Stuck as a Villain!

Chapter 144: Let me go!

[Seth's POV:]

It was the day of commencement for the final round.

Pristine Academy would be going against Carlesthine Academy.

The latter mentioned has been labeled as the winner for the past two titles which naturally makes them the most difficult opponent to face in the final round.

Pristine Academy on the other side, has lost its glory by being ranked third and second in the respective past two Tournaments. It means a lot not only for the reputation of the academy but also for the prestige of their respective nations.

One could already evaluate how much pressure a participant could feel being the center of so many responsibilities. Not only would they be representing their individual self but their whole motherland.

Naturally, since this Tournament holds such great importance, all the delegates and prominent nobles would gather to witness the event.

Regardless of how they outwardly pretend their views of this event, it doesn't change the fact that from nobles to even Emperors, everyone feels competitive amongst themselves and wants their nation to shine on top.

I was currently sitting along with my team in the participant bracket which was separate from the audience stands.

For the esteemed guests, VIP seats were arranged from where the arena could be seen from the best angle.

Emperors and Empresses of every empire were here along with their high-ranking nobles. Mother was also seated amongst them, currently engaged in a chat with who seemed to be the Empress of Emangeline.

Serena's father hadn't come even though he's a Count. Ciel's father was here, which surely would put her under a lot of stress.

If I remember her plot correctly then it was her last chance to prove her worth or she would be wedded to some young master after graduation. Family traditions, die hard.

I looked toward the silver-haired girl sitting beside me with a determined gaze but the anxiety was clearly written over her face.

"Take it easy, Ciel. If you are confident in your skills then no one would stop you from turning out victorious today."

Along with my words, I chanted my spell [Lull] at a mild level so that she doesn't sense it to relieve her nerves for a bit.

Whether it was my words or my spell, Ciel's shoulders slightly dropped as she turned toward me and smiled in acknowledgment.

Anabelle was sitting on my right, entirely carefree. I don't know whether she was being overconfident or simply just enjoying the situation, but somehow I have yet to see her stressing over this tournament even for once.

Kevin was sitting with a straight face with his arms locked in front of his chest. Whereas, Arata seemed a little nervous as well but unlike Ciel, he outwardly seemed rather composed and clear-headed.

I have already done a security check on my own this morning and didn't find any threat looming over which was a massive plus point. All set and done, the announcement of the rules began.

"Before I get to the rules, I would like to inform a surprise element added recently to this final round."

I frowned my brows hearing the announcer's words before he continued, "This rule was added without informing anyone prior since the Great Sage wanted to twist the courses of what the teams have planned beforehand."

This...was not supposed to happen. This was not something I read in the novel. Something out of the plotline so anonymously...what caused such change?

Regardless of my inner dilemma, the announcer continued, "It has been decided that this time a candidate can fight more than one round or to say, a candidate would remain in the battleground until either they surrender or get eliminated by their opponent."

'Damn... '

This is going to change the whole plan and the schedule we have prepared. And from the looks of it, we are naturally not the only ones displeased by this addition of allowance.

Nevertheless, the announcer didn't budge since it was not his position to have any say in this. He's just relaying what he has been told.

The audience was mature enough to settle down soon after as the man in the center of every attraction continued, "Other than those attacks which could prove lethal to your rival, is allowed. But yes, even if someone impulsively attacks their opponent with the intent of killing them, then a protective shield would enshroud the victim and the rule breaker would be eliminated."

This was nothing out of the norm.

"Every match would be allotted the time of two hours and a fifteen minutes break in between the matches. If no results draw out within two hours then the match would be regarded as a draw and neither of the team would gain any points. The undecided match participants would no longer be able to participate further, which should be noted as well."

"Making your rival surrender would grant seventy-five points and knocking them out would grant you a hundred. Though excessive violence which could lead to lasting trauma would not be allowed, it is expected from participants to give their all when they step on the arena."

With that, the announcer finished speaking all the necessary rules a player requires to keep in mind for the matches.

The ridiculous part of this whole new rule bullshit was that, it's only surprising element for Pristine and Carlesthine Academy since the other teams would get enough time to alter their plans.

'Is that Sage deliberately trying to make this more challenging for a specific team... '

I couldn't help but wonder.

[Alright, from the Carlesthine Academy it has been chosen that student Maydeath, a Tier 3 mage, would be entering the arena for the first round.]

No surprise there, but still it was too quick.

The announcement was made and we were supposed to notify ours as well.

Professor Henry already was in a frenzy and was about to begin his discussion but now there is no time.

"I am going in."

I rose from my seat even though I have planned to go at last. But now that Maydeath was participating in the first round I have got no other option. From what I have observed, with her skill, any other teammate of mine might suffer a loss.

I was not overconfident in my skills but to counter her, I think I was best suited.

...ah, I forgot about this one.

"Please let me go, Seth."

I was obstructed by the same raven-haired protagonist who wants to show his worth at every single place which he finds challenging.

Those fiery eyes and the look of determination he holds...Basically, right now, Keita and Arata have fully merged, that much I was sure about.

"If I fail in this, I swear on my life I would do whatever you want for the whole year."

I think he doesn't know until now that Maydeath is Miyuki and how strong she has grown compared to her canon self. If Arata is planning to defeat her, in the same way it was depicted in the novel, then he is in for a massive shock.

But who am I to stop him?

"Alright, go out there and make our Academy's name shine."

I patted him on the shoulder before I retired back to my seat.

It's time to just enjoy the show.

*****

A/N: - Drop a comment.

What if Arata beats Maydeath...who knows?