CHAPTER 63: INTER-BLOCK TOURNAMENT!

The tension between the three blocks continued to simmer in the magnificent arena.

Each group maintained their defensive positions while eyeing the others with barely concealed hostility.

The atmosphere was thick with competitive energy that seemed ready to explode at any moment.

Suddenly, the sound of measured footsteps echoed through the vast space. Multiple figures emerged from a previously hidden entrance high above the arena floor.

They descended a grand staircase that materialized from the wall itself, their movements coordinated and purposeful.

The approaching figures were clearly instructors from the academy. Their uniforms were more elaborate yet elegant, featuring intricate designs that spoke of high rank and authority.

Each instructor carried herself with the confidence that came from years of experience and proven skill.

As they drew closer, it became clear that all the instructors were female, just like the prospectives they had come to address.

Their ages varied, but each one radiated an aura of power that made the arena feel even more charged with energy.

The prospectives instinctively straightened their postures as the instructors approached.

The lead instructor was a tall woman with brown hair pulled back in an elegant style. Her presence commanded immediate attention, and the hostile murmuring between blocks gradually faded to respectful silence.

She positioned herself at the center of the main floor where all three blocks could see and hear her clearly.

The other instructors arranged themselves in a semi-circle behind their leader, creating an imposing display of academy authority.

Their synchronized movements suggested they had done this many times before, though definitely never with a man present in the stands.

The lead instructor stepped forward and raised her hand for complete silence. Her voice carried easily across the vast arena when she began to speak, enhanced by magical amplification that ensured every word reached even the furthest prospective.

"Welcome, prospectives of Blocks A, B, and C," she announced formally. "I am Instructor Valdris, and these are my colleagues from the main academy. Today marks a significant moment in your journey as prospective students."

She gestured toward each block in turn, acknowledging their presence equally.

"This is the first time all three side blocks have been gathered together in this arena. You have each proven yourselves worthy to reach this point through your individual efforts and dedication."

The prospectives listened intently, their earlier hostilities temporarily set aside in the face of official academy business. Ren noticed how quickly the atmosphere had shifted from confrontational to respectful and attentive.

Instructor Valdris continued her introduction with measured formality. "Each of your blocks has already successfully completed one special event during your stay here. The curse siege event tested your abilities under pressure and revealed much about your potential."

Murmurs of recognition rippled through the crowd as prospectives remembered their respective experiences with that challenging trial.

The curse siege had been difficult for everyone, regardless of which block they belonged to.

"However," the instructor’s voice grew more serious, "your time at the side blocks is not yet complete. There remains one final special event that will determine not only your individual rankings but also your placement opportunities at the main academy."

The arena fell completely silent as Instructor Valdris prepared to deliver the most important part of her announcement. Even the subtle magical lighting seemed to dim slightly, as if the arena itself was focusing attention on her words.

"This final special event will be unlike anything you have experienced before," she declared.

"Not only will it establish the final rankings of all prospective students, but the individual who achieves first place overall will receive something unprecedented."

She paused for dramatic effect, letting the anticipation build among the hundreds of gathered prospectives.

The silence stretched until it became almost unbearable, with everyone hanging on her next words.

"The overall champion will receive a guaranteed placement in the Imperial Class of the main academy," she announced, her voice carrying the weight of this extraordinary revelation.

The reaction was immediate and explosive. Gasps and excited whispers erupted from all three blocks as the prospectives processed what they had just heard.

This was beyond anything they had dared to hope for during their time at the side blocks.

Ren felt his own pulse quicken at this announcement. The Imperial Class was legendary among prospective students, spoken of in hushed tones as the ultimate achievement.

No matter how well anyone performed at the side blocks, the highest placement they could normally expect was admission to the Supreme Class.

The Imperial Class was reserved for the most exceptional individuals, handpicked by the academy’s highest authorities.

These were students destined to become leaders, innovators, and the most powerful weavers of their generation. The exclusivity of this class made it seem almost mythical to regular prospectives.

