Chapter 33

Zeph's POV

A week had passed and today was the day we will be facing Schlangto. We had a set plan which we needed to set in motion. I woke up first and got ready. I wore my waist bag which contained all the potions we had made in the last week. Finally, I wore my sword.

I woke up Mikasim while Arlo was already up. "We are going to win, today," Mikasim told me with a smile.

"Let's hope so, we will give our best and work according to our strategy," I replied.

They both got changed and we headed down to meet up with the girls. Dining Hall was buzzing with activity today. Everyone was excited and huddled up in groups, making last-minute arrangements for their plans. Ralph saw me and rushed over. "Good morning! Are you, all set? " He asked.

"Morning! I guess so."

"Let's get something to eat, we have a big day ahead." As we headed towards the table. I was too nervous to eat so I just grabbed some Jamin juice. It's purple in colour and rich in nutrients. It's made with small purple fruits which grow on trees. Arlo grabbed a bottle of blood and took it outside. I had never seen him drink. He was always very discreet about it. Mikasim on the other hand was having a hearty breakfast.

Meanwhile, girls had joined us too. "Remember the plan everyone and if anything goes wrong switch to plan 2. And, do check all your potions and weapons." I reminded them.

"We are ready to bring that Schlangto down." Serene pipped in and everyone cheered.

Ralph was like a sixth member of our team. He mostly dined with us now and due to his friendly nature, Serene, Ayrden, and Mikasim liked him too. The only person who seemed unhappy about it was Tanzil, who was giving us bloody looks.

"Ralph, can you come back here? We need to discuss something privately." She finally came over and stood with her hands on Mikasim and Ralph's shoulders, staring directly at Serene.

"Yes, yes I will be there in five minutes." He told her.

"Mikasim darling, do your best today. Make me proud," and she began to smooch his mouth full of food."

Disgusting, I couldn't bear her anymore so I walked away and was about to step outside the hall.

"So, you can't stand her as well." Arlo was standing there looking at our table.

"She just annoys me with her possessiveness. She needs to let Mikasim breathe and be his own self, " I told him.

"Hmm, and what about Serene? Do you really hate her as much as you show or it's a defence mechanism?" He looked directly into my eyes.

"What was that supposed to mean?" I probed.

"Just that she is a good person who doesn't deserve your prejudice and hate. We are a team and we can become unstoppable if you can accept her as a person instead of looking at her as royalty. I don't know your reasons to hate royals but you need to give her a chance, she is different. Be kind to her." He walked away before I could answer.

How did he know I wasn't a fan of royals and why was he lecturing me about Serene? It was true that I was prejudiced against her just like Tanzil was. Did that mean I had fallen to her level? Absolutely not, I needed to do better. Then why do I try to avoid her? What was I afraid of? I was lost in thoughts when Mikasim came and grabbed me from the back and lifted me.

"Put me down, idiot," I yelled. I heard giggles and turned around to find Ayrden and Serene standing right next to him. Great, I began to pout. The final bell for us to gather in the training ground sounded so we began to head towards it.

The training ground has been transformed. In the centre, there were about 200 meters of dark patches of mud. Which was surrounded by what seemed like a magical barrier of blue colour. On the left side Wooden benches have been placed and second-year students were gathering there. There was also a podium present which meant someone was about to give a speech.

All the teachers had gathered so we made teams and went on to stand with our Senseis. Artins Sensei inquired if we were fully prepared for the task at hand: "I hope you people will give it your best shot. I am looking forward to what type of plan you people have formalized. Best of luck."

Meanwhile, there was a commotion as a tall figure made its way toward the podium. It was Alexis Drugh. As he took the stand, everyone went silent. He looked like an older version of Artins, same hair, the same eyes, the same figure and the same complexion just more grey hair and a bit of wrinkle.

"Good Morning! everyone. I hope all of you are in fine health. We have been blessed with fine weather today. Firstly, I would like to apologize for my absence as I had been away on urgent business and couldn't welcome the Novices this year. I am here now and I am pleased to see you people have already made so much progress in so little time. Today, you people will be tested mentally, physically, psychologically and subjectively. This test will also reveal how effective your teamwork is. I am looking forward to seeing some thrilling performances from all of you. Let's not waste any further time and get started. Good luck with your fights." He finished his speech and everyone clapped.

Artins Sensei left our side and went to talk to his father. They were urgently murmuring about something. Zilver and Alvene came to wish us the best of luck as well.

Shumal Sensei had taken the podium and announced: "Amethyst Strikers will be the first team to fight. You have to contain your fight within the magic barrier. The fight will be over when you will kill The Schlangto, if you are unable to kill it and feel like you can't continue, signal to your Sensei and we will stop the fight. Also, if we will feel like that you people get serious injuries and can't continue the fight. We will step in and stop it. Good luck with your battles."

Mariela Sensei gathered her team and gave them final bits of advice. Frela was their team leader, they had two werewolves, one vampire, and Paul; one of the guys from our team back when we had defeated Khidal.

They stepped inside the magic barrier and waited patiently. Mariela moved her wand and pointed it toward the ground. Suddenly, the ground began to tremble as if a quake was coming. All of them stepped back and the ground from the centre split open as The Schlangto popped its head out and fixated his ugly eyes on them who looked like tiny objects in front of him. Someone shrieked while others let out " Woah " sounds. And, as suddenly as that it opened its mouth and headed straight towards the Amethyst Strikers as if to devour them.