Chapter 256 - 255 : Interviews (1)

Chapter 256: Chapter 255 : Interviews (1)

For several seconds, no one in the meeting room said anything.

Arthur stood at the entrance with a faintly confused expression, waiting for someone to answer his question.

"Alright," he said again. "How do I look?"

The girls stared at him.

Layla’s eyes had widened slightly. Isabella’s face had turned faintly red, while Evangline covered her mouth as though she were trying very hard not to say something embarrassing. Julia looked away for a moment, only to glance back almost immediately.

Even Jasmine, who usually remained composed no matter the situation, stared at Arthur a second longer than necessary.

Arthur’s new uniform suited him far too well.

The tailored black blazer sharpened his tall, confident figure. Deep crimson trim ran along the edges of the coat, matching the color of his eyes, while intricate gold embroidery decorated the shoulders and sleeves. Over his chest rested the proud phoenix crest of Celestias Academy.

A long black mantle hung behind him, its crimson inner lining becoming visible whenever he moved. The outfit had been designed to look both elegant and practical, giving him the appearance of a young nobleman preparing to step onto a battlefield.

His dark hair framed his face naturally, while his crimson eyes made the entire image even more striking.

Arthur looked like someone born into royalty.

Like a prince stepping onto a battlefield.

Unfortunately, the boys in the room did not share the same reaction.

Damian’s mouth twitched.

Victor clicked his tongue.

Aiden stared at Arthur with narrowed eyes.

Aaron looked impressed, though he seemed too nervous to say it aloud.

Arthur looked around at the strange silence.

Then he sighed.

"I knew it. It doesn’t look good, right?"

Layla quickly cleared her throat.

"Do not worry. It is fine."

Her cheeks were slightly red.

"Let’s go."

Arthur looked at her with confusion.

’Why are their faces all red?’

Then he looked toward Arina.

She was smiling softly at him.

When Arthur met her gaze, she gave him a thumbs-up.

Arthur blinked.

’Whatever. It will work out somehow.’

With that, the representatives of Celestias Academy finally left the meeting room.

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The center of the Golden Colosseum had been transformed into a grand ceremonial stage.

More than one hundred thousand people filled the enormous stands, their voices rolling through the arena like thunder. Academy banners waved from every direction, while giant holographic screens floated high above the battlefield, displaying the emblems of the ten participating academies.

Camera drones hovered throughout the arena, capturing every moment for the millions of people watching from home.

Then the sound of trumpets rang throughout the Golden Colosseum.

The opening ceremony had begun.

The crowd roared louder.

A moment later, the announcer stepped into the center of the stage with a sound-magic-enhanced microphone in his hand. He wore a brilliant white suit decorated with gold embroidery, and his voice carried effortlessly through every corner of the colosseum.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the opening ceremony of the 101st annual Inter-Academy Tournament!"

The crowd erupted into cheers.

"Today, we have the honor of introducing the participating academies, whose students will compete for the most prestigious championship title in the world!"

The mana screens flashed.

The first academy crest appeared.

A radiant golden sun surrounded by white wings.

"First, let us welcome the reigning champions!"

The announcer raised his arm dramatically.

"The mighty... LUMINA ACADEMY!"

The crowd exploded.

Cheers and applause filled the arena as a group of students entered through the western gate, wearing elegant gold-and-white tournament uniforms.

Their clothing reflected the glory of the Holy Nation. Sun-shaped emblems were embroidered across their chests, while bright golden threads ran along their sleeves and coats.

Lumina Academy belonged to the Holy Nation.

It was one of the most respected institutions in the world, famous for producing exceptional heroes, holy knights, healers, and light-element users.

At the front of the group walked Karina.

The newly appointed Saintess.

She had also led Lumina Academy to victory the previous year.

Her caramel-colored hair flowed behind her as she walked with composed grace. She wore a refined white-and-gold uniform, and the aura surrounding her was enough to make many spectators rise from their seats in awe.

Behind her walked the vice-captain, a golden-haired boy wearing glasses.

He maintained a calm expression and an intelligent gaze as he quietly observed the arena.

The Lumina Academy representatives reached the stage.

The crowd erupted into another wave of cheers for the reigning champions.

The announcer continued.

"Next up, we have the formidable fighters from Martial Star Academy!"

The arena gates opened once again.

A team dressed in green-and-black uniforms entered the stage.

Their clothing was simpler than Lumina Academy’s, designed for movement rather than appearance. Many wore wraps around their hands, reinforced boots, and protective armguards.

Martial Star Academy was famous for martial arts.

