Nicole sat in the stands looking out over the coliseum.
“For a simple duel, there are a lot of people,” Leslie said, impressed.
This was a classic coliseum for duels and the stands were full.
One would think there wouldn’t be many people watching and it would be a more private duel, but it wasn’t really that way.
Right now it was being broadcast to everyone and at the same time, the stands were filled with students, tourists, and other people.
“Well, Alice has gained some popularity during the tournament.” Clémentine pointed out and with a half-smile, she explained. “More recognized than all of us.”
While they all started to be known in their respective countries, because of Alice’s qualities, she drew more attention on a general level.
“She’s an S-Rank among the A-Ranks and more importantly... She eats chips in the middle of combat,” Érica announced earnestly.
Those words got everyone laughing.
No one could deny that a pretty young lady who liked to eat in the middle of combat attracted attention and that was the reason why the unofficial title of ‘Glutton’ spread.
Andrés arrived, and passing through the crowd, approached the group.
“Thank you for reserving a seat. Everything else is full,” Andrés said with a smile after waving.
Being a day off, the tourists and students had nothing else to do, and this duel caught everyone’s attention.
“How could we not save a seat for the winner of the computer tournament?” asked Nicole, giving a look full of fake surprise.
“It was just luck. I think more surprising is our new A-Rank,” Andrés replied and, after taking his seat, exclaimed. “I still can’t imagine that this fighter is the shy young lady who failed at the beginning of the year because of nervousness.”
His tone carried a mixture of mockery and hidden amusement, but also sincere flattery, which caused Nicole to scratch her cheek sheepishly.
That the others laughed caused her to become even more bashful.
Andrés had just won the computer tournament, but Nicole had moved up in rank.
“It was just luck,” Nicole replied humbly, but...
“Luck is finding money on the street,” Andrés interjected immediately, and laughter from the group spread around as Nicole was stunned.
To call the promotion luck was to simplify everything and miss the talent, dedication, and effort.
“When I entered the academy I didn’t imagine I would advance this far,” Leslie said, and looking at the group, she specified. “It’s true that I still need to move up in rank, but I don’t feel it’s impossible.”
They all nodded at such an idea.
When they entered the academy, they had very different goals than now.
Maybe for some, the desire to be a hero or help was sincere, but it was a very different path than now... Or there was no path at all.
Maybe for the previous generation, it was like finishing high school, not knowing what to do, and entering a career to test the waters.
From the outside, they could like the career and once they were in and were studying, it was possible that they would end up disliking it or, on the contrary, it would be to their liking.
In this sense, entering the hero academy, it was similar.
“So, with Clémentine and Nicole in Rank-A, only the three of us are missing and it’s safe to say that Aurora and Alice’s group of mercenaries are perfect for rank advancement,” Andrés commented and looking at Leslie, he hesitated. “Maybe it’s only the two of us missing, Érica. Leslie has a Rank-A power.”
Leslie, with the new armor and rifle, could achieve Rank-A strength.
So in a way, it could be considered being an A-Rank and that meant there were three A-Ranks.
Perhaps giving all the credit to the mid-year practice with Aurora, Alice, and the others was excessive when they were supported by their teachers, friends, and family.
However, if they were asked what the vital turning point was, it would be the mid-year internship.
That was their first step, and because of that step, they could discover new paths.
The future was unknown and full of uncertainty, yet there was a path they could follow, and as unknown as it was, they wanted to walk it.
“I am still B-rank and although I have power, I lack dexterity. Still, I’m getting used to my new toys and when I do, I think I’ll have a chance to move up,” Leslie said, analyzing her personal qualities, trying to be objective.
The weapon and armor were very strong, giving her A-rank attack capability, but it was only ‘power’.
An A-rank mechanic with her items could show greater prowess and be more fearsome.
“In my case, I don’t know. I have honed my computer skills and settled my base, but I still have deficiencies. For example, in this recent tournament, if I kept defending, I would have lost and so I had to attack, reducing the pressure,” Andrés explained as he saw that he was being watched.
Although in the tournament he gave the impression that he had everything under control, in reality, it was a complete lie.
They had been pressing him very hard on defense, and Andrés had to change his strategy when he realized that he could not hold on to the victory.
For this reason, he carried out an attack, trying to be the one to press and thus avoid defending.
This challenge exposed the shortcomings on the defensive side of the virtual.
When they looked at Érica, she hesitated for a moment.
“Actually...”
“Emperor Victor came!”
“He really came!”
Before Érica could speak, a private room on the tier revealed the transparent windows and from inside Emperor Victor could be seen along with Elder Harris and Director Vincent.
Beside him also stood Professor Cécile and other teachers or important individuals.
The surroundings became hectic, and the host projected himself in the center of the arena, inviting the participants.
“It’s about to begin,” Érica murmured, looking around the arena with a casual half-smile.
Everyone else looked around the arena and noticed how the participants entered from both corners.
As usual, Alice arrived with a bag of chips and from the other side, Xu Long entered with a solemn expression.
Unlike Alice, who seemed to be doing a minor job, Xu Long was serious, and the host rose into the air in the center of the arena.
“As you must know, this duel is personal and has no relation to the international tournament. However, that does not detract from its significance.” Informed the host to the audience.
He was flying, letting everyone feel the tense atmosphere.
“The two of you clashed before letting your feud spill out of the arena, but this time, it’s different. Here you can blow off steam and fight each other until you get bored or one of you gives up,” informed the host and, looking at the nodding emperor, he announced. “Let the battle begin!”
As soon as his words came out, Xu Long flew up, releasing bolts of electricity from his hands.
For her part, Alice used black arms that shot out from her back and quickly dodged, while ten black arms transformed into thick spears and were shot at Xu Long.
Those black spears had such a sharp edge that they penetrated the arena floor as Xu Long dodged it and others spun in the air to chase after the psionic.
“HA!”
With an enraged expression as he was pressured from the start, Xu Long let out a battle cry.
From his hand beams of electricity shot out towards the black spears in an attempt to disintegrate them, and to his and the audience’s surprise, he couldn’t.
Unlike the previous tournament, the lightning could not disintegrate the darkness that seemed more solid and resistant.
Xu Long’s attacks burned or disintegrated because of the condensed electricity and, although he tried hard, the spears did not lose in resistance.
Those black spears were created by a solid mass that had no conductivity, so they did not have as much effect as attacking a human body.
Adding that now Alice was acting as a rank-S, the resistance and strength of the darkness were greater.
“...”
The worst thing was that everyone could see how Alice was still eating the chips that were subtly crunching and such a sight was not only evident to the audience but also to Xu Long.
*BOOM*
Condensing and throwing spheres of electricity at Alice, the psionic young man burst out with all his might and although it was shocking, it wasn’t enough.
Alice casually dodged with minimal movements and even predicting Xu Long’s patterns, all while attacking and defending with her black arms.
Four black arms allowed her to support and move when necessary and even if one was destroyed, she did not lose her balance while always maintaining stability.
It was possible that only one arm was needed to support her in any position.
A larger number of arms gave her greater mobility to assert herself and use it as a support to move anywhere.
Sometimes she didn’t even need to form the cocoon to defend herself, as she was able to use her arms to repel attacks and sometimes created a black shield to protect herself.
“Is she doing it on purpose?” murmured Clémentine seriously.
