ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 157: PRELUDE TO THE TRYOUTS

Kaelen groaned as he finally swung his legs over the edge of the bed, rubbing his eyes and muttering, "Alright, alright, I’m up." Morris and Ethan exchanged triumphant smirks as they practically pulled him to his feet, not giving him a chance to fall back into his bed.

"Thought you’d never actually get out of bed," Morris teased, patting Kaelen on the back as they headed for the door.

"Yeah, I was starting to think I’d have to carry you," Ethan chimed in with a mischievous grin.

Today was the kickoff of the battle tryouts which will determine the students who will participate in the grand battle convention. And this kickoff will begin with an opening speech which is about to happen in the next 1 hour at the Academy’s 1st gathering hall

But unsurprisingly, Kaelen initially didn’t want to attend just the opening speech of the battle tryouts since he seems it will be a waste of time, instead, he decided in himself that he will use this time to get even more rest so as he will be more prepared for the battle tryouts. But both Morris and Ethan thought otherwise.

Kaelen shot them a glare but couldn’t keep the corner of his mouth from twitching into a half-smile. After a long while of getting ready, the trio finally moved out of there dorm and briskly through the campus pathways, joining streams of other students, all of them buzzing with anticipation for the start of the battle tryouts. The morning air was crisp, filled with murmurs of excitement and speculation about who would stand out in this year’s event.

As they entered the grand hall, the immense chamber was filled with students, instructors, and faculty members, their faces illuminated by the grand chandeliers hanging above. Banners of past victories and symbols of the academy’s honor and strength decorated the walls, creating an atmosphere thick with pride and determination.

Kaelen took it all in, feeling a stirring energy as he glanced at the raised platform at the front. "Guess it’s finally time," he muttered to himself, excitement sparking in his eyes.

Soon, the crowd’s whispers quieted as a tall figure made his way to the podium—the Vice Chancellor himself, flanked by two senior faculty members, each a legend in their respective fields. His stern gaze swept across the hall, making each student feel as if he was looking directly at them.

"Welcome to the Academy’s battle tryouts," the Vice Chancellor began, his voice carrying a weight that commanded absolute silence. "This is no ordinary event. This is an opportunity for each of you to showcase not only your strength but your discipline, resilience, and resolve. Only the best among you will proceed, and from there, only the exceptional will earn their place in the prestigious Battle Convention."

Morris leaned over to Kaelen, whispering, "Think we’ll make it?"

Kaelen grinned, clenching his fist. "Let’s just say they’re not ready for us."

The hall fell silent as Vice Chancellor Reeves stepped forward, his gaze sharp and calculating as he addressed the sea of students before him.

"Today, I will be sharing with you how this tryouts will be carried," Reeves announced, his voice resonant. "We are employing a trial unique to our institution, one designed to identify not only strength but endurance, strategy, and adaptability. But unlike last year inwhich we pick only five students who will represent us, this time we will pick ten students"

He paused, his eyes scanning the crowd, ensuring all were focused on him. "On the Pacesetters Grand sparring platform, the top ten strongest students will stand ready to defend their positions," he continued. "Any student who believes they have the skill, the tenacity, and the audacity to challenge these elites may step forward to do so."

The room buzzed with murmurs of excitement and nervous energy as the gravity of the tryouts set in.

Reeves raised a hand, silencing the whispers. "There are, of course, conditions. First, no challenger may target the same student more than once. And, no student on the platform shall face simultaneous challenges. You will battle one-on-one, giving your utmost for the right to claim a position among the top ten."

Th𝓮 most uptodate nov𝑒ls are publish𝒆d on ƒreewebηoveℓ.com.

He allowed the weight of his words to sink in before he continued. "The tryouts will begin in three days and it will persist until no further challenges remain. At the end, those who hold their positions will be honored as our top ten representatives in the Battle Convention."

The students glanced at one another, some sizing up potential rivals, others nervously whispering among themselves. Morris nudged Kaelen with a grin. "Guess we’ll be seeing some ambitious challengers today."

Kaelen smirked back, eyes glinting with anticipation. "Yeah, and hopefully a real fight."

"But am a bit surprised though, it’s going to be ten students who will going for the battle convention this year? I wonder why..." Morris said with a contemplating look on his face.

"Who knows, maybe they made a few changes in the convention, but shouldn’t be too drastic" Ethan suddenly said with an obvious look on his face.

"Well I hope you are right" Morris replied as he tried to put the thoughts he was having at the back of his mind.

Reeves concluded with a final word. "Remember, these tryouts will test not only your might but your spirit. Give us a reason to believe in you, and let this be a trial of champions. Now then, you may all dismiss!!"

And with that, Reeves suddenly vanished out the spot he stood on top of the stage. As for the two faculty officers, they also disappeared right after Reeves. But the students weren’t fazed one but by it as they began to walk out of the grand hall.

"Now then, let’s use this three days to rest to our fullest since that’s what Kaelen was planning on doing, right?" Morris suddenly asked with a sly grin on his face.

"Yeah, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea, what do you think Kaelen?" Ethan asked Kaelen directly with a similar expression on his face. But the response they got from him was a glare while he muttered bitterly.

"You both are cunts"