I created my own system

I don't know why, but she was okay.... though she never talked and never looked at me. She was just there. Staying in that quiet library with only the sound of rustling paper and wind, it was the most calming part of my stay in that minor. With her, I could not hear anything; her eyes were never with disdain, though it was cold with no emotion in them.

Suddenly, my senses were drowned by something cold, something deep, something that made me feel like sinking. I don't really know, but my memory somehow was blurry; that day was the final trigger that turned me into who I am today.

Back to the present day, my focus suddenly returned, and I was at the academy again.

"I am sorry," I heard that made me confused. Who was apologizing?

Then, as my eyes finally lost all the things I had been seeing, a figure of a girl I knew surfaced.

"Alicia?" I said a bit surprised.

Since when was she here?

"I could guess you saw them, I should have told you more clearly that your mother is spending time with them"

"It's fine I am okay now"

"You are? Are you sure?" Read new chapters at empire

"Yes, shall we return together?"

Alicia looked at me. Her expression bore a mix of emotions that seemed to only worry about me. I couldn't help but laugh. At least someone was willing to worry about my situation.

"Come on we should return everyone might be looking for us"

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The night of the second day passed by, and a new day came again. The sun bathed the festival grounds in golden light as the third day commenced. This was the last day, and after this, my mission had to be prioritized.

Despite what happened last night, I still decided to enjoy it as much as I could. After all, opportunities to relax might not come like this.

So for the last, we decided to close the booth since we had gathered a considerable amount of income and tour the dozens of booths that covered the event plaza of the academy.

Then, as I walked alongside my friends, we tried to see all the awkward photos being plastered on the academy bulletin board by the High-class students, though the mastermind behind it was Caesar and his loyal friends.

"Pffftttt.... What kind of face is this?" Matilda exclaimed, seeing a shot from a senior when it does one of the station games. It was the one when you needed to blow out a candle while your face had stockings. What's even funny is since the shockings were tied to a high pole, whenever they tried to reach the candle they needed to blow, their faces contorted in the weirdest way possible.

Everyone laughed, though some people began to notice how it was only the upper-year level who had pictures, yet none was seen for the freshmen. It wasn't really our problem but what can I say? The High class has a very talented photographer. We looked through the bulletin more, and besides the epic photos of the seniors, the winners of each event also had shots when they were announced as winners.

"We have a nice picture here," Alya said, attracting all our attention.

"Wow," we all said as a picture of our entire class laughing with the tower mages was taken.

"Who took this?" I wondered; it was well taken, and the image conveyed what we truly feel.

"Nice how about taking this then?"

"I want a copy!"

"Me too!"

Our laughter and chatter filled the air. Braiden then teased me as the photo of the cross-dressing event was found even when I hid it so well, wait, could Alya...

I took a glance at her, and sure enough, she gave me a very innocent smile.

"Nice," I said to myself, all red since they began taking their videos of the event. They tease me that I was said to be the prettiest.

I was distressed about trying to stop them, but thankfully, Alicia shifted the topic as she recounted her victory during one of the mixed-year challenges. The tension from the upper-year rivalry seemed funny but scary to some students.

I was enjoying myself but for a fleeting moment, my gaze fell on a figure standing near the administrative building. It was Eros' teacher, a man whose sharp eyes and stern demeanor mirrored the arrogance of his pupil.

"They are a match made in heaven," I thought so however, the short instance I saw him, my thoughts darkened. Should I do it now? The plan I have in mind, a plan that could make this old man who sealed me regret everything.

"Hmmmm....what to do..."

But then, my attention shifted back to my friends. Alicia was laughing so hard she could barely stand, and Matilda was reenacting one of the more absurd moments from her cross-dressing event the day before.

Helplessly, a smile softly emerges on my lips, the tension burdening my shoulders easing.

"Not now," I whispered to himself. "Everyone is happy. I should wait until after the festival. After this, I'll move forward."

Like the previous decision I made, I pushed the thoughts aside, reminding myself to enjoy the final day with my friends.

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The cheerful atmosphere was disrupted by a sudden crackle of static from the sound system. The voice of the student council vice president boomed across the festival grounds, silencing the crowd.

"Attention, everyone! The council has decided to add one final event to this year's festival—a special open arena!"

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Apollo and his friends are confused since there wasn't any fight during the festival; after all, its essence is for students to loosen up. That is why all the events are more like games and gag shows rather than real competition.

"What the hell are they up to"

Currently, figures like the archduke's children and the crown prince are absent, so all powers fall under the student council since even the vice and headmaster are currently in the capital.

The speaker loudly rang again, and the announcement made some students dissatisfied.

"In this arena, any student can call out another for a duel. It's a chance to showcase your skills, resolve grudges, or simply test your limits. Let the best win!"

Alicia frowned beside him. "An open arena? This wasn't part of the previous festivals before. Why would they add this last minute?"

Matilda shrugged, but her expression mirrored Alicia's concern. "Maybe they're trying to spice things up? Either way, it feels unnecessary."

"I think this is the senior's payback to us. I am certain they will call freshmen," Arabella concluded, knowing the fight between them was increasing.

Apollo agreed. But he wasn't really concerned about any of them. Glancing at the tower mages, who were standing nearby, he motioned for his group to leave.

"Let's head out," he said, his voice low. "There's no reason to stick around for this."

The group began to move, and an arena suddenly emerged from the middle of the plaza. The giant fountain cracked open, and underneath it, a wide platform emerged.

"Alright, we should really go," Apollo urged his friends. Fortunately, all complied with him, but just as they reached the edge of the arena, a voice rang out, loud and clear.

"I challenge the rank one of the first years—Apollo Lionheart!"

The crowd fell silent.

Every first-year student turned to stare at the speaker, disbelief etched on their faces. The challenger was an upper-year, tall, muscular boy with a cocky grin and a gleam of confidence in his eyes.

"Is he crazy?" one first-year whispered.

"Does he even know who Apollo is?" another muttered.

"Hey let's bet? One minute"

"Mine...hmmmm...I think thirty seconds will do"

While the first years put up their own bet, the upper years, on the other hand, exchanged smirks, clearly relishing the drama.

Alicia grabbed Apollo's arm, her eyes wide with concern. "Apollo, don't be too harsh on the guy"

At that moment Apollo laughed not expecting sarcasm, "Alright I will be kind"

The two smile at each other, clearly knowing each other's intention, and then Apollo finally steps forward, his golden eyes locking onto the challenger.

The crowd parted as he walked toward the arena, his calm demeanor sending a ripple of unease through the upper years. The first years cheered, their voices rising in support.

"Go, please finish in ten seconds so that I can win!'

"Don't listen to him make it one minute!"

As he entered the arena, the challenger's grin faltered slightly under Apollo's steady gaze. For a moment, his breathing became heavy as if an invisible hand had been choking him.

"You want to fight me?" Apollo asked, his voice even sounding amused. "Do you understand what you're asking for?"

The boy squared his shoulders, trying to appear unfazed. "I want to prove myself. Everyone says you're the strongest first-year, but I think it's just talk."

Apollo tilted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Very well. But don't say I didn't warn you."