Xu Long’s expression changed every time he attacked due to the fact that he couldn’t hit Alice or even get close.
What was worse was that Alice was eating her chips with a concentration that gave the impression that she was paying more attention to her bag, not falling down rather than her opponent, and the audience had the feeling that it was all a game to her.
One could say it was a silent arrogance and crueler, as she didn’t need to speak to make her opponent feel inferior.
For those who knew her and had fought against her while eating her chips, they knew that this performance was just an obvious and clear mockery, as in those battles, she usually always paid some attention.
Xu Long’s expression was changing every instant and more black spear-like arms were pressing down on him.
Defense and attack, Alice combined both perfectly and at the same time.
She had shown more pressure when she was attacked by the Archmage in the group challenge... That was everyone’s thought.
“HAA!” roaring with fury, Xu Long condensed a huge sphere of electric energy at an astonishing speed.
It was an extreme S-Rank level attack and Alice immediately moved as well.
The arms attacking from the right joined together at an impressive speed and transformed into a large black hammer that was fired at Xu Long.
How much concentration and how much energy was Xu Long using in that attack?
That question, Clémentine understood perfectly.
Every powerful attack needed a moment to prepare it, and that was why melee individuals had an advantage against mages and psionics.
*BOOM*
Xu Long was hit by the hammer on the right side, destroying any hope to launch that huge sphere of electricity.
The barrier of his armor was broken and the electricity from the sphere slightly disintegrated the hammer and, to his regret, it wasn’t enough.
What was left of the hammer hit it full force and sent it flying into the wall, crashing it with all its might.
*BOOM*
Xu Long’s explosion was hidden by the immense explosion of the electricity sphere that lost control and exploded, disintegrating part of the stage and the entire black hammer.
If that attack had hit Alice’s body, she most likely would have lost or been injured.
From the wall, Xu Long came out wiping the blood in his mouth, with no intention of giving up, and through the dust, he saw black spears coming towards him.
“He’s screwed.”
With Andrés’ comment as a start, Xu Long dodged, coming out subtly wounded, and the spears penetrated the wall.
The impact and force were so terrifying that the tournament barrier that had been activated by Xu Long earlier was activated again.
That meant that each strike was not only fast, but had enough force to go deep into the concrete wall of a tournament made especially to withstand high-ranked combat.
“Lost already?”
“Wasn’t that too easy?”
The spectators expressed their doubts, and all looked at Xu Long, who was trying to dodge those spears.
Unlike Alice, who was watching eating some chips, that psionic youth couldn’t even fly and was crawling or rolling on the ground trying to dodge.
“Alice was doing it on purpose,” Érica muttered in realization.
This number of black spears was less than Alice could create and they were fired in such a way, giving Xu Long a chance to escape.
Of course, that chance was to crawl on the ground, jump or roll around, soiling his clothes.
Xu Long’s expression became more and more agitated.
Everyone got dirty and ‘ate dirt’ when they fought, that was inevitable, but it was different for Xu Long who up until now was the one forcing others to crawl on the ground.
Alice was toying with her opponent as if he was the ‘trash’ he talked so much about.
All while the world watched.
“You’ll pay for this... You’ll really pay for this...” Xu Long muttered, producing a powerful barrier of electrical energy around him.
That barrier blurred the view slightly, but it wasn’t enough to cover him and everyone watched as Xu Long swallowed something from a small bottle.
“Pills? Is he taking medicine?” Leslie asked, whose vision was superior to that of her companions.
Xu Long, whose electricity spread through the surroundings with greater force and power than before, answered her doubt.
As if he had taken some kind of drug.
******
Alice extended a black arm that transformed into a shield.
At the same time, she sent several spears from the sides.
“Get lost!” shouted Xu Long, launching dozens of bolts of electricity towards the spears and her.
Unlike before, the black spears were partly disintegrated, while the shield protecting her could only withstand several breaths until it was disintegrated.
“Oh,” Alice exclaimed, slightly curious as she saw another bolt of lightning approaching.
Without needing to worry, her black arms came together and formed another shield, only this time with a greater mass on them.
“Just lose!” Xu Long roared, extending his hand and shooting out bolts of electricity.
The power was high enough to disintegrate the former spears and Alice, in response, recalculated her strength and sent out dozens of black arms to shield herself.
Onlookers would surely be terrified to see about fifty black arms coming out of Alice’s back as if she were some kind of monster.
This time, some arms came together, but unlike before, it did not increase in size, only the solidity became denser.
The mages, when casting their spells, condensed the element and strengthened it.
For this reason, a water arrow from a Rank-C would not be as lethal as one cast by a Rank-A... Just as it would not be as powerful as one cast by a Rank-SSS.
Alice employed a similar style to strengthen the spears and give greater density to that black ‘mass’ that made up her black arms.
The denser the blackness, the more resistant and dangerous it would become.
“What?”
And Xu Long was surprised to realize that this time the black spears withstood being disintegrated by electricity.
“How can you be so strong?” Xu Long asked, stunned and angry.
How was it possible?
Because she wasn’t a student and before she arrived in Africa, she wasn’t a mercenary, either.
Before they arrived in Africa, Aurora and Alice had fought both creatures, monsters, and humans.
Now, when facing a student, Alice could see too many flaws and didn’t even feel pressure against this kind of enemy.
And it was even easier when the opponent got carried away by anger and became predictable.
Xu Long dodged again and was pressured again while Alice opened a bag of chips.
Even though she was moving from side to side, the arms holding her gave her stability and the only thing she had to be careful about was dropping the snacks.
“You... AHHHH!”
Alice’s action caused Xu Long to burst out again with overwhelming and terrifying force.
The electricity emanating from the young man’s body was enough to burn the arena floor.
Alice, who had been consciously paying attention to her bag to provoke him, didn’t even smile when she realized that this idiot had fallen for the trick.
Instead of attacking, Xu Long reopened the bottle and took everything inside.
Alice could feel a burst of force from inside Xu Long’s body and the lightning ability increased on a large scale, making it dangerous.
“A drug that increases explosive force,” Alice analyzed and Xu Long waved his hands.
Hundreds of bolts of electricity shot out from Xu Long’s hands, and Alice moved to dodge.
*BOOM*
Explosions echoed from time to time and the ground shattered at high speed, but the black arms created black platforms to hold themselves up in the air.
She could create a dome to contain her enemies, creating platforms was both insignificant and extremely useful in allowing her to maintain aerial battles.
Using dozens of tentacles to defend herself, Alice’s expression began to change as she dodged.
It wasn’t because of Xu Long’s ferocity and savagery or the attacks that sometimes came close enough to hit her personal barrier.
Nor was it because the surroundings transformed into a small domain of electric energy that lingered.
It was because of Xu Long’s figure.
“Die... Die... Die... Die...” muttering in anger, Xu Long waved his hands, throwing spears of electric energy with a great power to disintegrate.
Those spears collided with the black tentacles and both of them refused at the same time, keeping themselves in equal condition.
And the more time passed, Alice noticed that Xu Long’s nose started to bleed, and she did not cause it.
There were no miracle drugs that could increase strength so explosively and without flaw.
While there were potions to sharpen the senses, strengthen the body a bit or generate resistance to an element or environment, it was not up to the level of doubling the strength of an S-Rank.
