“Is everyone here now?” Ileena asked, everyone at the Magic Research student club confirming they were present. “Ok, shall we go then?”

“Heck, yeah! We’re gonna kick ass,” Flavia cheered after jumping from her seat.

“Hah, I will burn everyone who stands in my way to cinders,” Flamiris added, showing a menacing grin.

“It’s good to see all of you being so energetic and excited,” Vivia said, showing a smile.

“Of course. We’ll win for sure,” Flavia added, flexing her right arm for emphasis.

They certainly are full of energy. Narias thought to himself quietly.

The Magic Research student club made their way to the academy’s main arena where the Solo Arena Battle competition was to start in a few hours. It was Tuesday today and all the preparations were now complete. Monday was the preparation day when the students had to register for the events and set up their own exhibition stands. The Field Battle Competition had to be entered as a team, and usually the student clubs would register under the club’s name for it, but for the Solo Arena Battle competition the students had to register separately. In regards to the Solo Arena Battle competition, only Narias, Ileena, Flavia, Flamiris and Growly decided to participate. Nicky said that she wouldn’t want to participate from the very beginning and Vivia decided not to for some reason at the last second.

It was an early morning and the competition wouldn’t start until later, but all of them decided to arrive early to avoid queues and for Nicky and Vivia to be able to find better seats. They expected for a lot more students to participate this year and Narias, and his friends weren’t the only students making their way towards where the Solo Arena Battle competition will be held. A lot of other students thought it would be a good idea to reach the arena earlier too, making the campus’ park look livelier than ever.

“But what about Emilia? Will she be able to make it to come back for the Field Battle Competition?” Vivia wondered while all of them were walking towards the arena.

“I don’t know, but we should assume she wouldn’t show up,” Ileena said. Apparently, it wasn’t announced official yet that Emilia had left Reina’s Magic Academy and everyone at the Magic Research club agreed to pretend they didn’t know anything about her leaving either. The details behind her leave were unknown to Emilia’s friends as well for everyone else for the most part, but they were understanding enough to keep it to themselves. They were curious to know what actually happened too, but decided to wait it out and eventually learn about it directly from Emilia herself.

“That’s too bad. Let’s hope we can win the Field Battle Competition without her,” Vivia said, a slight worry heard in her voice.

“Of course we will,” Flavia announced cheerfully.

“I will help too,” Nicky, who wasn’t thinking about competing at first, agreed to participate in the Field Battle Competition at the last second.

“I will protect you,” Growly was quick to tell her.

“Ahhh... you’re so sweet, Growly,” Nicky exclaimed, clinging to his arm.

“Are you ok, Narias?” Ileena asked him after a few minutes of walking, noticing he was being overly quiet for some reason.

“Ah, yes. I’m fine,” he said, his face showing he had been daydreaming about something just a moment ago.

“Emilia will be fine. I’m sure you will be able to see her soon,” Ileena said, assuming he was thinking about Emilia.

“Right, yes. Thank you,” Narias said, showing a smile. “However, I was thinking about my mom.”

“Your mom?” Ileena was a little surprised, but then remembered something. “That’s right. Your mom is supposed to give birth soon, isn’t she?”

“Yeah. I believe it is sometime this week, actually,” Narias added, looking up.

“This week? Wow, time... really flies,” Ileena’s face showed she didn’t expect it would be so soon.

“The letter from my mom had arrived at my dorm more than a week ago, but I had received it only yesterday, because the dorm’s supervisor had to hand it to me personally. The thing is, she wrote that my dad was stuck at work and hadn’t come back home yet. I mean, he wasn’t back home when she wrote the letter. I hope he is back and is together with my mom now,” Narias explained what he was concerned about.

“I see,” Ileena said, closing her eyes and lowering her head before lifting it up to show a smile to Narias. “I am sure your dad is back now and your mom will give birth to a healthy baby.”

“Yes. I believe so too. Thank you, Ileena,” Narias smiled back at her, Ileena’s kind words helping him feel better.

They had to walk for a bit longer until the arena finally came into view with its surroundings looking nothing like they were last year. There were masses of people flooding the arena already and it wasn’t only students who wanted to get in. Even on their way towards the arena, Narias and his friends saw many students walking the same direction that they were going, but nobody expected to see such a huge crowd of people being at the arena so early in the morning.

“What da heck? Who are all these people?” Flamiris exclaimed upon seeing the huge queue in front of the main entrance.

