Chapter 205: Under the Flashing Lights

Chapter 205: Under the Flashing LightsThe excitement surrounding the Genova Academy tournament reached a fever pitch as the world turned its eyes to Grushia.

Travelers from across the nation, and even international visitors, poured into the city, eager to witness what was shaping up to be the most prestigious event of the year.

Hotels were booked solid, street vendors lined the sidewalks, and transport hubs bustled with activity as fans, reporters, and competitors arrived in droves.

Grushia itself transformed into a festival. Banners bearing the Genova Academy crest hung from every lamppost, the streets were alive with music and performers, and local businesses embraced the event with themed displays and special menus.

The atmosphere was electric, for many a testament to Genova's far-reaching influence. It wasn't just a tournament; it was a cultural phenomenon, and Grushia's reception made it clear why Genova was a beacon of prestige.

In the Pandora household, preparations were in full swing. Kian and Lila moved with more determination than usual, carefully packing their things and fussing over their appearances. Marcus observed them with pride, his confidence in their abilities palpable.

"They'll do well," he murmured to himself, a smile tugging at his lips.

Just then, Liora passed swiftly behind him, her movements hurried. Marcus turned to call out, already expecting her to refuse to attend.

"Liora, are you..." His voice trailed off as he saw her heading to the mirror, fixing her hair with a sharpness he hadn't seen in months.

"What... what are you doing?" he asked, his tone laced with disbelief.

Liora barely glanced at him.

"Hm? Can't you see? I'm getting ready," she replied briskly, smoothing the fabric of her clothes.

Marcus blinked, struggling to process her transformation. She wasn't retreating to their room as he had assumed; she was fully preparing to leave. Dressed sharply, her movements

uncharacteristically urgent, she seemed entirely different.

His sight led him to Kian and Lila who were equally focused on their appearance.

"What's gotten into them?" Marcus muttered under his breath before understanding how stupid that question was.

He caught the subtle shift in the air, the shared looks, and the unspoken understanding that had gripped the household.

Eratz was coming back to Grushia for the first time in almost 2 years.

The news had shaken the family in different ways. Marcus felt a mix of anguish and apprehension, while Liora's hurried actions hinted at emotions she had kept buried for too long.

Across the city and beyond, reactions varied. Lisa spent her morning meticulously applying skincare and choosing cute outfits, her excitement masked by her desire to look her best.

Crystal, meanwhile, finished a quick bath, studying her reflection in the mirror with an unreadable expression. Kenny emerged from a dense forest, breathing deeply as he looked up toward the horizon, the weight of his thoughts written on his face.

At the Grushia airport, the energy was palpable. Fans screamed as Golden Cosmos' jet landed, the agency's emblem glinting in the sunlight. As the team disembarked, cheers erupted.

Security worked tirelessly to manage the euphoric crowd, while reporters snapped photos and shouted questions. The team's relaxed outfits contrasted with the buzz around them, adding to their effortless charm. Only Milo seemed aware of the surroundings, his slightly lost expression betraying his struggle to match their composure.

The team moved gracefully through the throng, their presence getting attention like celebrities arriving on a red carpet.

The group boarded a sleek, waiting bus that whisked them away. Eratz watched from the window, his thoughts turning to the city he had left behind.

Other agencies followed suit, arriving with varying levels of fanfare. Among them, Infinite Twilight's arrival drew an even greater reaction than Golden Cosmos. Their agents stepped onto the tarmac exuding an aura of polished dominance.

The agency's sleek uniforms, synchronized movements, and quiet confidence left the crowd awestruck.

Grushia's streets overflowed with people, the event sprawling from the academy grounds to the surrounding areas. It wasn't just a tournament; it was a city-wide celebration.

Vendors sold merchandise, performers entertained the crowds, and anticipation crackled in the air. The director of Genova Academy, along with her staff and a contingent of news reporters, greeted arriving teams with warmth and professionalism. From small agencies to national powerhouses, everyone had a place in the spectacle.

The Pandora family, more animated than usual, spent the day exploring the academy and the bustling stands. Kian and Lila were eager, their energy infectious as they soaked in the grandeur. S~eaʀᴄh the nôvelFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Liora moved quietly, her attention drifting as she observed the surroundings. Marcus spoke animatedly about the event, while somewhere else, Lisa, enjoying time with her friends, kept glancing around as if searching for something, or someone, amid the bustling streets.

