Even though the main event had e to an end for the day, the festival itself hadn’t stopped. The sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, and the atmosphere around the academy grounds began to shift. The bustling petitions and magical displays were replaced with a more cheerful and relaxed energy.
The activity stalls that once tested magical skills had been transformed into something else entirely, lively food stands and playful game booths, where magic was forbidden. Balloon-popping, ring-tossing, and other classic games took center stage. It finally felt like a true celebration, like everyone was simply there to enjoy a joyous evening.
The students and guests alike weled the change. It was a moment to breathe, to unwind, and to forget the pressure of rankings and performance.
For the students from Wilton Academy, most of them grabbed some food from the nearby stalls and then made their way straight back to their dorms. Even during the brief walk through the evening crowd, they were constantly being approached by guests, representatives from different factions, organizations, and academies all trying to speak with them.
Fortunately, the Wilton teachers stepped in, doing their best to shield the students from being overwhelmed. After all, they had felt a little useless during much of the main event, and now this was something they could do, something that gave them a sense of control. They were firm, dismissing anyone who tried to get close, and insisted the students be left alone.
Wilton Academy had made quite the impression that day. And while the students were calm on the surface, they knew the attention they had drawn might e with a cost. Other academies would take notice, maybe even target them. To avoid unnecessary trouble and maintain the mystery surrounding what had happened during the event, returning to the dorms was the safest move.
As for the students of Central Academy, they were nowhere to be seen during the evening festivities. Most people assumed it was due to their loss. After all, no one wanted to be surrounded by questions after such a defeat, questions about how it happened, how they felt, what went wrong.
Students were still students. Sometimes, when cornered, they lashed out emotionally. It was why the event organizers always tried not to place too much emphasis on the importance of winning.
But even then, petition was natural. Rivalry between academies ran deep, and pride was always on the line.
Still, the real reason for Central Academy’s absence was something else entirely, they had been summoned to a meeting by the Grand Magus himself.
Inside one of the large chambers, the Central students stood stiffly, nervously waiting as the Grand Magus, Ibarin, observed them.
Were they about to be scolded for their performance? For what had happened earlier?
It didn’t feel fair. They had achieved something historic, something no previous Central Academy student had ever done. They had defeated the Dimension Boss. The only problem was... someone else had done it faster.
"Don’t look so afraid," Ibarin said at last, his tone calm yet unsettling. "You did what you could. It seems Wilton Academy has somehow bested us... with some kind of trick. But I haven’t yet figured out what that trick was."
He paused, then added darkly, "When I do, the academy will be punished accordingly."
There was more Ibarin wanted to say, but he held back. Because what if there was no trick? What if Wilton simply had talented students this year? He didn’t want to say it out loud, but it was a possibility.
Still, he wanted to prepare for every oute.
"In your opinion," he began, addressing the group, "to prove that Central Academy is the best, what are the two most important events during the cultural exchange?"
"I guess... the group battling event, and maybe the... one-on-one event," Bones replied, his voice a bit shaky.
Originally, he had considered answering the Dimension-clearing event. After all, that event and the group battle both required teamwork, a true test of the academy’s overall strength.
But he hesitated. If he answered honestly, would it seem like he was making excuses? Would it highlight their failure? In the end, he gave the answer he thought was safer.
"The special skills event only shows off individual talent," Ibarin said with a dismissive wave. "There’s no winner even declared from it. As for the teachers’ event... that’s just for display. Everyone already knows the best teachers are at Central Academy. But that doesn’t prove we have the best students."
His gaze shifted.
"Which is why, Kayzel, I’m pulling you out of tomorrow’s showcase."
Kayzel nodded slightly, trying to hide his disappointment. He had been looking forward to it. With his unique magical trait, he was confident he would have wowed the audience, left a lasting impression.
It was a rare opportunity. One where the eyes of the world could have been on him. A moment to shine. Now, that chance was gone.
But what could he say? There was no room to protest. Not under Ibarin.
"Don’t be upset," Ibarin continued. "This is part of the strategy. When the one-on-one and group events arrive, your abilities will be unknown. You’ll be a hidden weapon. They won’t know what’s ing."
Kayzel stayed silent. But deep down, it didn’t sit right with him. Not just him, the others felt it too. Was winning really all that mattered?
Wouldn’t it be better to win while showing the world who they were, what they could do?
It felt like Ibarin valued victory above all else. More than truth. More than talent. More than the spirit of the exchange itself.
With that, the Grand Magus waved his hand.
"Go. Rest. Prepare for what’s to e. And don’t forget to use what’s been given to you."
The students left with mixed emotions. But if there was one thing they were all certain of, it was that they didn’t want to lose to Wilton Academy.
Not now. Not after everything.
They would give it their all in the battles ahead.
*****
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