If Xu Long was at the first stage of an S-Rank before, he was now advancing to the upper stage, where someone could show the qualities of an SS-Rank.
Such as Edward, who could create a lightning domain similar to what an SS-rank of the same element would be capable of.
“Die! Die! Die! Die!”
The lances of electricity transformed into spheres, but Alice felt no further pressure.
Those attacks were powerful and explosive, but unstable, so much so that they exploded at first contact, even if it meant hitting a rock.
In a sense, it made her job easier.
“UGH...” Xu Long spat blood and, not caring too much, glared at her with wrathful madness and shouted. “DIE!”
Alice could see blood pouring out of his eyes and ears as an enormous force emanated from his body.
It was a force of such a level that her body could not withstand.
Those were the consequences of choices that increased strength.
After the explosive increase came the weakness, and this time it was slightly different.
It was an explosive force so unrestrained and overwhelming that it was impossible for the body of Xu Long resist it.
The only fate of a balloon that was inflated with too much air was to burst.
“Lunatic...” Alice muttered, but descended to the floor and waved her hand.
From her back, the shadow descended at her feet and, like a wave, moved towards Xu Long.
The shadow covered the area and from that spot, hundreds of arms, more than she could pull out from her back, were extended and those black arms collided with the spheres of electricity.
*BOOM*
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
Explosions echoed everywhere as pieces of shattered black arms were sent flying all over the ground.
However, more and more shot out trying to catch Xu Long.
“Die! Die! DIE!”
Whatever Xu Long had taken, it caused his emotions to become chaotic and, without realizing it, he was just heading towards the same fate as a balloon.
At that moment, Alice noticed a soft light spreading in the surroundings and it was that instant, where Xu Long’s actions stopped for a second.
Alice immediately took advantage of it and extended hundreds of black arms from the shadow that had come under Xu Long.
One arm caught his foot, then another caught his ankle and then dozens of arms began to trap him, completely blocking him until he was enclosed in a black cocoon, leaving only his head.
The tournament barrier protected a student from deadly attacks, but if that attack came from within the student himself, then it could not protect him.
Alice, with her black arms, was only preventing the balloon from inflating on its own, however, that was all.
“You’d better intervene now,” Alice muttered low enough so that it wouldn’t be caught on camera.
The onlookers in the vicinity were alarmed not at the destruction, but at the sight of Xu Long bleeding from his ears, eyes, and nose.
The response was the arrival of Elder Harris, Director Vincent, and Emperor Victor, along with his secretary and other healing mages and archmages.
“The encounter is canceled,” Emperor Victor ordered with a solemn and cold expression. computer while participating in the tournament.
He wore a serious look that gave the impression that he was in an intense battle.
While it was a virtual battle, he still had a professional and dignified countenance.
The objective of this second mode of the computer tournament was quite simple.
Participants were to defend an information network.
As always, they gave some fictitious scenarios to ‘animate’ the tournaments.
They had given Andrés the task of protecting a communication system in the command center of a supposed group.
Some others were tasked with protecting confidential and classified information systems, while others only protected command centers of different types.
Technology was a fundamental part of modernity and, whether a communication system was used when clearing a dungeon or when attacking enemies, technology was vital.
For communication systems to collapse, to be compromised either by infiltrating or giving incorrect information, could ruin missions, and if the mission was extremely dangerous, lives could be lost.
Mechanics with technology-related talents and who focused on the ‘virtual’ were true soldiers.
Right now, Andrés was being ‘attacked’ by several enemies, trying to affect his network.
The command center represented the central core of a network because it always held classified information or was connected to communication networks.
It was difficult to make a tournament like this entertaining, but editors recorded computer screens or Andrés’ fingers, while at high-speed narrators analyzed.
Since these were all academies, the screens were divided into each student and an overview of everyone, while different narrators explained what was taking place, individually or as a group.
“If you told me this was a race, I’d believe it,” Cithrel muttered with a half-smile.
Andrés’ narrator used a very curious style.
He narrated as if Andrés was approaching the finish line and, because of the speed he was moving; it gave the feeling that it was that way.
Step by step he was approaching the goal and while he sometimes had ‘obstacles’, the narrator explained in a very charismatic way how he jumped over those obstacles or knocked them down.
“I don’t understand anything, but I like it,” Taqiyya pointed out with a soft smile.
Aurora laughed in amusement as she listened to her and, looking at the projection, she couldn’t help but nod.
“Yes, the explanations are easy, but it truly is hard to understand,” Aurora commented sincerely.
Simple words were used to explain how Andrés was defending himself against those who were trying to bring him down, even analogies were used to give his work more impact, but if one looked at it seriously, it was hard to understand.
The work Andrés was doing was impressive.
That was because he had about four screens surrounding him and Andrés, although he was controlling one, the other screens also revealed that he was moving.
Andrés was using his AI and controlling four screens, carrying out different jobs at the same time.
Aurora had worked with Liam for a while and if she were honest, without him, she surely wouldn’t have accomplished everything at this level.
That Liam himself was in charge of organizing and preparing the Assault mission revealed that he was central to her small group of mercenaries.
And it was undeniable that virtual mechanics were important in any organization.
“Information is power... And sometimes having information can change the outcome of a battle.” Alice muttered, opening a bag of chips.
She wasn’t exaggerating.
Information was that crucial.
Knowing an issue, a trump card, a skill, even the personality of their opponent could affect the outcome of a battle.
For that reason, it was well accepted that Andrés focused on doing work behind a desk.
Sometimes those in the ‘back’ were more pivotal than those in the ‘front’.
“Will he win?” Taqiyya asked doubtfully.
The ‘attacks’ that each student received had a certain intensity and were constant with a certain level of difficulty.
The judges in charge of this tournament were conducting analyses of the whole situation.
From the speed with which the student handled himself, the efficiency with which he did it, or the skills that were used.
Basically, every relevant part was analyzed, and it was not only about ‘defending’, but doing it in the best way.
To mark the best participants, minor details were used, such as how much information they lost.
Here, Andrés was in first place next to the student from the Mechanics Academy and the Merlin Academy.
“All three have been doing an excellent job. With an impeccable ‘defense’, I guess the winner will be whoever finishes first,” Aurora analyzed without confidence.
Watching the fight, a smile appeared on Andrés’ face.
“Oh, with an impeccable skill he performed a surprise attack on the attackers in the middle of his defense... Wait, instead of using the momentum to secure his defenses, he continued attacking. He is splendidly applying the saying; the best defense is an offense,” the narrator explained in an animated and rather impressed tone.
Andrés had moved rather surprisingly.
“I think that’s the answer,” Aurora muttered, feeling quite surprised by Andres’ abilities.
Just because she didn’t know about the subject, didn’t mean she didn’t understand the complexity of preparing her attack while defending.
And Andrés had just revealed a skill unmatched in his field.
Smiling encouragingly, Aurora heard a knock from the doorway in the room they were watching the tournament from and Cithrel went to open up, revealing one of the tournament officials.
“Excuse me, does Alice Campbell have a moment to speak with us?” the clerk asked calmly and, looking at those present, added. “If it’s in private would be best, please.”
Cordial and respectful.
Cithrel and Taqiyya gave a smile and took their leave immediately.
Aurora, for her part, looked at the attendant and realized that he was not just an ordinary attendant, but looked like a military professional.
