After witnessing that the Colzen Academy they saw on the first day was as strong as ever, the 700 people who bet enormous sums of money on Colzen Academy making the top 8 breathed a sigh of relief.
If Colzen struggled against a mediocre academy, then they better say farewell to their money as early as now.
Fortunately, Colzen didn't disappoint them by winning easily against Edenson Academy with three straight wins.
Still, it was too early for them to celebrate.
There were two more top 64 finisher academies on the way along with a top 16 finisher as a round-four opponent.
If Colzen could win in the fourth round of matches, then it means that they have a fair chance of actually achieving a top 8 finish.
Meanwhile, Shye and the others returned to their academy station in a good mood.
Although their goal was far from such mediocrity, a win is a win and they're pretty happy about it.
Upon arriving at their academy station, they were greeted by smiles from the instructors along with a few high-fives from the friendlier ones, improving their mood even further.
As for the deans, they watched the proceedings with smiles on their faces. Last year was just too much of a disaster so they couldn't help but relish the feeling of victory again.
They didn't have too much time to rest though as they still had to strategize against another one of their long-time rivals, Orion Academy.
Thus, after around ten minutes, the deans sat down on the shabby wooden tables and called the representatives for a meeting.
"Students, I believe you know that we're up against Orion Academy next and as you all know, Orion Academy and Colzen Academy have been butting heads for a long time now."
"We, the faculty, believe in your skills and capabilities. However, it doesn't hurt to take a few extra precautions."
"From the information we've gathered, it seems that Orion Academy had strong representatives this year, some even going so far as to call it on par with their old golden generation which achieved a top 32 finish."
"Still, I believe that you guys are stronger so as long as you don't underestimate them too much then we should have a high chance of winning."
"In addition to this, they would probably underestimate you in the first one-on-one match so capitalize on that."
*BUMP*
On the way to the nearby arena, someone intentionally bumped his shoulder and said in a loud voice.
"Aihh...Can you guys believe it? I bumped into shit of all things!"
"Hahahaha!"
After hearing the rude remarks, Shye couldn't help but frown and turned his head to look at the owner of the voice and his lackeys.
'Aslan Academy huh?' Shye inwardly thought, continuing to stare daggers at the Aslan Academy representative.
"What? You dare fight me?" The Aslan representative fiercely stared right back at him as the lively atmosphere turned into one of animosity.
Shye didn't say anything in return and just continued staring at the Aslan representative, ready to strike back if the bastard dared to start the fight.
There would be huge consequences for both academies if a fight occurred between representatives outside of the official matches so even the Aslan representative didn't dare start the fight willy-nilly.
Shye didn't care though. He would never start a fight but he would never back away from one.
Fortunately, just before things went out of hand, Dean Privett called him back since their second match was already starting.
"Ha! Why am I even wasting my time on shit like you? Your trash academy probably wouldn't even make it past the third round anyway so why bother?"
The Aslan representative said before ignoring Shye and continuing to walk toward his destination.
As for Shye, he had no choice but to drop the matter for now.
'We'll settle this in the championship stages' Shye thought to himself.
Memories of how his seniors were humiliated by Aslan representatives replayed in his mind as he quickened his pace, catching up to the other representatives who were already walking towards the venue of their second match.
With confident smiles on their faces except for Shye who was still a bit irked, the Colzen representatives proudly marched towards Small Arena 7 for their second match.