“Wow. There weren’t so many people wanting to get in during the last year’s Solo Arena Battle competition,” Flavia pointed out.

“Of course not. Last year was only a normal competition within the academy. This year’s winners will receive an invitation to participate at the Interschool Magic Power Games. Besides, this year’s competitions are open for the general public to watch too. You can expect the arena to be fully packed,” Ileena explained.

“But we’re so early to come and there are so many people here already,” Nicky, who would be spectating the Solo Arena Battle competition fights, was taken aback by how many people were there already.

“Yes, well. Luckily, as participants we shouldn’t have trouble getting in,” Ileena added, sounding relieved by it.

“Easy for you to say. I am not participating, remember?” Nicky pouted her cheeks before letting out a deep sigh and dropping her shoulders. “I’m so tiny. I just hope I can find a good seat to be able to see your fights clearly.”

“And that’s why we came early. Come on, let’s go,” Ileena ushered everyone to pick up the pace.

As it was to be expected, the entrance for the participants was separate from the entrance for the spectators. Nicky and Vivia had to go stand in line to get into the arena through the main entrance, with Nicky giving Growly a kiss for good luck before they separated, while the rest of them were pointed towards where the participants had to go. Narias, Growly, Ileena, Flavia and Flamiris had already registered to participate in the arena battles but still had to confirm their attendance. That’s when they found out which Brackets they’d be assigned to as well. Just like the last time, there were four Brackets: A, B, C and D, making some of the students happier than the others when they learned which Bracket they ended up in.

“Alright! I’m in Bracket B, same as Narias!” Flavia cheered a little too loud when she learned that.

“Tss... lucky you. I’m in Bracket C,” Flamiris said, crinkling her nose with a frown after crossing her arms in front of her.

“I’m in Bracket A. That’s... unfortunate,” Ileena said, adjusting her glasses.

“And why... would you want to fight me?” Narias asked, feeling slightly worried about the said fact.

“To show you how strong I am, of course,” Flamiris stated, touching his chest with her right hand’s index finger.

“But... you don’t have to fight me specifically to prove how strong you are. Besides, I wouldn’t want to fight you, really. I love you all and I wouldn’t want to hurt any of you,” Narias laid out a fact that instantly made his girlfriends blush.

“Yes. Nicky not participating is good,” Growly, who was of a same opinion as Narias, added. “And I am in Bracket D. Good.”

“Oh, that’s... very kind of you to say that, Narias,” Ileena said, brushing her hair to the side while looking away.

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“You and your sweet talks, you... Mastermind Pervert,” Flamiris said, rolling a lock of her hair around her finger.

“Hey wait, why do I feel like I have become the bad girl here?” Flavia complained, pursing her lips.

“It’s ok, Flavia. The winners of each Bracket will have to face off during the semi-finals, so we might fight each other anyway. I just said that I would rather not fight any of you, but in the end, it is a competition we are entering here. Of course, we’ll have to win our fights to reach the semi-finals first before we could face each other.” Narias added, showing a smile to make Flavia feel better.

“Narias is right. It is a competition and you know what that means, don’t you?” Ileena suddenly asked, her tone of voice changing to a very serious one.

“Hah, you bet I do,” Flamiris stated, adding a menacing grin.

“I’ll win no matter what,” Flavia declared, a burning determination jumping in her eyes.

They are not competing for the same thing they were competing during our date at the Magic Dome, are they? Narias had a suspicious hunch of why his girlfriends became so competitive all of a sudden.

“Since we have some time before the competition starts, how about we go have a drink while we wait?” Narias suggested, deciding to let it go for now. His idea was well received and all five of them made their way to the hall where they offered food and drinks for the participants.

{about at the same time somewhere at the seats}

“Why hello there, Estella. Never expected to see you sit among the spectators. Shouldn’t you be overlooking the fights together with Ranga and the other teachers today?” Milenna spoke, arriving at her seat and seeing Estella sitting there already.

“Hello Milenna. No, I... I don’t feel at my best, so Jean decided to leave me out of it,” Estella admitted reluctantly.

“Not at your best? Oh my, did something happen? You should’ve come to see me for a check-up,” Milenna said, showing concern.

“Nah, it’s nothing bad, really. I just... overexerted myself during the recent training and my muscles haven’t fully recovered yet,” Estella confessed with an added flush on her face.

“Is that so? And who were you training with, I wonder?” Milenna asked, not missing a strange gleam in Estella’s eyes.

“Ah... N... no one,” Estella said, averting her face away.

