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After the Dean announced the start of the challenge, the ground inside the arena slowly rose, revealing 64 battle rooms. Among them, 32 were red and located on the left, while the other 32 were blue and located on the right. The appearance of these 64 battle rooms caused a huge uproar.
"This is... a Ring Battle?"
"Haha, it's interesting; this year's challenge is adopting this method?"
"That's the only way to make it interesting; otherwise, it will be boring in the early group stage."
Everyone was discussing it while their eyes were filled with anticipation.
The Ring Battle was a relatively old and traditional tournament system in which individuals had to take turns as the ringmaster, while others acted as challengers. The specific tournament system would depend on the number of participants, making adjustments as necessary. Though the details differed from the group-stage tournament system, it was more intuitive and exciting.
"This year's Freshman Challenge will use the Ring Battle method," Administrator Stanley said loudly. "As you can see, there are 64 battle rooms in total; among them, 32 are Ringmasters, while the other 32 are challengers."
"As long as someone wins 5 matches in a row first, or if no one challenges for more than ten minutes, that person can get on the list of those who made it to the Top 32. It's first come, first served, until there are enough people in the top 32. If you lose a match, you will be eliminated directly, and there will be no second chance."
As the Director's voice faded, the discussion among the crowd immediately grew louder.
"This is exciting; one person is sure to be out!"
"Even if you win 4 matches in a row, as long as you lose the 5th match, you're out of the competition, and the previous 4 victories will all be in vain."
"This tournament system looks great."
The teachers were also engaging in conversation.
"In this case, there are both pros and cons for the students who go up to the arena first," a teacher beside Prokopy said with a smile. "It is possible to take the lead and quickly secure a place in the top 32, but a careless person might also allow others to profit from their mistakes."
"The main point is that there are nearly 60 freshmen with a planet diameter of more than 500 kilometers this year, yet there are only 32 places at the top. It's up to the individuals to choose."
"How many freshmen are participating this year in total?" One of the teachers asked.
"900 in total," Prokopy responded, looking back.
"900 people? Then it won't be that difficult to win 5 matches in a row."
"No, that's not how it works," Prokopy smiled and said. "According to this rule, if you lose one match, you will be eliminated. So if it were me, I certainly wouldn't stand by and watch some ringmaster win 5 matches in a row. When he wins four matches in succession, there are bound to be powerful challengers coming up to stop him."
"That's true," the other teachers nodded.
It's the kind of competition that makes it interesting. Strength alone is not enough to secure victory; it is also a test of the choices each participant makes.
"Let the competition begin." As Director Stanley's voice fell, the crowd suddenly quieted, and they stared at the center.
Those 900 freshmen were the most outstanding geniuses from each area, and the diameter of their planets was at least 400 kilometers; not one of them was weak. But anything was possible in combat, as the diameter of the planet does not always reveal the whole story.
"I'll go first." A tall boy glanced at everyone and walked up.
"It's Wright," someone said.
Sebastian recognized him. Isn't this the person he met outside the arena?
As the first freshman went up, the geniuses behind him also didn't hold back; they came out in force. Geniuses are confident; no one thought they were inferior to others, especially those with larger planetary diameters. More than that, they believed they should be the leaders.
Right after Wright, Clifford, and Otwin also walked toward the red battle room almost simultaneously. Other geniuses followed without fear. 900 freshmen entered the competition, and soon, they almost filled up the 32 spots.
At this point, within the arena, a cheer rang out because Yeattine had also entered. There was a warm smile on his face as he approached one of the battle rooms.
"Yeattine? No one will dare to challenge him, right?" a new teacher asked suspiciously.
"I disagree," an elderly teacher shook his head and said with a faint smile. "Just wait; someone will come up to challenge him later."
The other teachers also wore inexplicable smiles. Everyone knew Yeattine was here to sail through the competition. Neither the school nor his instructor would allow this to happen.
"Sebastian, when do you plan to go up there?" Prokopy asked as he observed the situation on the field.
His brows furrowed slightly as he developed the best strategy for Sebastian! If he went up early, he would soon be challenged by others. There were too many opponents, making elimination easier in that scenario!
But if he went up too late, it could mean that the other player would be the first to win 5 matches in a row, thus missing out on a promotion spot.
"Five wins in a row?" The corners of Sebastian's mouth curled into a smile as he replied, "That can happen faster than you think."
That's all he said before stepping out and walking toward one of the rings.
Seeing Sebastian take the role of ringmaster, Prokopy and a group of teachers were a little surprised.
"Teacher Prokopy, your student has guts," an old teacher remarked appreciatively.
"If you are brave, it is possible to be eliminated first," the young teacher sneered.
"That's not for you to worry about," Prokopy said indifferently.
He couldn't help but think to himself. As the first ringmaster to take the stage, Sebastian was bound to be targeted. If he was the first to be eliminated, that wouldn't bode well.
Outside the battle room, many observers were also quite surprised.
After entering the battle room, Sebastian comfortably sat down and entered the awakening space.
[ ===== ]
Inside the Imperium.
At this time, Elizabeth was 46 years old, and wrinkles had appeared on her face. The air shook slightly, and she subconsciously raised her head.
A hint of joy appeared on her face as she said, "Father?"
"The Small Glory War will start in a month, so get ready." After sending this message, Sebastian adjusted the time flow, allowing the time between reality and Greater Terra to synchronize.
