Chapter 113: The Path She Chose
She exhaled slowly.
"So I chose the sword."
"Since then there’s no tension. No suspicion."
"That was one of my reasons."
Rowan looked at her for a moment
Then looked away.
"Well I’m not someone who should be involved in royal family matters," he said plainly. "And it’s not like I care that much."
He stood up slightly.
"Let’s end this discussion here."
Velqira nodded quietly.
Velqira stayed silent for a moment, still thinking about everything that had just happened in the arena.
Rowan glanced at her from the side.
She’s been quiet
Still thinking about it?
He looked ahead again.
The first time we met, we were both six
And even then, she was already worrying about things like her sister about being seen as a threat.
He shook his head slightly.
That’s none of my concern.
Still she hasn’t changed much.
Just then
A staff member hurried into the arena and leaned toward the teacher, whispering something into her ear.
The teacher slowly regained her composure.
"Everyone," she called out, her voice echoing across the arena. "Those who didn’t get to participate today will do so tomorrow."
She paused.
"For now class dismissed. Return to your classrooms."
With that, she turned and walked out of the training chamber, the staff member following behind her.
The students began to stand, murmurs spreading across the arena.
"Damn I’m sure it’s because of that guy’s performance."
"Yeah that was insane."
Virgo shook his head.
"Well, yeah but did you all see that speed?"
"Not just that he didn’t release a single aura."
"It’s like that time when he first came to the academy and showed that blue aura"
"Was he just showing off back then?"
"Or did he actually get stronger in such a short time?"
"That shouldn’t even be possible"
Rowan ignored all of it.
He walked calmly out of the arena and headed back to his classroom.
As he entered, he went straight to his seat and sat down quietly, as if nothing had happened.
"Attention all students."
A loud voice echoed across the academy through the massive wind amplifier device.
"All academic activities for today have been suspended. Every student is to report immediately to the main hall."
The announcement repeated.
Students began packing their books, placing them into their bags as they stood up from their seats.
Soon
The main hall was filled.
Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D students gathered, along with the elite class.
In total
Around three hundred students filled the massive hall.
Murmurs spread everywhere.
Then
A man stepped forward to the main stand.
Kai.
He adjusted his glasses and looked over the crowd.
"It has already been decided who will be battling who," he began. "Even though this decision was made quickly, it is based on what we observed and analyzed."
The hall quieted slightly.
"Tomorrow, some adjustments may still be made based on further evaluation."
He paused.
"For now Class D will face Class A."
A wave of murmurs exploded.
"And Class B will face Class C."
"Whoever emerges victorious from each side will then face each other. The final winners will earn the right to challenge the elite class."
The hall erupted in whispers.
Kai raised a hand.
"Any questions?"
Several hands went up.
He pointed at a boy.
"Stand. Ask your question."
The boy stood.
"Sir isn’t this unnecessary? No class can match Class A. Wouldn’t it be better for them to go straight against the elite class instead of dragging this out?"
Kai nodded.
"A reasonable question. Sit."
The boy sat.
"In a special test, your logic might apply," Kai continued. "But we follow procedures. Structure exists for a reason even if the outcome seems obvious."
Another hand went up.
Kai pointed.
A girl from Class A stood.
"I’m from Class A," she said coldly. "Why do we have to face Class D? They’re the weakest. Isn’t that disrespectful to us? If anything, we should be starting with Class B not D."
A few students nodded.
Kai remained calm.
"Another good question. However, this arrangement was decided by management not me."
He adjusted his glasses again.
"And what has been decided will stand."
He looked over everyone.
"The tournament will begin the day after tomorrow. It will last several days, allowing us to evaluate your growth."
He gestured slightly toward the elite students.
"The elite class is nearing graduation. Many of them already enter dungeons regularly."
"Class A has also begun dungeon exposure but not at the same level."
"Some of the elite students will soon become fully licensed adventurers."
Silence settled.
"That is all. You are dismissed."
Kai turned and walked away.
The hall immediately filled with noise.
Students whispered, speculated, argued.
No one moved at first.
Then gradually
They began leaving.
Neville walked beside Rowan.
"What do you think is the reason for this?" Neville asked. "They’re saying our class Class D is being paired with Class A."
Rowan shrugged slightly.
"Why would I know?"
Neville scratched his head.
"Some people are saying it’s because of today your performance, Velqira’s, Daryl’s, Corey’s"
Rowan nodded faintly.
"Maybe."
He didn’t sound interested.
"I’m not bothered."
They stepped out of the hall and into the open air.
Rowan raised his hand slightly, shielding his eyes from the light.
Neville glanced at him.
"What if they select you to participate?"
Rowan smiled.
"I’ll decline."
Neville blinked.
"Huh?"
"I don’t feel like stressing myself over something like that," Rowan said casually.
They continued walking forward
As if none of it really mattered.
After recess, the sun was still high in the sky.
Rowan returned to his room and changed out of his uniform into casual clothes.
Just as he finished
Knock. Knock.
He walked over and opened the door.
Elian stood there, smiling brightly.
"Master, how have you been?" she said cheerfully.
Before he could respond
She stepped in and hugged him tightly.
"Hey can you let go? I can’t breathe," Rowan said, slightly strained.
She loosened her grip a little
But still didn’t let go completely.
"I got you something," she said, finally pulling back and handing him a container.