16 Before the Competition

For the last week that's left before the tournament, there will be a battle against Ash's, Konan's, and Carina's group. I was just about to get excited to watch everyone fight but my name was called. I'll be facing against Faye in the first match. I don't know if I am lucky that my name was the first to be picked from the box, but if this is lottery or something, I'd be a billionaire now. But unluckily, this is a fight where I could die.

"Uhm... Ash, you have unlucky hands, I pity you." I gave him a sympathetic look that made him confused.

Now then, let's just say this is a training for me. Faye came charging at me with her magic-coated sword. Her magic is water so if she decided to drown me here, I'll die. T^T

I dodged her attack, grabbed her arm, and kicked her stomach. She hit the barrier that's protecting the audience from inside attacks. She gritted her teeth in excitement and eagerness to beat me. But sorry, I charged at her with my full speed and in an instant I was in front of her. Her reflexes were good that she immediately activated her magic that caused me to step back.

She attacked with her sword fast but I only dodged them. Her other hand formed big water balls and threw them at me. This is bad, I cannot find an opening at all. It's useless to use guns, she keeps on lessening the space between us. Knife would be good but if I counter attack, I might not be able to dodge her water magic, they are so fast.

I shivered when a ball touched my back, it's cold, good thing I didn't receive that attack directly. There's no other way, I must use skills.

[Lust <Eyes of Paralysis>] just enough to make her unable to move her feet and hands. I fully controlled the damage effect so there's no problem.

Faye stopped moving she can still use magic, though. I did not stop that. But there's no way she can use magic against someone she cannot see, right?

I went to her back and brought out my knife, Quell. I pointed it to her neck and just like that, I won. Faye accepted her defeat but I told her that I could have lost without using my skill. I used [Envy <Relinquish > to remove the effects. Because my [Envy LV7] is high, I didn't receive any damage when I did it.

"I'm glad you can use it now without damaging yourself," Ash said. I nodded at him. Well, that's because I practiced hard. 

Next is Fir VS Sarah, Sarah won. Hawk VS Faust, Hawk won. The others also fought and in the end, Carina's team won.

----

Last day before the competition. We had no training whatsoever, we relaxed ourselves in preparation for the match. There are twenty-one students in class 1-B, our class. Twenty in class 1-A, Twenty-three in class 1-C, Twenty-four in class 1-D, and Twenty in class 1-D.

On the competition, you are allowed to participate in any competition you want, as many as you please, but you cannot register into one competition twice.

For me, I think I'm going to participate in a One Versus One and scavenger hunt competition. Of course, I will be competing in a timed Battle Royale, too, since everyone is asked to compete.

"Andromeda, can we talk for a moment?" Hawk asked.

I nodded and followed him behind. He looked so serious and angry? What did I do? I didn't cause trouble, did I? Could it be that he found out my every night sneaking? How about the way I move my carrots to his plate without him noticing?

"What is it that you want to talk about?" I asked.

He stopped and faced me so I also stopped. "How powerful are you now?"

Hawk, if only you know how powerful I am that it even terrifies me! But I'm not powerful enough to easily beat you. 

"My status increased a lot due to our hellish training. I haven't acquired any additional skill, though." I lied. Of course I would lie. Having this kind of abilities makes me look like a bad and terrifying person, even if I am just a cute cat wanting to eat a lot and sleep a lot.

"Liar." To my surprise, Hawk took out a knife and thrusted it into my stomach. Of course, he did not succeed. When he tried to plunge the knife to me, I stopped it by holding his arm.

"What do you think you are doing?" I twisted his arm causing him to drop his knife and wince in pain.

"You are a monster, after all. I cannot allow you to fight alongside us. You are a fearsome monster!"

W-what? What the hell? I threw him away out of irritation. He only fell down to the ground, though. I have no intention to hurt my friend. And he's pretty strong too. 

"You are spying on us, aren't you? I just realized how weird it is that a mere cat was able to acquire magic and abilities. It was not a coincidence that you met Priscilla, right?!" He looked at me with eyes full of hatred.

What the hell is going on? What is he talking about?

"Is that so?" I smiled at him for the first time. He looked confused whether it was a friendly smile or a mocking one.

"You are too shallow, Hawk. Did you really think I was able to sleep, eat, and do everything without wariness around you if I mean harm?" I gritted my teeth in annoyance.

"Too shallow," I spoke with disappointment and disgust. I turned my back against him and walked away without looking back.

Hah? Who would have thought I'd have this problem now? Anyways, I have to talk to the elf to ask what is the deal with Hawk. Hawk must be traumatized. Looks like I won't be able to join the competition, after all.