Competition

It's been a few days since Daimon saved James, and he's still recovering.

James groans in pain as he tries to get ready for school.

James: "Ugh, my wound..."

He looks at his reflection in the mirror and can't help but notice that he's actually kind of handsome. A small smile forms on his face, and he grabs his clothes to prepare for the day.

As James walks down the hallway, he spots Ryu waiting for him, and Ryu pats him on the shoulder.

Ryu: "Bro! What happened to you?! I heard about the attack! Also, I haven't seen Amelia lately!"

James: "I'm fine. And why are you suddenly bringing up Amelia?"

Ryu: "Don't play dumb with me! You like her! I can totally see it!"

James laughs, rolling his eyes.

James: "You're crazy."

Ryu laughs as well and slings an arm around James's shoulder as they start walking together.

When they enter the classroom, they realize—they're late!

The professor, Professor Thevron, doesn't even glance at them. The rest of the class, however, gives them all sorts of looks.

They wait for about ten minutes, and finally, Professor Thevron speaks up, his tone cold and unforgiving.

Professor Thevron: "Remember one of the rules I mentioned at the beginning of the semester: If you're late, you have no right to show your face in my class!"

His voice booms with a chilling aura that freezes the room. Ryu looks ready to argue, but James puts a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

James: "Ryu, don't. It's not worth it."

Ryu huffs in frustration but backs off. James's eyes, however, wander to Amelia's seat. She's not here? Where could she be?

As the class continues, it's finally lunchtime. James, still concerned, walks around the school looking for Amelia. But he doesn't see her anywhere.

Ryu: "Bro… We've been walking for hours! Stop looking for Amelia!"

James: "She's not in the school right now? Where is she?"

Ryu: "She's not here. She's probably preparing for the tournament."

James: "Tournament?"

James's eyes widen as he looks up at the bulletin board, where a large tournament banner catches his attention. His heart skips a beat as he notices something familiar: the emblem on the banner looks exactly like the one worn by the masked figure who attacked the village.

James: "Wait... Is that the same as the one from the attack...?"

He stares at the banner, suddenly feeling the weight of the situation