"Teo…Teo… you can do better than this, do this for me, Teo."
In the brief moment when Ajax was knocked out, he saw himself quivering while he forced his body to get up, yet he called himself Teo.
five, four ,three…
Ajax got up, barely holding his ground.
"Teo?" He thought, "I don't know who you are, but if you want me to win, then I've got to win." He grinned.
"What the…?" Steve said, his face trembling, "He can move?"
"Lucius, can you feel that?" Ajax asked.
[Yeah, I can.]
Ajax raised his hands and started moving slowly, as if playing a violin, dancing to his own rhythm.
"What is he doing?" Steve whispered.
And it happened, he sent fire from Art slicing towards Steve like a blade.
Steve blocked it, but another attack followed—a blade of water, and fire… water… fire…
The more Ajax got into his movements, the faster and stronger the blades became.
His mind was eased, his head tilted into the sky. Without looking at Steve, he still sent accurate attacks directly at him.
Steve could barely catch his breath before another shot followed.
Ajax suddenly stopped, standing still aa he took a deep breath with his eyes closed.
Steve held his knees, breathing heavily.
A blade of fire, faster and stronger than any of the blades he had sliced earlier, was fired at Steve.
ten, nine, eight… one
Clang!
Ajax won.
The crowd started applauding Ajax.
Steve was taken to the infirmary, and Ajax was also asked to go for a check up.
Ajax's parents visited him at the infirmary. Their faces etched with worries.
"You did great out there," Alex said, "And where did you get that sword, it's pretty cool."
Ajax smiled.
"We are really proud of you, Ajax," Athena said, ruffling his hair.
"I had no doubt you would win," Arrow smiled proudly, "But your last move? It was cool but where did it come from?"
"I don't know, it just came." Ajax said, "I thought grandpa was here?"
"They were happy with your win, but they had urgent matters to attend to," Athena said, " unfortunately, they can't meet you."
As they spoke, there was a sudden knock, it was the principal.
She wanted to speak with Ajax and his parents about a serious matter.
"I'm sure you know of this," the principal said, "every year, three students from every academy are chosen for Crownshard Academy.
"For this year, all our spots are open, so I wanted Ajax to take the first spot if you wouldn't mind."
Arrow's eyes sparked, and she started teasing Ajax.
"I'm glad to know Ajax could make it to the list," Alex said "but I would like him to make the decision himself."
He turned to Ajax, "what do you think about this?"
"What can I say?" Ajax smiled and scratched his head, "I mean…It's not a bad idea."
"Glad to hear that. He will be enrolled after the other two students are selected," principal said, "I will leave you to have your moment."
The room was filled with appreciation and excitement after the principal left.
Not before long, they had to leave. They said their farewell and headed to Aegisville.
Immediately Ajax's family left, Storm and Berry hurried in and had their time with Ajax.
Crownshard Academy, located in Regalia, is an academy for the elite students in Sacred Nation. It is the home factory that produces heroes for the nation. To attend, you must be hand picked by the principal, an academy or the Emperor of the Sacred Nation. Students' sole focus are to explore dungeons, duels and go on quests to rack up credit scores.
"What? Crownshard?" Storm asked shockingly, "You are not leaving without me. I will do whatever it takes to get selected."
Storm's reaction when Ajax told him about his enrollment at Crownshard Academy, was of admiration and desire.
Steve was admitted for a week. Ajax's last shot caused fetal damages. His parents were present at the duel and scolded him for losing when he gained consciousness.
The loss was a blow to Steve. He hardly spoke with anyone, mostly skipped class and his hatred for Ajax deepened after hearing he'd been selected to enroll at Crownshard Academy.
Students often swarmed over Ajax, many wanting to be his friends and many who just thought he was cool. Some underestimated his achievements but many respected him, and were punctual in his classes.
The semester ended with Ajax topping their class once again. He had to return home for a two week break before he could get the opportunity to head for Crownshard Academy.
Fortune smiled upon him, he turned ten in the house. This was the first time he's got to celebrate his birthday at home since his enrollment at Terra Academy.
A casual appreciation party was held for him on his excellent scores and enrollment at Crownshard Academy.
For the first time, the Romanov family did not attend his party.
It was a warm and cheerful atmosphere throughout the night.
Later that night, Ajax lay on his bed thinking of when he will get to see Emy again. But suddenly, Lucius interrupted his thoughts,
[Crownshard Academy won't be as easy as Terra,] Lucius said, [I appreciate your desire to be strong.
[Let's top Crownshard Academy as the champions we are.]
"Tch…"