After finishing dinner with the Golden Way Zodiacs and returning to their respective accommodations, Lux sat on her bed while drying her damp hair after a shower.
As befitting a hotel arranged by the Royal Palace, the room’s condition was impeccable, with no noise whatsoever.
While quietly moving the towel in the peaceful room, Lux recalled her words to Allen.
[Just me… and Professor.]
Fwump fwump—
Embarrassed by the memory, Lux flailed her legs violently.
Tossing the towel aside carelessly, she lay down on the bed.
“…Was it too early?”
To live up to the Empire’s esteemed reputation, Lux always maintained a composed attitude. She focused solely on academics to become an excellent Imperial Princess, avoiding extravagance altogether.
Until she was cursed, she never lost her top position at Minerva Academy, renowned for gathering only the best talents, proving her efforts.
She knew some students didn’t think highly of her, but since they would part ways after graduation anyway, forming shallow connections, she didn’t bother with them.
However, Lux’s life began to gradually change.
[Let’s be friends!]
Thanks to Senna’s ever-positive attitude, her social circle expanded.
[Next top student is me.]
Inspired by Amy’s competitive spirit, studying became enjoyable.
[Living like that seems kind of boring, doesn’t it?]
Through Ariana’s free-spirited lifestyle, Lux started contemplating deeper life goals.
And…
[You’ve worked hard, haven’t you?]
Because of Allen, she began dreaming about the future.
Thus, she couldn’t maintain her composure in front of him.
Before graduation, before completely resolving the curse, she tried hiding her feelings, but they kept slipping out unintentionally.
“I need to try harder… to stand by his side.”
In terms of appearance, figure, connections, wealth, etc.
Even disregarding material aspects, Allen was an outstanding potential husband.
The Helios Family’s persistent pursuit proved this fact.
Amy claimed she had no intention of marrying Allen, but…
Perhaps due to her imperial studies, or maybe from caution towards rivals, Lux could see right through Amy’s heart.
It’s just that Amy hasn’t realized it yet due to resistance from others pushing them together, or simply out of embarrassment.
Clearly, she likes Allen too.
Perceiving this, Lux couldn’t help but consider Amy as her rival among the three.
The other two seemed to still be at the level of admiration…
“How can I win?”
The previous Amy might have been manageable, but now with her awakened insight, she’s a formidable opponent.
Still, she must win.
For she must protect Allen’s wish set as the victory condition.
At all costs, she’ll secure the championship and enjoy a sweet date with him.
With firm determination, Lux strategized throughout the night.
“Just me… Just me… Just me…”
Fwump fwump—
Occasionally stirred memories made her kick off the blanket.
***
Having roughly eaten a sandwich for breakfast, we gathered in the VIP room thanks to Balkan’s consideration.
“Time sure flies. The event match already…”
“That’s true.”
Nodding at Cain’s remark, I sipped my coffee silently.
The preliminary rounds ended in the blink of an eye due to numerous withdrawals.
“Since it’s the first tournament, various issues are arising.”
“Didn’t the audience decrease quite a bit? Yesterday’s final match seemed half-empty…”
“Probably inevitable once your supporter gets eliminated. Especially for those who came from distant regions, it’s hard to keep watching aimlessly.”
“That’s right.”
Listening to the professors’ conversation, I noticed 10 students from Minerva Academy among the 32 finalists, accounting for nearly 30%.
Considering this is a competition relying solely on personal strength, many must feel regretful.
Some might not be familiar with battle royale formats.
Though unfortunate for those who didn’t advance, there’s nothing else to say but ‘bad luck.’
“Should the students who didn’t make it focus on next year?”
Concerned, I asked, and Angelica nodded.
“Yes. Our academy aims to produce elite individuals. Still, ten participants indicate a relatively high pass rate. Although the final exam remains, they should manage well.”
