Chapter 174 - First Stage of the Competition (1)

Lia had corroborated with Ilsa in changing the word "neotide" with "werewolf" before the notice had been pasted onto the board. The ministry conducted an enquiry on the complaints received by Isidorus. Based on the complaints, Ilsa was called in. They couldn't understand as to why Lia wasn't able to come and attend the enquiry despite repeated reminders. 

In order to save herself from the situation, Ilsa gave away Lia's name. She said that it was Lia's idea to replace the words to save herself. Since it was a grave mistake, which could lead to breaking the treaty, the ministry suspended Lia and left Ilsa with a warning. She returned to the school and changed the notice. However, she did it so quietly and at the last minute before the closing of the competition registrations that the students didn't come to know about the change; the competition was supposed to start with the next day. 

Adrianna was very tired after her classes were over for the day and she called Fleur to create the portal for her. Upon reaching the bedroom, she found that Dmitri wasn't there. Feeling sad, she laid on the bed and drifted off to sleep. It was sometime during the dark of the night when she found herself wrapped in his arms. She smiled in her sleep and didn't bother to wake up. 

In the morning when she woke up, she told him that she was entering the completion. 

"The first stage of the competition starts today. Although I am not sure, it may last for a few days," she informed him. 

"Adrianna, I am worried. I want to stay with you," he replied anxiously. 

"I would love if you could come with me, but you don't have to worry. The first task is to trap a neotide, for which the students have to come to the forest and hunt for one. It will be an easy task, so don't worry," she said with a smile. 

He stroked her hair and asked, "Are you sure…"

"Of course!" She chuckled. 

They had an early breakfast together and Adrianna went back to the wizard world afterwards. As soon as she arrived at the academy gates, the guards kneeled and opened the gates. However, they pointed their javelins as Liam entered. Liam stuck his tongue out at them and followed Adrianna.

The entire school was abuzz with activity. The environment was really exciting. Adrianna smiled at all the students as she, herself, was excited about the competition. When she reached her class, she saw that Professor Ziu was there waiting for her nervously. All the students were standing in rows and the desks in the classroom had been cleared out.

Some students who saw her sneered at her. 

"Why is she even participating in the competition?" asked one of them.

"She won't be able to match our skills."

"Seriously, she has an attitude problem." 

"Zola, we know that you will win, hands down! Your brother won it the last time." 

Adrianna exhaled and went to stand with them. 

All of the students were directed by Professor Ziu to the gardens outside. Many senior professors were standing in the gardens and Ilsa was standing in the midst of them was. She gave a passing look to Adrianna and then addressed the students. 

"For this stage of the competition, you all will be teleported to the forest. You all already know the details. Be careful and, in case you feel as though you are in danger and cannot handle it, you can call for one of us by shooting this flare gun in the air." She looked at one of the professors who handed a flare gun to each and every one of the students. 

"Remember, this competition will only last for two days. No outside help can be given and you will be monitored the entire time. You are not permitted to go into the werewolves' territory to find your target. The target needs to be trapped in the forest. If any one of you goes into the werewolf territory, you will be automatically disqualified." 

Then, she nodded at Professor Ziu who created a portal for them. One by one, each student entered the portal.

For almost all of the students, the only time they had entered the forest was to find their wands, so entering the forest was an exhilarating change in environment. Excitedly, they dispersed throughout the forest in groups. Zola walked away with ten other students and Adrianna was left alone. Hunting a neotide wasn't easy; this much, she knew from experience.

After being left alone, she thought to shape shift and run into the forest. That way, she could find a neotide easily because neotides had a habit of attacking any sole werewolves. Adrianna walked inside the thick jungles towards an area where she knew that there were often lots of neotides, and shape shifted. She dashed inside at a great speed. 

A group of students followed her.