After a while, the day finally ended. Cassien had set some simple things in place while the rest of his classmates did their own thing.

They re-met for periods three and four, right after lunch ended, going over the map of the island prior to choosing a section.

"We need to be near a lake, some water, even the seashore works... Though, I prefer it if we were more compact simply because more things would be available. We can assign some people to go onto the Obsidian Peaks or Echo Canyon, claim some height. If we want some soft beds to sleep on, which would be too risky, we can make our way up towards the North Point, where the watchtower lies... better to scan the area, but at a high risk of getting caught," Olivia announced to the class.

Ding!

As the bell rang, the day had finally concluded.

"Take care, everyone. Good luck tomorrow, I will miss you all." Professor Baldwin gave them one final goodbye, as everyone respectfully nodded back. "Hope you all win."

Cassien began walking back to his room. He was slightly tired from the stressful day he had just gone through.

Then, thinking about each class, he concluded everyone’s top ranks.

’1A has Cid Forge, 1B has Aiysha Moon, 1D has Theodore or Amelia, I guess, then there’s our class... 1C, in which we have me...’ He smiled, ’Sounds about right.’

...

Two hours passed, and he still had so much time. Going on a quest now would be too late and tiresome, but something that would be quite exhilarating...

’An Arena Duel, I’ll get my record to 2-0, call me prime Mike Tyson if you will.’

...

Another hour went by.

Date: December 17th, 5:45 PM.

Cassien sat down on the benches, awaiting his turn, until Amelia approached him.

"You live in the arena or what?" Cassien asked.

"Normally, I mean, how else am I supposed to learn some unique combat skills? You’re forgetting I wasn’t born with quite the strong suit like others were. If I’m talentless, I’ll learn from the best and adapt," she declared, Cassien feeling slightly impressed.

"Oh I see, you’re here to watch me fight... I mean, you could’ve just said that."

"Not what I said."

"Close enough."

"Anyways," Amelia switched the topic casually, "Are you ready for the big exam tomorrow? Already on day three-four and we get something that’s catastrophically terrifying... I mean, an Island exam. Are you seriously prepared?"

Cassien smiled, "I don’t know really, how about you?"

"Well... we don’t have anyone special, mostly just weak randoms."

Then, a thought crossed through Cassien’s head. ’If she’s still here, that would mean she killed another transmigrator during the first purge. Cheeky little bitch, trying to make me downplay your abilities.’

Before Cassien could continue to speak out loud, the announcer finally called up his turn.

"Contestants Number 1,023 & 1,024 of today! Please make your way up into the training facility!"

While they represented each of the contestants’ statistics and common factors on the podium and large screen above, Cassien finally met eye to eye with the referee, who was underestimating him against Jameson Sparrow back then.

"Nice to see you again. What have you been up to?" Cassien asked that same official while readying the weapon he was going to choose.

"Well, after what you did, it really took a turn. More non-royals became motivated to fight individuals much stronger than themselves, superior both physically and in family status, of course. You really made me eat dirt back there, walking out all nonchalant and shit had me feeling like I was a punk."

’Some interesting slang coming from a character of [A Hero’s Will To Survive].’ Cassien laughed on the inside afterwards, ’Who am I kidding? He’s definitely a transmigrator.’

"You really sparked a whole new generation of men and women at the academy; well done." The referee concluded.

Cassien smiled.

"Color me impressed," he murmured. "Either way, this is the weapon I’m going to be using today."

"No gun this time? Switching it up, I see..."

"It would be boring if I used a long-range weapon twice in two fights, don’t you think?"

The ref backed up into the arena, blowing the whistle before turning back to Cassien.

"Anyways, your turn to battle, please respect all the rules you were taught. Thanks. Oh, and also, the man you are facing is Ray Foster, a third-degree noble."

Cassien nodded, then walked over to the middle. "Thanks for that detail, not that it matters."

The announcer began his usual speech. Not many people were there, barely a dozen, showing the loss of interest from the low number of fans in comparison with earlier.

"Guess it’s just a really windy day," he said.

The commentator explained some bullshit jokes, then returned to the main topic as the other man began stepping up, with water circling around his hands. His mana wasn’t great, but nothing low either.

"Anyhow... let this fight begin-!"

"Ha!" Cassien’s opponent laughed right to his face, "My record is 8-0 Already, you really think you can defeat me with that pathetic little dagger-?!" His opponent blinked... "Mommy?"

Bam!

...

Everyone’s attention shook.

In one smooth move, Cassien had already crossed the distance between them, the dagger’s blunt hilt smashing directly into Ray’s stomach.

"Ghk!"

Cassien grabbed the back of Ray’s head before he could even fall properly, then afterward smashed him directly into the arena floor.

"What the hell?!"

"That was too fast..."

The audience, while only a dozen people, still had their minds blown off.

The commentator nearly choked on his own words. "A-amazing opening by contestant Cassien Artfold!"

Ray tried forcing water around his arm, but Cassien immediately stepped on his wrist.

Crack!

"Aghhh!"

The water dispersed instantly.

Cassien looked down at him coldly. "Your mana circulation is sloppy. You waste too much energy trying to intimidate opponents before fights even begin."

Ray grit his teeth. "Bastard!"

Cassien crouched slightly.

"Must be nice stat-padding against bums around the academy, increasing your record to earn yourself a student-council shout by only versing weaklings. I know the type of man you are, Ray Foster."

Cassien stepped on him again...

"Ahhhhh!"

One of the students stood up, afraid. "Referee, stop the game!"

"On it!"

Cassien stepped on his arm again.

"Ahhhh!"

Then, he looked down coldly and questioned him, while showing no remorse.

"Do you know why people like you lose?"

...