w

C220

After the announcement of congratulations and the rewards, like the first stage of Magus Games, the event would end with the closing speech by Academy's headmaster, Altus Dresden.

From the main podium, together with all the academy's magi and esteemed guests from outside, the headmaster rose from his seat and stomped his staff again, causing a booming sound throughout the arena.

In the blink of an eye, tens of thousands of spectators and the thousands of acolytes in the arena fell silent, awaiting the respected headmaster's words of encouragement.

Seeing the situation was conducive, the headmaster finally opened his mouth, "The second trial was built to test the acolytes' wits and ability, to see beyond just strength and talent. Therefore, I applaud all of you for participating in this event, and especially those who made it to the top 50 ranks."

The headmaster stopped for a brief moment and glanced at the location where the acolytes of group 7 were spawned, "I also want to give special felicitations for the acolytes of group seven, that managed to succeed against the odds and emerge as the winner. Congratulations. That was a very fascinating and entertaining battle. I hope I can see you improve even more."

Emery was startled when he realized the headmaster was staring directly at him and appeared to stop for a second, as if he wanted to say something to him, but decided not to. A moment later, the headmaster took away his stare and continued his speech, "As for the third and last trial, you will all be tested together with the acolytes from the privileged classes."

The headmaster then raised his hand and pointed to one corner of the podium, causing everyone to turn their gazes towards said corner. There sat a few dozens of youths. As if the headmaster's words were the cue, all of them stood up casually, facing down on the thousands of acolytes in the arena.

Stomping his staff again, the headmaster continued his words, "The final trial of Magus Games will be held in ten days. This time, your personal strength will be tested and let it be the final conclusion of who among all of you are the most talented acolytes!"

After saying that, the headmaster finished his speech with the last encouraging words and swiftly stepped back, gesturing to Magus Serena to close the event. With her ever charming and easygoing personality, Magus Serena closed the event with a boisterous applause.

Meanwhile, Emery kept his gaze on the podium, where those 'privileged' were. Even though those youths were around their age, he could feel they exuded such a different aura, much more different compared to those around him. Emery also noticed the expression of some acolytes in the arena changed as well.

Emery spotted one of those youths staring at him. A golden-haired youth with definite features was staring directly at him, he didn't even try to hide his piercing gaze. Realizing Emery was staring at him, the youth raised his hand showing his thumb and slowly rotated it until it became a condescending gesture.

"Damn... more crazy psychos." Emery thought in his head, sighing inwardly. He truly wondered if fate was playing with him, as it prepared more and more opponents for him.

Shortly after the event ended and the acolytes began to disperse, Emery was still lost in his thoughts, thinking how he could win in the first place. While Emery was still pondering, Thrax came over to him.

"Did you hear what the headmaster said, Emery? This time, the third trial will be a simple duel! I am sure you will win it with ease, with that beast mode you have!" Thrax excitedly said while smiling widely.

Emery once again was reminded how this good friend in front of him didn't make it to the top 50 and it was his fault. As if he knew what Emery was thinking, Julian opened his mouth first before Emery could say anything, "Don't worry, Emery. It wasn't your fault we didn't make it to the top 50. It's that bastard Roran's!"

Swiftly supported Julian's words, Thrax said, "Yeah, the roman is right. Anyway, we are probably not elite class material. So, don't think too much of it, Emery. Just make sure you win the last trial and make us proud!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, you boys now will not be able to come between me and Emery again." Klea teased, returning to her mischievous behaviour.

At that moment, Julian's expression suddenly changed. Following his gaze, Emery and the others found a group of people approaching them. Their expression also changed when they realized who they were. Roran and his lackeys.

"What do you want now?!! You treacherous bastard!" Thrax shouted loudly when he saw they weren't stopping.

Roran's betrayal and Emery's last rampage towards their group should make the relationship between them change from friend to foe. However, instead of being angry or anything sort of, Roran was really calm.

Ignoring Thrax's shout, Roran approached Emery and stopped a meter away from him, "I came to congratulate you, Emery. For getting first place." Turning his gaze to others, "And of course, congratulate all of you too."

The straightforward Thrax was always first to respond in this kind of situations. Holding his seething anger and gritting his teeth, Thrax finally opened his mouth, "You sick fuck! Most of us failed because of your doing!"

Julian coldly looked at Roran and calmly said, "Thrax, let the coward say his words."

Roran calmly responded, as if Julian's words didn't affect him, "We did succeed to defeat the elite mostly because of our preparation, wasn't it? Ask yourself this, would you guys have gained better points without the plan?"

Emery and his friends gave the words some thought. No matter if they wanted to deny it or not, it indeed had some truth in it. His intel, the plan did really help them out a lot during the game. But, they still found the betrayal as truly an unacceptable act.

Seeing that they were silent, Roran then continued, "I can only say the plan was set in motion long ago to ensure me and my team got into the elite class."

Unexpectedly, Klea voiced her thought, "So what do you want? Our forgiveness or something?"

Waving his hand and shaking his head, Roran said, "No, no, no. My betrayal was unacceptable. I truly got it! However, if the event could be repeated and I have to choose between the same options, I will gladly do it again."

"What's your point?" Emery cut him off, as he could see Roran was circling around.

"I just want to say I didn't realize you five are… how to say it… unexpected. So, yes... I actually came here to make peace to all of you. Let bygones be bygones, how about that? My Harlight family will become your good ally or your worst enemy really depends on your choice."

"Instead of peace, that sounds like a threat..." Klea replied with a smile that didn't look like a smile.

Roran calmly replied with a smile, "No. It doesn't sound like a threat, it is a threat. But it depends on your choice."

"Just tell us what you want from us!"

"You sure are one interesting feisty girl, aren't you? Alright, I'll tell you all my intention. We, of course, appreciate talents, especially those who are exceptional. Hence, I wish all of you to join our faction."

Upon hearing Roran's words, Emery began to be more curious about this faction stuff.

Thrax answer angrily "We already say no to those Kaleos acolytes. Why the fuck do you think we will accept yours when there's a grudge between us?"

As if he heard the funniest joke, Roran laughed, "Hahaha.. Those Kaleos can't even compare to our Harlight. But yeah, I have said what I wanted to say."

He then shifted his gaze to Julian, "I'll be straightforward... Julian! I am most interested in your talent. I think you will be a great commander in the future. And with you not making it into the elite class, you will need more support than ever, in order to grow."

Emery and the others were startled. It wasn't Klea or Emery who won the first place that Roran was interested in. It was Julian.

"No. Never!"

"It's alright, remember the offer still stands. You and your friends can join us Harlight. Come see me if you change your mind."

After saying that, Roran swiftly left, followed by his lackeys. When Emery and the others thought the matter was over, another person approached the group.

As they saw the person came closer, Emery and the others were confused before they realized who the person was. They almost couldn't recognize her without the mask and her usual costume.

"Lord Izta has returned and wishes to meet all of you right away."

To be continued