39. The Match begins

"You all are hilarious! huhuhu", Arthur laughed. All the kids and Arthur were sitting at our 'dorm'.

"What's so funny?", Sucheon asked glaring at the boy.

He explained, "The truth is the academy professors were contemplating ways to convince you guys to get on the area and fight with our students. But to their surprise, these twins all of a sudden jumped to challenge one of our top ten, and now all of you. You don't think we get the picture? You all came forward hastily because you felt like you might not get the chance to fight at all, no? And the funniest part is... thanks to you guys, our top ten peeps came together in an agreement for the first time. Until now, we've all been keeping each other in check one way or another... Not to mention avoiding any clash or sparring among us. We rather kept our opposing stance using those students that follow each of us. They're all grumbling about how mortified they are. It's chaotic there. Kekeke."

Subin spoke up, "But you said you were gonna make us fight you anyway."

"But the top ten weren't part of the picture. They were thinking more like the next tire down. Duke, Cain and I will stay out of it. Glant is most likely to join. That will make a perfect seven versus seven."

"You know we didn't come forward hastily because we were afraid we won't have a chance to spar with the top 10. It's because fighting the remaining six will be too hectic for Jiwoo alone", I stated and the rest leaving Sucheon nodded in agreement.

"Well, good luck then", Arthur said getting up, ready to leave. "I'm rooting for you guys."

After some time Jiwoo spoke up, "Did I end up stirring trouble?"

"Like he just said, we would've had to go through this match whether we liked it or not", I said.

"And if we can't avoid it, then sooner is better", Jisuk joined.

~BEE-BEEP CLACK!

It was a very annoyed and stressed-looking Inhyuk along with Seongha who mirrored the former's action.

"The match will be in two days. Everyone will be fighting on the same day. Just what were you all thinking doing this?", Inhyuk said. "What's done is down. Now, you must win. Show the world that the best awakened rookies from South Korea aren't any less than the world academy students."

The kids rejoyed but I felt like I was forgetting something very important which made me feel restless.

~~

(TWO DAYS LATER)

Ignoring Subin and Jisuk's bickering, Sucheon went for the first match which ended up as a draw. Next was Wooin whose result was delayed. The attacks were powerful so I formed a shield for us. The third spar was Gangseok's, which he won without any major injuries. The rest of the kids joked around but I just couldn't seem to relax today. The restless feeling was too much. The thing is, I didn't read all the chapters after episode 200 and skipped many chapters since they were taking so long to download!

"What is it Eunwoo? Why is your face so pale?", Jiwoo asked expressing his concern.

"Ah, hyung... I don't know I just feel like something's about to happen..."

"Just relax, what bad could happen when we're winning this sparring match!", Subin assured before going for her match against Lia.

Jiwoo held my hand to ease my nerves but nothing worked. He kept glancing at me as he said, "Don't worry, Mr Kartein and Mr Kayden are nearby. Nothing bad will happen, okay? I won't let anything harm you again."

I think he's talking about what happened with Armeong? I nodded. "I'm not so weak now, hyung. Hehehe"

"I know but about half your energy is still sealed."

The next thing we know is that we're fully focusing on the match. Gangseok told us about Leah's abilities but I just focused on the techniques in amazement.

"Her shield is so cool...", I said absentmindedly.

Jisuk's scoffed. "What are you talking about? Even you have a shield which is even better than hers."

"Oh, but mine doesn't reflect back an attack-"

BAM! CLASH!!