For Ren and his friends, the announcent ant that tomorrow would be the most important day of the tournant. Ren would individually face Klein in what they considered an implicit rematch, paynt for their first 'friendly' encounter in combat class.
"An intense day," comnted Taro as they returned to the dormitories.
"But we should be grateful," smiled Min, his usual energy barely diminished after a full day of competition. "We could be completely out of the tournant."
Ren walked in silence... Tomorrow would not only determine who the strongest first-year students were; it would also establish hierarchies and expectations that could endure throughout their education at the academy.
"Klein isn't the sa one we faced in the middle of the year," he finally said, his voice quiet but firm. "But neither am I."
Min and Taro exchanged glances, recognizing the determination in their friend's voice.
As the sun set over the academy, the eight finalists prepared in their own way for the decisive battles of the next day, most aware that the tournant wasn't simply a school competition, but a declaration of intentions and capabilities before a world that was watching them attentively.
♢♢♢♢
The dawn of the decisive day arrived. The entire academy full with anticipation as the final preparations for the tournant's culminating battles were completed. In the hallways, rumors and informal bets proliferated; in the rooms, the finalists reviewed strategies one last ti.
The Gray Wing team was now heading toward the preparation area when they crossed paths with Larissa's team in one of the less traveled corridors. The casual encounter created a mont of silence as both groups studied each other.
It was Larissa who broke the ice, advancing with that aristocratic grace that seed as natural to her as breathing.
"Ren," she greeted with a slight nod. "I wanted to thank you again for everything, especially the guided visits to the depths and your help during the final collection exam." A fleeting smile crossed her face. "Although that last one got quite out of control, it wasn't your fault so..."
Ren returned the gesture. "It was nothing. We all learned from those experiences."
"I also wanted to ask you to forgive ," continued Larissa, her voice adopting a more formal tone. "I'll go all out today, but without making obvious my use of the lynx. I'll understand if you consider that as discourteous and..."
Ren gently shook his head. "For , you could use it to the fullest, but my mother always says we should put ourselves in others' shoes so it's your decision. If you need to keep it hidden, I won't take it as an insult or implication that you're underestimating ."
"I, on the other hand," intervened Liora, stepping forward with a challenging smile, "will use my power to the maximum of what I can extract. So I apologize in advance if you end up a little scorched..."
"I appreciate the warning," replied Ren with a slight smile. "But don't think it will be so easy."
Min visibly shuddered, slightly pulling at Ren's sleeve. "Don't provoke them," he murmured loudly enough for everyone to hear. "My ability works against almost everyone, but not against them and their cheating mana eyes. Wait, you also have cheating eyes... Traitor!"
The tension dissipated amid shared laughter, a mont of genuine camaraderie before the inevitable confrontation.
"I guess we'll see each other in the arena," concluded Larissa, stepping back to rejoin her team.
"May the best win," responded Ren as both groups resud their paths.
♢♢♢♢
The stadium was almost completely packed. All finals had been arranged at slightly different tis for the convenience of external visitors.
Not a single seat remained empty in the stands, and the side corridors were occupied by students who hadn't secured a place but refused to miss the event. Expectation had increased even among the academy; several professors who had been in charge of managing other arenas could now attend.
In the box, Selphira Ashenway maintained her usual composure, though an attentive observer might notice certain tension in her elegantly interlaced hands. However, the most unusual thing was the presence at her side: Julius Dravenholm, dressed in an impeccable official uniform, had made room in his tight schedule to witness the final upon learning of Larissa's participation.
It was an expected event... As her brother, he knew that few could defeat that astute girl. But even expecting it, pride couldn't help but erge from him.
"I envy you, Selphira," comnted Julius with that light tone he used for apparently trivial conversations. "Being 'semi-retired' has its advantages. I can't afford these kinds of luxuries very often."
Selphira barely turned her head, her expression perfectly controlled as she responded: "It's not entirely by choice, my child. And it's not as good as you think." An almost imperceptible smile briefly softened her features. "Although on occasions like this, it certainly seems like a blessing."
Their conversation was interrupted by the official announcent. Lin's voice resonated throughout the stadium:
"Ladies and gentlen, welco to the final of the team tournant! Today we will witness the confrontation between two teams that have demonstrated exceptional capabilities throughout the competition."
The teams entered from opposite ends of the arena.
Ren and Taro took position at Min's sides at one edge of the arena. Across from them, Larissa, Liora, and Maria deployed in triangular formation, their stances revealing the countless hours of training they had undergone together.
"Combatants, prepare," indicated Lin, positioning herself where she could observe the entire confrontation. "Victory will be for the team that incapacitates all mbers of the opposing team or receives surrender from the leader or last mber standing. Thirty minutes is the ti limit."
An expectant silence fell over the stadium as both teams made their final preparations. The air seed to thicken with tension as spectators leaned forward in their seats.
"Begin."
Lin's order unleashed a burst of activity. Larissa's team moved first, executing what appeared to be an improved version of the strategy they had used against Klein's team.
Larissa and Liora perford simultaneous spatial jumps, disappearing in flashes of light to reappear in flanking positions. Maria, anwhile, advanced directly toward the front, her armadillo fully manifested, like a small mobile tank.
To the surprise of many spectators, Ren's team didn't adopt the defensive formation that might be expected.
Ren remained perfectly still as his eyes followed the cousins' movent patterns.
"What is he doing?" soone murmured from the stands. "He's letting them take the initiative!"
Liora, interpreting the apparent passivity as an opportunity, prepared a concentrated burst of will-o'-wisp, her flas gradually acquiring that darker tone that indicated the Demonic Bashe's influence. Blue fire coalesced around her hands, deepening to midnight as she channeled her second beast's power.
"Min, now!" exclaid Ren at the exact mont Liora charged her attack.
And at that point, Min finally got his ti to shine.
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