Ch. 37 The Line Up

"Okay, you guys must be tired. Since tomorrow marks another day of the elimination round, you won't need to compete again. Instead, it's best to use the free time to cultivate your abilities and gain a deeper understanding of your strengths," Teacher Harvey said, addressing his students.

"Teacher Harvey, we didn't do much today, and don't feel tired at all. Can you finally explain the roundabout stage to us? You promised you would if we won the elimination round," Heidi chimed in, her tone determined. Her suggestion was quickly met with nods and murmurs of agreement from her teammates.

As the team vice-captain, Heidi's leadership was not only self-imposed but unanimously recognized by her peers. Her assertiveness and natural ability to command respect made her an excellent leader.

"Alright, then. Unlike the elimination round, the roundabout stage is more complex. It consists of three parts: the 1 vs 1 knockout, 2 vs 2 in three rounds, and the durability skills test. Each section has its own set of rules and challenges," Harvey began, his tone turning serious as he reached into his storage pouch and retrieved a small, enchanted magic box. The device shimmered, projecting images that brought his explanations to life.

"For the 1 vs 1 knockout round, the concept is simple. Each team sends its members to face the opposing team one-on-one. If you defeat your opponent, the next member of their team will step up, and so on, until all members of one team are eliminated. The catch is that we must submit the order of participants to the referee beforehand, and we won't be allowed to change it once the match begins."

The students listened intently, their expressions a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

"The second section, the 2 vs 2 in three rounds, is paired with the durability test. Here's the tricky part: no one can compete in more than one match. We'll need to assign six members to participate in the 2 vs 2 rounds and reserve one person for the durability test. I've decided that Cain will take the durability test because of his exceptional defensive capabilities."

Cain nodded in acknowledgment but raised a question, "I'll do as you suggest, Teacher, but what exactly is the durability test?"

"You'll be placed in a pyramid filled with a hundred sixth-tier monsters. Your goal isn't to kill them but to survive for as long as possible. The match ends when one of the participants collapses or is forced out. If you can endure longer than your opponent, you win."

Cain's face remained stoic, but a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes. "Sounds easy in theory, but who knows what these level-six monsters will be like?"

"Exactly. That's why most teams will try to avoid reaching the pyramid stage. Teams typically send their strongest members with superior defensive skills and stamina. Unfortunately, we only have one level-five Shield Warrior—Cain—while the rest of you lack defensive capabilities," Harvey explained, his tone tinged with concern.

"For the 2 vs 2 rounds, if we can win the first two matches, we won't need to reveal our final pair, which would be advantageous in hiding their abilities."

The group collectively nodded, their strategy becoming clearer.

"For the knockout round, I've decided to send Gwyneth as the first participant," Harvey announced. His declaration caused a stir among the students, who exchanged surprised glances.

"Teacher, I thought we agreed to keep my strength hidden during this stage," Gwyneth objected, her voice tinged with both surprise and hesitation.

Harvey's gaze was steady as he explained, "Gwyneth, what you displayed today is more than just strength—it's a psychological weapon. Your ability to summon Tier 6 beasts is enough to intimidate most opponents. They won't dare to expend their mana on a single match when they're up against someone who can summon creatures of that caliber."

"But what if they aren't intimidated?" Gwyneth pressed, her skepticism evident.

"Then you'll fight. Your illusion magic is a trump card. Anyone caught in your illusions will experience injuries as if they were real. That's the power of your magic—it blurs the line between reality and imagination," Harvey replied confidently.

Despite the reassurance, Gwyneth looked hesitant. "Teacher, can I forfeit if my illusions don't fool them? Earlier, I almost drained all of my mana."

Harvey raised an eyebrow. "That's understandable. You're still only at level 2, so I recognize your mana limitations. But if that's the case, then yes, you can forfeit. However, I'll need you to fight in the 2 vs 2 rounds."

"I can handle the 2 vs 2 matches," Gwyneth said firmly. "Especially if I'm partnered with Captain Clayton."

Her bold statement took everyone by surprise, including Clayton himself. Even if Gwyneth never avoided his advances, he knew the girl still disliked him.

"Gwyneth," Harvey began, his tone exasperated, "I understand your passionate romance with Clayton, but you need Raylee in this match. Her support can amplify your magic and reduce mana consumption."

Gwyneth's hazel eyes glinted with determination behind her glasses. "I only need Clayton, Teacher. It must be him!"

What's the point of boosting her magic power if she can't control her telekinesis powers? Once the telekinesis magic was active, it would devour all other magic on her body without mercy. She still doubted if Clayton could help her, considering it might be accidental. But her gut told her it was the useless senior who had helped her earlier.

Harvey sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This girl…" he muttered under his breath. He had hoped Gwyneth's formidable magic would allow her to dominate the knockout round and spare the team from revealing more of their abilities. Now, she not only refused to utilize her full strength, but also insisted on a pairing useless captain that disrupted his carefully laid plans.

He turned his attention back to the team. "Cain will be the second participant in the knockout round, followed by Kai, Heidi, Clayton, and Zak. Cain, remember: if your opponent is too strong, rely on your absolute defense. Let them exhaust their mana, then strike back with your physical strength. Take down as many opponents as you can."

"Understood," Cain replied confidently.

"For the 2 vs 2 rounds, I'll pair Gwyneth with Raylee for the first match—"

"Teacher, I already told you. I'll only fight with Clayton," Gwyneth interjected again, her voice unwavering.

What's the use of a level 3 Knight when Clayton himself couldn't protect his own? Harvey looked at Clayton, hoping to see something Gwen saw that he couldn't. But he only saw a leisurely, laid-back attitude, indifferent to the match. However, wasn't that confidence in winning? Perhaps this seemingly cowardly captain had something up his sleeve.

Harvey thought he could change Gwen's mind, but now he knew his attempts were futile. He could only hope―he hoped that the infamous momma's boy wasn't as useless as he heard.