All the students entered the room waiting for the director to give the instructions.
—Instructions? For what?— Thermomix asked.
—Most likely to explain how they will choose the academy's top 1.
—And what's the point of actually getting top 1?
—Do you really know nothing about the academy?
Thermomix shook his head.
Floch sighed before explaining.
—The top 1 is important because they will be "The strongest in the world" and "Humanity's first hope".
—So number 1 gets all the recognition?
—It's not just them, the top 1, 2, and 3 get most of the recognition because together they form "Humanity's first protection triangle".
Floch looked toward where Arien was.
—The "Strongest in the world" title is just something given to number 1.
Thermomix averted his gaze toward Kael.
—Only the top 3?
—Yes it has always been that way because of the three humans who were crucial to victory in the first Humanity-General War. They were humanity's first protection triangle.
—And do you think Arien and Kael will be in that triangle?
—There's no doubt about it, they will be there for sure, but what they will fight for is the title of "Strongest in the world".
—And you? Wouldn't you like to be in that triangle?
Floch laughed softly.
—Of course I would. I know I'm strong but I know my limits, I'm nothing compared to those two monsters.
—So who could be the third?
—Most likely Rika or Zeik but who knows, maybe another student will surprise us and make it to top 3.
A door opened and Director Lion walked in along with other teachers.
—Hello dear students, I'm glad to see all of you again, I'll get straight to the instructions. Right now we will begin the fights to choose this year's top 1.
A screen behind the director displayed an explanation with drawings.
—They will be 1 VS 1 fights, the winner moves on to the next round and the loser will fight another loser to determine their rank.
—Hmm... Elimination rounds like in the assessments sounds interesting— Floch said.
—This is only to determine your ranks no one will be expelled everyone here has already earned their place at the academy. The fights will take place in the academy's coliseum please head to the stands and take your seats.
The director stepped down from the stage to head toward the combat arena as well.
Floch sighed with a smile.
—Fights... I love that idea. Come on Thermomix.
Thermomix and Floch started heading to the coliseum.
Arien grabbed Haruki's wrist and started running with him.
—Come on Haruki! We have to get the most comfortable seats! Rika, Kaien we'll save your spots, don't take too long!—Arien disappeared from sight along with Haruki.
Kaien smiled and turned to Rika.
—I'll go ahead see you there, okay?
Rika nodded slowly.
—Sure see you there.
Kaien started running in the direction they had gone.
—Wait for me!
Rika began walking at a slow pace unlike those three, she was more calm.
Behind her, Kenzo Holt was walking with his eyes on the ground a brown-haired boy with his katana at his waist.
Kenzo sighed he was nervous.
—Fights... I'll probably lose my first fight in a humiliating way.
Suddenly Rika stopped, causing Kenzo to bump into her back. Feeling the impact, he turned to her.
—I'm sorry are you okay?
Kenzo looked up when he saw her he blushed, feeling something in his chest he had never felt before.
—Ah... Y-yes don't worry... I wasn't paying attention either he stammered.
—Thank you for forgiving me she showed a small smile.
—N-no... Thank you.
She raised an eyebrow in confusion.
—Thank me? Why?
Kenzo looked around trying to find an answer.
—Uh... Because... Because... he lowered his head I don't know...
Rika laughed softly, bringing a hand to her mouth.
—You're funny. By the way what's your name?
—Kenzo, Kenzo Holt. You're the famous Rika Tsukayomi, right?
—Yes that's me nice to meet you, Kenzo.
—Nice to meet you too.
—Well I should go now my friends are waiting for me. See you later.— Rika waved goodbye before walking away.
Kenzo nodded as he watched her leave some passing students looked at him with envy for having spoken to her.
The battle arena was surrounded by stands that rose upward it was inspired by Italy's coliseum.
Arien was standing up, looking around for Rika when he saw her he smiled and raised his hand.
—Over here Rika! We're here!— he jumped up slightly so she could see him.
She approached the three of them and sat in the spot they had saved for her.
—Thanks for saving me a spot, Arien.
Kaien pulled out his phone to start playing his video games.
Arien snapped his fingers and spoke confidently.
—Of course it's to keep an eye on you all and take care of you.
Kaien looked at him with one eyebrow raised.
—Wouldn't it be the other way around? We're the ones who have to take care of you.
Arien averted his gaze, knowing he couldn't deny that.
—Well either way.
On the other side of the stands, the marked students sat down Arien and Kael stared fixedly at each other.
Arien smiled his usual confident smile.
—Oh look who we have right in front of us.
All the students knew that spots 1 and 2 were already decided even some teachers thought the same.
From opposite sides of the arena, they were challenging each other with their gazes they knew no one was on their level.
Their moment was interrupted by a student sitting next to Arien who opened a bag of chips.
Arien turned to him and leaned slightly toward the bag of chips.
—Hey can I have some?— he asked with a smile.
The student brought the bag closer, offering him some chips. Arien took two and chewed them happily.
Thermomix and Floch sat in one of the seats closest to the arena.
—It's to see the techniques better and understand the abilities of our possible rivals— Floch explained, though he really just wanted to watch and enjoy the battles.
Floch was clapping his thigh he was genuinely excited for the fights. Thermomix looked up at the sky with no emotion or expression.
—What if an attack veers toward us?
Floch paused to think about that possibility.
—Well... I guess we die.
Elsewhere in the arena, Kenzo sat alone hugging his katana his gaze drifted toward Rika.
She was looking around the entire arena her eyes met Kenzo's for a moment, and he quickly looked away, his cheeks blushing.
The director began speaking into a microphone his voice echoed throughout the arena.
—Alright then, dear students! We will now begin the fights to determine the top ranks! The rules are: A student loses when they surrender or can no longer fight! And in case you're wondering the fights will be drawn at random!
Floch shook Thermomix gently he was impatient for the fights to start.
—Without any further ado! Let the academy's fights begin!