The classroom fell into complete silence as Principal Monica continued, her gaze sweeping over the attentive freshmen.
"You should be starting your foundational studies about Beasts today, but…" She paused, her eyes lingering on the eager faces before her. "I trust you have all heard of the inter-academy tamer competition, correct?"
A chorus of nods rippled through the room.
Monica offered a reassuring smile. "For those who might be less familiar, let me elaborate. The Academy Tamer Competition is an annual contest between the three prominent Tamer academies within Cordelia: the esteemed Guardian Academy, currently holding the top position, which will send four of their most promising students; the First Star Academy, also sending four representatives; and our own… Vitality Academy. While our academy boasts the largest student body among the three, regrettably, we haven't consistently held the strongest competitive record. We, too, will be sending a team of four students."
"Principal Monica," Mariana called out, her voice cutting through the quiet anticipation.
"Yes, Mariana?" Monica turned her attention to the assertive student.
"With all due respect, why are you addressing this to us? Shouldn't this explanation be directed towards the core students? We are, after all, just first-year initiates," Mariana stated, and several other students murmured their agreement.
"At least she asked a pertinent question," Christopher drawled from his relaxed position in the back row, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"That is indeed a valid question," Monica acknowledged with a nod, turning her attention back to the entire class. "The Guardian Academy has reigned supreme in these inter-academy competitions for the past five decades. Consequently, they have been granted the authority to dictate the competition rules. And believe me, they consistently formulate regulations that heavily favor their own students, leaving little room for dissent. If we are dissatisfied, the only true recourse is to defeat them and seize that power ourselves." Her fist clenched briefly, underscoring her point.
"Their dominance often manifests as a tendency to… well, let's say they enjoy asserting their superiority over the other academies. Now, for this year's competition, the Guardian Academy has introduced a new stipulation: only first-year students are eligible to participate."
"What?" A collective gasp of surprise and confusion echoed through the classroom.
"Now that you understand the rationale behind this announcement," Monica continued, her gaze earnest, "what are your thoughts? Are you prepared to face the freshmen representatives of the Guardian Academy?"
A wave of uncertain glances passed between the students. Most of them had only recently awakened their tamer abilities and possessed a rudimentary understanding of their potential. Their enrollment in the academy was driven by a desire to learn and grow, not to be thrust into a high-stakes competition so early in their journey.
"I am ready to help the academy secure victory," Mitchell declared, rising confidently to his feet.
"Same here!" Mariana echoed, quickly standing beside him.
'With my trump card, I can even contend with an Elite Tamer. The Guardian Academy freshmen can't possibly be that strong. This is my chance to erase that humiliating defeat.' Mariana thought, a determined glint in her eyes.
Monica smiled, a genuine expression of encouragement. She was pleasantly surprised to see ten students already on their feet, their faces reflecting a mix of determination and perhaps a touch of apprehension.
'Impressive. Their courage and willingness are even more pronounced than last year's freshmen.' She mused.
Her gaze then shifted towards Christopher and Advika, who remained seated in the back, showing no inclination to join the others. The attention of the entire class followed hers, settling on the two exceptional students who had topped the entrance exam rankings.
"Master Christopher, Miss Advika," Monica addressed them directly, "will you not be participating in this competition?"
"Principal Monica," Christopher began, his voice calm and measured, "you've explained the academy competition. What about the international Tamer competition?"
Monica was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. The rest of the class exchanged confused glances, unsure of the shift in topic.
Seeing their bewildered expressions, Monica sighed softly. "I had intended to reveal information about the international competition after the academy event."
"Forgive me, Principal Monica, but that won't suffice," Advika interjected smoothly, her gaze steady as she spoke in support of her companion.
"Alright," Monica conceded with a small, understanding smile. She proceeded to explain, "The international Tamer competition is a significant event involving the three major countries known as Cordelia, Avalon, and Vanilla. The participants from each country are typically the winners of their respective national academy competitions. This means that if four of you emerge victorious in the upcoming academy competition, you will earn the qualification to represent Cordelia on the international stage. However… realistically speaking, if only freshmen participate, our team would likely be facing incredibly skilled and experienced tamers, potentially placing us in last place. Unless, of course, Christopher or Mitchell were to join the team, in which case a third-place finish might be a more attainable goal."
"Third place? Principal, you are clearly underestimating my abilities," Mitchell said, his tone laced with displeasure.
"I am not underestimating anyone, Mitchell. I am merely stating a likely outcome based on the potential level of competition. In that international arena, you could very well encounter entire teams composed of legendary-level tamers. How do you realistically expect to secure a higher position under those circumstances?" Monica countered, a slight frown creasing her brow.
"This…?" Mitchell stammered, momentarily deflated.
"Is there a level restriction for the international competition?" Christopher inquired, his gaze thoughtful.
"No," Monica confirmed, then added, "However, we do have the opportunity to add two more students to our international team. The competition format requires six tamers in a group. So, if four of you win the academy competition, we will strategically add two core students, likely one each from Guardian and First Star academies, to bolster our chances on the global stage. Remember, when we compete internationally, we are representing our country, not just our academy."
"Hmm… When exactly is this international competition scheduled to take place?" Mariana asked, her initial focus shifting.
"Don't concern yourselves with that for the moment. It is still several months away. The immediate focus is the academy competition, which will commence next week… precisely four days from now."
She turned her attention back to Christopher and Advika. "So, what are your decisions?"
"Alright then… I'm in. I don't particularly care about the academy competition itself; my target is the international Tamer competition, and it seems the only way to get there is by winning this preliminary round," Christopher stated with a faint, confident smile.
"I will also participate," Advika added, her voice concise and resolute.
Monica released a small sigh of relief. She then looked at the ten students who had readily volunteered, her expression slightly conflicted.
"Very well… However, we only need four representatives. Therefore, we will need to hold a preliminary competition amongst the ten of you. The four individuals who secure the top four positions in this internal selection process will be our academy's participants in the inter-academy competition."
The students who remained seated exchanged knowing glances. With Christopher, Advika, Mitchell, and Mariana already having demonstrated significant prowess, the remaining six volunteers seemed to understand the formidable challenge they faced.
"Okay… This internal selection competition will begin today at 12:00 PM. Don't worry, you won't be doing any studies today; this time is for you to prepare yourselves mentally and strategically." Monica opened the document on the table and glanced up at the group of students.
"These here are the rewards for the winners of this Academy competition." She held up the document slightly. "The competition will be scored based on points accumulated. The individual with the highest point total will receive a grand prize of 1,000,000 dollars, a Legendary-stage beast egg, a high-stage herb, and a piece of legendary-stage equipment."
She paused, allowing the weight of the rewards to sink in as she observed their stunned expressions. A small smile touched her lips as she continued, "The second-highest point total will earn 500,000 dollars and a piece of legendary-stage equipment. The third-place finisher will receive 200,000 dollars and a piece of elite-stage equipment. These are the primary rewards; the incentives for lower placements are… less substantial."
"One million dollars… that amount could secure my family's future for generations!" a student murmured, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Wow… A legendary-stage egg and equipment! If I can get my hands on those, winning the international Tamer competition would be within easy reach," Mariana said, a confident smile spreading across her face.
"Alright class, please prepare yourselves for today's friendly internal competition. You will be briefed on the specific rules and format upon arrival at the arena." Monica closed the document and began to walk towards the classroom door.
"Oh!" She paused at the doorway and turned back to the students. "Other students from the academy will be observing the competition." With that final remark, she exited the classroom, leaving the remaining students in a state of stunned silence, the weight of the impending competition and the allure of the promised rewards hanging heavy in the air.