“Those who didn’t qualify will also be evaluated strictly later. That’s why we filmed everything. Students with good regular grades might still pass. Though excelling academically was the standard, given the circumstances, some leniency is necessary. The Headmaster mentioned this beforehand.”
Cain added further explanation.
Well, considering this graduating class got caught up in the High Priest issue, some compensation is needed.
By the way, if the midterm exams were this difficult, how tough will the finals be?
I gulped audibly, prompting Professor Seneca to chuckle.
“The final exams actually have a higher pass rate than the midterms. While the midterms simulate extreme conditions, the finals assess whether students are ready to enter society without tarnishing Minerva’s reputation.”
Doris continued.
“Students who pass the midterms generally clear the finals too.”
“I see.”
Nodding at the magic department professors’ explanations, I thought the kids should graduate without problems.
Ideally, I’d like to train them to master level, but that’s beyond my control.
“It seems like it’s about to start.”
Turning at Cain’s words, I saw the host stepping onto the stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for waiting! The National Academies Grand Competition Olympia! Now that the preliminaries have concluded, we have prepared a special event to reignite the excitement before the main rounds!”
Waahh!!!
Audience cheers erupted.
Unlike yesterday’s final preliminary match, the seats were now full. Either the royal family promoted it, or rumors of the Golden Way Zodiacs’ participation spread.
Apparently, many foreign spectators came too… Are they here to watch my match?
My anxiety grew steadily.
“There’s no need for long introductions. Let’s bring out the competitors immediately! This individual’s achievements alone are impossible to list. The Ironman who ascended to the Golden Way Zodiacs using only his bare fists! His perfectly honed physique renders any attack useless! From the Gold Eagle Palace, Paulo Robert is here!!!”
A wise elder appeared grandly where the host pointed.
Waahh!
Amidst the audience’s enthusiastic applause, the professors looked perplexed and questioned me.
“Snow-white… Is that really the uniform issued to officers?”
“Isn’t it ceremonial?”
“Seems like he’s serious.”
I gave a bitter smile.
That spotless white suit devoid of any dust.
That was truly the elder’s battle attire.
“Aaah! This clearly shows his intent not to let anyone touch him!”
“Indeed… the confidence befitting a Golden Way Zodiac.”
Shaking my head at the professors’ wild imaginations sparked by just one sentence, I chose silence.
Certainly, the fact that no one can touch him holds true, but it wasn’t an expression of confidence.
I refrained from speaking for the elder’s honor.
How could I tell these people who look upon him with respect that his hobby is turning that white suit crimson with enemies’ blood until it becomes burgundy?
Though unclear how he appears externally, the elder is no ordinary psycho.
“The opponent is no pushover either! Listed at the very top of the Ivory Tower’s registry, accessible only to the world’s greatest magicians! A talent that emerges once every thousand… no, ten thousand years! The owner of the Empire Magic Tower and the Golden Way Zodiac Infantry Palace! The unparalleled Archmage of ancient and modern times! Erias Saturn has arrived!!!”
When the host’s lengthy introduction ended,
Crackle— Zzzt—
A rift appeared in the air above the arena.
“Hmph— You’ve made me wait far too long.”
Erias appeared gracefully through the shattered rift resembling broken glass and lightly landed on the arena floor.
Mystical awe swept over the audience.
“That person… the pinnacle of magic…”
“Ahhh…! I can die happy now…”
Only the gathered magicians worldwide shed tears of reverence, and faintings occurred everywhere.
Even the trio of magic department professors couldn’t close their gaping mouths.
Even someone unfamiliar with magic could guess how extraordinary the spell Erias just demonstrated was.
“What an extravagant entrance…”
Unable to hold back a wry smile at the ridiculous scene, I observed both the elder and Erias possessed unyielding fighting spirits.
Would this match conclude peacefully…?
“No need for more talk! Let’s begin the match iiiimmmeediatelyyyyy!!”
At the host’s cry, the greatest asymmetric power collision in the Sirius Empire commenced.
