"Here," Linda said as she handed a bag of snack to Cass, who took it before muttering a thank you before turning back to the spectacle before him.

The two were currently in the Academy's arena, sitting in the spectator's seat and waiting waiting for the tournament to begin.

They had gotten quite close in the past month, mostly due to the fact that their intellects match, but that only worked to fan the flames of the rumors going around.

Linda was a bit bothered, especially when she thought that Cass might start avoiding her because of said rumors.

Since she was just an ordinary girl and he was from a noble family, rumors like this would only work to ruin his reputation.

But she got used to it when she realized that Cass wasn't the least bit bothered.

"When will they start?" Linda asked, breaking the brief silence as she followed Cass's gaze toward the arena floor.

"Soon," Cass replied, his eyes still fixed ahead. "They always drag these things out to builds anticipation, or so the administrators say."

Linda hummed in acknowledgment, hugging her bag to her chest as the crowd around them slowly filled the stands.

There were a couple of technicians, making sure that the barrier and other tech worked properly before the tournament officially started.

"I guess Nox and Devon are already in the waiting room," Linda muttered.

"Hmm," Cass nodded turning to the entrance that led towards the arena, "Devon's going up first."

***

The waiting room was filled mostly with second and third years, first years were hardly seen among them.

Save for three.

Nox, Devon and Flint, the red haired kid who had a spar with Nox previously.

The segregation was clear enough as the second and third years stayed in one corner, while the three stayed in another.

Some were looking at the strangely at them, after all, though there was no rule banning first years from joining, but it was now the norm for only second and third years to take part.

So it was surprising seeing three first years this year.

Others, especially those in the third year, didn't seem to care, as they just went over the rooster.

Nox was a bit nervous, but not so much that it'd be visible on his face, infact, it just seemed like he was serious and completely ready for the tournament.

Flint looked at him for a while, unsure what to say.

He knew Nox had grown a lot stronger than when they previously fought, hell he doubted he could land a hit on him anymore.

Flint looked away first, clicking his tongue softly before folding his arms. The memory of that spar still lingered in his mind.

Back then, he had gone a bit overboard...well, a bit was an understatement since he had literally pummeled Nox's head in.

He wanted to apologize, but didn't know how, so he just chose to remain silent.

Devon, on the other hand, looked far too relaxed for someone about to step into the arena. He leaned back against the wall with his hands behind his head, one leg propped up, whistling under his breath as if he were waiting for a bus instead of a tournament match.

"Y'know," Devon said casually, breaking the silence, "the way they're looking at us, you'd think we walked in naked."

A few second years glanced their way, some amused, others openly dismissive.

"I mean, I know I'm handsome and all," he said loud enough for them to hear, "but I ain't interested in any of you."

He looked around the room for a while before his eyes landed on a third year combat student.

"Well, except her," Devon added, "she can stare all she wants."

The girl let out a small chuckle, but it seemed that not everyone appreciated his humor as one of the second years stood up and approached.

"Has anyone told you that you talk too much," the student said as he looked directly into his eyes.

They were roughly the same height, so Devon wasn't the least bit intimidated.

"Just yesterday," Devon said with a smile, unfazed.

The second year's brow twitched. "Then maybe you should've listened."

"Maybe," Devon shrugged, still smiling, "but then who'd keep the room lively?"

A few snickers rippled through the waiting room, quickly silenced when the second year shot them a sharp look.

His gaze returned to Devon, eyes cold.

"You're a first year," he said. "This isn't your playground."

Devon tilted his head. "Funny, could've sworn it was a waiting room."

Before the tension could thicken further, a calm voice cut in.

"That's enough."

The second year stiffened slightly and glanced to the side.

A third year, broad shouldered and clearly experienced, had spoken up without even looking at them, his attention still on the roster displayed on his tablet.

"No point wasting energy before a match," the third year continued. "Especially on someone who's about to step into the arena."

The implication was clear, if you had any shit to settle, do it in the arena.

The second year just glared at Devon one last time before walking back and taking his seat again.

"Man, that guy was tense," Devon said, "that ain't good for his blood pressure."

Flint shifted beside them, finally speaking up. "You really don't feel nervous?"

Devon looked down at him, then grinned. "Oh, I'm nervous. I just don't let it show....or maybe I have a weird way of showing it."

"I see," Flint nodded and went back to waiting.

Soon enough, a ding was heard on their watches and Devon realized it was a reminder for him to get ready for his fight in ten minutes.

He looked at his opponents name before looking up, noticing that the same second year was looking at him.

"Guess you're Andrew Bullshit?" Devon asked as he read the name beside his.

"It's Andrew Bellshot," the second year corrected coldly as he stood up, cracking his neck. "And I'll make sure you remember it."

Devon blinked. "Bell? Huh. Could've sworn it said Bull—"

Nox elbowed him lightly in the ribs.

"Aight, aight," Devon chuckled, raising both hands. "Andrew Bell. I'll scream it when I win."

Andrew scoffed and turned away, already heading for the opposite exit that led to the arena preparation tunnel.

Nox watched him go, then glanced at Devon. "You really had to provoke him."

Devon just shrugged his shoulders. "Hey, if I'm gonna fight someone, might as well get to know their personality first. Turns out it's trash."

He then moved away from the wall and walked behind Andrew.

"Let's go kick some ass."

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