However, before she could withdraw, Alice took her hand, and seeing that, the attendant smiled.
“If she’s your sister, it’s no problem.,” the attendant commented simply.
Aurora gave a smile and stayed in her place, but inside she was looking intently at the attendant.
After this challenge would come Alice’s duel with Xu Long and Aurora couldn’t deny that she was attentive to protect her sister.
Now her caution increased, precisely because she sensed the S-rank strength of the other party.
—There is no need to be so cautious. I don’t think the empire does anything excessive.
Her system gave a comment.
Even so, Aurora continued to maintain a cordial smile and waited for the words of the attendant, whose strength made it obvious that he shouldn’t be in that position.
To be a mere tournament manager, having the strength of an S-Rank was simply unheard of.
The attendant had revealed his strength directly, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t cautious.
“Is this about Xu Long’s duel?” Alice asked without changing her expression and taking a chip from her bag, she declared. “I’ll be quick to defeat him.”
The manager’s expression trembled as he heard her and Aurora didn’t mind the domineering and slightly arrogant tone Alice had just used.
She knew better than anyone that she was now testing the attendant.
“Yes, just as you said. It’s about the duel,” the attendant informed and with a smile, he revealed. “I have come to seek your help in a small task related to the duel.”
“If you ask for me to lose, then I will refuse. I already have a contract for the win and they pay quite a few bags of chips,” Alice reported seriously.
A very loyal and professional mercenary doesn’t give up her contracts!
This time Aurora’s expression trembled more intensely, trying to hold in the laughter very differently from the attendant, who didn’t know how to understand her.
It was hard for Aurora to tell if Alice was joking to test the attendant or was she telling the truth and actually giving importance to her ‘contract’ with Jordan, Oliver, and Edward’s later one.
To call it extravagant was too little to describe Alice.
Aurora knew better than anyone.
“No, it’s not about losing, but it is very much related to your performance during the tournament,” the attendant said and taking on a serious expression, he explained. “We have found a suspect who approached Xu Long to give him a ‘winning’ method. We don’t know what the method is and Xu Long doesn’t seem to want to reveal it.”
The attention of both was immediately attracted and the attendant, taking advantage of the curiosity, continued.
“Because we do not wish to alert the suspect, we have decided to come to you for assistance. We are looking for you to give Xu Long time to use his method,” the attendant added and looking at both of them, he detailed. “Of course, today we have not come to talk to you as a student, but as a mercenary.”
His words revealed quite a bit of information and were very sincere, but at the same time, it was clear the shortcomings of the plan.
“So, you want me to let him use his method? Even if it’s a suicidal method?” Alice asked curiously.
If someone was so suspicious that the empire’s authorities were watching, then it meant that it was not someone ordinary.
If that person approached a student with a method... The method could be dangerous, even deadly.
“We have great archmages in charge of surveillance and security. By adding our barrier, we will make sure that no matter what happens we will protect you both,” the attendant replied without losing his composure and looking serious, he reported. “Even if something happens, you are a student and have nothing to do with this.”
His tone was simple, but his words made Aurora frown.
Perhaps they had better ways of getting around or perhaps there were circumstances they didn’t understand, however, it was clear from the attendant’s tone that they wished to head down this path.
That information could make one think that excessive results were within the attendant’s expectation... No, by the plural form in which he spoke of the entire empire.
Still, the sincerity with which he spoke left evidence of consideration for both.
After all, Alice might seem essential, but there were always other ways to take care of this matter.
They might not even have come and surely everything would have turned out as they wanted.
This consideration for them was too much for Aurora and made her wary.
She had the feeling that this was not something related to Zerzura or to the Apicius Company, but something personal.
The way they were releasing Alice from consequences by saying they were just students and the sincerity in giving the information made her feel that way.
“As a mission, you will receive payment commensurate with the situation, and I assure you that this mission will not violate the ideals that your mercenary group represents. Moreover, you can even say that they subtly coincide because of the large level repercussions of this action,” the attendant reported in a simple tone.
Only his tone was simple, as Aurora’s frown became more evident.
There he was again, giving information of something that seemed to be big enough and secret enough for them not to notice.
Such consideration was abnormal.
Alice looked at Aurora and noticed that she was giving her the choice for her to choose.
“If the method of victory puts Xu Long in grave danger...”
“We will save him,” the manager intervened, and looking at Aurora, he reported. “As long as he can be saved by the resources at the empire’s disposal, then he will be saved.”
The Empire was a power with one SSS-rank in command and several SS-ranks, which meant they had enough resources at their disposal to save a student from any eventuality.
“However, depending on the severity of the matter, he will be punished. We can’t treat him as a victim when he now has time to talk and has said nothing,” the attendant added and, seeing Aurora’s frown, commented. “Besides, this situation doesn’t seem to be one where Xu Long is pressured or threatened. He’s doing it of his own free will.”
The empire was moving around Xu Long, using his decision for its goals.
Surely if he had reported, the matter would be handled differently and, quite possibly, they would not have come to them.
But for him to remain silent, it could be considered to be done of his own free will.
“It’s your decision,” Aurora said to Alice.
She didn’t like other innocent people being used as bait, but she wasn’t ‘saintly’ enough to care for those she didn’t like.
Ever since Alice attacked Xu Long, to Aurora it was as if she was at enmity with her.
They might think it was irrational because Xu Long almost died, however, Alice was too important to Aurora.
An importance that surpassed any limits of her own.
Alice laughed as she saw the look on Aurora’s face.
“As long as Xu Long is kept alive, then I will participate. From long ago, I’m not an ‘actress’ in a show,” Alice declared with an amused smile.
Aurora was sure that Alice didn’t really care about Xu Long’s life or death and was indifferent to whatever happened to him.
Only Alice brought it up for her, and because she respected the boundaries she had.
If Aurora could fall and cross boundaries because of their friendship, Alice could maintain ‘boundaries’ she did not believe in.
For two very different people from each other, looking out for each other marked their friendship and sisterhood.
“I understand. We will take care of everything. Payment will be sent after the mourning,” the attendant reported with a strange expression.
Perhaps because Alice took this situation, as if she was an ‘actress’ and everything was a show.
When they were left alone, Alice pulled out an artifact and activated a barrier.
“Do you know someone or did something happen?” Alice asked, seriously looking at Aurora.
Aurora thought of the young man with the lovely eyes.
He had appeared in the middle of the emperor’s party and disappeared just as easily, leaving many strangers, and Aurora finally shook her head.
She felt that it came more from empire relations and that was the problem, since she didn’t know anyone to be treated this way.
“Too much has happened. It could be because they want to get close to the Director or because of my relationship with Cithrel,” Aurora analyzed, unsure.
It could be because of her parents or because of the church and if she was honest, the reasons could be multiple.
The problem was that this situation felt personal, and that made it weird.
“Well, it doesn’t matter too much. Maybe we’re overthinking it and they just wish everything would go the way they want it to,” Alice said without giving it too much thought and looking at the time, commented. “Anyway, I was going to fight Xu Long for a bit of fun.”
Aurora gave a soft smile.
Maybe her desire to ‘murder’ him had lessened, but Aurora knew Alice well enough to know that she was sometimes more terrifying when she was calm.
In the end, she could only sigh and hope she didn’t overdo it.