But now, one of them would have the opportunity to join those elite ranks!

The chance to bypass the normal limitations and leap directly into the most prestigious class in the entire academy was beyond anything they had imagined possible.

Ren observed the reactions of those around him with keen interest. Every prospective in the arena seemed electrified by this unprecedented opportunity.

The earlier inter-block hostilities now seemed trivial compared to the prize that had just been revealed.

He turned his attention to Mirabella and was struck by the intensity of her reaction.

Her normally composed expression had transformed into something almost fanatic in its focus. Her eyes blazed with an ambition so fierce it was almost frightening to witness.

Mirabella’s entire body seemed to vibrate with determination and desire. This opportunity represented everything she had been working toward, and more.

Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides, and her breathing had become noticeably deeper and more controlled.

Even Lia, usually so cheerful and carefree, was paying rapt attention to every word.

Her typical bouncy energy had been replaced by serious concentration as she absorbed the magnitude of what was being offered. Her eyes were wide with possibility and growing determination.

The transformation in both his companions reflected what was happening throughout the arena.

Every prospective was suddenly seeing their future in an entirely new light. The Imperial Class placement had changed everything about the stakes they were playing for.

Ren himself felt a surge of determination unlike anything he had experienced before. This was exactly the kind of challenge that appealed to his competitive nature and analytical mind.

The opportunity to prove himself against the best from all three blocks was irresistible. But even more was the chance to gain more resources!

Resources meant strength, and in this world where he had no one, he could only rely on himself!

Instructor Valdris allowed the excitement to build for several moments before raising her hand for silence once again.

She had more crucial information to share, and the prospectives needed to understand exactly what they would be facing.

"The final special event will take the form of an Inter Block Tournament," she announced. "This competition will begin in exactly five days, giving you time to prepare for what lies ahead."

The word ’tournament’ sent another wave of anticipation through the crowd. This suggested direct competition between individuals rather than the group challenges they had faced during the curse siege event.

"The tournament will span three full days," the instructor continued. "It will test every aspect of your abilities, from combat skills to magical knowledge, strategic thinking to leadership potential. Only the most well-rounded and capable individuals will advance to the final stages."

She gestured toward the magnificent arena surrounding them. "This space will serve as the primary venue for the tournament. The multiple floors and varied environments will allow for different types of challenges and competitions."

The prospectives began looking around the arena with new understanding. What had seemed like an impressive but mysterious space now revealed itself as a carefully designed tournament venue.

Each of the smaller floors likely served specific purposes in the upcoming competition.

"The tournament structure will be announced in detail on the day it begins," Instructor Valdris explained.

"However, I can tell you that it will accommodate competitors from all three blocks equally, with advancement based purely on individual merit and performance."

The instructor’s expression grew more serious as she moved on to discuss the rewards and consequences of the tournament results. This information would determine how desperately each prospective would fight for advancement.

"While the top one hundred prospectives would each get rewarded handsomely, the top ten finishers in the tournament will each receive a Rare grade magical treasure," she announced.

"These items are specifically chosen to boost power levels significantly and will greatly assist in breaking through to the next stage of your development."

Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd at this news. Rare grade magical treasures were incredibly valuable and difficult to obtain.

For prospective students, such items could mean the difference between struggling with advancement and achieving breakthrough smoothly.

"However," the instructor continued, "there are additional special rewards for those who place higher than tenth position.

"The exact nature of these rewards will be revealed as the tournament progresses, but I assure you they are proportional to the achievement they represent."

This hint at even greater rewards for higher placements added another layer of motivation for the prospectives.

Not only was the Imperial Class placement at stake for first place, but clearly significant benefits awaited anyone who could achieve a top ranking.

The instructor looked around the arena one final time, making eye contact with prospectives from all three blocks.

"You now have five days to prepare yourselves for the most important challenge of your academy careers. Use this time wisely."