With the first phase over, all the teams that had advanced were gathered in their own rooms after being escorted by the guards. In the room, it would be revealed on the screen how the second phase of the Throne of Runes would work, so they waited with a certain excitement.
"How do you think the second phase will be?"
"I don't know, the only thing I know is that only four teams will remain."
"Then this time, one of the Astrong Academy teams will definitely be eliminated."
So far, all of Astrong's teams had advanced, proving once again that it was undoubtedly the best academy on the continent. Even Hao must have been very satisfied with his students.
'So far, there are five Astrong teams left, one from Jester's unknown academy, one from Shengtian, and two from another continent, which honestly surprised me.'
Enrico had thought that Giulia and Nicholas would pass, but they lost because they were in the same bracket as the best team from Shengtian and the Valtara continent—both considered stronger than the other two—while the best academies from Floravita and Tsuyokuni were eliminated by Victoria.
'They had the worst luck in the world, and honestly, I feel like falling into the castle this time was pure luck.'
While the beginning of their fights had been interesting for the spectators, the middle and end were all about the groups he mentioned, since it was considered a "group of death."
'I want to watch later to see how the battles went.'
"Hello students, it's good to see that those who participated have such great potential, and I'm very satisfied with your levels."
Having his thoughts interrupted, Enrico turned his attention to the screen where Hao appeared with a happy smile on his face, which made the other academy directors look at him with irritation.
"Since my academy achieved the best results, I will be the one to announce how the second phase will work."
"What do you think it's going to be?"
"I don't know, but it should be interesting."
"The second phase this year will take place inside a dungeon."
Enrico already knew how the second phase would go, so he wasn't surprised when he heard Hao's words. From what he knew, the dungeon they were going to was the "Nartheis of Shadows."
"This dungeon was discovered four months ago, and we found out it would be perfect for the second phase of the Throne of Runes due to the extra life it grants to those who enter it. So we decided not to close it for research and to use it for this competition."
The second phase was considered to have no rules since the students would be entering a dungeon. The only thing they needed to worry about was earning points by defeating the Nartheis inside.
"Defeating a normal Nartheis in the dungeon will give you five points, while defeating one that could be considered a mini-boss will give you ten points. In total, there are four bosses in the dungeon, each worth fifty points."
There was no limit to the number of points that could be earned, but that didn't mean it would be easy to score a lot with so many people inside.
"The points that team members earn will be combined at the end to determine who the four teams advancing to the final phase will be. Your points will be displayed on a magical screen inside and outside the dungeon and can be seen at any time, leaving it up to you to decide what to do with that information."
With everything decided about the second phase, Hao, before leaving the screen, advised them to rest. They were free to sleep for the day or make preparations—though Enrico was thinking about training instead.
"What will you four do? Want to discuss a plan or just rest?"
"We can discuss plans tomorrow, right? I fought enough for today."
"Of course, Caelan. You were the one who struggled the most."
With a tired face and a cloud over his head, Caelan went to one of the beds, lay down, and immediately fell asleep. He really was exhausted.
"I'm going to eat. I got so nervous that I barely ate today, so I'll make up for it now."
"Nervous? Oh, Elian, are you already seeing yourself as my future wife? I'm so happy to hear that."
"I simply misspoke, you idiot. Forget it—I'm going to the cafeteria. If you need anything, just call me."
"I need you to be my wife."
With an annoyed expression, Elian ran out of the room, flustered. It seemed it would be difficult to make Enrico stop calling him "wife."
'He'll see. I'll make him call me… wait, what should I even make him call me?'
Seeing Elian leave in that state, Enrico had an amused smile. After all, teasing like that was one of the best things he could do in this world. Turning his face, he saw the two girls looking jealous.
"I'm sorry. How about this—today, I'll go anywhere you two want to go."
"Really, Master? I want to visit the lake known as the Beauty of the Continent. They say it's amazing."
"Amazing for what? I'd rather go to the nobles' ball tonight. Since I and your right arm are nobles, it's perfect."
"But from what I've heard, future lovers who visit the Lake dell'Eterno Amore are destined to stay together forever."
"Right arm, I've changed my mind—we're going to the Lake dell'Eterno Amore, because that's clearly the most important thing we can do today."
Already understanding the two girls' intentions, Enrico prepared to notify the others, because if they found out he went without them, they'd be furious. So he left with the two, saying he needed to let the others know.
"I wanted to go alone with you."
"What do you mean alone if it was my idea?"
"But since we're all going to be your wives, we have to go together so we can all be happy forever."
"That sounds like something out of a fairy tale, you… Serenya, would you like to hear some stories from me?"
Seeing that Enrico seemed to remember one of her preferences for books, she nodded immediately—after all, she really liked the story of the arrogant princess he had offered her in the library. Meanwhile, Yumeha approached to listen as well, certain that the stories must be incredible if her master was the one telling them.
"These stories are from a distant world, so pay close attention."
"Of course, right arm—I'll pay attention to every word."
"That's right, Master. If the words come from your mouth, I won't miss a single one."
"All right then, I'll begin… Once upon a time, there was a girl with skin as pale as snow…"
The two girls listened closely to Enrico's words. They were sure to enjoy these stories—and in a few hours, the other girls would also want to hear them from his lips, each one loving some of the tales—some the same, some different.