Nicole sat in the stands looking out over the coliseum.
“For a simple duel, there are a lot of people,” Leslie said, impressed.
This was a classic coliseum for duels and the stands were full.
One would think there wouldn’t be many people watching and it would be a more private duel, but it wasn’t really that way.
Right now it was being broadcast to everyone and at the same time, the stands were filled with students, tourists, and other people.
“Well, Alice has gained some popularity during the tournament.” Clémentine pointed out and with a half-smile, she explained. “More recognized than all of us.”
While they all started to be known in their respective countries, because of Alice’s qualities, she drew more attention on a general level.
“She’s an S-Rank among the A-Ranks and more importantly... She eats chips in the middle of combat,” Érica announced earnestly.
Those words got everyone laughing.
No one could deny that a pretty young lady who liked to eat in the middle of combat attracted attention and that was the reason why the unofficial title of ‘Glutton’ spread.
Andrés arrived, and passing through the crowd, approached the group.
“Thank you for reserving a seat. Everything else is full,” Andrés said with a smile after waving.
Being a day off, the tourists and students had nothing else to do, and this duel caught everyone’s attention.
“How could we not save a seat for the winner of the computer tournament?” asked Nicole, giving a look full of fake surprise.
“It was just luck. I think more surprising is our new A-Rank,” Andrés replied and, after taking his seat, exclaimed. “I still can’t imagine that this fighter is the shy young lady who failed at the beginning of the year because of nervousness.”
His tone carried a mixture of mockery and hidden amusement, but also sincere flattery, which caused Nicole to scratch her cheek sheepishly.
That the others laughed caused her to become even more bashful.
Andrés had just won the computer tournament, but Nicole had moved up in rank.
“It was just luck,” Nicole replied humbly, but...
“Luck is finding money on the street,” Andrés interjected immediately, and laughter from the group spread around as Nicole was stunned.
To call the promotion luck was to simplify everything and miss the talent, dedication, and effort.
“When I entered the academy I didn’t imagine I would advance this far,” Leslie said, and looking at the group, she specified. “It’s true that I still need to move up in rank, but I don’t feel it’s impossible.”
They all nodded at such an idea.
When they entered the academy, they had very different goals than now.
Maybe for some, the desire to be a hero or help was sincere, but it was a very different path than now... Or there was no path at all.
Maybe for the previous generation, it was like finishing high school, not knowing what to do, and entering a career to test the waters.
From the outside, they could like the career and once they were in and were studying, it was possible that they would end up disliking it or, on the contrary, it would be to their liking.
In this sense, entering the hero academy, it was similar.
“So, with Clémentine and Nicole in Rank-A, only the three of us are missing and it’s safe to say that Aurora and Alice’s group of mercenaries are perfect for rank advancement,” Andrés commented and looking at Leslie, he hesitated. “Maybe it’s only the two of us missing, Érica. Leslie has a Rank-A power.”
Leslie, with the new armor and rifle, could achieve Rank-A strength.
So in a way, it could be considered being an A-Rank and that meant there were three A-Ranks.
Perhaps giving all the credit to the mid-year practice with Aurora, Alice, and the others was excessive when they were supported by their teachers, friends, and family.
However, if they were asked what the vital turning point was, it would be the mid-year internship.
That was their first step, and because of that step, they could discover new paths.
The future was unknown and full of uncertainty, yet there was a path they could follow, and as unknown as it was, they wanted to walk it.
“I am still B-rank and although I have power, I lack dexterity. Still, I’m getting used to my new toys and when I do, I think I’ll have a chance to move up,” Leslie said, analyzing her personal qualities, trying to be objective.
The weapon and armor were very strong, giving her A-rank attack capability, but it was only ‘power’.
An A-rank mechanic with her items could show greater prowess and be more fearsome.
“In my case, I don’t know. I have honed my computer skills and settled my base, but I still have deficiencies. For example, in this recent tournament, if I kept defending, I would have lost and so I had to attack, reducing the pressure,” Andrés explained as he saw that he was being watched.
Although in the tournament he gave the impression that he had everything under control, in reality, it was a complete lie.
They had been pressing him very hard on defense, and Andrés had to change his strategy when he realized that he could not hold on to the victory.
For this reason, he carried out an attack, trying to be the one to press and thus avoid defending.
This challenge exposed the shortcomings on the defensive side of the virtual.
When they looked at Érica, she hesitated for a moment.
“Actually...”
“Emperor Victor came!”
“He really came!”
Before Érica could speak, a private room on the tier revealed the transparent windows and from inside Emperor Victor could be seen along with Elder Harris and Director Vincent.
Beside him also stood Professor Cécile and other teachers or important individuals.
The surroundings became hectic, and the host projected himself in the center of the arena, inviting the participants.
“It’s about to begin,” Érica murmured, looking around the arena with a casual half-smile.
Everyone else looked around the arena and noticed how the participants entered from both corners.
As usual, Alice arrived with a bag of chips and from the other side, Xu Long entered with a solemn expression.
Unlike Alice, who seemed to be doing a minor job, Xu Long was serious, and the host rose into the air in the center of the arena.
“As you must know, this duel is personal and has no relation to the international tournament. However, that does not detract from its significance.” Informed the host to the audience.
He was flying, letting everyone feel the tense atmosphere.
“The two of you clashed before letting your feud spill out of the arena, but this time, it’s different. Here you can blow off steam and fight each other until you get bored or one of you gives up,” informed the host and, looking at the nodding emperor, he announced. “Let the battle begin!”
As soon as his words came out, Xu Long flew up, releasing bolts of electricity from his hands.
For her part, Alice used black arms that shot out from her back and quickly dodged, while ten black arms transformed into thick spears and were shot at Xu Long.
Those black spears had such a sharp edge that they penetrated the arena floor as Xu Long dodged it and others spun in the air to chase after the psionic.
“HA!”
With an enraged expression as he was pressured from the start, Xu Long let out a battle cry.
From his hand beams of electricity shot out towards the black spears in an attempt to disintegrate them, and to his and the audience’s surprise, he couldn’t.
Unlike the previous tournament, the lightning could not disintegrate the darkness that seemed more solid and resistant.
Xu Long’s attacks burned or disintegrated because of the condensed electricity and, although he tried hard, the spears did not lose in resistance.
Those black spears were created by a solid mass that had no conductivity, so they did not have as much effect as attacking a human body.
Adding that now Alice was acting as a rank-S, the resistance and strength of the darkness were greater.
“...”
The worst thing was that everyone could see how Alice was still eating the chips that were subtly crunching and such a sight was not only evident to the audience but also to Xu Long.
*BOOM*
Condensing and throwing spheres of electricity at Alice, the psionic young man burst out with all his might and although it was shocking, it wasn’t enough.
Alice casually dodged with minimal movements and even predicting Xu Long’s patterns, all while attacking and defending with her black arms.
Four black arms allowed her to support and move when necessary and even if one was destroyed, she did not lose her balance while always maintaining stability.
It was possible that only one arm was needed to support her in any position.
A larger number of arms gave her greater mobility to assert herself and use it as a support to move anywhere.
Sometimes she didn’t even need to form the cocoon to defend herself, as she was able to use her arms to repel attacks and sometimes created a black shield to protect herself.
“Is she doing it on purpose?” murmured Clémentine seriously.
