Chapter 49. Results

“Good luck in the tournament today everyone!” Emma wished as they got ready for the third day of the midterm tournament.

After getting Clare back, the rest of the semester went by smoothly and peacefully, not counting the constant disputes between the girls of course.

With her mind back in the right place, Clare was able to return to form and with Cecilla now as a constant rival, Clare’s growth was back on pace and she managed to outpace Luke to keep her rank 1 overall for the class.

For all of the ones who entered the tournament, every single one of the group made it to day two. Cecilla with her master level mastery easily swept her class in the showcase day 1 of the tournament with Lucia having a field day hyping her up for obvious reasons.

After sitting out for a few tournaments, Alice once again decided to join after spending the semester actually trying to learn things instead of just being Ken’s private tutor. While her rankings aren’t nearly as high as they once were, with her natural born advantages, she made it easily to day two with the rest of the group.

Lovetta, Seraphina and Clare all easily got through day one of the tournament like always and even Indra managed to get by after improving her combat skills greatly while maintaining her already great grades.

For Emma, she had made great progress on her intermediate studies while also keeping up on her full time job while Genesis spent the whole semester clinging onto Ken wherever he went and did absolutely nothing to improve the space magic that allowed her to continue to be a student.

Keeping his promise to Clare, in a single semester, with the help of Cecilla, Lovetta and later Clare, Ken was able to get above expert level on all of the practical parts while also keeping a good pace on his written classes.

From the bottom of the ladder, the orphan commoner is now ranked 22 overall and his elemental enchants shot up to ranked 3rd behind only Clare and Luke and finishing 4th on physical enhancements behind those 2 plus Lovetta.

Combining with his not so secret boost training, Ken was pretty sure he was on the same level as Lovetta, Clare and Luke if not already stronger. During the first day of the tournament, none of his opponents stood a chance and with his performance last semester, it seemed like Lucia had honored his subtle request of not matching him up with the top 3 until it’s down to the final 4.

After the group arrived at the stadium, Emma and Genesis stayed outside of the stadium for some breakfast while the rest went backstage to get ready for the show.

“Emma don’t have to work today?” Seraphina asked as Ken was already digging into the free buffet the moment they got to the backstage.

“I think she told Agnes to schedule her off today since she wanted to watch the full fights today and to cheer me on. Right now all the work she does is for extra pay anyways and with how much money I’m getting from Alice for that room, Emma should just work less and spend more time studying.”

“I think Genesis is the one that actually should be doing some studying. She literally learned space magic with no training at all, I can’t believe she is letting all that talent go to waste.” Lovetta added.

“No point trying to convince Genesis, all she cares about and thinks about is Ken. I’m no mind reader but it doesn't take a genius like her to know the only thing on that girl’s mind is Ken.” Alice replied as the group got ready to get called up onto the stage.

After some easy matches, Alice eventually ran into Lovetta and got beat while Indra faced off against Ken for her last match of the tournament.

Soon, the day was coming to an end with only the top four left to fight it out for the top spot. Luke ended up matching up against Lovetta and Ken ended up in a revenge match against Clare.

Waving to the cheering crowd as he was introduced, Ken has now gotten used to the stadium and the bright lights.

“Hey Clare, can you do me a favor and just defend please? I want to see just how strong I am against your defense.”

nodding to show her agreement, the match between the two played out much differently than half a year ago.

With no negative emotions and only fighting for the fun of competing between two lovers and trying to grow stronger, Ken started the match immediately going into a full enhanced mood with boost and charging at Clare from every direction at impressive speed.

While in boost, it was plain to see that Ken was obviously much faster and stronger with his higher base and slightly lower enhancement, the amount of power Ken displayed left Clare with no room to retaliate and she was only able to defend while getting pushed back.

Even though the two are in good standing, the competitive nature of the pair made the match fun and exciting for the audience as neither was pulling any punches and the match was fast and furious.