“My, my. Mind telling me who he is?” Milenna asked with a chuckle.

“Yes, I do,” Estella shot back at her, not willing to disclose the information.

“Oh boo... Don’t be like that, Estella. We’re friends, aren’t we?” Milenna pushed for Estella to answer her.

“Yes, but...” Estella was about to say something, but was interrupted by someone else instead.

“Oh, wow. Now this is a much better view, and the seats are much comfier too. Here, sit next to me, my sweetest,” to Estella’s biggest surprise, a familiar male voice spoke suddenly, making her turn towards it.

“Huh? What? Grandpa? And Grandma Fuuji too? What are you two doing here?” Estella exclaimed, not expecting to see them here.

“What do you mean, my dear granddaughter? We’ve come here to watch our grandson fight, of course,” Grandpa Yojee told her.

“I... That’s... not what I meant. Why are you two at the teacher’s lounge?” Estella wanted to know.

“What a great view. You can see the whole arena from here and it’s less noisy too. That was a splendid idea to come here, darling,” Grandma Fuuji spoke to her husband.

“Of course. I did it for you, my love,” Grandpa Yojee said, wearing the sweetest smile on his face.

“Hah, just don’t think I’ll forget you flirting with that female assistant, you, old coot,” Grandma Fuuji scoffed, averting her face away.

“But I did that only to talk her into letting us come here. You know you’re the only one for me, my soft ball of fur,” even honey could’ve envied Grandpa Yojee’s sweetness right now.

“Hey, listen to me,” Estella burst out in a loud voice. “You two can’t be here.”

“Now, now. No need to be so excited about seeing us, granddaughter. There are still plenty of seats available here,” Grandpa Yojee made a sound argument.

“Yes, but...” Estella was worried about something else.

“You know... oh, wait a minute. Now there’s a view to make my old, weary eyes shine brighter. How long has it been? It’s such a pleasure to see you again, Milenna. What a lovely lady’s dre- ouch!” Grandpa Yojee exclaimed suddenly when he was smacked on the head by something.

“These seats are truly comfortable. They allow so much space for my tail to move around,” Grandma Fuuji said, her tail curling in a semi-circle shape.

“Ah, yes, yes. They are... very soft and cozy, my dear,” Grandpa Yojee agreed with his wife.

“Sigh... I can’t believe you two,” Estella said, sinking her face into her right hand’s palm.

“Don’t be so tense, Estella. Besides, your grandfather is right, there are plenty of seats available here. Oh, and please do forgive me for my lack of manners, Mister and Missis Alifur. How have you been?” Milenna spoke to them.

“Very well, thank you for asking, my dear. Are you here to watch my grandson fight too?” Grandpa Yojee was very pleased to speak to Milenna.

“I am here to watch the competition, yes. I have a certain someone I will be rooting for, but I wish your grandson all the best as well,” Milenna told him.

“Someone special, eh? I am sorry to say this, but I am convinced my grandson will come on top if they were to fight each other. Wouldn’t you say so, Estella?” Grandpa Yojee asked, turning to face his granddaughter.

“Please... don’t,” Estella said, her face still hidden inside her palm.

“What’s wrong, my dear? Don’t tell me you have no faith in him. Of all the people out there, you should know what Narias is capable of,” Grandpa Yojee said the thing Estella did not want him to say.

“Narias?” Milenna became very curious.

“Yes. Narias Talrone. My grandson. Him and Estella had become very close during the time he was staying with us. I am so happy for my granddaughter who had finally found herself a husband,” Grandpa Yojee had no problems whatsoever to say it out loud.

“Nnn...” making Estella squirm in her seat.

“Oh, wow. Congratulations, Estella. So, when is the wedding?” Milenna asked, giving Estella a very peculiar look.

“Ah, that hasn’t been decided yet, unfortunately. My grandson is rather busy, you see, and he will have to graduate from the academy first too, but I don’t mind waiting. I wouldn’t be so sure about my granddaughter, however. She didn’t want to let him leave our house when it was time for him to go. She even said-“

“Ok, ok. Enough. Yes, Narias and I are together now too,” Estella finally interrupted him. “And... there were no talks about the wedding... yet.” She added, her ears flickering a few times.

“Yet? Wow, and here I thought you were the reserved type, Estella,” Milenna teased her again.

“Oh, look who’s talking. You were all over him the moment you saw him,” Estella declared, feeling like putting a fight all of a sudden.

