Chapter 97: Can’t Hold It Together

Starfall Auditorium, Swordflower University.

"...To celebrate the adventurous spirit of relentless striving, foster a culture of healthy competition, and strengthen the bond between Swordflower and Truth Universities, we now turn the stage over to the brightest students from both institutions for a friendly match under the gaze of the stars."

As Sonia's voice rang out, the hall's vaulted ceiling began to retract. The mirrored panels on the underside reflected the starlight in intricate patterns, casting ethereal beams throughout the room. Each attendee appeared to be cloaked in a shimmering veil of starlight, the brilliance surpassing the artificial lighting from moments before.

In the Stellar Nation, all major events were held under the stars, symbolic of the Progenitor of Stars' blessing. Daylight marked "work hours," while the starry night was reserved for "entertainment"—a schedule manageable only by sorcerers who relied on virtual realms to rejuvenate.

Starlight wasn't just for aesthetics; it symbolized divine favor and conferred minor enhancements to sorcerers engaged in combat, study, or training during the night.

"With the stars descending, let us first welcome Professor Oleron from Truth University and Professor Nidala from Swordflower University to share their thoughts on tonight's friendly match," Arsenal Cage, the co-host, announced smoothly.

It was no surprise that university presidents were absent from the event; Legendary Sorcerers had far more pressing matters, often dedicating their time to research and virtual exploration. Truth University sent "Weapon Master" Oleron as its representative, while Swordflower University was represented by "Rhythm Sword Saint" Nidala.

Nidala cast a disinterested glance at the students from Truth University and said curtly, "Leonie, make it quick. I've got a virtual excursion to attend to and no patience for this dull affair."

The burly, bald Oleron snorted, his body adorned with intricate line tattoos. Before her experiences in the virtual realm, Sonia wouldn't have recognized their significance. Now, she understood they were amplifiers for lightning-based sorcery.

Despite his imposing appearance, Oleron's tone was surprisingly measured. "I hope tonight's match proves fruitful for the students of both universities. I look forward to seeing Swordflower's talent in action, but I'm equally confident in the abilities of my students. Incidentally, I'm considering taking on a research apprentice this year. Perform well, and perhaps a student from Swordflower will earn that spot."

The Truth University students responded with polite nods, their expressions calm and dismissive, as if the Swordflower contingent didn't even warrant acknowledgment.

"Wow, the tension is palpable!" Arsenal chimed in, expertly smoothing over the exchange. "Professor Oleron's offer to take on an apprentice is particularly noteworthy—this would be his first in five years. All his previous apprentices achieved two-wing status before graduation. Tonight's matches are bound to be thrilling!"

He glanced toward Sonia, who had maintained a professional smile. Deciding it was time for some interplay, he turned to her. "What do you think, Servi?"

Sonia's smile faltered. She stared at Arsenal with wide, panicked eyes.

Seriously?

Didn't we agree you'd keep the spotlight and avoid dragging me into unscripted moments?

To be fair, Arsenal hadn't expected Sonia's earlier comment to be genuine. A solo act would have seemed selfish. The whole point of having co-hosts was to create a dynamic, engaging dialogue. How bad could it be to let Sonia say a few polite, filler words?

He was about to find out.

"I think Professor Nidala is... a high EQ individual," Sonia began, her tone unnervingly steady.

"Oh? Care to elaborate?"

"Sure. Professor Nidala is so high EQ that he doesn't bother using it on us lowly mortals. If his remarks here are this low EQ—offending Truth University's faculty and students while irritating the event organizers—then clearly, none of us are worth his effort. Only someone of extraordinary status would compel him to show his high EQ side. So yes, he's clearly a high EQ individual."

The audience fell silent.

Aside from the faint hum of the retracting ceiling, the hall was utterly still. Professors, top-tier students, and event staff alike stared at Sonia, their expressions frozen in shock.

Even the Swordflower students backstage, who had braced themselves for Sonia's unpredictability, were floored.

Arsenal's brain short-circuited. For the first time in his hosting career, he couldn't think of a single witty line to salvage the situation.

"Ha!"

A booming laugh shattered the silence. Oleron clapped his hands. "Well said! Swordflower University truly produces remarkable talents!"

"And Truth University isn't far behind," Sonia replied smoothly. "With a professor like you, full of hollow compliments, Truth University is truly blessed. I must applaud the system that paired you and Professor Nidala—a match made in heaven!"

"Me? Hollow compliments?" Oleron raised an eyebrow.

"Of course. You just said you'd consider taking a Swordflower student as your apprentice if they win tonight. That's an empty promise if I've ever heard one. Your last three apprentices were all Truth University prodigies. Let's be honest—you'll go back on that the moment this evening ends."

"My offer is genuine!" Oleron countered.

"Then put it in writing! Seal it with a contract!"

"Yeah, make it official!" a Swordflower student shouted.

Truth University's students immediately shot back. "Who are you to demand that?"

The auditorium descended into chaos, with students and professors exchanging heated words. Arsenal, sensing the situation spiraling out of control, took decisive action.

"Let's move on to the main event!" he declared, his voice cutting through the clamor. "Now presenting the first match of the evening: Lorraine Z, representing Swordflower University, versus Riggan Carroll of Truth University!"