I left the hall that day with a bad taste remnant in my mouth.
Of course, I had achieved victory —same as my allies—but the sickening feeling of the current state of Ainzlark couldn't let me completely rejoice.
Anabelle and Edward were a bit surprised by the way I was acting, I could tell by the numerous glances they stole at me and the signals they gave each other, but I chose to ignore them.
'Something needs to be done...'
While the segregation of the talented from the mediocre seemed efficient at first glance, in the long run, the Academy would produce poor students and release them from their gates.
In the first place, talented and skilled individuals would always be fewer than the collective in any society—Ainzlark was no different.
By separating them from the others and determining the roles of everyone, the Academy was sure to exponentially increase the power and status of the Elite, but also significantly reduce the potential of those who weren't as skilled.
The lack of balance, as well as the damage to be caused the longer this method remained dwelled on my mind. It had to be eradicated.
Unfortunately, my feelings of dissatisfaction would have to remain just that... at least for the time being. I wasn't stupid enough to imagine effecting real change with my current capabilities.
'I need to amass more power, more knowledge, more status... and more connections!'
That was why this Inter-Class Exchange was so important! Using this platform to gain more recognition for myself and my allies would be sure to benefit me in the future!
I wasn't willing to get anything less than first place!
***********************
The third day was even tenser than the previous one.
Less people were seated among the contestants, and the spectators had an air of anxiety and expectation that pervaded the Hall.
I took a good look around me, counting the number of those who qualified to this point.
For the first years, a total of twelve—same as the other years. That left a total of thirty-six contestants!
"Welcome to the Semi-Finals, everyone!" Our energetic moderator shouted, spurring the already-excited crowd on.
"Congratulations to those who have made it this far! For those who couldn't, there's always next year!"
I rolled my eyes, wondering why Klaus seemed to intentionally leave out the Third-years who lost and would most certainly never get another chance again when he gave his consolations.
"I will now be stating how the events of the Semi-Finals will go!"
This time, we all listened attentively.
"Due to the uneven distribution of members in a Class who have passed the Quarters, for the Magic Division, we'll be having a form of elimination match!" Klaus declared.
'I knew it!'
It was evident that since we were having an 'Inter-Class Exchange, fighting against members of the same Class wasn't allowed. As a result, they probably intended on balancing out the number of competitors from each class for the Magic Division.
"This elimination match will serve as a preliminary round before the main Semi-Finals. First Years Magic Division, step forward!"
Taking it as our cue, Anabelle and I stood up instantly and made our way down the stairs. I saw the excited, bored, anxious, mellow, etc. looks on the faces of those I would be contesting with.
All seven of us who passed climbed the stage, standing before Klaus for our briefing. We were officially eight, though. I represented two people.
"Only four of you will be coming out of this preliminary round. Two from each Class."
Since only Upper Class and Lower Class students were present, it was a fair deal. It also meant that Ana and my participation in the Semi-Finals were more than guaranteed.
"You'll be facing automatons in this round. The one who is capable of defeating as many automatons as possible within the time limit will advance to the main match."
I smiled at the simplicity of the competition. Still, there was a question on my mind.
"I have a question. Will we all start at the same time?"
Klaus responded with a 'Yes'.
"But, I'm currently representing two people. How would that be fair?"
While I had an understanding of the compromise the moderator would have reached concerning my case, it was still a good thing to make things clear before the contest began.
"After everyone is done, you'll be given additional time to represent your second identity. Is that fair enough for you?"
I nodded, turning to Ana with a wink.
It wasn't really an important matter for me to win the second round since I had already decided that both Ana and I would be making it into the Semi-Finals.
The problem was who would emerge victorious among the Upper-Class members. The most possible choices would be Kuzon and Maria. They were geniuses above all others. Stefan stood a chance, but I still felt like Maria was superior.
It was a shame, though. If the boy got cut out before I got the chance to fight him... that would leave a bad taste in my mouth.
'You better qualify too, Stefan! Even if you have to puke blood.'
"Now, then, as per the rules... you are not allowed to hurt anyone purposely during this round. You are also not allowed to attack an automaton that has already been engaged by another student. You are to focus solely on subduing as many opponents as you can. The use of anything other than Magic is strictly prohibited... this is a competition to test your Magic skills, after all."
We all silently listened to Klaus as he spelled out the regulations. They were all well within reason.
"Do you all understand?"
We responded positively, and after Klaus confirmed our understanding of the regulations, a huge timer was set above us, visible for everyone in the Hall to see. We were given a minute to subdue as many automatons as possible!
As everyone readied themselves in their respective positions, me included, the earth beneath us rumbled and holes began appearing all over the stage. It was as though the tiles that made them up were sinking. Replacing the tiles were beings that sprang up from beneath the dark hole.
They were automatons—our foes!
"Get ready... Begin!"
