"Ten thousand points? That alone could put you in the lead, forget about the other events?" A student exclaimed, coming out of his gloominess.

    Indeed, this final event culminated in the ultimate prize all the students wanted. But there was more.

    "Naturally, it''s not the only reward." Instructor Horvey added causing the murmurs to increase. Excitement could be seen on the faces of some students, well, those who thought little about what their actions could mean.

    "The final victor will be given the opportunity to have a one-on-one talk with Hunter Zol Knight."

    "Really?!"

    "Woah?! We get to meet Hunter Zol?!"

    Almost the entire class roared in excitement. Alex and his friends, however, thought nothing of it. They had literally met the person two days ago.

    "Your uncle sure knows how to bring the party," Ross muttered but his words were mostly drowned in the noise that had taken over the class.

    "Meh." Of course, to Julia, it was but a simple call to get in touch with him, so the rewards weren''t that appealing to her.

    She already had the ultimate one in her book though―Alex. She turned to him and smiled sweetly. This competition was going to be a place where she would show Alex her commitment to him. Nothing else mattered to her.

    Alex could tell what she was thinking and smiled in response. Even he was not sure what he would do if he was pushed to the brink. But one thing was clear to him, he would never betray his friends. That was absolute and no amount of systemic reconditioning was going to change that.

    His eyes held a resolute light within, a silent promise to give his absolute best.

    Continue your journey on empire

    "Settle down"

    "..." Zen was speechless for a few seconds as his gaze shifted to the observing classmates.

    ''Tch. Why don''t you mind your damn business.'' He thought in annoyance but actually said, "I want to make one thing clear to Alexander."

    His face took on a stern expression and focused on Alex, ignoring the glued Julia by his side.

    "The first stage is a bust, and the second stage could have a different outcome once the brackets are drawn. So, I want your word that we would clash in one of the stages, preferably the third stage or the final stage."

    The instructor might not have mentioned it, but if only one person could claim the Sigil of Celestial, then it meant it could be taken from another person. This was a simple deduction anyone could come up with and he wanted to make sure Alex gave his word to abide by it.

    Ross turned to observe Alex''s expression as Zen''s words made sense. There was still a chance that they clashed during the second stage, which was the most ideal, but anything could happen.

    Alex of course, found no problems with his suggestion. He stared at Zen for a couple more seconds before saying, "If we fail to fight during the second stage, then, you can come find me during the second stage."

    Zen remained quiet and as if understanding the reason, Alex added, "You have my word." He promised.

    "Mm." Zen nodded and then walked away. There was nothing else to say.

    Alex and his friends watched him leave and noticed how some of Zen''s friends had apologetic expressions.

    ''I wonder if their friendship would hold during this competition.''

    "Why can''t he just give it a rest?" A student muttered but the silence in the classroom made his whisper resound in everyone''s ears.

    Some agreed and some just didn''t care. They had their own plans to make and soon, the students began exiting the classroom.

    "Come on," Julia muttered and guided Alex along. Whatever that was going to happen, she had absolute faith in Alex''s ability to come out on top.