Xu Long’s expression changed every time he attacked due to the fact that he couldn’t hit Alice or even get close.
What was worse was that Alice was eating her chips with a concentration that gave the impression that she was paying more attention to her bag, not falling down rather than her opponent, and the audience had the feeling that it was all a game to her.
One could say it was a silent arrogance and crueler, as she didn’t need to speak to make her opponent feel inferior.
For those who knew her and had fought against her while eating her chips, they knew that this performance was just an obvious and clear mockery, as in those battles, she usually always paid some attention.
Xu Long’s expression was changing every instant and more black spear-like arms were pressing down on him.
Defense and attack, Alice combined both perfectly and at the same time.
She had shown more pressure when she was attacked by the Archmage in the group challenge... That was everyone’s thought.
“HAA!” roaring with fury, Xu Long condensed a huge sphere of electric energy at an astonishing speed.
It was an extreme S-Rank level attack and Alice immediately moved as well.
The arms attacking from the right joined together at an impressive speed and transformed into a large black hammer that was fired at Xu Long.
How much concentration and how much energy was Xu Long using in that attack?
That question, Clémentine understood perfectly.
Every powerful attack needed a moment to prepare it, and that was why melee individuals had an advantage against mages and psionics.
*BOOM*
Xu Long was hit by the hammer on the right side, destroying any hope to launch that huge sphere of electricity.
The barrier of his armor was broken and the electricity from the sphere slightly disintegrated the hammer and, to his regret, it wasn’t enough.
What was left of the hammer hit it full force and sent it flying into the wall, crashing it with all its might.
*BOOM*
Xu Long’s explosion was hidden by the immense explosion of the electricity sphere that lost control and exploded, disintegrating part of the stage and the entire black hammer.
If that attack had hit Alice’s body, she most likely would have lost or been injured.
From the wall, Xu Long came out wiping the blood in his mouth, with no intention of giving up, and through the dust, he saw black spears coming towards him.
“He’s screwed.”
With Andrés’ comment as a start, Xu Long dodged, coming out subtly wounded, and the spears penetrated the wall.
The impact and force were so terrifying that the tournament barrier that had been activated by Xu Long earlier was activated again.
That meant that each strike was not only fast, but had enough force to go deep into the concrete wall of a tournament made especially to withstand high-ranked combat.
“Lost already?”
“Wasn’t that too easy?”
The spectators expressed their doubts, and all looked at Xu Long, who was trying to dodge those spears.
Unlike Alice, who was watching eating some chips, that psionic youth couldn’t even fly and was crawling or rolling on the ground trying to dodge.
“Alice was doing it on purpose,” Érica muttered in realization.
This number of black spears was less than Alice could create and they were fired in such a way, giving Xu Long a chance to escape.
Of course, that chance was to crawl on the ground, jump or roll around, soiling his clothes.
Xu Long’s expression became more and more agitated.
Everyone got dirty and ‘ate dirt’ when they fought, that was inevitable, but it was different for Xu Long who up until now was the one forcing others to crawl on the ground.
Alice was toying with her opponent as if he was the ‘trash’ he talked so much about.
All while the world watched.
“You’ll pay for this... You’ll really pay for this...” Xu Long muttered, producing a powerful barrier of electrical energy around him.
That barrier blurred the view slightly, but it wasn’t enough to cover him and everyone watched as Xu Long swallowed something from a small bottle.
“Pills? Is he taking medicine?” Leslie asked, whose vision was superior to that of her companions.
Xu Long, whose electricity spread through the surroundings with greater force and power than before, answered her doubt.
As if he had taken some kind of drug.
******
Alice extended a black arm that transformed into a shield.
At the same time, she sent several spears from the sides.
“Get lost!” shouted Xu Long, launching dozens of bolts of electricity towards the spears and her.
Unlike before, the black spears were partly disintegrated, while the shield protecting her could only withstand several breaths until it was disintegrated.
“Oh,” Alice exclaimed, slightly curious as she saw another bolt of lightning approaching.
Without needing to worry, her black arms came together and formed another shield, only this time with a greater mass on them.
“Just lose!” Xu Long roared, extending his hand and shooting out bolts of electricity.
The power was high enough to disintegrate the former spears and Alice, in response, recalculated her strength and sent out dozens of black arms to shield herself.
Onlookers would surely be terrified to see about fifty black arms coming out of Alice’s back as if she were some kind of monster.
This time, some arms came together, but unlike before, it did not increase in size, only the solidity became denser.
The mages, when casting their spells, condensed the element and strengthened it.
For this reason, a water arrow from a Rank-C would not be as lethal as one cast by a Rank-A... Just as it would not be as powerful as one cast by a Rank-SSS.
Alice employed a similar style to strengthen the spears and give greater density to that black ‘mass’ that made up her black arms.
The denser the blackness, the more resistant and dangerous it would become.
“What?”
And Xu Long was surprised to realize that this time the black spears withstood being disintegrated by electricity.
“How can you be so strong?” Xu Long asked, stunned and angry.
How was it possible?
Because she wasn’t a student and before she arrived in Africa, she wasn’t a mercenary, either.
Before they arrived in Africa, Aurora and Alice had fought both creatures, monsters, and humans.
Now, when facing a student, Alice could see too many flaws and didn’t even feel pressure against this kind of enemy.
And it was even easier when the opponent got carried away by anger and became predictable.
Xu Long dodged again and was pressured again while Alice opened a bag of chips.
Even though she was moving from side to side, the arms holding her gave her stability and the only thing she had to be careful about was dropping the snacks.
“You... AHHHH!”
Alice’s action caused Xu Long to burst out again with overwhelming and terrifying force.
The electricity emanating from the young man’s body was enough to burn the arena floor.
Alice, who had been consciously paying attention to her bag to provoke him, didn’t even smile when she realized that this idiot had fallen for the trick.
Instead of attacking, Xu Long reopened the bottle and took everything inside.
Alice could feel a burst of force from inside Xu Long’s body and the lightning ability increased on a large scale, making it dangerous.
“A drug that increases explosive force,” Alice analyzed and Xu Long waved his hands.
Hundreds of bolts of electricity shot out from Xu Long’s hands, and Alice moved to dodge.
*BOOM*
Explosions echoed from time to time and the ground shattered at high speed, but the black arms created black platforms to hold themselves up in the air.
She could create a dome to contain her enemies, creating platforms was both insignificant and extremely useful in allowing her to maintain aerial battles.
Using dozens of tentacles to defend herself, Alice’s expression began to change as she dodged.
It wasn’t because of Xu Long’s ferocity and savagery or the attacks that sometimes came close enough to hit her personal barrier.
Nor was it because the surroundings transformed into a small domain of electric energy that lingered.
It was because of Xu Long’s figure.
“Die... Die... Die... Die...” muttering in anger, Xu Long waved his hands, throwing spears of electric energy with a great power to disintegrate.
Those spears collided with the black tentacles and both of them refused at the same time, keeping themselves in equal condition.
And the more time passed, Alice noticed that Xu Long’s nose started to bleed, and she did not cause it.
There were no miracle drugs that could increase strength so explosively and without flaw.
While there were potions to sharpen the senses, strengthen the body a bit or generate resistance to an element or environment, it was not up to the level of doubling the strength of an S-Rank.
