"So…which building are we taking?" Natalie asked as she stood with the other four in the central compound.

Gizel noticed a few students peeking through the windows, curious about what was going on. She also saw that a teacher had placed a barrier around the school buildings—which made sense, but it still worried her. If even the teachers were being this cautious, then the golems must really be something.

"Let's see," Kevin, their ever-leading captain, began. "The two dormitories are across from each other, so whoever guards them can back each other up."

Natalie nodded. "Right. It was never said we have to fight a single golem. All that matters is having a Core in our hands when we reach the contest venue."

Kevin hummed, thinking, then said, "I think Emma and I should take the dorms."

William narrowed his eyes, but Kevin quickly added, "We've fought together before, and we can coordinate well. Emma's a healer class, so she'll do best supporting from behind."

"You know what," William cut in, "every time you say that, it sounds like Emma can only stay back and heal." His eyes sharpened. "And that annoys me."

Kevin froze. "I—I didn't mean it that way."

"But it did sound like that," Gizel muttered under her breath.

Kevin looked around helplessly, not knowing what to say.

Then Emma sighed. "I'll take the library," she said, folding her arms. "It's the most open area in the campus. With my barrier, I can protect it easily."

Gizel nodded. That made sense.

Natalie spoke next. "I can guard either the academic block or the dormitory. My range isn't big, but I'm good at defense."

Gizel thought for a moment before replying, "You should team up with Kevin. You've fought together before—that's already a good reason."

"Then what about the gymnasium? It's the largest and most isolated spot on campus," Kevin asked once he had calmed down.

Gizel shrugged. "Isn't it obvious? The one with the widest range among us should handle that place."

As soon as she said that, everyone's gaze turned toward the blond one in the group.

Kevin let out a slow breath. "Then it's settled." His expression hardened with determination. "If things get rough on anyone's side, don't hold back from helping. Same goes for me. We're entering this contest as a team of five—no less."

….

As the others headed off to their positions, Emma turned to William.

"We're stationed pretty far apart," she said softly, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

William took her hand and smiled. "Then let's just stay here. I'll handle whatever danger comes our way—for both of us."

Emma giggled. "Don't tempt me, or I really won't leave." She rose on her toes and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Good luck."

As she walked away, her silver hair shimmered under the pale moonlight, and William couldn't help but smile.

A gentle ache settled in his chest as he watched her go. The thought of being with her again—holding her hand, hearing her laugh—was already stirring inside him.

'I'm getting more foolish with each passing day,' he thought, yet he couldn't bring himself to dislike it.

To be in love.

….

Gizel let out a quiet sigh as she sat on the steps of the main building, her gaze fixed on the round moon hanging high in the sky.

Her batons rested by her sides, ready for whatever was coming next.

After her crushing defeat against William, she had fought plenty of opponents—some of them quite skilled, like Laila from the third year. Yet none had managed to bring her down. The crack in her confidence had healed over time, but she made sure not to let arrogance take its place again.

Her family's prized technique was powerful, yes, but she knew it wasn't invincible. There were still many things she needed to learn, countless walls she had yet to climb. And one truth she always kept in mind: there is always someone stronger out there.

But for Gizel, she didn't need to look out into the world to find that person. There was already one right here—inside the academy.

"Hmm?" Gizel's brows furrowed as something faint crossed her view—a small shadow blotting the moon.

A moment later, her eyes widened. The shape was growing larger… fast.

"No!" She shot to her feet and clapped her palms together with a thunderous crack.

*DOOOOOM*

A blazing yellow beam tore through the night sky, slamming into the massive barrier she'd just raised. The impact burst outward, the light scattering like molten shards before ricocheting off and striking the nearby fountain—shattering it into dust and fragments that rained down like sparks.

Gizel's eyes widened at the raw power behind that strike.

Then—

*THUNK*

The ground shook as something massive landed in front of her. Dust rippled outward, and when it cleared, a towering figure stood there—a hulking humanoid, its black body glistening under the moonlight, a single glowing eye burning in the center of its face.

Seven feet tall. Arms thick as tree trunks. Built for brute force, not speed.

Gizel gripped her batons and narrowed her eyes, sizing it up as its eye flared again, gathering light for another attack.

She exhaled slowly, a faint smile touching her lips.

'This is going to be violent.'

….

At the same time, on the far side of the compound, Natalie was sent flying back, a sharp cry escaping her lips as the golem's strike slammed into her gut.

"Ghak!" She crashed into the building, the impact shaking loose a flurry of leaves.

The golem that struck her was smaller than the one Kevin was facing—its limbs thin, its frame compact—but that only made it faster, darting around with unnerving agility.

"Natalie!" Kevin shouted, barely managing to leap back as the creature's massive mace came crashing down where he stood.

*CRACK!*

The stone beneath its weapon split apart, dust and shards bursting outward. The force behind that blow was nothing short of terrifying.

The other students were now glued to their windows, their eyes parted in shock and some just excited to see how things unfold.

The two warriors instantly realized that this challenge was not going to be an easy one.

It was as if the members of Great Hall wanted them to not participate.

After all, sending such strong golems when they have to protect the school….yes, it felt unfair.

However, was that going to stop Kevin?

*SHLINK*

Unsheathing his sword, he looked at the golem and took his stance.

"Let's see how thick that skin is."

°°°°°°°°

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