The students were told to prepare themselves for the event. They started to pick thier best beast gear and left whatever they didn’t need behind.
They then were organized by the soldiers into thier new groups. Once again, it seemed like even on the second day, all the first years were placed in the same group. This was to continue making the fights fairer and enjoyable. Even if a first-year was stronger, thier was the key difference between them and the second years, which was using a soul weapon.
As the students finished getting into thier groups, several heads twisted and turned, and mumbling between the participants seemed to be going around quickly. They all realized that the infamous ZombieP was no longer there.
Looking over at all the groups, Nate noticed that he wasn’t with his newly found friend he had just made, since he was a second year, but it also seemed like everyone was turning to know to look at him.
"So, you’re ZombieP’s replacement?" A student in the group said. "I wonder what happen to him?"
Rather than being interested in Quinn himself, they were far more concerned about where or why ZombieP wouldn’t be taking part in this fight.
Seeing his ability, he couldn’t have possibly been injured. This was the usual reason for one dropping out of the tournament. If it was an injury that wouldn’t have been able to be healed on time before the next match.
"All right, everyone, it’s time to make your way up to the stage. Group A, please follow me." It was time for Quinn and the others to make their way to the arena.
As Quinn was about to pass through the entrance, the soldier from before stopped him for he had a newfound interest in him.
"Wait, aren’t you going to take any beast gear with you into the fight. If you don’t have any, the rules state we can at least lend you some basic protection equipment."
It wasn’t beast gear as that would be unfair to the others, but the man worried about him, he needed at least some thick leather.
"It’s okay," Quinn replied. "I have everything I need."
*****
Inside the booth, the Four leaders, including the Supreme commander Oscar, arrived in their seats. They were free to do what they wanted during regular events but wanted to have the best seats in the house for the main three events.
They had just finished watching the Ranged event and crafting event. The big four families would often teach the same ability, but the ability varied in strength depending on the person. However, when watching, they still kept a close eye. There were many factions and other families that were under the banner of the big four.
If they were to see a student who really interested them, they could invite them over to join a family under them, in turn, growing the power of thier own.
Finally, it was time for the fighting event.
"The first years will be fighting first, correct?" Mona asked. "Is there anyone you have your eyes on?"
Hearing this reminded both Burnie and Owen of their encounter with the Blade child. He was in his first year. After hearing no news of anything happening yesterday, they assumed he might have just wanted to practice with their powers. Anyway, whatever the child wanted to do, it was none of their business.
"That child named ZombieP interests me." Said Owen. "His regeneration speed was remarkable, and yet somehow, even without any beast gear, he was able to deliver a knockout punch."
"Perhaps he is skilled in the martial arts. He wouldn’t be the first person to preform superhuman feats beyond the norms of a human body." Mona replied. "What was his name... I believe he finally decided to become a teacher."
"You are talking about Sergeant Leo," Oscar replied. "And unfortunately, we won’t be seeing ZombieP perform in today’s match. I got a report this morning from the doctor. He can’t move; his whole body’s frozen. They think it’s possibly a drawback from whatever powers he displayed yesterday."
Hearing this, Jack was pleased. It seemed like Duke had really pulled through for him again.
"Of course, a healing power that strong would have its own drawbacks," Burnie said with his arms crossed as he snorted hot air from his large nostrils once again.
"Then, that means we will see a new person?" Mona asked. "This won’t be fun at all. The substitute is a substitute for a reason simply because they weren’t good enough to be picked in the first place. If it happened in the first round, sure, it might have been entertaining. But the students that are left are quite strong. I almost feel sorry for the student."
Although Jack didn’t feel sorry for the student, he thought it would be an incredibly quick match. After the surprise turn of events of yesterday, Jack didn’t want the same thing happening twice. Out of all the first-year students participating in the event this year, he made it so the Duke would allow him to fight the strongest one.
At least the strongest one he could get. There were a couple of first-year students that were part of the big four families. Those he didn’t want to get involved in too much, so he picked the next best choice.
He wanted to humiliate Peter while also drawing out Pure. But with Pure already succeeding in their task, the opponent he had prepared would now be going against the substitute.
The platforms had been prepared and spread out across the arena floor. This time the platforms were at least two times the size as the previous ones. This was because there would now be displaying only five fights at the same time. It also allowed for more large-scale fighting and fewer defeats via the knockout from falling off.
It was boring seeing participants just falling to the ground; the audience would much rather watch a display of great skills.
"Please, everyone, welcome your first round of participants."
The crowd cheered loudly as it was the last event of the day. They always did save the best until last, which was why no one had left, and it seemed like not a single seat was empty in the arena.
The participants slowly walked onto the stage, and just like everyone else, they too soon realized that one of their favourites from the first round, wasn’t there.
The crowd wasn’t too bothered, but the students, in particular, were surprised.
"What, where is zombieP?"
"Sadly, I only got the report just before entering this room."
"Oh, I wouldn’t worry too much," Owen interjected. "I think we all will be more surprised than you think.
The others chose to ignore Owen’s words. To them, it seemed like the youngster who just wanted a different option compared to everyone else, like a child who would say the opposite answer compared to the whole class just to get attention.
"And his opponent, unfortunately, ZombieP has had to exit from the tournament due to medical emergencies. Which means today we have a replacement. Please welcome to the stage... the Cursed Child."
From above, Vorden and the others all shook their head and slapped it in disappointment.
"What’s with his naming sense." Vorden thought. "Couldn’t he think of something, a little less cringy?"
Layla started to giggle a little. "I kinda like it, better than his other name anyway."
The reason for choosing this name was because of how he felt at the time, and felt similar to when he had created his vampire family. He also didn’t want to choose a name that gave away his abilities, and on top of that, he wasn’t able to use his old favourite name, the Blood evolver.
*BEEP *BEEP *BEEP*
The three beeps indicated it was time for the event to start, and as soon as it did.
[Shadow equip]
Shadows surrounded Quinn’s body, legs, and arms, and a few seconds later, they had dispersed, revealing all of his equipment.
The soldier watching from below smiled while looking at the screen.
"You really did have everything you need."
But one who was even more shocked and more excited was Nate.
’He has Gauntlets? Another year one student who uses gauntlets as a weapon. A strange level one user just like the ZombieP. Now that I think about it, that kick as well. Skilful in martial arts. It can’t be, is he the Blood evolver?"
*****
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