If Xu Long was at the first stage of an S-Rank before, he was now advancing to the upper stage, where someone could show the qualities of an SS-Rank.
Such as Edward, who could create a lightning domain similar to what an SS-rank of the same element would be capable of.
“Die! Die! Die! Die!”
The lances of electricity transformed into spheres, but Alice felt no further pressure.
Those attacks were powerful and explosive, but unstable, so much so that they exploded at first contact, even if it meant hitting a rock.
In a sense, it made her job easier.
“UGH...” Xu Long spat blood and, not caring too much, glared at her with wrathful madness and shouted. “DIE!”
Alice could see blood pouring out of his eyes and ears as an enormous force emanated from his body.
It was a force of such a level that her body could not withstand.
Those were the consequences of choices that increased strength.
After the explosive increase came the weakness, and this time it was slightly different.
It was an explosive force so unrestrained and overwhelming that it was impossible for the body of Xu Long resist it.
The only fate of a balloon that was inflated with too much air was to burst.
“Lunatic...” Alice muttered, but descended to the floor and waved her hand.
From her back, the shadow descended at her feet and, like a wave, moved towards Xu Long.
The shadow covered the area and from that spot, hundreds of arms, more than she could pull out from her back, were extended and those black arms collided with the spheres of electricity.
*BOOM*
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
Explosions echoed everywhere as pieces of shattered black arms were sent flying all over the ground.
However, more and more shot out trying to catch Xu Long.
“Die! Die! DIE!”
Whatever Xu Long had taken, it caused his emotions to become chaotic and, without realizing it, he was just heading towards the same fate as a balloon.
At that moment, Alice noticed a soft light spreading in the surroundings and it was that instant, where Xu Long’s actions stopped for a second.
Alice immediately took advantage of it and extended hundreds of black arms from the shadow that had come under Xu Long.
One arm caught his foot, then another caught his ankle and then dozens of arms began to trap him, completely blocking him until he was enclosed in a black cocoon, leaving only his head.
The tournament barrier protected a student from deadly attacks, but if that attack came from within the student himself, then it could not protect him.
Alice, with her black arms, was only preventing the balloon from inflating on its own, however, that was all.
“You’d better intervene now,” Alice muttered low enough so that it wouldn’t be caught on camera.
The onlookers in the vicinity were alarmed not at the destruction, but at the sight of Xu Long bleeding from his ears, eyes, and nose.
The response was the arrival of Elder Harris, Director Vincent, and Emperor Victor, along with his secretary and other healing mages and archmages.
“The encounter is canceled,” Emperor Victor ordered with a solemn and cold expression. computer while participating in the tournament.
He wore a serious look that gave the impression that he was in an intense battle.
While it was a virtual battle, he still had a professional and dignified countenance.
The objective of this second mode of the computer tournament was quite simple.
Participants were to defend an information network.
As always, they gave some fictitious scenarios to ‘animate’ the tournaments.
They had given Andrés the task of protecting a communication system in the command center of a supposed group.
Some others were tasked with protecting confidential and classified information systems, while others only protected command centers of different types.
Technology was a fundamental part of modernity and, whether a communication system was used when clearing a dungeon or when attacking enemies, technology was vital.
For communication systems to collapse, to be compromised either by infiltrating or giving incorrect information, could ruin missions, and if the mission was extremely dangerous, lives could be lost.
Mechanics with technology-related talents and who focused on the ‘virtual’ were true soldiers.
Right now, Andrés was being ‘attacked’ by several enemies, trying to affect his network.
The command center represented the central core of a network because it always held classified information or was connected to communication networks.
It was difficult to make a tournament like this entertaining, but editors recorded computer screens or Andrés’ fingers, while at high-speed narrators analyzed.
Since these were all academies, the screens were divided into each student and an overview of everyone, while different narrators explained what was taking place, individually or as a group.
“If you told me this was a race, I’d believe it,” Cithrel muttered with a half-smile.
Andrés’ narrator used a very curious style.
He narrated as if Andrés was approaching the finish line and, because of the speed he was moving; it gave the feeling that it was that way.
Step by step he was approaching the goal and while he sometimes had ‘obstacles’, the narrator explained in a very charismatic way how he jumped over those obstacles or knocked them down.
“I don’t understand anything, but I like it,” Taqiyya pointed out with a soft smile.
Aurora laughed in amusement as she listened to her and, looking at the projection, she couldn’t help but nod.
“Yes, the explanations are easy, but it truly is hard to understand,” Aurora commented sincerely.
Simple words were used to explain how Andrés was defending himself against those who were trying to bring him down, even analogies were used to give his work more impact, but if one looked at it seriously, it was hard to understand.
The work Andrés was doing was impressive.
That was because he had about four screens surrounding him and Andrés, although he was controlling one, the other screens also revealed that he was moving.
Andrés was using his AI and controlling four screens, carrying out different jobs at the same time.
Aurora had worked with Liam for a while and if she were honest, without him, she surely wouldn’t have accomplished everything at this level.
That Liam himself was in charge of organizing and preparing the Assault mission revealed that he was central to her small group of mercenaries.
And it was undeniable that virtual mechanics were important in any organization.
“Information is power... And sometimes having information can change the outcome of a battle.” Alice muttered, opening a bag of chips.
She wasn’t exaggerating.
Information was that crucial.
Knowing an issue, a trump card, a skill, even the personality of their opponent could affect the outcome of a battle.
For that reason, it was well accepted that Andrés focused on doing work behind a desk.
Sometimes those in the ‘back’ were more pivotal than those in the ‘front’.
“Will he win?” Taqiyya asked doubtfully.
The ‘attacks’ that each student received had a certain intensity and were constant with a certain level of difficulty.
The judges in charge of this tournament were conducting analyses of the whole situation.
From the speed with which the student handled himself, the efficiency with which he did it, or the skills that were used.
Basically, every relevant part was analyzed, and it was not only about ‘defending’, but doing it in the best way.
To mark the best participants, minor details were used, such as how much information they lost.
Here, Andrés was in first place next to the student from the Mechanics Academy and the Merlin Academy.
“All three have been doing an excellent job. With an impeccable ‘defense’, I guess the winner will be whoever finishes first,” Aurora analyzed without confidence.
Watching the fight, a smile appeared on Andrés’ face.
“Oh, with an impeccable skill he performed a surprise attack on the attackers in the middle of his defense... Wait, instead of using the momentum to secure his defenses, he continued attacking. He is splendidly applying the saying; the best defense is an offense,” the narrator explained in an animated and rather impressed tone.
Andrés had moved rather surprisingly.
“I think that’s the answer,” Aurora muttered, feeling quite surprised by Andres’ abilities.
Just because she didn’t know about the subject, didn’t mean she didn’t understand the complexity of preparing her attack while defending.
And Andrés had just revealed a skill unmatched in his field.
Smiling encouragingly, Aurora heard a knock from the doorway in the room they were watching the tournament from and Cithrel went to open up, revealing one of the tournament officials.
“Excuse me, does Alice Campbell have a moment to speak with us?” the clerk asked calmly and, looking at those present, added. “If it’s in private would be best, please.”
Cordial and respectful.
Cithrel and Taqiyya gave a smile and took their leave immediately.
Aurora, for her part, looked at the attendant and realized that he was not just an ordinary attendant, but looked like a military professional.
