Chapter 106: The Joint Class [3]

Despite this new challenge, Emeric's team pressed on, trying to maintain their momentum. Luca countered Sara's spells, creating a magical duel within the larger battle. Mark shielded them from arrows and spells alike, his endurance and resilience shining through.

The battle dragged on, neither side able to gain a decisive upper hand. Both the time and their aether were running out, and the tension in the arena was palpable. Both teams were giving their all, but it was clear that a breakthrough was unlikely before time ran out.

Finally, the sound of a bell echoed through the arena, signaling the end of the match. Instructor Darius stepped forward, his expression serious as he surveyed the exhausted combatants.

"The match is over," Darius announced solemnly. "By the judges' decision, this match is declared a draw."

The first-year students erupted into applause and cheers, celebrating as if they had won the match. The draw felt like a victory after their string of losses. Emeric's performance had inspired them, giving them hope that they could compete with the more experienced second years.

On the other side of the arena, the second-year students remained silent. A few muttered amongst themselves, claiming that the first years had been lucky or that it was only because Emeric was on their team.

"Just wait until next time," one of the second years said, shaking his head. "We won't go easy on them again."

Hardin and Emeric both left the arena with expressions of frustration and rage. Hardin couldn't shake the feeling that he should have been able to secure a win, while Emeric was angry at himself for being unable to win.

'Damn it. I couldn't do anything I wanted!' His opponent was an archer! If it wasn't for his teammates, holding back the urge to go all out, he could've secured the victory. 'Yeah, all because of them. They are the ones at fault...'

"E-Emeric, we managed to - !" Luca was trying to cheer up Emeric seeing his downcast expression. However, he met Emeric's rage-filled eyes. "Don't talk to me." He said.

"Hik-!" Luca instinctively shrieked back and lost all his courage to even talk.

Emeric passed by the other students and sat down at the corner of their place.

Valerie naturally noticed his rude attitude but didn't punish him since he at least managed to break the losing streak. Then she turned her attention to her students.

The atmosphere among the first years was electrified with renewed spirit. They had faced the elites and hadn't been completely overpowered. This match had given them a glimmer of hope and a boost in morale.

Instructor Valerie watched them with a mixture of pride and concern. She knew that while the draw had lifted their spirits, they still had a long way to go. Deciding to keep the momentum, she sent out more teams, this time mid-ranking students, hoping to capitalize on the newfound energy. Searᴄh the novёlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

The next ten matches, however, were a harsh reminder of the gap between the first and second years. Despite their best efforts, the first years managed only one draw in the seventh match, losing the other nine matches. Each loss chipped away at the enthusiasm that had been built up from Emeric's match.

The atmosphere in the Battle Arena grew tense once more. The first-year students began to feel the weight of their inexperience again. Their earlier excitement faded as fatigue and frustration set in.

Valerie observed her students closely, noting their diminishing morale. She knew that their confidence was fragile and that these consecutive losses were taking a toll.

Even the spectators have become bored, some even just taking a nap.

However, now was the time for the first years to shine.

Her eyes held anticipation as she looked at the two teams left at their side. One group was the strongest having the first and second rank students in it. The other group's members were all in the top 10 ranks, showing great promise as a team and individually.

"Which one of you want to fight first." Since there was not much difference between the two groups, she decided to ask their opinion.

"..."

"I-!" Just as the team leader of the second group, Aurelius was about to speak, the first team suddenly stood up, walking directly to the arena. Seeing their actions, Aurelius was stunned but after a moment, he sighed in defeat and sat down on his seat, wearing a smile filled with anticipation and excitement.

'He is as calm and decisive as ever...' Instructor Valerie thought looking at the leader of the first group. 'Student Adrian... All our hopes rest on your shoulders...'

"Woah! Look! It's the princess Aria!"

"Huh? Has the Princess finally stepped up?! Yeah! Show them what you got!"

"Go, Princess Aria!"

"Wait...! Why is she walking behind that guy?"

"Right? Isn't she the team leader?"

"Who is that guy?"

"I know! He's probably a front liner, that's why he is on the front!"

"Yeah, but why does he get to lead the Princess, not me?"

The crowd's murmurs grew louder as the first team made their way to the center of the arena. The atmosphere became lively in an instant, the center of attention being the Princess, granddaughter of the Principal, Aria Starlight.

Adria who was in the lead could hear the murmurs of the crowd since they were really loud. He held the urge to shake his head. Even in this world, people were like this. Fawning over a beauty as if she were an angel, an idol.

'But, she really deserves it...' Adrian muttered inwardly, secretly casting a glance at Aria. Not to mention he was one of her 'fan-readers', sending likes to her character every day.

'But why are they talking about me like that?' He thought somehow irritated. 'I'm the first ranker you know. And I'm the leader.'

'Or is it because I'm not handsome enough to be talked about? And here I was, thinking my charm have finally increased...'

'Or is it because of me being just an extra?'

'...'

'Welp, they are gonna know me after this, and even then I don't care.'

'Since I'm not gonna spend 4 years here anyway...'