49 To The Tournament We Go! (1/2)

24th of December...The day of Christmas is closing and even better all day on the 24th the whole tournament being held in the middle of none other then our own Rodeo academy's huge tournament stadium. It is said that the stadium is capable of holding about a million people with private seats given to by flying mages. Those private seats will be given to the 8 councillors.

The stadium also changes construction depending on the match type which will be decided by lucky draws. That's right, there are various types of matches we will be competing in unlike the battle royale where we didn't do jack shit in. This is where our hardwork will be tested at. Not to mention, we can damage as much as we want, so we don't need to hold back as the mages will immediately heal someone if there is a serious injury or in case of people they have magic barriers which protect the whole stadium.

”So...We will be fighting in such a huge stadium...” Ricardo says as his eyes widen. ”Hey there, I know I ain't that great but your like my soothing sunscreen.” Richard is trying to hit on girls. I sigh. Like that kind of line would work with ladies. ”Hey kid, are you nervous?” Mr. Daniel keeps his hand on my head and asks. ”Not at all, in fact, I am all pumped up to take down any of those academies that come in my way.” I say. ”That's right...Rodeo academy is not only the academy with it's squads here but there are other academies too. Other academies who have been through this stage. So careful kid, it's going to be a tough journey up-ahead.” Mr. Daniel says with a smile. ”I know sir but we are more then ready for the tournament.” I say that but...If we get to fight Cyan's brother in the first round we are totally screwed.

Through what I know, during the first two rounds, another lottery draw will be used and the 8 councillors will pick up the random fighters then. So, if through that lottery draw by any chance we get him...We are going to be in deep trouble. Not only that...But then there is that mysterious girl Amy who I met the other day...

”ALRIGHT! WE ARE READY TO GO!” Damien surely seems pumped. ”Don't be so confident.” It's Cyan, it seems Jian and his squad has arrived too. ”So it's your squad against mine huh Jian?” Mr. Daniel says with a smile of a rival. ”My squad will against your's Caster.” Jian says. ”DON'T COUNT ME OUT!” Behind us Bruno and his squad arrives. ”That is correct, we will defeat the both of you!” Sean who is along with them says. I smile. ”We shall see.” I say. ”WHO COMES ON THE TOP!”

”The kids have grown by quite a bit.” Jian says. ”Also, Caster, we need to speak in private.” Jian continues. ”Is it about...” Jian interrupts Caster. ”Not here.” Jian says and leaves. Caster follows.

”Hmm?” I turn behind and watch Jian and Mr. Daniel leave together along with Bruno who follows them. I wonder what that is all about. ”HEY! LET'S GET IN HENRY!” Sophie calls me all the way from near the entrance. When did she reach there?

We all begin making our way into the stadium. It's full packed like we are watching some kind of huge festival or an event occur. Well technically this is a huge event but man to see about million people come and join us. It has a completely different feel from the qualifier. The qualifier...It just felt so...Empty.

The announcer is near a huge transparent television in the air. We are obviously a running a little late because why not. My other teammates are in the locker room preparing themselves while I am here outside watching all this occur.

”...WITH THAT WE WELCOME YOU TO THE ACADEMIC TOURNAMENT WHICH IS HELD EVERY SINGLE YEAR ON THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND THE FINAL'S WILL OBVIOUSLY BE PLAYED ON CHRISTMAS EVE!” The announcer announces.

”So, your here too?” Cyan arrives behind me. ”Yeah, just thought take a look at the layout and the structure of the ground. The Tournament stage structure might change but not the ground.” I say. ”Aren't you revealing a little too much of your plans to an opponent?” Cyan asks me. ”Not really, this is quite normal for me, I always look for advantages and disadvantages.” I say.

”Well...Damn, you must be quite an intelligent one then huh?” Sean comes from my left. ”It's the first thing in the basic knight books.” I say. Sean sighs. ”You know, at the beginning, I never thought that I would like a newbie like you...But back then when you put your life on the line for me and Ms. Tamie. I begun to think that I was a jerk after all.” Sean smiles. ”That doesn't mean that me and that fire idiot won't go heads in again. His my rival after all.” Sean says looking at the sky. I smile. ”A rival who use to bully?” I chuckle. ”Hey now, it wasn't my fault he was restrained by magic the other day.” Sean says as he pouts. ”Sean just likes to fight with Jacob nothing much.” Cyan chuckles. ”THAT'S NOT THE CASE!” Sean screams. ”Then why get so angry.” Cyan smirks.

I smile and look towards the sky as Cyan and Sean argued. This is the moment that I have been waiting for...The top 16 of the tournament. The only obstacle that remains is to somehow pass the first round and if possible win this tournament home to us.