Chapter 46: Result
The scene opens with groups of students in the academy's grand arena, being attended to by healers as they recover from injuries. Whispers circulate among the students as they recount their harrowing experiences in the forest. Some speak of the mysterious dark mana mist that plagued the area, others mention the aggression of the magical beasts they fought, and many remember the terrifying screams echoing through the forest. A few solemnly recall their encounters with the grotesque creature and the unfortunate deaths of those who couldn't escape it.
...
Seraphina overhears bits of conversations around her as a healer tends to her own wounds. Despite her own injuries, she listens thoughtfully, trying to imagine what each group went through. Her gaze shifts to Kallus, not far from her, who is also receiving treatment. She asks about his arm, to which he proudly raises it, flexing slightly to show that his strength and color have returned.
"Looks like you're back in top form," Seraphina says dryly, rolling her eyes at his overly confident display. "Too bad it seems to have affected your brain, too."
Kallus laughs, unfazed by her sarcasm, "Guess my brain didn't take as much damage as yours did." They share a smirk, both grateful to be alive after the trials they've endured.
Ash reunites with his teammates, a sense of relief washing over him as he confirms they're all unharmed. They tell him that a professor encountered them in the forest and helped guide them to safety. Ash smiles, grateful they didn't have to face the worst of the forest's dangers. While they eagerly question him about his experiences, he decides to withhold details of his battle with the creature, choosing instead to focus on their safety.
Elena's sharp red eyes scan the groups of students scattered around the arena. She spots Lucius, who is leaning against the wall, absorbed in his Aetheris. She's about to approach him to ask if he's alright and where he ended up during the chaos, when her own Aetheris chimes with a message. To her surprise, it's from Lucius himself. The message reads:
"I'm fine. I was transported elsewhere when the phase began. No need to worry."
Elena's expression softens, but she quickly realizes he's hiding something. She glances back at Lucius, who still wears his usual dismissive and neutral expression. She sighs, wondering how he can be so calm after everything they went through. But, despite herself, a small smile tugs at her lips—relieved that he's unharmed. She convinces herself that she's only glad because they're partners in the tournament and that their performance depends on him being in one piece.
...
With the students gathered, Grandmaster Veridane steps forward, clearing his throat as he prepares to address the crowd. "First, I'd like to formally apologize for the unexpected dangers some of you faced in the forest. This was not foreseen, and we will take every measure to ensure this does not happen again."
Some students glance at each other, muttering their surprise at Veridane's sincerity. A few in the crowd make sarcastic remarks under their breath, but Veridane quickly glares in their direction. The students fall silent, wide-eyed, and decide it's best to hold their tongues.
Veridane begins announcing the results of the second phase, first naming the top five groups with the highest points, none of which include Ash, Seraphina, Kallus, Elena, or Gaius. Afterward, he names the next five qualifying groups, including Ash and the others. Lucius, who stands among the crowd, can't help but comment internally that perhaps he should have stuck to going solo in the phase; he didn't expect to rank so high with Elena.
Finally, Veridane lists the ranks of the remaining groups, noting the students who met the required points to advance. He reiterates his apology for the dangers they faced, assuring them that the matter will be investigated thoroughly. "The third phase of the tournament will be delayed to give you all time to rest and recover. This tournament is meant to test not only your abilities but to prepare you for the lives you'll lead beyond these walls," Veridane concludes with a powerful speech before dismissing the students.
....
After the announcement, Lucius finds himself wandering the academy halls alone. The other students chatter animatedly around him, some boasting about their performance, others expressing relief at their survival, while a few are already making vows to outshine their peers in the upcoming phase. Lucius listens in on their conversations as he walks, his own thoughts wandering, when a familiar voice calls his name. He turns to see Elena standing before him, her noble attire lending her a dignified air.
"Lucius," she begins bluntly, "where were you during the second phase? And what exactly did you find out?"
Lucius gives a dismissive answer, brushing off her questions without much detail. Annoyed, she presses him for more information, even as he begins to walk away. Then, to his surprise, she reaches out, grabbing the sleeve of his uniform.
"Just… answer me this much," she says softly. "Are you really alright?"
For a moment, Lucius is taken aback. The image of Elandrialith's last moments flashes through his mind, and he feels a faint twinge of guilt. Turning to her, he meets her gaze with a more guarded expression and quietly reassures her, "I'm fine… for the most part."
He gently removes her hand from his sleeve and gives a curt nod. "Thanks for your concern." Elena looks at him, momentarily at a loss for words, but nods in return, letting him leave.
As she watches him walk away, her thoughts linger on him, wondering why she's so drawn to someone so secretive and aloof. A faint blush colors her cheeks, and she mutters to herself, trying to rationalize her feelings. Maybe he put some spell on me…
.....
Lucius finally returns to his dorm room, sinking onto his bed with a deep sigh. The memory of Elandrialith's fading form drifts through his mind again, her words echoing faintly. She wnated to meet me in another life, he thinks. Though he had resolved to avoid the novel's main plotline and avoid getting involved, he can't ignore the twinge of guilt her memory brings.
His gaze shifts to his desk, where a white lily flower rests, glowing faintly. He remembers that, despite the second phase being a simulation, he'd managed to keep tangible objects like the rare lily flower. He smiles slightly, grateful for the stroke of luck and the knowledge he has of the novel, both of which have kept him alive.
As he leans back against the bed frame, he mutters to himself, acknowledging that while he's determined to survive, he can't entirely shut himself off from others. Guess im not as detached as i thought.
Slowly, Lucius closes his eyes, his exhaustion finally settling in. For tonight, he allows himself the hope that he'll survive long enough to see what lies beyond this tournament.
.....
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[A//N: This concludes volume 1, wow this is the first time I ever completed a full blown volume. And I'm kind of proud of myself for sticking through to posting it on this site, glad to see a lot of people like the novel! More chapters will be coming soon!
Volume 2 will start next week! Hope you guys are ready for it :D!
-Aldric_]
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Aldric_
Aldric_ WOOOOOOOOOO! end of volume 1 we did it :D!!!!!! bro you guys don’t know how long it took me to write this on paper, I know it may be easier to type it all out, but I find it easier and better to write things out on paper. SO PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR SLOW UPDATES :(
anyways i hope you enjoyed!but like always!
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