However, before she could withdraw, Alice took her hand, and seeing that, the attendant smiled.
“If she’s your sister, it’s no problem.,” the attendant commented simply.
Aurora gave a smile and stayed in her place, but inside she was looking intently at the attendant.
After this challenge would come Alice’s duel with Xu Long and Aurora couldn’t deny that she was attentive to protect her sister.
Now her caution increased, precisely because she sensed the S-rank strength of the other party.
—There is no need to be so cautious. I don’t think the empire does anything excessive.
Her system gave a comment.
Even so, Aurora continued to maintain a cordial smile and waited for the words of the attendant, whose strength made it obvious that he shouldn’t be in that position.
To be a mere tournament manager, having the strength of an S-Rank was simply unheard of.
The attendant had revealed his strength directly, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t cautious.
“Is this about Xu Long’s duel?” Alice asked without changing her expression and taking a chip from her bag, she declared. “I’ll be quick to defeat him.”
The manager’s expression trembled as he heard her and Aurora didn’t mind the domineering and slightly arrogant tone Alice had just used.
She knew better than anyone that she was now testing the attendant.
“Yes, just as you said. It’s about the duel,” the attendant informed and with a smile, he revealed. “I have come to seek your help in a small task related to the duel.”
“If you ask for me to lose, then I will refuse. I already have a contract for the win and they pay quite a few bags of chips,” Alice reported seriously.
A very loyal and professional mercenary doesn’t give up her contracts!
This time Aurora’s expression trembled more intensely, trying to hold in the laughter very differently from the attendant, who didn’t know how to understand her.
It was hard for Aurora to tell if Alice was joking to test the attendant or was she telling the truth and actually giving importance to her ‘contract’ with Jordan, Oliver, and Edward’s later one.
To call it extravagant was too little to describe Alice.
Aurora knew better than anyone.
“No, it’s not about losing, but it is very much related to your performance during the tournament,” the attendant said and taking on a serious expression, he explained. “We have found a suspect who approached Xu Long to give him a ‘winning’ method. We don’t know what the method is and Xu Long doesn’t seem to want to reveal it.”
The attention of both was immediately attracted and the attendant, taking advantage of the curiosity, continued.
“Because we do not wish to alert the suspect, we have decided to come to you for assistance. We are looking for you to give Xu Long time to use his method,” the attendant added and looking at both of them, he detailed. “Of course, today we have not come to talk to you as a student, but as a mercenary.”
His words revealed quite a bit of information and were very sincere, but at the same time, it was clear the shortcomings of the plan.
“So, you want me to let him use his method? Even if it’s a suicidal method?” Alice asked curiously.
If someone was so suspicious that the empire’s authorities were watching, then it meant that it was not someone ordinary.
If that person approached a student with a method... The method could be dangerous, even deadly.
“We have great archmages in charge of surveillance and security. By adding our barrier, we will make sure that no matter what happens we will protect you both,” the attendant replied without losing his composure and looking serious, he reported. “Even if something happens, you are a student and have nothing to do with this.”
His tone was simple, but his words made Aurora frown.
Perhaps they had better ways of getting around or perhaps there were circumstances they didn’t understand, however, it was clear from the attendant’s tone that they wished to head down this path.
That information could make one think that excessive results were within the attendant’s expectation... No, by the plural form in which he spoke of the entire empire.
Still, the sincerity with which he spoke left evidence of consideration for both.
After all, Alice might seem essential, but there were always other ways to take care of this matter.
They might not even have come and surely everything would have turned out as they wanted.
This consideration for them was too much for Aurora and made her wary.
She had the feeling that this was not something related to Zerzura or to the Apicius Company, but something personal.
The way they were releasing Alice from consequences by saying they were just students and the sincerity in giving the information made her feel that way.
“As a mission, you will receive payment commensurate with the situation, and I assure you that this mission will not violate the ideals that your mercenary group represents. Moreover, you can even say that they subtly coincide because of the large level repercussions of this action,” the attendant reported in a simple tone.
Only his tone was simple, as Aurora’s frown became more evident.
There he was again, giving information of something that seemed to be big enough and secret enough for them not to notice.
Such consideration was abnormal.
Alice looked at Aurora and noticed that she was giving her the choice for her to choose.
“If the method of victory puts Xu Long in grave danger...”
“We will save him,” the manager intervened, and looking at Aurora, he reported. “As long as he can be saved by the resources at the empire’s disposal, then he will be saved.”
The Empire was a power with one SSS-rank in command and several SS-ranks, which meant they had enough resources at their disposal to save a student from any eventuality.
“However, depending on the severity of the matter, he will be punished. We can’t treat him as a victim when he now has time to talk and has said nothing,” the attendant added and, seeing Aurora’s frown, commented. “Besides, this situation doesn’t seem to be one where Xu Long is pressured or threatened. He’s doing it of his own free will.”
The empire was moving around Xu Long, using his decision for its goals.
Surely if he had reported, the matter would be handled differently and, quite possibly, they would not have come to them.
But for him to remain silent, it could be considered to be done of his own free will.
“It’s your decision,” Aurora said to Alice.
She didn’t like other innocent people being used as bait, but she wasn’t ‘saintly’ enough to care for those she didn’t like.
Ever since Alice attacked Xu Long, to Aurora it was as if she was at enmity with her.
They might think it was irrational because Xu Long almost died, however, Alice was too important to Aurora.
An importance that surpassed any limits of her own.
Alice laughed as she saw the look on Aurora’s face.
“As long as Xu Long is kept alive, then I will participate. From long ago, I’m not an ‘actress’ in a show,” Alice declared with an amused smile.
Aurora was sure that Alice didn’t really care about Xu Long’s life or death and was indifferent to whatever happened to him.
Only Alice brought it up for her, and because she respected the boundaries she had.
If Aurora could fall and cross boundaries because of their friendship, Alice could maintain ‘boundaries’ she did not believe in.
For two very different people from each other, looking out for each other marked their friendship and sisterhood.
“I understand. We will take care of everything. Payment will be sent after the mourning,” the attendant reported with a strange expression.
Perhaps because Alice took this situation, as if she was an ‘actress’ and everything was a show.
When they were left alone, Alice pulled out an artifact and activated a barrier.
“Do you know someone or did something happen?” Alice asked, seriously looking at Aurora.
Aurora thought of the young man with the lovely eyes.
He had appeared in the middle of the emperor’s party and disappeared just as easily, leaving many strangers, and Aurora finally shook her head.
She felt that it came more from empire relations and that was the problem, since she didn’t know anyone to be treated this way.
“Too much has happened. It could be because they want to get close to the Director or because of my relationship with Cithrel,” Aurora analyzed, unsure.
It could be because of her parents or because of the church and if she was honest, the reasons could be multiple.
The problem was that this situation felt personal, and that made it weird.
“Well, it doesn’t matter too much. Maybe we’re overthinking it and they just wish everything would go the way they want it to,” Alice said without giving it too much thought and looking at the time, commented. “Anyway, I was going to fight Xu Long for a bit of fun.”
Aurora gave a soft smile.
Maybe her desire to ‘murder’ him had lessened, but Aurora knew Alice well enough to know that she was sometimes more terrifying when she was calm.
In the end, she could only sigh and hope she didn’t overdo it.
