Chapter 5: The Tournament Announcement
(Lucas' Worst Nightmare—Effort!)
Lucas Vance was having the perfect morning.
A full stomach. A nice nap under a tree. And most importantly—
No responsibilities.
But, as fate would have it…
The universe had other plans.
BONG! BONG! BONG!
The academy's grand bell rang, echoing across the campus.
Claire groaned. "Ugh, what now?"
Lucas, still half-asleep, muttered, "Is that the lunch bell?"
Claire facepalmed. "It's a school-wide assembly."
Lucas blinked. "Wait… so no food?"
Claire dragged him toward the academy's main plaza.
There, standing on a massive stone platform, was none other than the Headmaster himself.
With a single wave of his hand, the crowd fell silent.
"Students," the Headmaster began, his voice carrying across the academy. "It is time… for the annual Grand Tournament!"
The entire student body erupted in cheers.
Lucas?
He yawned.
The Headmaster continued, "This tournament is a test of strength, skill, and strategy. It is where warriors rise, legends are born, and the academy's strongest students prove themselves!"
Lucas frowned. "Sounds like a lot of effort."
Claire elbowed him. "Shh!"
The Headmaster gestured toward the giant stone obelisk behind him.
With a flash of arcane energy, glowing names appeared on its surface.
Claire's eyes widened. "Wait… that's the list of participants!"
Lucas stretched. "Cool, cool. Not my problem."
Then he saw it.
[Participant #16 – Lucas Vance]
Lucas blinked.
Then he blinked again.
"…Huh?"
Lucas turned to Claire. "Did you sign me up for this?"
Claire raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like I have a death wish?"
Instructor Roderick suddenly appeared behind them, grinning. "Oh, you saw your name? Good! I recommended you."
Lucas froze.
"…I'm sorry, you did what now?"
Roderick smirked. "After your flawless performance against Dante, it would be a crime not to let you compete."
Lucas paled. "No, no, no—there's been a mistake. That was accidental."
Roderick laughed. "Doesn't matter. You're in now."
Lucas felt his soul leave his body.
Claire grinned. "Hey, look at the bright side—maybe you'll get free food again."
Lucas groaned. "Not worth it."
The Headmaster clapped his hands, and the crowd fell silent.
"The winner of the Grand Tournament will receive…"
A massive golden treasure chest appeared beside him.
"…A mystery reward chosen personally by the academy's Grand Council."
The students gasped.
Claire whispered, "They say last year's winner got a legendary weapon."
Another student murmured, "And the year before that? A lifetime's supply of enchanted potions."
Lucas, still sulking, muttered, "I bet it's something boring like 'honor' or 'respect.'"
Then the Headmaster added—
"Oh, and of course… the winner also gets a private feast prepared by the academy's top chefs."
Lucas immediately stood up.
"I ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE."
Claire stared. "You—what? You were just complaining a second ago!"
Lucas placed a hand over his heart. "Claire. There are two things in this world I will always fight for: nap time and food."
Claire sighed. "I don't know whether to be impressed or disappointed."
The Headmaster smiled. "The first matchups will be posted tomorrow. Prepare yourselves."
The students cheered once again.
Lucas, now fully invested, whispered, "I just have to win one match, right?"
Claire nodded. "Yeah, but your opponent could be—"
Suddenly, a loud voice cut through the crowd.
"Well, well, well… look who thinks he's a real warrior now."
Lucas turned and groaned.
It was Dante Ravencroft.
Despite still wearing his janitor uniform (as part of his punishment), Dante smirked.
"You got lucky last time, sloth. But in the tournament? There won't be any 'accidents' to save you."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Bold words for someone holding a mop."
Dante's eye twitched.
Claire gasped. "Wait… does this mean—"
Dante grinned.
"That's right. Your first opponent… is me."
Lucas blinked.
Then he sighed.
"Welp. Guess I'll just take another nap and hope this tournament is just a bad dream."
The Grand Tournament had begun…
And Lucas was already regretting it.
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End of Chapter 5.