Even though the following day was a weekend, Leon didn't mind and went ahead to track down the teacher incharge of the first years. Luckily for him, everyone lived within the confines of the school, so all he needed to do was put in word at the teacher's quarters that he was looking for his teacher, Mr. Darwit.
Soon after, Mr. Darwit came outside towards the security post where Leon had been waiting for something close to an hour.
Seeing the student waiting patiently even when he had tried to drive him away by stalling for so long, Mr. Darwit suppressed the irritation and stopped it from showing on his face as he approached.
Leon watched the man approach slowly, almost reluctantly even. "And you are?" He asked, his tone low and unbothered. This was the first time Leon was meeting Mr. Darwit, and from all he had heard from Dustin and Raul, his character really proved he was the Coordinator for the first years.
He had heard that Mr. Darwit was a peculiar teacher who always acted as though he didn't care for the students, almost like he was there for the sake of it. There was no passion at all.
"Leon Carter, Sir. I was away due to medical reasons, so I missed registration for the upcoming tournament. I will like to participate." Leon explained.
Mr. Darwit listened carefully, nodding in understanding. "Leon Carter, you say?" he asked.
"Yes, Sir."
He didn't say anything for a moment, and though nothing changed in his expression or body language, Leon could feel something shift ever so slightly. "Its fine then, I heard of what happened to you. You may go back and prepare, I'll include your name."
"Thank you, Sir." Leon turned to leave after that.
He was actually surprised as he expected Mr. Darwit to be unchalant about the mater, but he actually agreed to include his name even past deadline, perhaps it was still open. Little did Leon know that Darwit was also heading out to meet the Headmaster.
…
A few days later as the new week rolled in, the day of the competition arrived. The venue was one of the school's arenas, albeit a smaller one from the one Leon had been to. This one had a way smaller capacity of only about a few thousand, and even that was plenty enough for the crowd expected to show up, since this was within the school alone.
By 9am, the stands were filled with people, ranging from students of all years to staff and even a few visitors who had come to spectate these qualifying matches so-to-speak. Grand Phoenix Academy was one of the best in the entire country after all, this turn-up was only natural.
No time was wasted, as the coordinator for the event was already in his spot, passing commentary through the speakers, introducing some key figures and prepping the contestants.
The way it worked was such that, no one knew who they would face until the matches were called. This was to eliminate preparation beforehand for a specific opponent. Grand Phoenix Academy was known for such harsh methods.
Following the pleasantries and greetings, the tournament was set to start promptly, the time was 9:15 AM.
With a loud and clear voice, the coordinator announced, "we will be starting off with the first match, right at the bottom of the table. Raul Garcia and Jason Hill! Please, step onto the arena!"
Raul who was seated with his roommates could not help his mouth from dropping in absolute shock. How had his name been called?? He didn't register for this tournament at all!
Dustin shot him a dirty look, thinking of the possibility of Raul going behind their backs to submit his name after Leon decided to. Raul tried to explain that it must have been a mistake, first to his friends, then to the coordinator, but none paid him any attention.
His opponent was already on stage under a minute, but it took Raul five whole minutes before making his appearance on stage. It was only natural that his opponent was already very irritated and angry, wanting nothing more than to beat Raul into the hospital.
Raul, maintaining a confident stand now that he was on stage, stared down his opponent as the coordinator gave a short introduction of both parties.
Looking at Raul's gaze, Jason's fury burned even more, 'he still dares look at me with such eyes? These year's freshmen really do need to be taught a lesson!'
With a sharp tone, the coordinator called, "START!"
Immediately, Jason surged forward with rage, it was clear he was using embodiment, borrowing strength from his summon instead of calling it out.
Before he could reach Raul though, an even sharper and louder voice resounded through the arena, "I SURRENDER!"
Jason was forced to stop in his tracks, moments away from clashing with Raul. The expression on his face was filled with more confusion than the anger that had been there. The turn of events just didn't make any sense at all. The very opponent staring him down had actually surrendered? Then what was that gaze for?
'These first years really need to be educated.' He thought to himself as the coordinator called off the match and announced him as winner while Raul promptly made his way back to his seat without a shred of shame from the eyes staring at him.
"Wow, you really didn't go behind our backs to give your name." Dustin said.
"Of course I didn't. It must have been some kind of mistake."
"One big one too. I would have taken that guy on if it were me though, instead of running away." Dustin said, turning his face the other way. It was clear that he was only teasing, but Raul tend to be easily triggered by Dustin in-particular, so Leon couldn't help but chuckle alongside Dustin as Raul defended his decision fervently.
"Getting worked up for nothing. I'll see how well you do against your opponent. I hope it's an upperclassman and one of their girls too. Hmph, let's see if you make it back with your balls intact." He said the last part under breath, Leon and Dustin heard him clearly though, and Dustin almost went pale from the statement.
The girls from the fourth years had gained a dangerous reputation, though it was caused by only a few. They had once come across a terrorist group during an outing, and when summoners were forced not to act to protect citizens that had been captured, a particular girl went against orders, leading her class to completely subdue the terrorists alone. Word was that she squashed the testicles of a few men who had made degrading sexual remarks about her.
"We will be moving directly to the second match! Seth Collins and Leon Carter, stepped onto the stage!"