"Small Glory War?" Elizabeth's eyes sparkled at the mention.
She immediately set aside her tasks and gathered the top brass of the Astra Militarum in the conference room.
Everyone was very excited, sensing that something fascinating was about to unfold.
"A Small Glory War will initiate in a month; everyone prepares yourselves!"
Once her words concluded, excitement flickered in the eyes of everyone present. Even the scientists found fighting the Supernatural more thrilling than their research.
"The Astra Militarum has 50,000 soldiers, and this time, we won't assign a group for each general. Each match will be led by a different general, and the scientific team will comprise a hundred people. This time..." Elizabeth scanned the crowd before saying in a clear voice, "We aim to win cleanly. We'll showcase the latest results of our research and development over the years."
Once commands were issued, the Astra Militarum sprang into action. It had been more than ten years since the last Glory War; some had retired, but most had not changed drastically. The generals of the Astra Militarum, except for Cross, who retired due to old age, were peaking in their prowess.
For the opening match, there was considerable debate. Finally, the most senior of them, Allard, secured this spot, while Rommel personally led the support division. Masson, Acker, Schuhmache, Simon, and others followed suit. Sorge, who did not participate in the last Glory War, also gained a spot.
Having learned from prior experiences, this preparation period was significantly shorter. They did not feel rushed; one month was sufficient time.
On the flat ground at the planet's entrance, the Astra Militarum was set to go! The current Astra Militarum donned the latest uniform model; its appearance resembled a camouflage uniform.
Not only was the uniform updated, but there were also more changes in various areas. With the invention of the automobile, unprecedented mobility was introduced to the Astra Militarum, along with the development of larger and more powerful artillery.
Sebastian merely glanced and understood that the first challenger to confront him would likely face difficulty.
[ ===== ]
In less than one minute, all positions were filled. The remaining participants would act as challengers. The first group of ringmasters and challengers, except for their titles, differed little; whoever lost would be eliminated immediately.
In addition to these ringmasters, the other freshmen who participated were not reckless; they all observed.
Their instructors also assisted in checking the information of their opponents. Everyone aimed for their students to achieve good results in this challenge.
"I'll go," the first challenger announced.
He was a genius with a planetary diameter exceeding 500 kilometers. The one he intended to challenge was not Sebastian but rather a ringmaster close to Sebastian, whose planetary diameter was only slightly over 480 kilometers.
Among the ringmasters, not all had planets exceeding 500 kilometers in diameter; some had diameters less than 500 kilometers. Notably, his opponent had a planet slightly above 480 kilometers, making him the weakest and therefore the easiest challenge.
"I'm also in."
"I'll challenge one too."
Once the 1st challenger appeared, the 2nd and the 3rd followed suit.
"Sebastian in the 28th arena, you can use him as your opponent in the first battle," a mentor said to his students.
"Sebastian? The overall top student from the State of Georgia? Very well, let's go for him first." A smile crept onto the student's face as he headed toward the No. 28 arena where Sebastian was.
"Is that Finn Ludger from the State of Galewind?"
"The diameter of his planet is over 500 kilometers; he ranked 3rd in the State of Galewind this year?"
"It is said he originally wasn't named Finn Ludger; he chose that name later. He is strong and confident!"
"Teacher Prokopy, your student is up against Ludger in the first battle; I'm afraid it might be tricky."
"This Ludger has participated in several competitions and created a very powerful race; it won't be easy to deal with him."
Alongside Prokopy, every teacher who witnessed Ludger on stage discussed the situation.
"I fear it's Sebastian's reputation as Champion that has made him a target," an experienced teacher remarked, prompting nods from the others.
Prokopy frowned. Sometimes, the title of Champion was not advantageous.
The other freshmen from the State of Georgia watching in the stands felt equally nervous. Would their top student be eliminated in the first round?
[ ===== ]
Outside the battle room.
Ludger cast a disdainful glance at Sebastian, loudly declaring, "You should have guessed it. The reason I chose you is that you are too annoying. There are so many geniuses here, and you're the only provincial top student. I'm going to kick you out for everyone!"
"That is if you're as strong as you claim to be," Sebastian replied with a slight smile.
"You'll see soon enough." A dangerous glint flickered in Ludger's eyes.
The two walked into their respective battle rooms, and a projection appeared in the arena and the viewing room. Everyone could watch several matches simultaneously, but the one capturing the most attention was the duel between Sebastian and Ludger.
This was the only match among the first few where both sides had planets with diameters exceeding 500 kilometers! The duel between the two geniuses promised to be intense.
For the administrator and teachers, almost all their eyes were focused on this match.
The match commenced soon.
[ ===== ]
On Greater Terra.
The long-lost planet passage slowly opened again, and everyone in the Astra Militarum watched with excitement.
Allard stood at the forefront, waving his hand; immediately, the Guardsmen and Scientists surged forward. They once again entered this dream-like passage.
Elizabeth remained with the team at the back.
[ ===== ]
In the competition arena.
It was situated on a deserted planet, and the flow of time had a fixed ratio to the outside world.
Sebastian took in the scene. There was nothing particularly special about this competition arena; it was simply a standard flatland.
Once the Astra Militarum gradually entered the arena, the Supernatural race created by Ludger on the opposite side followed suit.
When the translucent barrier between them vanished, this match officially began.