After 7 minutes of attacking from Ken and clearly in control of the match, the referee suddenly called the match and declared Clare’s victory to the confusion of the spectators.

Waving to the confused crowd, Ken quickly walked backstage, exhausted from using boost in a fight for the first time and slumped into the closest chair trying to catch his breath.

“Are you feeling alright Ken?” Lovetta rushed over after seeing Ken exhausted.

“Boost is no joke, I know I can go longer than 14 minutes at full power but 7 minutes with boost and I knew if I go much longer I was not going to be alright. Never felt this tired before but it was a good learning experience for sure.” Ken replied softly.

“Don’t overdo it alright? Boost is dangerous and for you to learn it from Cecilla instead of an experienced professor was never a good idea.”

“It’s fine Lovetta. I was trying to do a max drain to see exactly how it feels.”

“Mutt. It’s time for you to take your beating.” The familiar voice of Luke called out as staff asked for Luke and Lovetta to go on stage to start their match.

“Don’t let him rile you up, Lovetta. You know he will say something stupid but just do your best and ignore him.” Ken suggested as Lovetta walked away giving Luke an angry glare.

“Are you alright Ken? I had to go use the bathroom. You were so strong! Too bad you decided to lose on purpose.” Clare asked, showing up as Lovetta and Luke walked away.

“Using boost really drained me. I can’t imagine how double boost would feel but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do so if need be, I will get that one hit in, no matter what it takes.” Ken promised as he gathered his thought on how to better improve his stamina so he could get that much stronger.

“I will make sure to beat that Luke so I can at least try to convince my father.” Clare replied confidently.

“Don’t get overconfident Clare, as much of a douchebag as Luke is, he has been studying and training hard. You might have slightly better overall enhancements and enchants but he’s definitely physically stronger than you now since he is a grown man.”

“Stop worrying! Just focus on yourself Ken! I won’t lose to that Luke ever again!” Clare said confidently.

While the two chatted and discussed strategies, they watched the fight between Lovetta and Luke on the mirror and while Lovetta is no doubt better at physical enhancement, the fact that Luke is now a grown man meant even without as high of a multiplier, his strength, power and speed is almost equal to Lovetta and with his added elemental magic ability, the match was exciting to watch but Lovetta never stood a chance.

When Lovetta tired out, Luke ended up finishing her with a barrage of close ranged physical and magic attacks while doing combo hits like Ken was doing and eventually was declared the winner after destroying Lovetta’s protection.

As the crowd from the human selection cheered, Luke was shown smiling and walking over to Lovetta to have an exchange of words and while he was able to keep his demeanor, Lovetta was about to jump him if it wasn’t for Ken calling for her from just behind the entrance to backstage.

“Lovetta! I told you to not get riled up by him! Clare, we will be heading to the stands to watch the final matches. good luck against Luke!” Ken told the elf princess while giving her a quick hug and kiss before heading to the stands with Lovetta to join the rest.

“You know Lovetta, for someone who is too shy to really talk to people, you sure get mad easily.”

“Only because Luke kept talking badly about you and hinting that he might try something.” Lovetta replied while still heated.

“What is he possibly going to do to me, Lovetta? You know he won’t mess with Clare or Cecilla and he was always a big talker but would only pick on people who're scared of him. He knows how to get you mad now but you need to stop falling for his taunting!” Ken offered, trying to calm down the wolf girl.

After reaching the stands, the two greeted Genesis, Emma and Indra while waiting for the final matches to start.

Cecilla destroyed the other poor first year student like they were nothing while Seraphina crushed the second year finalist and when Clare was up, it was the revenge match everyone was looking forward to.

“I think they are rather evenly matched. Don’t think either have the advantage, I guess it might just come down to luck and see how lands more hits and does more damage to the protection. What do you think, Lovetta?” Ken observed.

