The atmosphere fell silent, except for the sound of the remaining debris from the wall collapsing onto the tournament floor. The audience remained silent, shocked, unable to speak. Mr. Elgin was initially shocked as well, but he couldn't neglect his duties as referee. Seeing Charlos already unconscious, Mr. Elgin immediately announced the result of the match.
Mens academy tournament match between Rid Archie and Charlos Roa........, Rid Archie wins," Mr. Elgin said.
-
In the fourth-year waiting room.
"Wow, it looks like Rid has managed to create a another surprise. This time he defeated a third-year student with just one attack," said senior Gretta.
"He never stops causing a stir, huh? He defeated Amelia in a daily match last time," said senior Alisha.
"Yes, but ~Dragon Breath Slash~, huh? It seems he deliberately used an attack with dragon elements. In this academy, you're the only student associated with dragons, being able to create dragons from magic. Indirectly, it seems Rid wants to challenge you in this tournament as well," said Senior Gretta.
"I'm glad, it means we both want to defeat each other. Judging from the chart, I'm on the left, while Rid is on the right. We're most likely to meet in the tournament finals. I'm confident that Rid can reach the finals, and after that, I'll defeat him in the finals," said Senior Vyn.
"You're very confident, aren't you, Chairman? Judging from the womens tournament, Alisha and I were also on opposite sides of the chart, which means we'll meet in the finals as well. This time, I'll definitely defeat you, Alisha," said Senior Gretta.
"You're so confident you'll make it to the finals, Gretta. Confidence can sometimes be disastrous. You and I aren't the only ones who want to reach the finals and win. Always remember not to underestimate the others, especially our juniors," said senior Alisha.
"Don't worry, I know that," said senior Gretta.
-
Back to the tournament arena.
The other staff members began arriving to take Charlos to the treatment room. Meanwhile, I remained silent in the center of the arena. I sensed numerous auras of displeasure directed at me. It seemed like those who were emitting these auras knew that I was currently dating Irene. They weren't happy about it.
But among the many auras of displeasure directed at me, one was particularly strong. It was more like a thick aura of hatred, even a hint of murderous intent that I sensed from that person. The person emitting this aura was a bespectacled man sitting next to Her Majesty the Queen.
"I don't know who that person is, but judging by his attire, he seems to be a high noble with the title of Duke. If he's a Duke, then the reason he wants to kill me is to continue the ~Matchmaking Battle~. I'll ask Charles, Chloe, or maybe Irene about that later, ?they seem to know about him," I thought.
I then walked out of the tournament arena and headed for the first-year waiting room.
+
Then the match resumed, and now it was the final match for the female students in the top 32. This time it was Julie's turn to compete, and she was matched against a second-year female student. Julie put up a fierce fight against her opponent, but ultimately lost. The academy tournament matches for today were now over.
"The round of 32 matches in today's academy tournament have concluded. The round of 16 matches will resume tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Spectators may now leave the tournament arena. Spectators from outside the academy who wish to stay overnight can go to the lobby to inquire with the staff there. Thank you for your presence today, and see you tomorrow," said Mr. Alan.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
The round of 32 matches concluded, with the largest number of remaining participants being fourth-year students and the smallest number being first-year students.
After saying those closing words, Mr. Alan left the tournament arena. The spectators also began to leave.
"I'll take my leave, Your Majesty. I must return to my residence. I'll be back tomorrow," said Duke Remy.
"You're not staying overnight, Lord Duke? It's quite a long journey from San Estella to San Quentine. Wouldn't you like to greet your daughter first?" asked Queen Kayana.
"That's why I decided to go home now so I wouldn't be too late when I got there. Besides, it's not that far, only a 2-3 hour horse-drawn carriage ride. And I already greeted my daughter during break time," said Duke Remy.
"I see. Then be careful on your way, Lord Duke," said Queen Kayana.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," said Duke Remy.
Duke Remy then left the tournament area.
"Shall we go home now, Your Majesty?" asked Commander Oliver.
"No, I want to meet with Charles and Chloe first. It's been a long time since I've seen them," said Queen Kayana.
-
After today's tournament was over, we went to the infirmary to check on Noa and the others. When we arrived, Noa had regained consciousness and recovered, as had Lillian. Meanwhile, Julie was still being treated, having just arrived in the infirmary.
A few moments later, one of the academy staff came looking for Charles and Chloe. The staff member informed us that Her Majesty the Queen wanted to meet with Charles and Chloe. Hearing this, Charles and Chloe asked our permission to go see Her Majesty the Queen. We granted their permission, even though they shouldn't have asked for our permission.
A few minutes later, Charles and Chloe returned. Since Julie had also recovered, we decided to leave the treatment room.
-
The next day.
The academy tournament's round of 16 matches began. We, the remaining first-year students, won today's match and advanced to the top 8. The other Elevrad members also advanced to the top 8. The academy tournament's round of 16 matches concluded today, and we moved on to the top 8 matches the following day.
-
The next morning, at the first-year Class A training ground.
Even though the academy tournament's round of 8 matches would begin at 10:00, Irene and I still had a practice match that morning. Leandra, Lily, and Julie also participated in the practice, even though Leandra and Lily weren't participating in the tournament and Julie had already fallen out. After my practice match with Irene, I chatted with her.
"Irene, do you know who the spectator wearing glasses was sitting next to Her Majesty the Queen during the Round of 32 and Round of 16 tournaments yesterday? I've asked Charles and Chloe, and they both said he was the Duke of San Quentine. Is that true?" I asked.
"Yes, he is indeed the Duke of San Quentine. His name is Remy Laterza San Quentine," Irene said.
"So he's Princess Amelia's father?" I asked.
"Yes, what's wrong, Rid?" Irene asked.
"Nothing, I was just curious," I said.
"I see. By the way, in the Round of 8, we first-years will face tough opponents," Irene said.
"As far as I remember, only you, Chloe, and Charles will face tough opponents. Especially you, Irene, in the Round of 8, you'll face Princess Amelia again. You could say this is a revenge match for you," I said.
"Yes, but you'll also face quite a tough opponent, Rid. You'll be facing the son of Duke San Angela in the top 8. You could say he'll also be facing a tough opponent, having to fight you," Irene said.
"Enzo, huh, but I beat him before in the second exam," I said.
"That's true, but you'd better be careful with him, he's a mysterious person," Irene said.
"I guess Irene also realizes Enzo is a mysterious person," I thought.
-
It was already 10 a.m., and the academy's round of 8 ?matches began. A short time later, several matches had concluded. Senior Vyn defeated a fourth-year student like him, and senior Alisha defeated a third-year female member of Elevrad. They both advanced to the semifinals. Then the match continued. This match was one of the most anticipated matches of the top 8.
"As you can see in the chart on the projection, the participants competing in this match are Chloe Estella San Fulgen from the first year and Nadine Emerald from the second year. Let us welcome these two participants," said Mr. Alan.
The audience began to cheer, as the princesses of this kingdom would be competing. The two of them entered the tournament arena. Then they faced each other.
"Even though you are a princess, I will not give in to you, Princess Chloe," said ?senior Nadine.
"I don't expect you to give in either, senior. I know you are very strong in your year, but I must defeat you to advance to the next round and win this tournament," said Chloe.
-To be continued

