When the third and fourth teams were utterly defeated under the gaze of the crowd, the entire Arena fell into an instant of deathly silence.
Then, a thunderous wave of noise erupted, nearly lifting the dome sky-high.
“I finally understand why Mills Academy is targeting the Rose Knights as a group!”
“With this level of strength, even Grem couldn’t pull that off, right?”
“No wonder, it’s only by resorting to such despicable methods that they even stand a chance.”
Only now did the audience truly witness the strength of the Rose Knights.
If there was any doubt when they defeated the fifth team earlier, at this moment, all suspicion vanished like smoke.
Moreover, they now felt that even Grem’s squad might not be a match for the Rose Knights.
This group, chosen by the goddess herself to be saviors, was simply too formidable.
On the elevated platform above the audience, Isavel lightly covered her lips, her eyes dancing with a hint of teasing amusement.
“What a shame, Perez, they’ve done it.”
Perez snorted subtly. “Truly, heroes are born young. But even if they’re impressive, getting past Grem won’t be so easy.”
“Then I’m rather looking forward to Grem’s performance.” With that, Isavel stood up gracefully.
“It’s a pity I have other matters to attend to next, so I won’t be staying to watch the rest.”
Under the Academy Dean’s puzzled gaze, she continued:
“But my maid Renia will witness the match in my stead. Dean, don’t forget the promise between us.”
“Of course. Everything will proceed according to the results of the Academy Tournament.”
The Dean bowed his head respectfully, a fine sheen of sweat appearing on his forehead.
He naturally knew what promise that referred to—the outcome of the Academy Tournament concerned a certain Vice Dean, and even his own life.
After giving her instructions, Isavel’s figure faded from the main seat like light smoke, and in her place stood the cold-faced maid, Renia.
Renia did not sit, but stood solemnly beside the vacant throne, silently proclaiming the Saintess’s noble status.
Beside her, “Nora,” after Isavel disappeared, let out a long, heavy sigh, then tried to find an excuse to leave.
But with just a look from Renia, her way was blocked.
Was it just her imagination? She felt that from the very beginning, the Saintess had known she was a fake “Nora.”
But despite her misgivings, she didn’t dare to ask, didn’t dare to think too much.
She could only remain on the platform, feeling like she was sitting on pins and needles.
……
Inside the Secret Realm, Grem’s team member rushed over in panic.
“Captain! The third and fourth teams have already been defeated!”
“So fast?”
Grem raised his eyebrows, surprise appearing on his face for the first time.
He knew the strength of the third and fourth teams.
For the Rose Knights to defeat them so quickly, even when they teamed up—that was truly beyond his expectations.
After all, even he couldn’t accomplish such a feat.
Bettys, also a Magic Star, beside him, caught her breath. “What should we do?”
Grem considered for a moment. “At this speed, if we leave the Secret Realm now, they won’t catch up to us.”
“What about the second team?”
“We can only hope those useless idiots are of some use for once.”
Now, the distance between them and the second team was too great.
Even if they rushed back to save them now, it would be too late.
After thinking it over, he decided it was best to lead his team to the Arena first.
Besides, he still held out a sliver of hope for the second team.
In his view, as long as they did their best to avoid the Rose Knights, and moved quickly enough, it was entirely possible for them to reach the Arena in second place.
When that happened, no matter how unwilling the Rose Knights were, it would still mean their loss in the competition.
After hurrying along, they finally left the Secret Realm and stepped onto the Transfer Array, returning to the Arena.
The moment they entered, Grem was drowned by the deafening roar from the stands.
“They’re out! As expected, the first ones are Grem’s squad!”
“Hmph, first? If they can’t even take first, Mills Academy will be a laughingstock!”
“Exactly. With all this group collusion, what’s the point of being first anyway?”
Hmm?
Grem frowned.
He sharply noticed that something was off about the crowd’s mood.
His arrival hadn’t been met with the overwhelming cheers he expected; in fact, there was more discussion about the Rose Knights.
What was going on?
Could it be that the Rose Knights’ earlier performance in swiftly defeating the other teams had stunned these spectators?
Did it lead them to believe the Rose Knights were the true favorites to win?
Thinking it through, he decided that was most likely the case.
“Heh…”
With a disdainful sneer, Grem looked toward the center of the Arena at the Magic Heart, his desire intensifying.
At the same time, his fighting spirit blazed like wildfire within him.
He had no intention of explaining anything to these ignorant spectators. He knew that only true strength could shut their mouths.
Whoever arrived at the Arena next—be it the second team or the Rose Knights—he would make them see just how terrifying Mills Academy’s once-in-a-millennium Magic Star truly was!
…But, after all this, he couldn’t help but hope that the next ones to emerge from the Transfer Array would be the Rose Knights.
After all, crushing the myths in these spectators’ hearts with his own hands—there was no greater satisfaction.
“They’re out! More people are coming out!”
It didn’t take long. Amid the cheers of the crowd, Grem looked toward the Arena’s Transfer Array.
When he saw it was the familiar second team captain who appeared, he sneered and shook his head.
As expected, trash is trash. Can’t even handle the second team, yet they dare to compete with him for the Magic Heart. Truly overestimating themselves.
“It’s the Rose Knights!”
Just as he was turning to return to his squad, the cheers from the stands made him pause.
He turned back and saw that the second team captain emerging from the Transfer Array was in terrible shape.
He managed only two shaky steps forward before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.
And those who followed were not his teammates, but five young girls.
Seeing Grem ahead, Leanna raised her longsword and smiled.
“Sorry to disappoint you. The second to leave the Secret Realm—was us, the Rose Knights.”
Grem let out a cold chuckle, beckoning.
Bettys and the other three squad members came to his side, their volatile magic surging like a storm throughout the Arena.
“I have to say, your arrival here really was unexpected. But it doesn’t matter—at most, it’s just a waste of a little time.”
With that, he snapped his fingers, and a golden flame flared to life in his palm, casting an eerie glow on his face.
“Soon, you’ll understand just how foolish it is to compete with me for the Magic Heart!”