Showdown: Opening Speech

After being greeted and initiated by the emcee of the competition festival's ceremony, it was Raven Academy's principal's turn to give his speech.

"Welcome to the guests, who are, once again, willing to come to the Raven Academy orientation event in this new school year. As the principal, I am elated, especially since there were more guests than I expected to be able to attend.

"And of course, it may not be denied because there is something different from the festival event this time. What I'm sure is. It made you decide to attend in the midst of your busy schedule.

"Mage versus knight. Who doesn't know that these two categories can't be compared since mages always come out victorious in duels? Nobody.

"But why did I decide to stage such a showdown?"

The principal of Raven Academy, named Kallias Elric, smiled silently for a moment. Even so, no one made a fuss. They silently and carefully watched the old man. Who had shoulder-length white hair, dark brown eyes, fair skin, small round ears, and was of medium height, standing quietly.

But despite having that appearance, Kallias had a charismatic and confident personality. He was an inspiring figure in the eyes of his students.

So, even when he didn't do anything, the aura still radiated. Moreover, the nobles and aristocrats present could sense that as well. They have a lot of respect deep down in their hearts.

"A simple reason that could be called utter nonsense. Someone told me that there is a student from this First Year Knight Division that will deliver a surprise that has not been seen in the last hundred years."

The words from Kallias made everyone put their ears closer out of curiosity, swayed by the words at the end.

"Yes. That's right. I originally thought it was too much to be taken as a joke. The last time we knew someone with earth-shaking talent and strength was during the last war. The birth of the Grand General, Ren Shunsuijo of the Tucan Kingdom. Hero of the century. The commander-in-chief that led the troops to repel the demonic forces that were about to invade the human territory.

"So, imagine how implausible and nonsense those words are? However, the person who spoke to me about that student exuded confidence and conviction in his words and expressions.

"As someone who has gone through a lot in life and was born without witnessing the last war, I unwittingly pinned my hopes on those words. What if there was a student who had the talent and strength of the hero of the century in his early days? Isn't that a fascinating thing?

"That's where I concluded that if there is a knight student like that present in this generation, then it's only fitting that we present a battle between a mage and a knight. And besides that. This First Year Mage Division can also be said to be in its golden age. After all, I have witnessed dozens of talented students unseen in previous batches.

"I'm sure this competition festival event will present something new and exciting for the attendees. Therefore, let's start the battle."

After giving a lengthy speech, Kallias returned to the particular guest room, where there were the high nobles of the Aslan Empire and the nobles and aristocrats of Mada City and other cities, who were already seated, waiting for the event to begin.

Meanwhile, in the teaching section, two instructors questioned and gave Ainkrad an annoyed look.

"There are only three teachers in the Knight Division. That's not me. And Sir Greystone isn't either. Then the one left is just you. After all, out of the three of us, the one most likely to talk about something like that with the principal is you," said the female instructor of the Knight Division Class 2, Aria Blackthorn.

Ainkrad did not answer and looked away from the two instructors.

"You have no shame, Sir Ainkrad. How dare you brag to principal Elric that you have a student as talented as the hero of the century. What a disgrace." The instructor, named Landon Greystone, chimed in.

"Shut up!" Ainkrad exclaimed as he crossed his arms. He sat down, grumbling because the principal had revealed their private talk to the crowd.

Hearing Ainkrad's irritated reply, Landon and Aria narrowed their eyes and glanced at the Knight Division section, watching over the Class 3 students.

Before long, the two of them stared at each other while blinking. In appearance, only one person stood out the most, although there were some who had good physiques and looked strong.

"Do you think the same as me?" Aria asked.

"It seems so," Landon answered.

One student they focused on was none other than Aizen Barthomelo. Small and short physique. In addition, white hair color and dark skin.

But that only made the two instructors even more curious whether their guess was correct, and wanted to know what kind of abilities the student Ainkrad was referring to had.

On the other hand, in the Class 3 Knight Division's quarters, some students were talking about how long the competition had been going on.

For Mage Division, the 128-student single-elimination tournament format would be used. While the Knight Division would use the 32-student single-elimination tournament.

"Well, it can't be helped. In that division, there are nearly 500 students with ten classes. What's strange is that our division has almost 50 students, but the format is 32 single eliminations.

"That's right. The principal has been very generous to our division."

Suddenly, Aizen chimed in. "Out of 32 places, Class 3 only has six slots. That means. There are only six students out of all of us who will take part in this competition. Meanwhile, Class 1 and Class 2 each have 13 representative students."

Aizen's words made them aware of the difference in treatment, and the students immediately lowered their heads just before the match started.

"Tsk! The battle has not yet begun but is giving up already. Do you want to be punished by Sir Ainkrad? Better hope that the six students from our class don't meet in the first round of the preliminaries."

The words that reminded them of how cruel Ainkrad's training was made the students tighten their fists.

'Don't lose miserably!'

That was what almost all of the Class 3 students had in mind. But that didn't apply to Aizen or Ayduin.

Aizen was not tense and looked relaxed. For him, as long as the opponent was not at the Knight or only at the Apprentice Knight level, then his experience and current technical skills were sufficient.

As for Ayduin himself, he felt he could win against students from Class 1 or Class 2 as long as he didn't meet Aizen in any round except in the finals.

After getting beat up and knowing how terrifying Aizen's improvement was, Ayduin felt that no student could make him scared. Even if he lost and was left battered, he was sure it wouldn't be as bad as losing against Aizen.

The students, who would participate, have been chosen by the teachers of each class.

All that remained was the draw of slots, deciding who against whom.

The best result a class could produce was for all of the representative students to occupy the top 10 places in the single elimination tournament. Specifically, if the semifinals were filled by four students from the same class, it would indicate the standards and level of the class were far different from other classes.

It also showed that the teacher or instructor was very efficient in teaching technical theory and practice.

The first event would be held by the competition festival of the Knight Division, with 32 students in single elimination. And coincidentally, Aizen was in the first match of the first round. His opponent was from Class 1.

The student was extensive, with a height of 185 cm. He used a glaive. A polearm weapon consisting of a long pole with a curved blade at one end, was often used for slashing and thrusting attacks. But could also be thrown for ranged attacks.

"You seem too stupid or simply don't know how serious this fight is. I'll give you a chance. Change your weapon. The wooden stick won't last more than a second.

"Consider this as me not looking down on you."

Aizen chuckled while holding his stomach with his left hand. Ainkrad had previously told him to use a real spear in order to display his best abilities.

Even Ainkrad also guaranteed that if there was a fatal wound or fatal attack, the teachers and instructors would be able to stop it. Apart from that, the excellent healers were also on standby in case of any unwanted situations.

But Aizen still refused. For him to demonstrate his abilities with his current strength, a wooden stick was more than enough.

"What are you laughing at? Tch! Don't blame me if this ends tragically."

The student then took a swing with his glaive, and the match referee started the fight with a loud voice.

"The battle begins!"

However, contrary to everyone's expectations, the student who was kneeling now was none other than the student using the glaive, while Aizen was standing in front of the student holding a wooden stick in both hands.

"What happened!?"