me all you want sweetheart but I'm telling you, you are all making a big mistake," Van said with his head still down.
"And what mistake is that?"
"You are all making a mistake because you all know nothing of what is to come," Van said. "He's coming, he's stronger this time and he is going to rain fire on earth."
No doubt his words made a little bit of an impact on Nicole but she tried not to show it.
"But he will have mercy on those that follow him…."
"Will you stop your blubbering and tell me where Michael is!" She just couldn't let him continue saying that nonsense.
"All you ask about is Michael but what about the boy that was with him?" Van said with a wry smile.
"He was with him?" Nicole muttered. "Where are they?" She asked, hitting the bar.
Van began to chuckle as he fell on his bed. "They are dead." He said with a smug look on his face.
Nicole's face suddenly went from angry to confused.
"You see what I was talking about even your mighty Michael didn't stand a chance against a low-ranked demon."
Nicole kept her composure as he didn't want Van's words to get to her.
"I don't believe any word you are saying here because I have an idea of where they are," Nicole said. "But if I find out that what you are saying is true I'll come back here and make sure you die a painful death."
She was about to leave when Van said something that made her stop in her tracks.
"Might as well start now because you will still get the same result where you are going."
Nicole shook off his words as she continued walking away while Van kept laughing mischievously.
"Fools, I will enjoy watching you all burn."
*****
Luis came rushing in with his sword but with one swipe of the growing demon's hand, he was sent flying backward and crashing on the ground.
"Luis!"
Michael picked up his sword that was lying on the floor and with his wind ability propelled himself up and came charging towards the demon with his sword.
"Pathetic human."
The demon caught on to the sword which was cutting deep into his hand but he didn't mind as he flung Michael along with the sword causing him to go crashing into a tree.
"You both are very pathetic."
Luis was panting as he got up on the floor, fire wasn't going to do anything against him but he knew one thing that could.
He held out his hands as the sword slowly appeared in his hand glowing red more than ever.
Michael who had seen the sword was in awe but he was worried for Luis who was using all his willpower to stand while holding this sword.
"How did he get a weapon made with dark magic?"
******
Hope you enjoyed the chapter?
Please check out my new work titled Wonder Boy: Rebirth of the wonder warriors, I promise it's a fun read and also set in the same world as M.A..S.