Chapter 143 The other half
As my thoughts began to doubt myself because of the illusion I experienced at the exam.
More students filled the seats until some lights turned off while the others focused on the stage.
"It seems the event is starting"
And it wasn't just me who had that thought, all the students as well was the same as me and so a deafening silence enveloped the hall.
Then a man appeared behind the giant curtains of the stage which made all the students focus on him. That man was none other than the headmaster. He stood in front of everyone wearing a three-piece suit.
"Good morning my students, I am sure all of you have questions on why we made some changes in the format of our exam, but rest assured we all made it to increase your level of competency and growth for development"
"But for this day, we will have a very special event"
Then behind him, a group of people appeared.
"Now who are these people" I question however I can't explain why I felt a sudden familiarity with them. It's like I met them before.
"I am feeling a bit weird" I can't help but say.
"I actually I'm feeling it too"
"Same"
"Me too"
My friends second my words making me more curious about this feeling I have.
"Students, these people behind me are professors of the Eastern Academy. They have come here to propose an exchange mock battle between the first-year students of our academy and theirs. This battle is a way to see the improvement of each student and to study more ways to develop an innovative way of teaching that will facilitate a student's learning"
"And so I will happily announce the start of the tournament!"
His voice is excited indicating his willingness in this competition. However, what I am more curious about are the things Eastern Academy teaches its students.
A tournament?
Really?
A mock battle against the Eastern Academy of the Eastern kingdoms. Sounds interesting however I don't really see the benefit it has for me.
[I think it will be a good challenge for your classmates, to see how much they have improved]
"Can't my friends just rest for a while, they need it from all the ruckus they experience"
[I never knew you could be this worried towards people]
"Really?"
[When you created me what you all did was to get back at your brother, however, now all you can think about is your friends and the mages from the tower. You are no longer too caught up with your desire for revenge]
Hearing those words made me chuckle a bit.
"Jeremiah it's true that I don't think of my brother as much as I did before, but I do have a reason for that"
[Care to share it with me, my Creator?]
"I don't mind, the truth is I don't see much threat to my brother than to an organization that existed roughly three hundred years ago. I choose which enemy is more dangerous to another and I think my brother is just a useless heir without real power"
[Isn't dangerous to underestimate him like that?]
"I would never talk like this if I hadn't investigated my brother. Ever since I entered the tower I already gathered the information I needed. And if you are going to ask how was I able to achieve it. It is because I have multiple mages I can ask to gather the intel for me.
The Mage tower's connection to the underworld was also a good boost to know how my brother Eros ran and found his current henchmen"
[It seems you had planned everything]
"Not all of them but I already started in case my brother suddenly attacks first"
[Does that mean you aren't the only one who is planning to make a move?]
"Yes since my brother sees me as a threat since I choose to be a mage"
[And?]
"Remember when we were taking the exam in history, there is a part there where we witness the manifestation of the sacred weapons"
[Yes I remember that]
"Good remember the weapon that Artemis chose?"
[Oh!]
"It seems you get it"
The magic staff is the most sought equipment of all mages. The sacred weapon of the Lionheart family, the Lionborn staff. Only the mage line of the family can inherit the weapon, and oftentimes the mastery of the sacred weapon symbolizes the head of the dukedom. However, father broke that rule when he became the duke despite being a magical swordsman.
"I think my brother plans to become like that as well, though it won't be easy since I and my older sister Athena became a mage"
[Does that mean you two are challenging him?] Chapter Discover:
"Not exactly, it's just our bodies are not compatible to become a swordsman, Athena and I are more equipped in casting spells than swinging swords, so we became a mages instead"
[I believe your brother Eros, won't believe easily that you two don't have any plans to take the seat of the heir]
"I don't really care though I am going to use his paranoia to invoke his ire, that way his moves will be predictable and easy to counter"
[Are you sure you can really predict it?]
"Why? Are you doubting me?"
[No, just reminding you not to underestimate your brother]
While Jeremiah and I have our conversation the announcement continues though I don't really like to participate.
...
"This mock battle will happen at one of our duel arenas, so all students please proceed to the duel facility"
The headmaster said urging us to leave and so we did.
...
"So are we going to watch?"
Mckenzie initiates the conversation since none of us speaks.
"I think we need to"
Alya suddenly said making me look at her.
"Wait we need to?" I can't help but ask, I initially wanted to tell them to relax and enjoy a tea at the dormitory but hearing what Alya said, it seems we need to postpone it. If it's her then it means something is about to happen at this mock fight, and we need to see it.
"Alright let's watch" I decided while my eyes linger at my friends.
"How about you guys?" I asked wanting to see their decision.
"Sure"
"Let's go"
"Might as well do it"
I smile hearing their response since we don't really want someone being left behind. We are always a group and never leave each other. If one of us is in one place you better expect that the rest of us is waiting at the corner.
.
.
.
The duel facilities of the academy have multiple types, one for student duels or even group fights, and the other is for professor and student duels. It could be one-on-one or even one professor against a group of students. Some outsiders can also access the area as long as permission is granted.
Typically duels will be held in different spaces depending on the level of the fight and numbers. Since this is a mock battle between two academies, an open arena was selected to accommodate the fight and the amount of spectators that are going to watch.
We entered the entrance and entered the passage that led to the spectator's seats. As we arrived we found empty seat for us, we sat down while my eyes began to scan the area.