Unknown, Gonzalez, Reason, and Jasmine

Someone's POV... 

I don't know why I came here, but I feel quite restless. 

Every time I think about this upcoming fight, there is always a premonition appearing in my heart. 

I have been searching for the culprit for these past few weeks. Unfortunately, I can't find even a trace of his shadow. 

It's so complicated. 

If my love recklessly takes part, I know with his current prowess, he won't make it. To make sure he can go back home safely, I came here to stand by. In case an emergency occurs, I can take action. 

I take a deep breath as I try to suppress the burden in my heart. My eyes lock on the stage and carefully watch the show unfold.

The referee put his hand behind as he turned around the audience, acting like an old man. Unfortunately, his mustache and beard aren't long, or else, I might see the legendary beard caressing. 

However, it is not a pity. Not to mention, with his bulging muscles, having a long mustache and beard won't be a good idea. 

With the appearance of the referee, the crowd turns silent but eagerly waiting for the battle to start. 

The referee walks forwards for about five steps, then bows to the crowd. Only after three seconds, then he straightened his body. He turns to the next side and bows once again; he turns to another, then bows, and so to another side. 

He bowed four times with three seconds' duration each. 

Do not misunderstand, this referee's action is not out of courtesy, this is a rule. Although we are merely students, while he has higher status, at the end of the day, he is an individual who merely works under the Academy and there are rules he has to abide by. 

And that is, before every fight or introduction happens, giving respect to each other is the proper way to start. 

Of course, as a student, we also bow after him, to show respect when. We wait for him to stand before we do. 

...

When everything is said and done, it is time for the referee to name himself. 

The referee stands straight, makes a fist, and puts it on his heart. 

He speaks in a tone that is not loud, nor weak. He speaks calmly, but a majestic temperament is visible in his words. At this moment, he looks very similar to a legendary dragon.

"My name is Arnulfo, a wild and lone wolf. I am here to stand the position as the referee of the battle! ~ " 

Even though I hide in the crowd, the proud and arrogant temperament he has is still visible to my senses. 

"However, although I said I am the referee, I am not here to interfere when something big is about to happen, or here to interfere if someone is about to die. I am not here to do work like those others~" 

"Either you die in this battle or not. I don't care. I'll instead just watch you perish! I am here only to see and to make sure that no one on either side would use hypocrite cheats! Any means of cheating has not allowed! " 

"Yes! It said that there is no rule in the battle, but it will disappoint the academy if anyone cheats. And also, Academy won't tolerate you if we find out that you have someone from outside helping you by any means " 

"You must remember, this is not advice! " 

The referee's head turns sideways and looks towards a building near the stage. The building only has two rooms that are divided by a thick wall. 

These rooms are where the participants have to wait.

Looking at the referee, I can't help but recall his words in my mind.

He has a point. 

I can't agree less with him, however, that doesn't mean I won't interfere anymore if something goes wrong with him. 

Cheating is a disgraceful act for us mages. Cheating is the worst thing someone would do. Especially if you don't know how to cheat properly. 

Once you cheat, make sure no one can find it out.  

And that's what I am planning to do. To cheat carefully. 

A smug break on my lips as I got covered by the crowd. 

...

At the other side of the crowd. 

Jasmine's POV*

Because I am worried about Rolan, I came to watch the fight. In case something bad happens, I am just nearby to rescue him. 

At this moment, because I don't want to get too much attention, I went in incognito and stand behind the crowd. 

My mind has currently worried about Rolan, so I am observing everything. 

"Now, this is the time to introduce the challenger to this match! The mysterious individual who generated this awaited battle. The individual who challenged the student from class four. Let's give him a round of applause, ALBERT GONZALEZ! " 

As the name stated out loud, the door of one room opened. A vague shadow like a buffalo that got released from his cage swiftly runs off from the darkness and jumps like a wild eagle about five meters high in the air and lands on the battle stage as soft as a feather and as cool as a hero. 

Seeing that entrance, a bolt of lightning suddenly walks to my body. I shiver, not because it's cool, but because it makes me cringe.

However, this causes a tremendous commotion in the crowd. 

"That entrance is so good!" 

"Yap! I wish I could also do the same!" 

"Just the way he entered, it can tell that he is a powerful individual!" 

"True! I now can see who will be the winner. " 

This type of entrance that I said cringe is cool to the others?

Their taste is shit. 

I slap them and spit at them in my mind. They are just too plastic. 

Fortunately, I don't have personal misunderstandings with them, or else I might give them a beating. I shake my head and forcefully look to the stage. 

If I heard it correctly, this guy's name is Albert Gonzalez! 

Albert Gonzalez? This name rings the bell...

I think he's one of my classmates and also one of my pursuers...

Wait~ don't tell me I am the one who brings all this trouble?

Damn... I really have to make sure Rolan won't get hurt or else I might regret it in my entire life. 

Black like appears on my forehead as my heartbeats fasten. 

I hastily use my brain and think of this Gonzalez information.

It didn't take a long time, and I eventually got some ideas. 

Gonzalez's family, although not that powerful on the entire continent, is one of the strongest families here in the city of Mahika. 

They have a gigantic business and, of course, a lot of connections because of this. 

They have a vast business of weapons and artifacts.

Anyway, long story short, inside the Mahika City, they are someone who shouldn't offend...

Humph! But I don't care. Inside this academy, his connection is nothing but a useless title. 

Anyway, why can't I sense his aura?

Where is he?

(Recall: It is difficult to investigate someone's info from the Academos Academy even with a connection you have. Although you could gain something, you won't know the person's information entirely. That is also the reason Albert Gonzalez failed to find out that Rolan is not from a big family) 

...

MC's POV 

Rolan Skyford 

"I want to take this quest! "

After looking at the quest board for a very long time, I finally see something interesting. I pick up three quests and put them on the counter where the clerk stands. 

"Sir, may I see your I.D?" 

The clerk says as she stretches her hand. 

Hearing the request, I take the I.D out from the spatial ring and pass it to her. 

The clerk then walks towards somewhere I don't know and only comes back after a few minutes. 

"I already checked the information, and everything is okay, sir. " 

"This is your first time doing an assignment so I need to evaluate your prowess first" 

"Hmm" I nod in agreement.

"If you don't mind sir, please put your hand on this crystal ball" 

As per her instruction, I stretch my hand and put it on the crystal ball or also known as the magic orb. 

A sphere, black stone that looks nothing connected to magic but, on the contrary, a magical artifact. A perfect thing to describe a low-key manner.