Its students trained in close-range combat, hand-to-hand fighting, weapon mastery, body strengthening, and techniques that allowed them to overwhelm opponents through raw physical power.

The academy had produced some of the strongest fighters ever to enter the tournament.

At the front walked Bryan.

The towering blond man carried a powerful aura as he led his team forward. His green-and-black uniform barely contained his massive build, and the confidence radiating from him was almost tangible.

The announcer’s voice echoed throughout the colosseum.

"Joining us from the distant shores of the East, we have the elegant warriors of Cherry Blossom Academy!"

The next academy entered.

Students wearing pink-and-white uniforms stepped gracefully into the arena.

Delicate floral patterns were embroidered across their sleeves, collars, and cloaks. Their uniforms looked beautiful and refined, but every member of the group carried weapons designed for deadly precision.

Fans.

Ribbons.

Needles.

Short swords.

Bladed parasols.

Cherry Blossom Academy was famous for its graceful yet ruthless combat style. Its fighters emphasized speed, agility, deception, and precision rather than brute strength.

At their front walked Amaya.

Her dark hair was braided into twin tails, and she wore a bright smile as she waved toward the cheering crowd.

"Next, we welcome the mysterious representatives of Black Star Academy!"

The arena lights dimmed slightly.

Students dressed in black-and-gray uniforms entered from the shadows.

Their cloaks blended into the darker areas of the stage, and their footsteps made almost no sound. Each student carried concealed weapons—short blades, wires, throwing knives, and other tools that made them look less like academy students and more like trained assassins.

Black Star Academy was known for secrecy.

Its students specialized in stealth, deception, infiltration, intelligence gathering, traps, and strategic warfare.

At the front walked Christopher.

The gray-haired young man wore sunglasses despite standing beneath the bright arena lights. His black-and-gray uniform was neat and perfectly fitted, while his expression remained unreadable.

The announcer’s voice became louder.

"Introducing the team from Iron Fortress Academy, whose students are known for their formidable armor and devastating heavy weapons!"

The gates shook as the next group entered.

Students wearing dark-blue and silver uniforms marched forward.

Many carried shields across their backs. Others wielded massive axes, war hammers, and broad swords.

Their armored boots struck the stage in steady unison.

They looked less like academy students and more like a small army marching into war.

Iron Fortress Academy was famous for defense.

Its students were trained to endure relentless attacks, protect their allies, hold battle lines, and crush their enemies through overwhelming strength.

At the front walked Ranga.

The brown-haired young man had a scar across his cheek and a massive broadsword strapped to his back.

"Joining us from the land of ice and snow, we have Glacier Peak Academy!"

The next team entered wearing white-and-blue uniforms lined with fur.

Their clothing was designed to withstand the freezing environments of the northern regions. Some students carried ice-forged blades, while others wore gloves etched with frost runes.

Glacier Peak Academy trained its students in survival, endurance, ice magic, and combat in some of the harshest environments imaginable.

A cool mist spread across the stage as they entered, drawing another wave of applause from the crowd.

"Next, we have Raven Academy, whose students are masters of speed and agility!"

A group wearing yellow-and-black uniforms rushed into the arena.

Their movements were so fast that some spectators could barely follow them. Whips, daggers, throwing weapons, and lightweight swords hung at their sides.

Raven Academy was famous for lightning-fast strikes.

Its combat style centered on speed, mobility, and overwhelming opponents before they had time to react.

The crowd cheered as the Raven Academy team took their position.

"From the vast deserts of the western continent, we welcome Mirage Crown Academy!"

The air seemed to shimmer as the next academy entered.

Their students wore flowing gold-and-brown uniforms decorated with ornate designs and desert patterns. Some carried curved blades, while others held decorated staffs fitted with mana crystals.

Mirage Crown Academy was renowned for illusion magic, deceptive combat techniques, swift swordsmanship, and battlefield manipulation.

Their students moved with quiet confidence as they entered the grand stage.

"And now, joining us from the eastern territories, we welcome Stormveil Academy!"

The mana screens flashed with the image of a storm cloud struck by lightning.

A team wearing elegant silver-and-blue uniforms entered the arena.

Different elemental auras surrounded their students.

Some had small flames dancing around their fingers.

Others formed droplets of water in the air.

Several generated tiny arcs of lightning that moved around their hands like living serpents.

Stormveil Academy was one of the most prestigious elemental academies in the world.

Its students specialized in mastering the fundamental elements and combining them into devastating combat techniques.

The crowd applauded loudly as the Stormveil Academy team took its place.

Then the lights dimmed.

A massive phoenix emblem appeared above the stage.

White flames spread across the holographic screens.

The announcer lifted his microphone.

