The Inter ss Exchange ended on a grim note.


    It was a far cry from the excitement that had enveloped the hall on the first day, but no one seemed to notice the drastic change of atmosphere.


    As expected, the final match was considered to be Invalid, so the Elite Tournament ended with the results gotten from the first nine matches;


    Upper ss: 9 Wins, 0 Losses


    Middle ss: 0 Wins, 9 Losses


    Lower ss: 0 Wins, 9 Losses


    No one objected to the results since it was obvious from what they had witnessed.


    The expressions of the Elites of the Lower ss rang of relief. They seemed overjoyed that the bothersome exchange was over and they could now properly rest… unshackled by any more responsibilities on their part.


    It was a wonder how none of them felt any shame or embarrassment concerning the gruesome loss they had suffered.


    For those in the Middle ss, it was clear that they were frustrated.


    Even though they had given their all in battle, all of them still encountered loss. Their results were no different from the Lower ss Elites who didn’t even bother. It made them feel foolish for even trying, in the first ce.


    Fortunately, their reputation increased a slight bit in the Exchange since some of the Middle ss Elites put up a pretty decent fight. As a result, unlike the Lower ss losers, they could still hold on to a fraction of their dignity.


    This was the only merit they got in exchange for not giving up.


    As for the Upper ss Elites, the undisputed winners of the Exchange, their expressions should have been that of pride and confidence. They should have reveled in their victory! However, the sour expressions that painted their faces contrasted what would have been expected from them.


    Fear


    Anxiety


    Disappointment


    Bitterness


    Anger


    A mix of negative emotions coagted the atmosphere of the champions, enough to make a person confused as to who won and who lost.


    Even the audience was in unrest!


    After experiencing the ghastly sight of a single Lower ss student easily trumping one of the strongest Rankers in the Academy, it felt like their concept of bnce and logic hadpletely shattered.


    Still, with the events of the day concluded, and the fact that the students had their personal businesses to attend to, a conclusion had to be made concerning the bizarre event.


    Despite the uncertainties in the air, the Exchange ended, and the students were allowed to leave the hall.


    ********


    Ana and Edward exited the hall, having worried looks on their faces.


    They wondered about Jared, where he went to after he left the hall back then. At the time they wanted to follow him, but Kuzon and the others advised against it, lest they got caught up in the mess the boy had made.


    Of course, the two didn’t care in the slightest, but after considering the possibility that Jared wouldn’t want them to suffer for his actions, and also that the boy most likely wished to be alone, they backed off.


    Now that the Exchange was over, Ana and Edward were obviously going to look for their friend. It was only a matter of where he had run off to.


    “You guys, hold up!” Someone called out after them.


    There was no way anyone could mistake his casual, smooth voice… it was Kuzon.


    “You’re off to look for Jared, right? Count me in!” The boy shed a slight grin.


    It appeared that after his match in the finals, he had taken an interest in Jared and wanted to be in hispany. Since thetter didn’t seem to mind his presence, Ana and Edward so no problems if he tagged along…


    … That is, if it was only him!


    “Count me in too!


    “You bet I’ming as well…”


    “… Me too…”


    Ivan Smith, Stefan Netherlore, and Maria Helmsworth chimed in, appearing as though they had been there all this time but were just waiting for their entrance.


    While Edward and Ana felt slightly ufortable with the crowd, they didn’t have the time nor energy to banter, so they agreed to everyone’s offer.


    “Alright! I have a pretty good idea where he might be, so let’s go there first.” Taking the lead, Edward dered and started moving swiftly.


    The rest followed.


    *********


    CLACK


    CLACK


    CLACK


    Sounds of footsteps echoed across the bright corridor, and a girl’s elegant shoes were clearly seen as her legs trotted across the passage.


    There was arge door directly in her front, just a few meters from where she was, making her steps slow and confident. There was no need to rush since the target was just within reach.


    Upon reaching the door, she opened it lightly, reflecting her clear, beautiful skin, and ventured into therge room inside.


    Within the room, though separated by thinyers of sheet that hung like curtains, were two boys. They were lying on their beds, clearly asleep.


    This was a Medic Ward, and the two boys were in some nasty conditions before they were brought in for treatment. Thanks to some high-ss Potions and very impressive Magic, their condition had stabilized, and they were currently in deep sleep thanks to a Spell cast by their medical supervisor.


    Other than the two boys, no one else was present in the room… the medics were on break… until one person entered.


    The girl, her blue ribbons evident in her long, brown hair, entered the room with zero caution. Her deep blue eyes currently had some sort of dark gleam radiating within, but the slight bowing posture she currently had made it nearly Impossible topletely make out the contents of her face.


    Was she smiling, or…?!


    Her first mode of action was to swiftly glide across the room, to the section where one of the boysy. His auburn hair hung loosely as his bodyyfortably on the bed. This boy’s name was Jerry, and after fighting in the Exchange, his injuries were so severe that they were just shy from fatal.


    The intruder—now by his bedside—used her delicate-looking hands to brush Jerry’s face as she stared longingly at him.


    Now looking so intently—no, obsessively—at the boy she gently stroked, the culprit’s face came into view.


    Her name was Ciara Epilson… the Second Seat among the Rankers!


    [A/N]


    ATTENTION TO ALL READERS!!!


    I have a new book called Rise Of Evil Santa.


    Please endeavor to check it out, read it, and add it to your library.


    I promise it’ll be worth your while.


    I’ll be Mass Releasing on Spellcraft once the new book gains 1k Collections. Don’t miss out!!!