The combat hall was alive with energy, a churning sea of students packed shoulder to shoulder, all eager to witness what many had already dubbed a massacre in the making. The challenge had spread beyond Room A, drawing students from Room B and even Room C, their curiosity piqued by the audacity of one Logan Halvard. Even some faculty members had taken an interest, their eyes scanning the combat mat with varying degrees of amusement, skepticism, and intrigue.
At the far end of the hall, standing with an air of calculated ease, was Dvalin, the academy's principal. His hands were folded behind his back, his gaze unwavering as he overlooked the battlefield. Beside him stood Kael, the stern-faced instructor of Room A, and Agrona, the academy's lead researcher, who was pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose with a thoughtful expression.
"Old man, I still don't see what you see in that kid," Kael muttered, arms crossed, his eyes locked onto Logan.
"That kid is talented," Dvalin responded with a deep chuckle, stroking his beard. "I witnessed it firsthand, and you know my gut never lies."
"Hmmm, I heard he came up with some very interesting devices," Agrona murmured. "I'm actually quite curious to see what he can do."
Dvalin laughed heartily, drawing a few stares from nearby students. "Oh, I see you've heard about it. If he actually calms down and uses that brain of his, he could easily be in the top ten of Room A."
Kael's brow lifted slightly in surprise. "Top ten? That's a bold claim."
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Amidst the students seated in the hall, Roy, Jay, and Kara were engaged in a heated discussion about the upcoming match. Most had never seen Logan fight, and they knew that Briggs, with his overwhelming physicality and mastery of Transformation Magic, would make this battle anything but fair.
"I just don't see how Logan is going to pull this off," Jay muttered. "Briggs is ranked 15 in Room A. That's not just some random number."
Roy exhaled, rubbing his temple. "And let's not forget, this isn't just about skill. Briggs has been training his body to absurd levels. He can shatter stone with a punch. Logan? He's a tech-user. They don't exactly trade blows."
As the conversation swirled, a voice chimed in behind them.
"Hey guys, what's up?" June greeted, sliding in between Roy and Jay with a playful smirk, draping her arms over their shoulders.
Mellissa, sitting on the row above, leaned forward. "You're looking way too happy for someone about to watch their friend get crushed. Don't tell me you actually believe in Logan?"
June's eyes sparkled as she pumped her fist. "Believe? I know Logan's got this."
Mellissa scoffed. "You don't need to be deluded just because he used to be your roommate. The strength gap is just too much. Just saying."
June simply grinned, unbothered. "You guys aren't paying attention. If you look around, you'll notice something." She pointed towards a section of Room B students, many of whom were excitedly explaining to others why Logan had a shot.
Mellissa frowned, narrowing her eyes. Why were so many Room B students so confident?
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The room quieted as Logan stepped in.
He wore a dark green hoodie, his earphones plugged in, and his hands encased in gloves that, at first glance, seemed ordinary—no inscriptions, no visible enchantments. But the moment Dvalin laid eyes on them, his expression changed. His eyes sparkled with interest.
Near the center of the combat mat, Vorden—one of the academy's combat instructors—stood waiting. When Logan entered, Vorden gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment. Logan caught the gesture and smiled slightly before walking towards his designated corner.
As he passed, Vorden murmured, "I don't know what the principal sees in you, but if you see it in yourself, then you've already won."
Logan gave a brief nod before turning his focus toward the second entrance—where Briggs was making his entrance.
The moment the burly fighter stepped into the hall, the atmosphere shifted.
Briggs strode forward, his shirtless torso revealing a physique sculpted from relentless training, his combat pants the only thing he wore. His every step radiated confidence, each movement a testament to his overwhelming presence. He commanded the room.
The moment his foot touched the battle mat, Kelvin and Nero—two other high-ranking Room A students—stood and began clapping. The crowd soon followed, roaring their approval.
Briggs turned to the audience, raising a hand, soaking in their cheers. Then, he shifted his gaze to Logan, who merely stood with his hands behind his back, unmoved, unblinking.
The contrast was stark.
"You guys ready?" Vorden asked.
Briggs flashed a grin, giving a thumbs-up. Logan, however, stepped forward.
The murmurs began immediately.
"Come on, don't tell me you're chickening out now after giving me that look," Briggs taunted, folding his arms.
But Logan wasn't addressing him. He walked up to Vorden and whispered something.
A second later, Vorden's expression shifted entirely.
"Wait… are you serious?" the instructor blurted out, loud enough for the crowd to hear.
Now, the whispers grew louder.
"What does he mean by that?"
"Is Logan backing out?"
Vorden took a deep breath, composing himself before announcing:
"Logan Halvard has thrown an unavoidable challenge to Kelvin and Nero. He wishes to take on all three of them at once."
A shockwave of reactions tore through the hall.
"He's insane."
"He's looking down on us now."
"Somebody break this kid and send him back to Room B in a box."
Even Roy and the others were stunned.
June's eyes widened. "What the hell is he thinking?"
Roy, unable to process it, leaned back. "Kara, has Logan ever gotten high?"
Mellissa, smirking, elbowed June. "Still confident?"
As the tension peaked, Angus—a powerful student from Room A—walked up to Logan, whispering something into his ear.
Logan gave a slight nod of appreciation.
Angus smirked before turning to the audience, throwing up his hands. "Relax, everyone! I'm just rooting for the underdog." He clapped and returned to his seat.
Mellissa, however, kept her gaze fixed on him.
Their eyes met.
Angus simply smiled, running a hand through his silver hair before looking away.
On the battle mat, Kelvin and Nero finally stepped forward. Their uniforms shifted into their battle outfits, enchanted fabric hardening over their bodies.
They weren't just excited. They were pissed.
Kelvin cracked his knuckles. "I don't know what you smoked before coming here, but we're going to make sure you regret this."
As the three warriors approached, Logan finally felt it—the crushing intensity of their auras.
The battle had yet to begin, and he was already sweating.