Chapter 145 Mock battle
Other Pov.
"And now for our very first representative, it is none other than our rank 1 Apollo Lionheart!"
The vice headmaster said while my eyes looked for the person whom he was referring to. However, two hundred students were hurled through the seats of this place and I don't know who was the so-called rank 1.
Then I remembered the accursed ranking of this school. Right, they put some students at the bottom of their so-called rank and let the upper rank students bully them. Just so they can give a punching bag for the stressed-filled students.
I could never accept such a system. Though it's true that they produce the strongest people every end of their school year. Is it worth it? while some reach the peak of their potential, there are those who are left behind to suffer and fall apart. I can never accept that.
I closed my eyes until I heard a loud scream, curious I looked around and saw a rectangular object floating above me. There I found the person whose name was called.
"So this person was Apollo Lionheart"
I registered his appearance to my mind but then I felt something was weird.
The status of rank 1 not only gives fame but also lots of privileges, so anyone should be proud of it, however, that boy who was named as the strongest first year looked like someone had robbed him.
Like he never wanted to be called, it's like saying his name is the greatest nuisance to him.
And like a child being forced to perform by his mother in a school program, he stood up and exasperatedly looked at the students beside him.
As he walked down all the students' attention was on him, like he was the only thing they should focus on.
Everyone was looking at the boy who appeared to be in deep thought, while the people beside him looked worried.
Are those his classmates? Or are they his friends?
Aren't the high class located over there?
I looked to the other side of the seats and saw a lane of nineteen students, wearing a different style uniform. The rank 1 wears a fitted high collar uniform, quite similar to those used by military soldiers, while students in the high class wear a uniform similar to us, though the only difference is the color, ours is white theirs is black.
"TAP! TAP!"
I heard footsteps coming near and I finally noticed how he finally reached the arena.
"He is fast"
I can't help but say, though my thoughts are still questioning, why his uniform is different from the High class which is the place he should belong to. Then my thoughts halted when his steps stops then I heard a voice.
"Good morning dear guest"
"My name is Apollo Lionheart"
He finally spoke though I could feel his gaze.
It's heavy as if a beast is laying his gaze over his prey.
"He is scanning me"
I realize, becoming interested in fighting him.
"Now then, since our rank 1 is here, may I know the person who will be his opponent?"
The vice headmaster spoke looking at us all, I felt excited and immediately aimed to raise my hand.
"Sir, may I-.."
"It will be me, sir!"
What?
Someone came forward first, and I wasn't able to volunteer.
"Oh? May I know your name young man"
"My name is Ren sir, I am from the Kingdom of Qin and one of the Sky level students!"
Unlike the Aster Academy which uses the entrance exam and its quarterly exams to rank its students, the Eastern Academy create trials that encourage the students to challenge themselves to increase their level, the higher they become the more training they can receive.
An example of those trials is the trial of steps of the high tower. A mountain which has a beautiful tower on top of it. The challenge for this trial is to take the steps which are enchanted with gravity magic, the further you go the heavier it gets. The students who reach the top will pass this trial. Then they receive a reward as well as their new ranking.
The rankings are based on the shades of blue mainly, Sky Blue, Cerulean, Azure, Royal Blue, Navy Blue, and Midnight. The lowest is Sky while the highest is Midnight.
Since these children barely entered their academy two months ago, their ranks are on the basic level.
...
"Ren is a great name, are there any of you who doesn't agree with Ren being your representative?"
The vice headmaster asked and we all answered "No sir!"
With our confirmation, the vice headmaster looked at Ren and said.
"So Ren are you ready?
"Yes sir!"
"Alright but before we start this match, I'd like to remind you all that this is only a mock battle, I do not wish to see anything unpleasant, understand"
"Yes, vice headmaster!"
The students spoke in unison.
I felt a bit reluctant since I really wanted to compete with a person like him. An aura that felt like he had experienced countless battles and the fact his eyes were so deadly that I felt like something was choking me.
I can tell just by looking at his eyes that if we fought I won't be able to win easily.
I am certain our fight will be long and won't have any dull moments. However, it is unfortunate that his opponents wasn't me..
"Okay, now Apollo, Ren please shake each other hand first, that's it, now go back on the other side of the arena. For those who will not participate please return to the sideline along with your professors, thank you"
...
Another student's POV.
I am afraid
Because he is here, yet again his presence is so overwhelming that it made my mind dizzy. Ever since that horrific event, my mind would go blank whenever he came near. Although he had repented for what he did, it still filled me with fear.
The incident at the entrance exam made me unable to bear anything loud or too much brightness. That includes fireworks displays which I always love. It was unfortunate though I remember one of his words when he first spoke to me.
~I am sorry and I never knew my actions would end up like that, I hope you forgive me~
His voice was soft and sincere while his gifts were very comforting.
~I believe you will see fireworks again but for now, here is a galaxy orb, it's beautiful and doesn't have any loud noises or too much light. I hope it helps you~
He was somewhat kind but I can still remember how deadly his skills can be.
So be careful Apollo's opponent you'll be lucky to be alive after this.
Strangely as the match began, it wasn't only this student who was thinking of this but many of them.