Royal Magic Academy Coliseum – Finals Day, Mid-Morning
Rei Velden was not dead. But he was seriously considering it as a lifestyle choice.
He lay on a cot in the infirmary, body wrapped in bandages, smelling faintly of burnt feathers, cookie crumbs, and dirt. His arms were pinned at his sides like a burrito, courtesy of some overly enthusiastic healers who believed "total immobilization" was medically sound.
"…Maybe I'll just stay here," Rei muttered weakly, staring at the ceiling. "If I don't move, maybe they'll forget about me. Maybe the finals will just… happen… without me."
[System Notification: Probability of being left alone—0%. Probability of being dragged back to the arena—100%.]
"Can't you sugarcoat things once in a while?" Rei groaned.
[System Sarcasm Mode: Sure. There is a 100% chance of sunshine, rainbows, and everyone politely respecting your boundaries.]
"…Shut up."
The infirmary doors slammed open. A shadow fell over Rei and his heart sank.
"Oh no."
