Chapter 127: Opening ceremony!
[Seth's POV:]
"Yes, I have been thinking for some time as well..."
Seriously conversing with someone entirely stranger is not something I even considered in my last life since I had the freedom to ignore them in the face but right now, I just have to keep a smiling face and respond to every other person who recognizes me either as the honored Student Council President or the son of the legendary Duchess.
The people from my academy already have been scrambling around and getting acquainted with the students of other schools attending the opening ceremony of the Tournament.
The venue, as always, falls into no specific continent but an abandoned land near the southern boundary of Ranghaur. To keep partiality out of the contest the tournaments are always held at such places where no team could take advantage of.
Then who the heck arranges all these things and ensures that no cheating is added to the mix? That person is about to enter the scene in a few minutes now.
All those who were in the top ten of their respective academies' selection rounds were invited to the opening ceremony. All of these participants were strong and with just a glance I could tell, that no one was here leisurely partying.
Like me, most of the students were appraising and measuring each other and determining their tactics from hereon already. Truly competitive as I must say and it was true for me as well.
However if not for my mother's demand to win this contest, I am not sure how would I have taken all this drama all along. Teamwork and showing off is not my thing but holding back and breaking the promise I made to Lady Valarie was the last thing I would like to commit.
I was registered as a Tier 3 mage and I hope I have to show that much strength in aligning to my profile.
"Is that General Saebes's progeny?"
One of the professors of ènlair asked pointing his gaze toward the broadest man in the hall.
"Yes, Kevin is our team's backup."
Considering how overwhelmingly he won his previous matches before he was set against me, it was decided that Kevin would be the fifth man on the team. Well, considering his on-field battle instincts and his ace skill Berserk I also gave my consent to take him as the backup.
"He's grown strong from the last time I saw him."
I have no idea how this old man was acquainted with General Saebes but whatever. I knew Kevin was strong and after I defeated him just some days after my transmigration, he shaped himself in a far better way than the plot allowed him.
"May I have your attention please?"
I turned to look at the new arrival I have sensed some moments ago already and found an old man on the stage, probably in his sixties yet the posture of his back betraying his appearance. There were countless wrinkles all over his face but the dignified air he carried does not let anyone judge him based on his outer shell. Those white hair signified the age he has crossed by and the domineering presence he gave off made it clear that this person was none other than the one who was overseer for the Tournament and a member of the World Council.
The Great Sage, Salamander.
"By the looks of it, I could tell that there are only a few of the students who actually perceived my arrival and I am quite disappointed by the number if I speak from the honest side." The statement made most of the students flinch in either embarrassment or caution.
Truth be told this man can sneak in here without giving off even a minuscule of his presence yet he deliberately made his arrival known, only to a limited extent but as one could expect from the Great Sage, his tricks are not something everyone can get a grasp of.
Well, I knew he would be arriving but spreading my observation throughout the venue let me know the exact time when the old man took the stage.
"Well considering how young and inexperienced here the students are, I could have expected nothing more from you brats but still, being professors of the six greatest Academies spread across the globe, how dare you hags also didn't detect me?"
His gaze didn't turn in any specific direction but the tremble which ran across some of the professors and those who were averting their gazes provided enough evidence that not every teacher here was worthy of such dignified jobs they receive shit tons wages for.
At least all the headmasters of the six academies seem to be not counted in that list.
"Moving on, I would like to welcome all the youth here for the renowned Tournament of Centuries and the opportunity you might never come across again in your lifetime. The only chance to grab the golden shortcut to your success and the prospect to make your school proud. Welcome to the Tournament of Elites!"
At the eloquent opening speech of the contest, everyone began to applaud in unison like the flames of motivation suddenly ignited in their subconsciousness. Does he use some skill? Dunno, since I didn't feel anything and my hands moved basically out of obligation.
"Hmmm?"
Just as the plot went, the old man on the stage suddenly turned his head in a particular direction staring at a specific raven haired.
"You, lanky boy. What tier are you?"
Everyone's attention fell on the said boy belonging to the team I am in charge of. Arata Hazadono.
"3rd."
"Hmmm...."
Unlike the real Arata who would have become a stuttering mess, this one, who has the soul of another being responded in a carefree tone.
The reason Salamander took notice of Arata was undoubtedly because of the divine presence the latter possessed and as an all-seer, the Great Sage naturally would find Arata worth his attention.
'Damn... '
Suddenly the hall fell into abyssal silence as heavy pressure fell upon the crowd but it was actually the heat of the main fire since the one who was in the center of such pressure was none other than Arata.
In the original plot, being focused by such an overwhelming aura, Arata naturally found himself in a grave corner until the demi god inside of him emerged and helped Arata out of the danger and astonished everyone present inside the hall. It was a kickstart for Arata in the tournament and an adequate first impression that could be called worthy for the protagonist.
This was what, it was supposed to transpire.
But...
"Akhh!!!"
"Pathetic."
Under everyone's gaze, Arata's feet dug three feet down the surface due to heavy pressure before the Sage finally lifted the weight and regarded Arata as such. For some reason, Arata withheld the test Salamander offered to explore his limitation. However, Arata intentionally endured and didn't let the inner beast emerge in front of others.
Surely the Great Sage also knew how Arata just suppressed his true might and the reason he spat such venomously was because of how he missed witnessing such exceptional talent lying dormant in Arata.
But the question arises, why though?
Was Arata trying to shift the plot for no definite reason or is he trying to hide his strength to surprise his enemies in the tournament?
Regardless, all of it would be something for my future self to worry about since my present self just wants to enjoy dinner and sleep like a log after this never-ending tedious day.
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A/N: - Drop a comment~
Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om