Chapter 107: The Games Begin
Eirin’s forehead creased. "What was that?" she muttered as she looked at Coleen and Link, who were still wide-eyed completely in awe of the encounter. "Did you know who that was, Coco? Why were we called here for just that?"
Coleen’s eyes quivered, her voice still laced with reverence. "O-Of course! She is Azaleia Carlisle, known for her fiery red hair and stunning appearance. She’s the daughter of the Prime Minister, the leader of the Ministry of Proprius," she said, still shaken by the encounter.
Even Link, who was usually composed and analytical, seemed taken aback, his usual stoicism replaced by a bewildered expression. Instead of being asked for a performance, Eirin had been surprised by this sudden, unsettling introduction.
Eirin patted both Link and Coleen’s backs, a gesture of shared bewilderment. The encounter with Azaleia Carlisle had left a lingering sense of unease, a question mark hanging in the air. "I wonder why someone of such high status would come to our academy? Is it because of the sports festival?" she mused aloud, her brow furrowed in thought.
As if a light bulb had flashed in his head, illuminating a new possibility, Link raised a finger, his eyes sharpening with intellectual curiosity. "What if the Ministry of Proprius is scouting intelligent and excelling students? Not for immediate recruitment, perhaps, but as long-term investment. Just a theory though," he added, ever cautious.
"Oh no, what if they scout Eirin?" Coleen gasped, her hand flying to her chin, her face etched with a sudden, comical worry. Eirin, however, laughed it off, waving a dismissive hand. The idea felt preposterous, given her recent tumultuous experiences and her own doubts about her place here.
The three walked towards the sprawling open field where the sports festival would soon commence. The air grew thick with anticipation, the distant murmur of student voices growing louder with every step.
"I hope we’re on the same team," Coleen said, clinging to Eirin’s arm, her small hand clutching Eirin’s shirt as they walked side by side, weaving through the growing crowd.
When they arrived at the open field, Eirin’s eyes widened at the sight. It was transformed. A grand, multi-tiered stage had been erected at one end, adorned with vibrant banners depicting the academy’s crest, a majestic phoenix with its wings gloriously spread. The phoenix is rendered in vibrant shades of deep pink, with its feathers tipped in glowing gold.
A lively, upbeat melody, permeated the air, its source invisible but pervasive. Someone, most likely a student with a Flair for sound manipulation, must have been using their skill to amplify the tunes, creating an immersive, festive atmosphere that hummed with magical energy.