“Yes, but at least I was honest from the very beginning,” Milenna said, showing her a teasing smile.

“Eh? W... whatever...” Estella

“Wow, so lively in here already,” suddenly, they heard Jean’s voice speak to them.

“Ah, Jean... I... sorry, this is my grandparents. They...” Estella started panicking.

“Mister and Missis Alifur, welcome. Such a pleasure to see the two of you again,” Jean greeted Estella’s grandparents politely.

“Greetings to you, Miss Sweetbell,” Grandpa Yojee greeted her.

“Good day to you, Miss Sweetbell,” Grandma Fuuji was polite and respectful as well.

“Please do forgive us for barging in here uninvited. We certainly didn’t want to cause any trouble and we can leave any time. And just to be clear, it wasn’t my granddaughter’s idea. We took the initiative to sneak in here ourselves,” Estella was shocked to hear her grandfather take all the responsibility for them being here.

“That is quite alright, Mister Yojee. We have plenty of seats available for everyone,” Jean reassured him it was ok for them to stay here.

“Thank you so much, Miss Sweetbell,” Grandpa Yojee was very pleased to hear it.

“Now, I couldn’t help but overhear you were having a very joyful conversation right before I came in. Do you mind sharing with me what you were talking about?” Jean asked, feeling curious.

“No, it wasn’t... anything interesting, really,” Estella was quick to jump in before anyone could say anything.

“We were just talking about the odds who might win today’s tournament. Unfortunately, I don’t know who among the participants would be the ones likely to win. Do you mind sharing your insight on that, my dear?” Grandpa Yojee asked in a calm voice, rubbing his furry beard, Estella letting out a sigh of relief after hearing him.

“Why let me think for a moment here,” Jean said, leaning to the side while touching her cheek with one hand.

“Welcome, to both the participants and the spectators!” Ranga’s loud voice suddenly echoed through the arena, interrupting whatever talk anyone was having. It was no surprise him being the one to announce the start of the tournament, really. “Today we’ll be having an exciting day for sure, but before we start the tournament, let me remind everyone of the rules first!”

“It is about to start, so how about we leave our predictions for later, Mister Yojee,” Jean said.

“Yes, yes, of course,” Grandpa Yojee agreed, smiling gleefully.

“We have a few additional rules this year, so let me go over them before we start!” Ranga announced, continuing to explain them. The same main rules that were in effect last year applied this year as well, but Ranga went over them anyway. The participants were placed in four different Brackets at random: A, B, C and D. Each participant was given a number which will be used to announce when it was their time to fight and against whom. The fight would be won when one of the fighters was knocked out, surrendered or was thrown out of the arena. There were several new things introduced that weren’t there the previous year, however.

“In addition, each participant was given a belt to wear! Let me tell you right now, it is not a decoration! Each belt is imbued with a protective magic which would instantly activate to protect the person from the lethal injury! Yes, you heard me right! From the lethal injury!” Ranga quieted down to let that thought sink in, grinning menacingly. “This is an official tournament and we expect some highly skilled participants to show off their skills! However, we cannot risk anyone losing their lives! And so, each participant is required to wear their belt or they will be disqualified from participating in the tournament! That’s not all! In order to minimize the risk of the participants getting badly injured, we also have a team of medics that highly skilled in healing magic to assist us! Which leads me to my final message... I expect to see some serious fights today! What about you all gathered here?!”

Ranga just knew how to end his speech to fire up the spectators and to make them forget about the students getting injured during the fights. The crowd roared with excitement and anticipation to see the first fights.

“Now! If everyone is ready, and all of you better be, because we’re about to start!” Ranga hyped the spectators even more before adding.

“First fight, Bracket A, number six versus number thirty eight!” The judge at the field for Bracket A participants announced.

“Humph, not me,” Ileena said, lowering her head.

“Bracket B, number forty five versus number nineteen!” The second judge announced after they pulled the numbers out of the box.

“Hey, that’s you, partner. You’re number nineteen,” Flavia exclaimed.

“Yes. I suppose I should be going,” Narias said, standing up to go.

“Humph, I wasn’t picked,” Flamiris frowned a little after hearing Bracket’s C numbers.

“Not me,” Growly wasn’t picked either.

“Good luck, Narias,” Ileena wished him.

“Yeah, kick ass, partner,” Flavia cheered for him.

“You better win or else,” Flamiris declared in a threatening voice.

“Yes, I’ll do my best,” was the last thing Narias said. He made his way to the designated field where his opponent was already waiting for him.