After classes finished, everyone went their separate ways. Aeren headed to the academy library and thought, In the royal library, all books are available.
Aeren left the library and returned to his room, where he saw his bed and slept through the entire afternoon and night, waking in the morning.
Aeren hadn't slept for years and didn't even feel tired despite this lack of rest. He still trying to find his true freedom.
Looking out his window, Aeren saw students below. They appeared excited about something.
Aeren observed them briefly, then ignored them and went to wash himself.
After washing, Aeren left his room.
A few minutes later, he reached the stadium. This arena had been sponsored specifically for S-Class student competitions. While it looked normal, the stadium couldn't be destroyed by any conventional means—though they had prepared for potential destruction.
The professors had constructed this stadium using regenerative stone, a material rarely found anywhere in the world. Humans had started manufacturing this stone, but it was so expensive that only the Royal family and the Academy could afford it. These two institutions had virtually infinite gold and silver reserves, allowing them to purchase anything.
Aeren looked around for seating and found that not a single seat was available. He continued searching but still couldn't find any open spots, then noticed the VIP section. Ignoring the crowds, Aeren walked directly into the VIP area. He found a VIP room with two men sitting on a large couch and sat with them without being noticed.
"Who do you think is going to win this competition?" asked one man sitting next to Aeren, addressing his companion.
"I'm not sure—this year's competition level is high—but I think your son Gerald has a strong chance," the other man replied.
"HAHAHAHAHA, I don't know. Let's watch the competition first," Grand Duke Zenc laughed. "Oh, what about your son Aleric?"
Duke Calvess heard him and smiled awkwardly. "Nah, I don't think he has a chance of winning the competition."
Aeren sat with them, listening to their conversation without interfering. He had heard that they came here for work but decided to watch the competition afterward—quite the dedication.
Aeren looked toward the stage where protective shields had been erected around the arena. An announcer stood in the center with mana-enhanced sound amplification.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your wait ends here! The competition between S-class students has begun! I can see you all look excited and want me to finish the introductions as quickly as possible."
"So let's skip my lengthy speeches and introduce our first S-class competitor from the first year!"
"I don't think he even needs my introduction because you all know him well—our first-year S-class rank 20, Hogan Hilton from House Hilton, heir to the Hilton family, and known as the Warrior Hilton!"
Cheers erupted throughout the arena as everyone screamed:
"HILTON!"
"WARRIOR!"
He emerged from a door on the opposite side of the stadium—an average-looking boy with a handsome face, waving his hand to the students and spectators.
Hilton came to the stage and waited for his opponent.
"Now, our second competitor—the most famous among the boys and one who has captured many hearts with her looks and skill. Our academy president, Julie Luther! I don't think she needs any introduction!"
The crowd cheered even louder, screaming throughout the arena:
"MY GODDESS!"
"JULIEEEEE!"
She appeared at the entrance with bright blue hair and brilliant red eyes, looking like a goddess in her battle suit. Over her inner battle armor, she wore a beautiful white top and trousers.
The announcer left the stage as she approached. A referee came onto the stage after her, looked at both competitors, explained the rules they had to follow, and asked if they were ready. They both loudly said "Yes!" The referee waited a few seconds, looked at both of them, and declared:
"Begin!"
BOOOOOOOOOM!
Julie was shocked that Hilton managed to block her attack. Though unable to handle the full force of her punch, he was still standing, albeit looking worn out.
"You surprised me. You're just a first year, yet you blocked my attack and you're still standing," Julie said with an impressed look in her eyes.
He smiled, blood on his face, and said, "This is just the beginning of my rule."
He ran at incredible speed and punched her.
BOOOOMMMM!
She managed to block his attack but felt some damage. Excitement surged in her heart as she said, "I thought I was going to fight the lowest-ranked first year in an easy match. Who would have thought I'd meet a monster?"
BOOM!
She punched him back, and this time he hit the ground.
Hilton vomited blood but struggled to stand. After some effort, he managed to get back on his feet, then—
BOOOOM!
Hilton punched again, this time much stronger than before, but Julie simply dodged his attack and said, "You still have a long way to go." Julie delivered one more punch, and this time he couldn't get up from the ground.
Julie looked at him, nodded respectfully, and left the stage. The first match had nearly destroyed the arena floor.
Cheers!
"JULIEEEEE!"
Whispers started throughout the stadium:
"That was the obvious result—she's in the top 5 and two years older. He just entered the competition among monsters."
"Yeah, he's still learning."
"HAHAHA, it's his honor that he even got the chance to fight President Julie!"
Whispers continued throughout the arena, and the first match concluded.
Aeren watched the fight silently alongside the two other men, but they still didn't realize he was there with them. They continued discussing secrets about their work and their children.
"Were you able to find it?" the Grand Duke asked.
"No, not yet. But soon," Duke Calvess replied, his face showing anger.
Grand Duke Zenc looked at him but said nothing, and silence fell over the room.