The game begins.

The air at Equinox Academy is electric with anticipation as the midterms approach, a time when the school's competitive spirit is at its peak. This year, the excitement is amplified by the inclusion of a three-way competition with Thunder Academy and Celestial Heights Academy, bringing a new level of rivalry and challenge to the event.

The arena for the competition is vast and varied, comprising a dense forest, a meandering river, and imposing mountains – a landscape that promises strategic complexity and thrilling encounters. This is not just a test of strength and skill, but also of strategy and teamwork.

Amidst the bustling energy, a specific professor steps up to address the large audience gathered around the field, which is equipped with enchanted runes for enhanced viewing. The professor, known for his dynamic personality, exudes both energy and an undercurrent of sternness as he introduces the event.

"Welcome, esteemed guests, students, and competitors to the annual inter-academy competition!" His voice booms across the field, carried by enchantments to reach every ear. "This year, we are thrilled to host Thunder Academy and Celestial Heights Academy in a grand battle royale!"

The crowd erupts in cheers and applause, the excitement palpable in the air.

"As always, the rules are simple yet challenging," he continues, his tone taking on a more serious edge. "Each class has selected a 'King' or 'Queen,' marked by a distinct crown. The objective is to either capture the crown from the opposing classes or defeat their designated ruler. However, remember, this is a competition of honor and skill. Any breach of the rules will be met with severe consequences." The coldness in his tone when mentioning rule violations sends a shiver through the audience.

He pauses, allowing his words to sink in. "The arena is open, and the landscape is your battleground. Form alliances, strategize, and show the strength of your academy. But above all, uphold the spirit of fair play and camaraderie!"

As the professor concludes his introduction, the competitors from each academy, dressed in their respective uniforms, begin to take their positions at the starting points scattered around the vast field. The tension is almost tangible, each participant keenly aware of the stakes and the glory that awaits the victor.

As the atmosphere at Equinox Academy buzzes with excitement and anticipation, the professor at the center of the event raises his voice, echoing powerfully across the field to capture the attention of everyone present.

"Ladies and gentlemen, before we commence this thrilling competition, allow me to clarify what constitutes fair play in this grand battle!" he announces, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. "While our students are permitted to utilize any artifacts in their possession, I must emphasize that these artifacts must be their own. The use of artifacts belonging to others is strictly prohibited and will be thoroughly investigated. Fair play is the cornerstone of this competition, and any form of cheating will not be tolerated."

The crowd listens intently, absorbing the gravity of his words. The rules are clear, setting the stage for a contest where skill, strategy, and personal capabilities will be paramount.

After laying out the guidelines, the professor's demeanor shifts once again, his excitement palpable as he prepares to make a special announcement. "And now, for an honorable mention that adds an extraordinary luster to this year's competition!" he exclaims, his voice booming with enthusiasm.

"It is the first time in our history that we have the privilege of hosting three distinguished individuals, each a master in their respective fields! First, we welcome the honorable Duke Alister, renowned for his exceptional sword skills and revered across the great empire! A true warrior, whose mere presence ended a war!"

The crowd erupts in cheers, the mention of Duke Alister stirring a wave of admiration and awe.

"Next, we have the illustrious Duchess Aurora, one of the greatest mages known to have single-handedly fought against a horde of 100,000 monsters! Her bravery and prowess are legendary, and she stands as a beacon of strength and resilience!"

Applause thunders through the audience, the name of Duchess Aurora inspiring excitement and respect.

"And let us not forget the esteemed Duchess Rosalind, an outstanding mage and alchemist, admired for her refined sword skills. Acknowledged by the great Lilith herself, Dutchess Rosalind's influence spans multiple markets, making her a formidable presence in both magic and commerce!"

The crowd's enthusiasm reaches new heights, the presence of such a distinguished figure elevating the event's prestige.

"Last but certainly not least, a special welcome to our great Queen, the young and beautiful Queen Celeste! A ruler who has made nations bow and halted wars before they could even begin. Her presence here today graces our academy with unparalleled honor."

The audience is captivated, the mention of Queen Celeste bringing a sense of grandeur and reverence to the atmosphere. Her achievements and influence are well-known, and her presence at the competition adds a layer of significance to the event.

With the introductions complete, the professor beams with pride, clearly delighted by the esteemed guests gracing the competition. The anticipation for the event is now at its peak, each participant and spectator eager to witness the unfolding drama and display of skills in this extraordinary battle royale.

The vibrant energy of anticipation and excitement at Equinox Academy reaches its climax as the professor prepares to officially start the grand battle royale. His voice, amplified by powerful enchantments, resonates across the vast field, capturing the attention of every spectator and competitor.

"Let the games begin!" he exclaims, his voice booming with a mixture of authority and thrill. The entire crowd shakes with energy as the magic runes surrounding the field start glowing, signaling the commencement of the match.

In an instant, the atmosphere transforms. The starting points for each class, scattered around the diverse landscape of forest, river, and mountains, light up, marking the beginning of a strategic and intense battle for supremacy.