“I think Clare will win. All she did was defend in the match between the two of you so her stamina should still be good but Luke was trying very hard against me and I noticed he was getting tired at the end. It’s definitely more draining to use offensive skills compared to just defending.” Lovetta offered her insight as the two chatted more about the final match.

“Nice! So Clare should thank me if she ends up winning!”

Like how Lovetta predicted, the two were evenly matched in both offense and defense and it was an even battle until 7 minutes in where Luke started to show signs of fatigue and eventually when the match was called. The referrer declared Clare the winner to the exploding cheering from the elves that two Yelwraek princesses have won for their class and Clare is once again on top of the year after beating out a Darrumburgh.

The student fights came to an end on a high note for Ken and the girls. Even though Clare, Cecilla and Alice couldn’t join them for the feast afterwards due to family obligations. The rest enjoyed a nice meal to celebrate Seraphina winning and Ken making it to the prize pool for the first time.

The rest of the tournament went pretty much how it always did. When it comes to the top end of talent, not many people can break into the top echelon. Vincent had joined the open tournament as a 7th year student and with his mastery up to divine level, while Ken has heard that Vincent hasn’t made much progress towards holy level still, he was a stand out but once he got to the final match before facing off against the top 10, he ran into the impressive grizzly beastman Fernard who Ken has liked ever since the first tournament he got to watch live.

The top 10 obviously still ended up on top like always with the bottom six ranking changing depending on the match up but the cornerstones for each race remained on top as none of the others were even close in breaking into the top 4.

Zishell ended up winning once again and as always, Ken tried his best to try and observe how the very best of the best fought and with each tournament, he was able to notice slightly more.

With the tournament over, many people around the world looked forward to the interviews and of course, Lucia was on the job and appeared wherever she was needed to interview whoever she must to make the people happy.

After making her rounds and chatting with a few different popular regulars like Vincent and Luke, She made the usual stop by Ken and spoke with Seraphina for a few minutes before turning her attention to Ken.

“Ken! What happened out there during your fight? You were in such a good position and to suddenly lose without Clare even touching you. Did you purposefully lose?” Lucia asked, a question many of those watching at home wondered as well.

“Come on Lucia! You know I won’t try and throw a match! I was trying my best to win just like always. What ended up happening is that when I visited Vespera last winter, I met this boy named Ryo who could boost without being taught so I just had to learn it! I was feeling good and ready to win but the boost caught up to me and I was drained and out of stamina but next semester! I will win just like I promised!” Ken declared while Lucia happily informed those at home what boost did and hyped up Ken’s declaration.

“RYO! You really weren't lying when you said you knew him!” One of Ryo’s new classmates shouted happily as the boys and their new friends all gathered to watch the tournament.

“Of course! Ken is the only reason why we even got to go to school! He said I have the talent so if you all want me to shout you out once I get famous like him, better make sure you treat me and my family well!” Ryo said happily as he and the other boys have now gotten used to their new lifestyle of going to school and not having to steal to get fed.

With the tournament over, the group headed back to the suit to get ready for the banquet. When they arrived, Alice, Clare and Cecilla were already busy getting ready to look their best.

With Clare’s possible situation at home, Ken advised her to stop paying for her suite and try to save as much money as she could in case she had to say goodbye to life as a princess and the entire group ended up staying in the suite Cecilla paid for the final three months of the school semester.

“Looking beautiful as ever!” Ken commented to the girls.

“Better make it clear who you meant.” Alice snapped back.

“Every single one of you obviously! You know I only like beautiful girls!” Ken replied, not giving Alice any chance to create drama.

As everyone got dressed and ready, they headed to the dining hall together and said goodbye to the trio as they went up to the elite group while Ken and the rest got in line to grab food.

“Hey Ken!” A voice called out as the group waited in line.

“AVA! How are you doing!” Ken replied, turning around to see the beautiful vampire waving at him.

“Have you resolved your issues with the princess yet?” Ava asked.

“Yep! All is good with life. How have you been? Still the same old with Thomas?”

