My ego had been shattered—my pride at being a step ahead of everyone else was completely ruined.
All I had gotten from this Exchange was the desire to grow even better... as well as a Rival who would spur me on to achieve that.
"Winner, Kuzon Midas." Klaus' voice echoed across the hall as I descended the broken-down stage.
A sting crepy upon my heart but I shook it off. For now, I would have to live with this loss... and it would only make me grow stronger eventually!
"I now declare that the one who has officially scored first place in the Magic Division for the First years is... Kuzon Midas!"
The crowd seemed to be a bit conflicted by the results as it took a few moments of pause before a wave of cheer burst from them. Since I had lost, there was no longer any place for me among the competitors. My eyes frolicked about and I saw Ana seared among the other First Year Lower Class students.
Of course, she sat alone—most likely due to the special treatment given to the strong by those who knew they were inferior.
Her sparkling eyes invited me in her direction as she lightly tapped a seat beside her. Nodding slightly, I smiled and proceeded to join her.
As I took my steps, it was impossible to ignore the multitude of eyes on me. Some displayed bewilderment, some fear, some suspicion, some reverence... some animosity!
I felt a cold stare from behind me, the direction was the Judges' stand. I realized that it had to belong to none other than Damien Lawcroft, so I ignored whatever annoyed expression he had to be making.
Even after seeing the sight I displayed, was his stubbornness too much that it blinded him from admitting to the potential a Lower Class trash had?
I shrugged off the negative vibes he emitted and completely ignored the positive looks from everyone around.
If I had won the match, perhaps my reaction would be different. But, now? All I felt was a burning need to get better!
Even as people stared, I climbed the stairs and reached for the elevated spot where Ana was waiting for me with empty seats.
I helped myself to the seat on her left, rendering a word of thanks.
"You did good out there! It was an amazing match!" She spoke even before I completely settled in.
Was she reading my mind? Could Ana see the guilt that was still clinging to me?
After promising to win, I couldn't even make good on it. Instead, I even surrendered without fighting to the bitter end as others would prefer.
"That last spell of yours... it was amazing! You have to teach me!" She beamed even more, not minding the fact that I didn't respond to her earlier statement.
'I see... so she's trying to cheer me up, uh? How cute.'
First, it was Kuzon, now Ana. I was certain Edward would also try to make me feel better once we met again. How hilarious was that?
Still... the sentiment didn't feel terrible.
"Yeah... sure..." I replied, turning and looking wholeheartedly in Ana's direction for the first time.
Once I captured the innocent and optimistic glow of the girl, the guilt within me vanished. I really didn't owe it to anyone to win. It was just something I needlessly burdened myself with.
In the end, those superficial concepts didn't matter one bit.
Ana never asked for me to avenge her. What she was asking now... was the same as what I desired.
We both wanted to become better!
"... I'll teach you."
With the deal sealed, there was no need for further words between us. Our heads simultaneously turned back to the ruined stage, and for the first time, I was able to see what devastation my Spell had actually wrought.
'There's no way they can use that for the next match!' My thoughts rang.
Did I really take things too far?
Fortunately, Ainzlark was the top Academy in the Eastern Kingdom for a reason.
In moments, the destroyed stage was repaired by an earth mage who also served as the Lecturer of the Upper-Class First Years.
Particles that had been fragmented beyond repair seemed to be replaced thanks to the superior use of Mana, and in seconds, the platform was as good as new.
'That's some expert use of Magic right there!' I beamed in observation, already out of the slump my loss had brought me into.
Not all Advanced Spells had to be destructive like mine. The one the Earth Mage Lecturer used was most definitely of the Advanced Level, but it simply meant a more intricate and efficient repair—if not renovation—of the stage.
Usually, a Mage was expected to be capable of producing at least one Advanced Spell without difficulty. Also, they needed to be well versed in Intermediate Level Spells and Basic Magic to an expert level.
The way the Lecturer used Advanced Magic to simply rectify the damage I had caused told me there was more up his sleeve.
He was certainly no joke. No, Ainzlark as a whole was simply too impressive!
'Well, not everything here is good...'
"We will now resume the match!" Klaus Tallman declared, causing some of the crowd who still stole glances at me to return their focus to the center of attention!
It was finally time for the next round, belonging to none other than the Martial Arts Division! In essence, Edward's time had come!
I noticed beside me that Anabelle's eyes were bursting with so much anticipation, and to be honest, I was too.
Instantly forgetting my match, both eyes now observed as my comrade and dear pupil picked his weapon from the rack of several tools and climbed the stage all alone.
'He already defeated Eben Lustriel in the last match. Who will he be competing against?'
My curiosity was piqued!
"For the Martial Arts Finals, we will have our contestant—Edward Karl Leon choose his opponent!" Klaus suddenly boomed, causing me—no, all of us who watched—to drop our jaws in shock.
The contestant himself was in a daze.
"Now, then... who will it be?!"
