Chapter 281: Was It Always Empty?

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

There were not too many ripples in the second round. The students in the top 20 had entered the third round. The seniors recognized the top-ranking first-year students’ performances.

“This batch of first-year students are pretty strong.”

“The top 20 in the second round as seeded contestants will not meet, but their performance was stable enough. Not a single one dropped the ball.”

“Garlic Man is also quite strong. He almost pulled 005 off the horse.”

“That garlic-chewing player is also quite strong. He almost pulled 005 off the horse!”

Then a deep and powerful voice sounded, “005 is not as simple as you think, Colby!”

The brown-haired Colby turned and saw the person who spoke. He immediately said respectfully, “President Cecil, you’re back.”

Cecil was the president of the Spiritual Power Society, one of the top three societies in Kyoto. He knew there was a selection competition for the first- and second-year student competition, so he rushed back from wherever he was.

Cecil nodded and said thoughtfully, “Colby, you’ve been in the Spiritual Power Society for a year, but you still haven’t made much progress. You usually emphasize that you should raise your spiritual power to perceive everything, but you’ve forgotten about that?”

“I’m sorry, President Cecil. I was too busy watching the fight. I’ll remember that in the future,” Colby was like a frosted eggplant. He did not even have the mood to watch the fight.

“Okay, watch the fights. I believe you’ll catch up if you put your heart into it. Cecil’s eyes emitted a dazzling light as he patted Colby’s shoulder comfortingly.

Strangely enough, Colby, who felt listless just a moment ago, instantly became excited. He nodded enthusiastically and watched the fight with great interest.

At this moment, the announcement echoed in Long Sheng’s field, “Sofia will draw the 33 numbers in the box in the third round as the conference host. The first number she draws will face the 32nd number, and the second number will go against the 31st.

“The 16th number will go against the 17th, and the last will have no chance to enter the fourth round.”

After the announcement, everyone focused their attention on Sofia. She had always been extraordinary, but she wore a light purple tulle dress today. She looked more dignified and elegant, like a Goddess who had descended into the mortal world.

As her slender hands pulled out number 013 from the number box, number 008 immediately appeared on the big screen above Long Sheng’s field. She created the first counterpoint when she drew 004.

Applause and cheers filled the field at the same time.

“Wow!”

“My Goddess Nat versus 023! This kid’s luck is running out!”

“Although there is no suspense in this match, this match is what I want to see the most!”

…

Under Armand’s leadership, the number of Nat’s fans grew larger. The audience’s mood improved as Sofia drew a few more numbers. She still had three numbers to pick, including Moss’s 005 and Charlie’s 002.

No matter who Sofia drew next, it would be an exciting match because Noel was in the second position. However, two completely different voices were in the field when she picked 012.

“Great! No one in the top 5 will get eliminated this round!”

…

“What a pity! It would’ve been a fantastic show if Moss, Charlie, and Noel fought each other.”

As 012 occupied the 31st seat, only one seat remained for the next round, meaning that either Moss or Charlie would be lucky enough to enter. Just like that, in anticipation of the audience, Sofia drew another number.

When she said the number, Morales shouted abruptly from the audience seats, “Hahaha! Boss Moss’s round is empty!”

Then 002 appeared in the 32nd position on the big screen. Sofia drew the last number and said smilingly, “Congratulations, 005, for directly entering the fourth round.”

Then she pointed to the side and said, “Please sit in the waiting area for the next round. Ladies and gentlemen, the third round will begin in five minutes. Now, let’s warmly welcome the first four contestants.”

The best one among the first four matches was Dean’s 012 versus Noel’s 001. Sitting in the waiting area, Moss fixed his eyes on the second match’s arena. He had never seen Noel’s strength, so it was the perfect opportunity for him to watch Noel’s match.

Many of the audience members also focused on Noel. After all, he ranked number one in this year’s national college entrance exams, so receiving a lot of attention was natural.

When everyone thought this was an exciting match, Noel used his strength as the number one person to tell the audience: “I’m number one for a reason!”

He forced Dean out of the arena in less than two minutes and easily won, while Charlie, who was in arena number one, took another five minutes to end his match.

Although 001 and 002 had never fought, Noel was right about 012, and Charlie was right about 013. Noel was five minutes faster than Charlie, making their results close.

…

As Nat quickly took down 023, the top five students entered the next round of the competition. Twenty minutes after Noel finished the competition, the third round had also ended.

After these three rounds, only 17 participants remained in the waiting area.

According to the usual practice, drawing lots would decide the fourth round. The last one to be drawn would advance to the next round.

The process of drawing lots was relatively dull most of the time. There was no situation where the audience expected the top five students to meet. However, in the end, something shocking happened.

Once again, Moss did not have an opponent, immediately arousing the audience’s doubts.

“Something fishy is going on.”

“Moss doesn’t have an opponent for the second time now. He could have won the lottery with that kind of luck!”

…

Many suggested that a random audience member drew lots for the last round. They also suggested that this audience member could choose which number they would draw and enter the next round directly.

What was surprising was that the principal approved this proposal.

But what was even more surprising than that was that the fifth round of the nine-to-five pre-competition draw, which later took place, became the most famous scene in the school selection competition this time.

However, that was a discussion for another time. The audience again burst into an uproar upon hearing that Monte had agreed to their suggestion.

“President Monte is so democratic!”

“I’m looking forward to the next draw more than the next match.”

“I agree! It’ll be interesting if we draw 005 next time!”

“Now that you mention it, I want to see what will happen after we draw Moss again.”

“Haha, I want to see it too! Let’s see if the school dares to let him into the first- and second-year student competition’s preliminary list!”

“I feel you’re all here to watch a show instead of the competition.”

…

“Dear contestants, the matches between the top 9 to 17 will start on time. Please prepare yourselves!” Sofia’s sweet and attractive voice pulled the audience’s attention back to the arena.