The spectators, gathered in large numbers around the field, are treated to a spectacular view. The positions of the crowns, representing the dignitaries and honored guests, shift to ensure a comfortable spot with state-of-the-art holographic screens. These screens are designed to zoom in and out of the action at will, offering a close-up view of the fierce competition unfolding in the vast arena.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Teleported to a random spot in the field, I find myself among the Class A contenders. Rai is already stretching, a confident grin on his face. "Hehe, this is going to be a piece of cake," he boasts, clearly underestimating the challenge ahead.

Arin gives Rai's head a good-natured slap, bringing him back to reality. "Dude, we're competing with other top students in different academies! We need to be careful," he admonishes. His concern is valid; overconfidence is often the prelude to a fall, especially in a competition as fierce as this.

Flora, oblivious to the boys' exchange, sits on the ground, her attention completely absorbed by a strange flower she's discovered. Her fascination with the flora is both a strength and a weakness—it's her expertise, yet she keeps letting her guard down.

Ah, these guys are carefree, I muse, watching them. They don't realize how fucked they would've been if I weren't here to steer this ship through turbulent waters.

Biana groans, leaning heavily against me. "I'm tireeeeed~ Carry me~ The ground is way too hard." I sigh, clicking my tongue in mild irritation, but a part of me finds her theatrics amusing. With a fluid motion, I scoop her up and toss her gently toward Lysandra. "Here you go, Lysandra," I say as Biana lands with an oof.

Lysandra grins, dropping down to sit on Biana, who protests beneath her with a mix of annoyance and laughter. It's a typical scene with these two, and it never fails to draw a chuckle from me.

But as the initial amusement fades, my focus sharpens. Who did they pick for the king? I scan the group, searching for the one who holds our victory or defeat in their hands.

When I spot who it is, I can't contain my laughter. It bursts out of me, genuine and loud. Hahahahaha, Oh, this is great. Whoever chose the king must have been high out of their mind. Seriously, who the fuck chooses Isadora as the king?

Isadora stands apart from the group, as unreadable as ever, nonchalantly sipping on a coconut. The strongest one here, I think, a smirk creeping onto my face. This is going to make things way easier.

"Looks like this is going to be interesting..." I say, the corner of my mouth lifting in anticipation. With Isadora as our king, the game has changed.

The dynamics within our group are already heating up as Liam steps forward, his grin betraying a mix of eagerness and self-assuredness. "We need to choose our leader," he declares, his voice carrying a hint of authority that doesn't quite mask the underlying excitement. "I nominate myself," he announces, as if it's the most natural choice in the world.

Hmmm... I think to myself, watching Liam bask in his self-appointed glory. Letting someone else take the lead might actually be beneficial for now, considering we're inevitably going to split up. It's all about playing the long game.

Aira strides up to Liam. "Of course, I would never allow my stupid brother to lead," she retorts with a dismissive wave of her hand. Their sibling rivalry is as predictable as it is theatrical, their argument quickly turning into a scene designed for the audience. It's all a show of power and ambition, each trying to outdo the other.

Glancing over at Isabella, I note her standing off to the sidelines. Her calmness is almost unnerving, but then again, she did lose the bet to me. She can't openly challenge or cuss me out without breaking her word. It's a satisfying turn of events, seeing her contained like this.

My thoughts then shift to Kaida. She hasn't shown much improvement since the beginning of the year, which is expected. However, she did heed my advice and took up some martial arts classes. While she's not a powerhouse by any means, her added skills should give her a better fighting chance than before.

As these thoughts swirl in my mind, I begin to strategize our next move. Class B is likely heading west, and that's where I need to go. But first, there's another play to make. Oliver needs to engage with that one group; it's a key move that could tilt the scales in our favor.

Carrying Biana over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes, I start to make my way through the terrain. Her initial groans quickly turn into snores, a testament to her ability to sleep anywhere, anytime. Lysandra, clicking her tongue in mild annoyance, follows close behind. Isadora trails behind us, the glowing crown on her head serving as a beacon and a target.

Aira's voice cuts through the air, "Where are you going?" She's clearly confused.

Without turning, I reply, "You guys can complain and fight all you want, but can you do it while we walk? Our starting location is marked in the sky." I nod upward, indicating the purple glow high above us. It's a basic strategy, yet it seems I'm the only one who's paid enough attention to notice it.

Flora, Kaida, Oliver, Rai, and Arin catch up to us, with Rai wearing his typical overconfident smirk. "Smart guy~ We should head to a group and finish them off in one go," he suggests, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the hunt.

Kaida and Flora exchange a look, both wearing expressions of disbelief. "Are you stupid, Rai?" one of them finally blurts out. Their faces mirror my thoughts exactly.

Oliver grins as he deftly plays with small potions in his hands, treating them like marbles. His casual dexterity catches my eye. "You made something new?" I ask, intrigued by his latest concoction.

He smirks, holding one up for inspection. "I've been playing around, trying to make this," he says, a glint of mischief in his eyes. Then, without warning, he grabs another potion and pours it over Biana's head.

Biana, abruptly awakened from her slumber, jumps up and out of my grasp. She starts scratching her head frantically, her irritation growing by the second. "Ah, what the hell is this itch!?" she exclaims, desperately trying to alleviate the sudden discomfort.

Her eyes then lock onto Oliver's smirking face. "You fucker, I'm going to kill you!" she yells, her annoyance boiling over into rage.