Re-Awakened :I Ascend as an SSS-Ranked Dragon Summoner-Chapter 201: Baptism by fire 2

With those words, the spotlight widened to illuminate the beast core removal and crafting stations, where competitors now stood ready. Among them, Noah spotted Kelvin, his expression intense as he surveyed the materials laid out before him.

"First," Commander Elara announced, "the beast core removal competition. Competitors must extract intact cores from the provided specimens without triggering defensive mechanisms or damaging the valuable cores themselves."

The screens zoomed in on the beast corpses laid out on the reinforced tables—creatures of varying sizes and types, their iridescent scales and armored exteriors hiding the deadly complexities within.

"Among these specimens are standard cores, volatile cores, and even S-class suicide cores, which will detonate if improperly handled," the commander explained. "Competitors have been assigned beasts based on their skill level and year group."

A timer appeared on the screens, counting down from sixty seconds.

"Following the beast core removal, we will proceed to the crafting competition, where competitors will transform identical raw materials into functional devices, judged on innovation, practicality, and execution."

Noah's eyes remained fixed on Kelvin, who stood with shoulders squared, tools already laid out in precise order, ready for the challenge ahead.

"Competitors, ready yourselves," Commander Elara instructed.

The timer hit zero, and a buzzer sounded through the arena.

"Begin!"

Immediately, the competitors set to work. In the beast core removal area, students approached their assigned specimens with cautious precision. Some used scanning devices to map the internal structure of their beasts before making the first incision, while others relied on visual cues and experience to guide their extraction attempts.

The crafting competitors, including Kelvin, began sorting through their provided materials, minds already racing with possibilities.

"He looks focused," Sophie observed, watching Kelvin work.

"He's been preparing for this," Noah replied. "This is his element."

The screens overhead cycled between competitors, capturing moments of intense concentration, flashes of brilliance, and occasional setbacks. A year three student from Academy Five triggered a minor detonation while attempting to extract an S-class core, the protective shields around the station activating instantly to contain the blast.

In the crafting section, Kelvin worked with methodical precision, his hands moving with practiced confidence as he transformed raw materials into something new. Unlike some competitors who built showy, complex structures, Kelvin's approach was elegant in its simplicity—focusing on function over form, on innovative solutions rather than flashy designs.

"What's he making?" Lila asked, leaning forward to get a better view.

Noah studied the components taking shape under his friend's skilled hands. "Some kind of scanner, I think. But modified."

The competitions continued for two hours, with periodic updates from the announcer and expert commentary from former champions. Throughout it all, Noah watched Kelvin's steady progress, recognizing the signs of his friend's particular genius in the device taking shape before him.

When the final buzzer sounded, the competitors stepped back from their work. In the beast core removal section, successful extractions glowed with light in specialized containment units. In the crafting area, finished devices waited for evaluation, each representing hours of practice and moments of inspiration.

"Competitors, please stand by your stations for judging," Commander Elara instructed. "Our panel of experts will now evaluate your work based on predetermined criteria."

As the judges moved from station to station, the screens displayed close-ups of the completed projects along with technical analyses. When they reached Kelvin's station, there was a noticeable pause as they examined his creation—a compact device that appeared deceptively simple at first glance.

"What Competitor Pithon has created," the technical announcer explained, "appears to be a modified spectrum analyzer capable of detecting and identifying beast energy signatures at ranges far exceeding standard equipment. The innovation lies in its miniaturization and energy efficiency, achieved through a novel arrangement of components."

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Noah couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips. Typical Kelvin—solving problems that others hadn't even recognized yet.

After what seemed like an eternity, the judges completed their evaluations and returned to their station. Commander Elara stepped forward once more.

"The results of the beast core removal competition are as follows," she announced. "In third place, from Academy Three, Jin Korazi."

Applause rippled through the arena as a year two student from Academy Three raised his hand in acknowledgment.

"In second place, from Academy Nine, Lyra Fernandez."

More applause, louder this time.

"And in first place, demonstrating exceptional skill in extracting an S-class core with zero contamination, from Academy Five, Tarak Vishnu."

The arena erupted in cheers as a year three student from Academy Five stepped forward to accept the recognition.

"Now, for the crafting competition results," Commander Elara continued after the applause had settled. "In third place, from Academy One, Harper Wells."

Sophie squeezed Noah's hand as they waited, the tension palpable.

"In second place, with a portable gravitational disruptor of remarkable efficiency, from Academy Seven, Elias Kenneth."

One more place. Noah leaned forward slightly, eyes fixed on Kelvin, who stood with admirable composure beside his creation.

"And in first place, with an innovative beast energy signature detector that our judges believe could revolutionize early warning systems, from Academy Twelve, Kelvin Pithon."

The section of the arena filled with Academy Twelve students erupted in cheers. Noah, Sophie, and even Lila leapt to their feet, applauding wildly as Kelvin stepped forward, a mixture of shock and elation on his face.

The screens displayed Webb Pithon in the VIP box, his expression unchanged save for the slightest nod of acknowledgment at his son's achievement.

"Competitors, please proceed to the awards platform," Commander Elara instructed. "The rest of our audience, please join us again after the lunch interval for the Chi combat competition."

As the crowd began to disperse for the lunch break, Noah caught Kelvin's eye across the arena. His friend grinned, gave a thumbs up, then mouthed, "Your turn now."

Noah nodded, the familiar pre-combat focus already settling over him like a mantle. The morning's competitions had been impressive, but they were just the beginning. The true test—at least for Noah—would come in the Chi combat.

"We should congratulate Kelvin," Sophie said, tugging Noah toward the competitor's exit where they would be able to meet him.

"He was amazing," Lila agreed, falling into step on Noah's other side.

As they made their way through the crowd, Noah's mind was already shifting gears, mentally preparing for the combat ahead. Around them, the Nexus Arena hummed with energy and anticipation, the morning's events merely a prelude to the battles to come.

The baptism by fire had only just begun.