Finally, the semi-finals began.
Including this match, only two more victories would secure the championship.
[Semi-final First Match: Team Theo & Irene vs Team Aisha & Julia]
[Semi-final Second Match: Team Neike & Cyrus vs Team Travis & Jacob]
Of course, Neike's team is expected to advance to the finals.
Speaking of Travis, he's hitting the peak of his career.
Just making it to the last 16 was a significant feat, considering the participation of numerous formidable Hero Department students.
But with some fortunate matchups, he's made it to the semi-finals.
...Which meant I had to face all the formidable teams myself.
Anyway, the focus now is on securing victory with as little damage as possible.
With that thought, I fidgeted with the practice dagger I had tucked away.
One of my greatest weapons, [Magic Cartridge], ran out of mana during the duel with Noctar.
I wanted to ask Seria for a mana recharge, but she left the arena right after being eliminated in the round of 32.
In other words, I can't use magic.
Another of my major assets, [Overload], should be avoided as much as possible during the match against Aisha.
I should save it for Neike in the finals.
[The much-anticipated semifinal match is about to begin! The first match is between Theo & Irene's team and Aisha & Julia's team!]
As our team and Aisha's team entered the arena, the usual cheers from the audience filled the stadium.
However, it wasn’t dominated by the familiar voices of the orcs this time.
The reason?
The deafening cheers for Team Aisha & Julia, especially for Aisha.
"Wowww! Aisha, you're so beautiful!"
"Aisha! Aisha! Aisha Waldeurk, the angel who descended upon Elinia Academy!"
"Aisha, please notice me! I brought a large banner just for you!"
Hundreds of fans waved banners and various cheering tools, chanting Aisha’s name.
[Aisha, hotter than a heat pack]
[The goddess who graced Elinia Academy, Aisha]
[Aisha, forever in our eyes]
[Aisha...! You came to see your fanboys, right?! -From all the third years of the Knight Department-]
[The genius and most beautiful archer, Aisha, let's win this!]
[I wish I could be Aisha's aide, even for just a day]
All sorts of colorful banners fluttered in the air.
Just like when she dueled before in one of the previous Hero Department practical evaluations, the atmosphere felt like an idol concert.
'It seems even more intense than last time.'
I gazed at the spectacle.
Calling her a goddess, though...
There are a lot of crazy people.
In this world, gods truly exist.
Naturally, with the presence of divine power, there are holy waters and even saints.
Then she rejoined Theo, who was sparring with Julia, to swiftly conclude the match.
The second match, between Neike & Cyrus's team and Travis & Jacob's team, lasted the full allotted time of five minutes.
But the outcome was rather one-sided.
Despite their best efforts, Travis and Jacob couldn't land a single hit on Neike, which was what many had expected.
After all, Neike had remained unscathed in all previous matches.
As a senior reporter, in the midst of drafting his article, was approached by a junior colleague.
“By the way, it seems Aisha was really upset. I heard her crying as she entered the waiting room after the match. She mentioned something about not underestimating direct descendants.”
The senior nodded,
“That would make a good headline. Aisha did seem very disappointed. After all, Theo is ranked 181st, and it was his first time showing off his dagger-throwing skills."
The junior reporter added,
“I was caught off guard too. It might not be on par with Jang Woohee or Eshild, but it was quite impressive. Regardless, Theo has definitely risen to stardom now. Defeating all teams and making it to the finals is no small feat, even if he's teamed up with the top student of the Knight Department.”
“You're right. We should keep a close eye on him from now on. In many ways, he's the biggest winner of this tournament. Noctar and Andrew have benefited too, but not as much as Theo."
“Exactly. It's no surprise for Neike, given that it'd be strange if he didn't win. He's always been in the spotlight. But I wonder why Piel didn't participate?”
The senior shrugged,
“Last I heard from an informant, Piel vanished from the academy right after the midterms for the Hero Department. Anyway, why are you still here chatting?”
The junior blinked in confusion,
“What?”
The senior snapped,
"You fool! You should be getting an interview with Theo & Irene’s team! Other reporters are already on it. Plus, guild and government officials are already waiting outside the waiting room. Can't you see?”
"Oh, right! I'll be on it immediately, senior!"
Shaking his head, the senior reporter muttered under his breath,
“Always so clueless...”
As he watched the junior dash off towards the waiting room.
During the peak of the Knight Department's 2v2 tournament at Elinia Academy, Piel was in her family's estate, the Chalon Duchy.
"Father, I've given it a lot of thought. Please hand over 'that item' to me now."
Piel said to the man before her.
He was none other than her father, the head of the Chalon House, Maximin de Chalon.
He possessed a robust physique that seemed inconceivable for someone in his 50s if one didn't see his face.
Brushing back his silver hair, Maximin replied,
"It's not that simple, Piel. You know full well the nature of 'that item'."
"That's exactly why I'm asking for it!"
Piel exclaimed, her face contorting as if recalling some unpleasant memory.
Remaining composed, Maximin continued,
"Of course, in the right hands, 'that item' could be more valuable than a holy sword. However, many throughout history have faced their downfall because of it."
With sad eyes, Piel looked at Maximin and said,
"I don't care. Even if it leads to my own ruin."
---Toggle New Ads
Ahh Aisha get's no love from the author. She's supposed to be the smartest and one of the top ranked... Well the fight against Neike is really nice at least.
1/5 Enjoy the chappy!
Click here!