“You know it. Haven’t seen that guy in who knows how long. I am glad you got your princess back!” Ava said happily, congratulating Ken on his achievement during the tournament as well.

“Yea, I’m telling you Ava. It’s not easy juggling so many girls, I think your husband’s non-commitment style might be the way to go.” Ken Joked.

“I would be careful telling jokes like that if I were you. Your girls don’t seem to think it’s funny.”

“See what I mean! So hard to juggle!”

Since Alice couldn’t stay long, Ken asked how the boys were doing and about her pet wolf and after confirming that the boys are going to school and eating properly and the wolf pup is now huge, Ava hurried back to be with her family.

“She is so pretty.” Emma commented.

“Ken, you are not thinking about it are you?” Genesis asked, giving him a side glare.

“Na, Ava is like an older sister. I think she is good with Vincent though. Too bad she is stuck in that worthless marriage.”

“Good.” Lovetta added, not wanting Ken to get more girls.

After the group got their massive amount of food, they joined some acquaintances on the second floor with the nice view of the ground floor and began chatting and enjoying their meals.

“Hello Ken.” Another voice said from behind as Ken was chatting happily with his girls and the others.

“ROSE! I haven't seen you in so long! How have you been?” Ken asked excitedly, getting to see Rose again who was covered from neck to toe without an ounce of skin showing except her face.

“Not much ever going on in my life. Just studying daily but not sure what the point is. You seem much happier compared to last time I saw you. I assume you resolved the issue with the princess?” Rose asked as she took a seat at the table with the group.

“Yep! Thanks for asking. Well, I guess the question you need to ask is what exactly are you trying to accomplish with your studying. Once you do, you might not be so bored. Since I am aiming to be the strongest, I never get bored while studying and training and wish there are more hours in the day!” Ken offered.

“More hours so you could play with girls?” Rose replied while surveying all of the girls Ken has around him.

“That and training of course!” Ken replied as Rose settled in and started chatting with the group.

“So she is the daughter of the 4th ranked hero?” Ken heard Alice ask as she and the two princesses showed up with some food for Ken.

“Hello, My name is Rose Gilliam, it’s nice meeting everyone.”

“Why have I never seen her with her father before and why doesn’t she have a tail?” Alice asked suspiciously while examining Rose up and down.

“Alice, don’t be rude, she has her reasons.” Ken replied, not wanting Alice to dig further.

Unconvinced but not having time to argue, Alice and the two princesses stayed a little to chat with the group before leaving to be back with their families.

Chatting with the group until late into the night, Rose was once again forced to leave when Sylvester showed up and told her it’s time to go.

“Bye Ken, everyone. It was fun talking to you all. I look forward to talking to everyone again.” Rose said while waving goodbye to the group and left her with father, looking back fondly at Ken.

“Picking up girls left and right. I heard when you were with Alice, you were interested in this fairy girl too!” Genesis complained as she watched Rose walk away.

“Oh Candace? She is super cute. But since she didn’t get selected to the academy. I don’t think I will get to see her ever again.” Ken commented, remembering the beautiful fairy girl he met in Darrumburgh.

With Rose gone and the night getting late, the group returned to the suite to see Clare, Cecilia and Alice already packed and ready to go back home.

“Seraphina, I know you are the type that just goes along with the flow but please keep an eye on him so he doesn’t get another girlfriend.” Clare commented.

“No Worries! My home is on an island with nothing nearby and there is no girl my age in the entire tribe!” Seraphina answered happily.

“Wait! If there is nothing nearby? Why am I even going? What would I be doing for 2 weeks?” Ken asked in shock.

“My dad said he needed to see you and if things go well, I guess you will be doing me?” Seraphina answered cheerfully.

“I guess that’s fine if it goes well.” Ken replied while the other girls were visibly unhappy with what they just learned.

With another semester coming to an end, Ken was elated that he was able to get Clare back and excited to join Seraphina and see what the last tribe of dragoons looked like.