"Winner of Arena 6 battle 9 is Alicia Atlana."

Anchor's loud declaration woke up everyone. They came to their senses from the world of various speculations. So, people don't need to crush each other with brute strength. They can fight like that too! Just have to use their brain and reap the opportunity.

Many of the newbies were slandering Alicia for using underhanded tricks. Making the opponent lose balance using such trickery would be an eyesore to those idiots filled with pride. But, when they face an extreme situation, they show their inner wolf hiding under sheep's pelage.

It is confirmed again and again. When the difference in strength is too big, it becomes a one-sided beating. But when geniuses fight, it's not only about having imense strength. It's also about strategies and techniques. Otherwise, only muscle heads would have ruled the world.

Their performance was being valued in the meantime. Two names also changed positions on the leaderboard. Alicia got +5 and took the 23rd ranking while, Oliver got +1 and regressed from 13 to 16. Looks like Oliver's speedy moves didn't fail to receive sympathy for some donations. But, I was speechless again. Rank 23rd! That means her performance in previous tournaments is also noteworthy. Are you sure you are from the healing department?

"The girl, who runs away like a scared cat whenever she sees me, is so strong! " I bemoaned.

My worldview was crumbling day by day.

'Till now, I believed looks can be deceiving. Now you are telling me actions can also be deceiving!'

Then, what the f*ck do you want me to believe in?'

And why would she run away in the first place?

After kicking out these thoughts, I focused on the arena again. The next match was between a wood user and an air user. A fight between two Casters!

The wood user threw some seeds into the arena which made it full of greenery in seconds. Upon closer inspection, one could tell his plants surrounded him.

"Hmm, why is he surrounding himself? Shouldn't he surround his opponent to use whatever trick he had?" My side mate voiced.

The air user was also confused. But, he didn't rush but condensed 2 air blades around him. Just when he was about to unleash his blades, the ground beneath him vibrated, and then-

Swoosh!

Greenish-brown roots entangled his feet. He used air blades to free himself. But, another 2 tendrils came out from the back. Those tendrils were shredded into threads again and he faced the same situation again. Anything 2 meters around him would end up sliced.

The air user ignored the next tendrils and rushed to attack the perpetrator and end this Vine show only to see a young man surrounded by lots of vines waiting for him!

Their fight continued for a while until the air user was totally entangled by sturdy green veins and couldn't move anymore. Resulting in the farmer's victory. The winner didn't even need to move from his initial position! He just stood there and provided elemental energy to the plants while manually controlling them!

"Active plant manipulation! What an incredible property!" I exclaimed.

This battle was opposite to Rick or Alicia's battle. Both of them may have turned their unfavorable situation into their victory. But in this match, the wood user totally crushed his opponent. And his opponent wasn't weak either. If any melee fighter went 2meter around him, they would have received endless cuts from air blades! Even with such might, he lost.

'Looks like Ember's father was right. Wood users are quite bothersome if your cultivation isn't stronger than the wood user. '

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This battle also reminded me of this certain annoying but cute girl I knew.

'How was she doing in the evergreen forest? Well, she has professional hunters as guardians. Heyden is also with her. So, she is probably safe….. And happy.'

The fight between Air and Wood users was the last match of that day. But clashes between geniuses were organized to continue for 10 days till the academy confirmed everyone's final ranking.

Spectators began to leave the arena as the anchor announced the end of the tournament's day. Today's battles were a mind-opener for freshmen like us. Watching students of similar age meticulously using everything they have to snatch victory from equally strong opponents made their blood boil. And this kind of battle will continue for 9 more days!

Rick tenaciously sustained injury from Lucas then turned the situation upside down with his footwork and used feign attack to hide his real attention. The way Alicia used her ice to make her super fast opponent lose balance and then finally finished her opponent- made it clear. Cultivation Level isn't the way to judge battle prowess. I have to focus on my battle tactics too.

While thinking about various approaches, I headed toward my dorm. The sun was already setting. So, I thought of having a relaxed night,

That's what I thought.

But, in this world- it doesn't matter what I think.

I stopped my pace and looked back.

"Hey, whoever you guys are. Isn't it time to show yourself? Don't you know it's rude to stalk such a handsome man like me?"

But it looked like I was talking to the air. There was no reaction from any other student. I didn't mind their delay and continued waiting.

If someone is stalking me, his intention is definitely not good. Unless he is my admirer.

"Hey, are you guys playing hide and seek? If so, it's already game over for you. Even a blind could hear you guys crystal clear."

After a while, 2 guys hiding behind tree trunks came out.

'Finally decided to show ur face.' I whispered. But, my voice stuck as I looked at their attire.

They didn't show their faces at all!

Both of them wore black gloves, a Black Cloak, Black mask. As if they were showcasing- 'We are mysterious and dangerous. Fear us. Run for your lives.'

But their mysterious vibe wore off as I heard a loud thud.

I followed the sound and saw another guy. But he fell from the tree upside down, showing us his -glorious butt. He immediately got up from that weird position and shouted, "Who the f*ck says that it's rude to stalk a handsome guy?"

I had to cover my mouth.

'Did the fall hurt his head badly?'

"So you also think I am handsome? Then why are you following me? Are you g*y?"

The butt guy froze. He was about to add something but was head smacked by his companion.

"Can you stop talking, dumbass? For god's sake."

This surprised me as I recognized this voice. It was none other than my precious patient!

So I greeted, "Oh, isn't it none other than my precious patient Thiago? I didn't know you like to play hide and seek."

Seeing that I recognized one of them, they became mute.

I continued, "Why are you following your fellas? Do you need my vouchers for treating your friends? That guy just fell from a tree. Should I give him quick medication?"

Finally, I got responses as Thiago took off his hood showing his platinum hair, and spoke, "Commoner bastard, you are having a great time with those bitches from the healing department, aren't you? Shala narcissist, calling yourself handsome when you have that ugly face."

But I didn't expect this response.

"Ahh, I didn't know you were a jealous guy. When will you grow up, kid? Not that's my business. But why are you following me?"

"Following you? Who the f*ck do you think you are, bastard? That day you took advantage of my injuries. How can I not show your place, mongrel?

Even if you were to kneel and beg for mercy, today I will break every single bone of yours."