Crystal, meanwhile, was walking nearby with Gabriel, who wore a cap and black glasses to avoid being recognized. Her absent-minded demeanor betrayed that her thoughts were elsewhere too, to the point that Gabriel ended up noticing it.

As the noise of the crowd swelled, a ripple of excitement passed through the streets.

"They're here!" someone shouted.

Liora's heart pounded, and she moved without thinking, weaving through the crowd. Behind them, Marcus groaned, realizing what was happening, and Kian and Lila hurried after their

mother.

Lisa and Crystal, similarly drawn by the commotion, also rushed toward the gathering throng. They all knew what kind of event to cause such a ruckus.

A luxurious sports team bus pulled up to the academy's grand entrance, its glossy surface reflecting the midday sun. Security staff worked efficiently to hold back the swelling crowd, their presence adding to the air of exclusivity.

The director stepped forward, flanked by her teachers, all poised to welcome the most anticipated guests of the event.

Among the onlookers, Liora stood frozen, her breath caught in her chest. Beside her, Lisa craned her neck to see, her heart racing, while Crystal adjusted her position for a better view, her expression unreadable.

The car's door opened slowly, and under the blinding flashes of cameras, Golden Cosmos

emerged.

The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices a roaring wave that filled the air.

Staff lined the entrance, followed by some seasonal fighters ranged from the city level to

national competitors.

And among these fighters stood the elite eight.

One by one, the aces of Golden Cosmos descended from the bus.

Catarina walked with an air of mischievous confidence, her feline grace captivating the crowd.

Kaida followed, her strong presence drawing admiration and whispers of her infamous title. Ryder, the Furry Paladin, strode down with his usual camaraderie, bringing the admiration of

the fans.

The students observing nearby were starstruck, their breaths catching in their throats as they realized they were seeing real legends in the flesh.

Lisa tried to inch closer, her heart racing with excitement, but security firmly held her back, preventing her from getting any nearer.

Her gaze was fixed on the group, trying desperately to be in a good place to be spotted by

Eratz.

Then Raya descended, her mere presence commanding awe. The crowd's excitement escalated into a frenzy, voices calling out her name.

Her graceful movements and ethereal demeanor left everyone stunned, mesmerized by the

reality of seeing her in person.

From a distance, Kenny watched, his expression a mixture of bitterness and despair.

This was his dream, to stand in their place, to feel the admiration of the crowd.

Yet here he was, a nobody, while they basked in the glory he had always craved.

Colin appeared next, walking cautiously beside Milo.

The cheers grew louder, though their focus shifted slightly.

Colin tried to maintain her composure, her head held high, but the slight tremble in her hands

betrayed her nerves.

Milo, wide-eyed and curious, glanced around, but Mercury's firm voice cut through the chaos.

"Don't pay attention," she told him. "We can't stop for anyone here, so keep moving." Finally, Eratz and Mercury stepped out together, and the crowd's excitement reached a fever

pitch.

People screamed their names, their adoration palpable.

Eratz walked with his usual calm confidence, his presence electrifying the atmosphere.

Next to him, Mercury stayed composed, her protective gaze on Milo and Colin, ensuring they

stayed close.

The last to emerge were Victoria and Zara, and their appearance sent the crowd into an

absolute uproar.

"It's her! The Black Lady!" someone shouted.

Ryder glanced at Kaida, puzzled.

"Black Lady?"

Kaida smirked.

"That's Victoria's nickname from her beast master days, apparently. You should really check

the internet, you have no idea what she is about."

The team reached the director and her staff, who were lined up to receive them.

The director, confident and smiling, stepped forward, her eyes briefly meeting Eratz's.

She seemed ready to address him, but he simply ignored her, his gaze sweeping the area as he

murmured something to Mercury.

Before the director could speak, Zara stepped in smoothly.

"Good afternoon," Zara said with a polite smile. "I'm Zara Quinn, the representative of

Golden Cosmos. I'll be managing our interactions for the event."

The director blinked, surprised.

She had expected Victoria or perhaps Eratz himself to take the lead, not a third party.

Her gaze flickered back to Eratz, who was casually chatting with Mercury, seemingly

uninterested in the proceedings.

The director sighed inwardly, of course, it couldn't be simple.

"Very well," she said flatly. "Let me lead you."