"And last, but certainly not least, we welcome the academy that has held the prestigious title of the world’s number-one institution for generations!"

The crowd grew louder.

"The mighty... CELESTIAS ACADEMY!"

The audience roared.

"Renowned for its excellence in every field of magic, combat, strategy, and academics, Celestias Academy has always stood at the pinnacle of the world’s institutions!"

The announcer paused.

"But for the past several years, they have failed to claim the top spot in the Inter-Academy Tournament."

The crowd gradually became quieter.

"And this year, their position as the world’s number-one academy is at greater risk than ever!"

The mana screen displayed Celestias Academy’s past tournament defeats.

"Will their students rise to the occasion and defend their academy’s legendary reputation?"

The announcer raised his arm.

"Ladies and gentlemen, give a thunderous welcome to the students of the mighty..."

His voice reached its highest point.

"CELESTIAS ACADEMY!"

The gates opened.

The crowd erupted.

Arthur walked at the front.

His presence was imposing.

His crimson eyes seemed sharp enough to see through anyone who looked at him. His dark hair was styled naturally, framing his face and emphasizing his chiseled features.

He wore the sleek black-and-crimson representative uniform.

The fitted shirt beneath his blazer emphasized his athletic build, while his black trousers were tailored perfectly for both movement and appearance.

The black blazer was designed like a commander’s coat.

Crimson trim ran along its edges.

Golden buttons and embroidered phoenix patterns gleamed beneath the arena lights.

A long black mantle flowed behind Arthur, its inner lining a deep crimson.

His sturdy black boots were designed for both combat and formal appearances. Crimson accents ran along the sides, while small golden buckles matched the rest of the uniform.

A small shield bearing the phoenix crest of Celestias Academy was strapped to his arm with leather bands.

Behind him walked Layla, Jasmine, Isabella, Evangline, Julia, Diana, Arina, Liana, and the other representatives.

For a few moments, the crowd went silent.

Then the girls in the audience began screaming.

"Oh my god! There are too many handsome guys!"

"The one at the front looks like Prince Charming!"

"Kyaa! I wish I were his lover!"

Arthur gave the audience a confident smile.

The cheers became even louder.

Some spectators shouted Victor’s name.

Others called out for Aiden.

Several people cheered for Damian.

Even Aaron received loud applause from parts of the audience.

But the girls in the stands were no quieter.

Layla’s beauty stunned many spectators.

Jasmine looked elegant and dangerous in her uniform.

Evangline’s magenta hair and confident expression drew countless eyes.

Julia, Diana, Isabella, Liana, and several of the second- and third-year girls looked breathtaking in their academy uniforms.

The male spectators shouted their names as though possessed.

"Diana! I’ve fallen in love at first sight, so please don’t reject me!"

"Layla! I’ll marry you right now if you say yes!"

"Isabella! Please look at me before my heart gives out!"

"Princess Evangeline! Please make me your knight, and I’ll serve you for the rest of my life!"

"Princess Jasmine! I’ll challenge the entire kingdom just for a chance to marry you!"

"Arina! I’ve never believed in destiny until I saw you!"

"Julia! Please marry me before someone else steals my heart!"

"Liana! I don’t know your favorite food yet, but I’m already ready to share mine!"

The entire colosseum roared.

Diana became nervous.

The sudden attention made her grip the arm of the person beside her.

A familiar voice spoke.

"Getting nervous, are we?"

Diana froze.

She looked to the side.

Arthur stood beside her.

Her hand was gripping his arm.

Diana quickly released him.

"Hmph. I can handle that much."

Arthur gave her a teasing smile.

"Tsundere as ever."

Diana’s face turned red.

Before she could reply, Arthur looked toward the stands and blew a kiss toward the screaming girls.

Several spectators squealed.

A few nearly fainted.

Layla immediately smacked Arthur on the head.

"Focus ahead, idiot!"

The crowd burst into laughter.

Layla realized what she had done.

Her face turned red.

She quickly looked away.

The announcer laughed as well.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! If this were a beauty competition, I am afraid Celestias Academy would have already won!"

The audience cheered again.

"Seeing their entrance, even I am getting excited for the interviews!"

The announcer walked forward and faced the crowd.

"Yes, you heard that correctly!"

His voice echoed across the Golden Colosseum.

"Before we begin the tournament, we will conduct brief interviews with the representatives and vice-representatives from each academy."

The mana screens brightened.

"Please welcome them to the stage!"

One by one, the representatives and vice-representatives from each academy stepped forward.

They were greeted by thunderous applause.

The true beginning of the Inter-Academy Tournament had arrived.