As the sun dips below the horizon, darkness begins to cloak the streets. Some people wrap up their busy day, while for others, the night has only just begun.


    Mhm, nothing beats skewered chicken after a hard day''s work in the dungeon. That being said, I never did find out why those four attacked me. I can''t approach this matter carelessly. If they were able to frame me, their organization must be large.


    Walking the busy night streets, Eis noticed three cloaked individuals. The air was cool, and the distant murmur of the city filled the space around him. The three figures moved through the crowd, acting conspicuously suspicious, yet no one seemed to bat an eye. To the people around, it was just another bustling night, with footsteps and voices blending into a familiar hum. However, to Eis, it was an abnormality. The three figures wore the same cloak as the earlier assailants—an enhanced cloak, designed to erase the wearer''s presence, making them nearly invisible to the oblivious.


    Eis followed the three as they slipped deeper into the shadowy corners of the streets, the faint glow of streetlights barely reaching them. Circulating his geist toward his ears, he sharpened his hearing, attuning to every whisper and step in the distance.


    "Have you finished collecting the data of participants?"


    "Yes sir, since the event is just a week away, we believe that Anneliese won''t be participating, given that she hasn''t registered yet."


    "It seems like the only top students participating will be Eitel and Schatten. They shouldn''t pose any threat to you, so do your best not to disappoint us." One of the three uttered in a soft, gleeful tone that sent a chill down the spine, laced with an unmistakable threat.


    That guy seems to be their leader.


    "Don''t belittle me; I will swiftly obtain the fragmented soul of Azazel that is stationed on the crown."


    A shocking revelation for Eis: one of the fragmented souls, an item his enemy must never possess, seems to be in a crown. However, Eis, who has never paid attention to the festival, doesn''t know where that crown is. Growing restless, he fidgeted, his mind racing with possibilities. Suddenly, he accidentally bumped into one of the barrels he was hiding behind. The barrel fell with a loud crash, echoing in the silence and alerting the three individuals nearby.


    One of the three dashed toward the direction of the loud noise. However, upon arrival, the place was empty.


    On the way to his dorm, Eis''s mind was filled with questions; however, one thing was certain: Eis was now convinced that his enemy was not only Azazel but also an organization with power.


    .


    .


    .


    "Isn''t it about time you give in to my pressure? The protzen is just around the corner, and I still haven''t registered." Anneliese felt increasingly discouraged as Eis turned her down time and again.


    "Anneliese, which event is there going to be a crown as the prize?"


    "It should be at the geist protzen event, King of the Hill, where whichever group is the last one standing on top of the hill wins. The prize is a golden crown. Why do you ask?"If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "I''m willing to join you in the geist protzen, but it has to be King of the Hill. What do you think?"


    "You were quite the tough one to crack, but alas, you''ve finally seen the worth in teaming up with me." Proudly claimed by Anneliese.


    How can someone with a blank expression ooze so much smugness.


    "So, Are you in or not?"


    "Why of course I am. However..." Murmured by Anneliese with an unsure expression.


    "What? After being adamant about recruiting me all this time, you''re not sure now?"


    "It''s just that King of the Hill requires four members on each team, and as you can see, we''re clearly missing half."


    "That''s not good, when the event is just around the corner."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll ask someone I know. I''m sure he will comply right away."


    "Sorry to spring this on you all of a sudden, but something came up, prompting me to join the event"


    "Don''t mind it; I''m using you for my goals, and you''re the same. It''s a win-win."


    .


    .


    Thanks to Anneliese''s reliability, we were able to register before the end of the day. However, to my surprise, the person she was talking about was Schatten and one of his men to fill the remaining gap.


    "I told him that if he joined and helped us win the match, he could destroy you, and he easily complied."


    I''m retracting my compliment.


    "Oi, Eis Drache, you better keep your word after this match." Schatten exclaimed.


    I don''t recall making such promises. For some reason, ever since our early days, Schatten has seemed to be always out for my blood. Whatever, I guess. With this, I''ll be able to get that fragmented soul before those damn fanatics can lay their hands on it.


    .


    .


    .


    The stalls outside are busy; an endless amount of people are coming in, and each seat in the venue is filled with audience members. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meats and sweet pastries. Confetti flutters in the air, and the loud boom of fireworks roars throughout the sky, sending vibrant colors cascading over the crowd. The most anticipated day, Ehre Protzen, has finally started.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, I hope your snacks and drinks are ready, for we are about to, yet again, witness the brilliance and amazing display of geistkraft from Ehre''s magnificent students!"


    Crowds cheer as the emcee enthusiastically shout the introduction.


    "For today''s event, the competition will be King of the Hill. In King of the Hill, each group will have four members; one of those members will be the king, standing at the top of the hill, while his vassals protect him from those planning to overtake him. There will be a timer of one hour; each group will start at the bottom of the hill, and whichever group''s king is standing on top when the timer ends shall be the winner!"


    "Hold your horses and prepare your water, as I am sure you''ll be screaming at the top of your lungs when I introduce them. The participants for today are going off strong! Let me introduce you to not just the top four of their class or their year; they are the top four students of Academy Ehre!!!"


    The cheers of the crowd reverberate not just across the stadium, but throughout the surrounding area, echoing like thunder and mingling with the vibrant colors of confetti dancing in the air.


    "Starting off with him, this student is the most expected to win. Not only does he possess intellect, but also strength! A former top two, now top one: Hochmut Debil!"


    The crowd murmurs, a mix of awe and anticipation fills the air.


    "Next up is the top three student from the entire Academy of Ehre: Eitel Damlich! His smirk knows he belongs in the list"


    "As for this team, there are two top students together—both the second and the fourth in Ehre! Now, some of you might think that having two top students on a team means the match might be over, but listen: one of the members is a title holder!"


    Whispers of curiosity and skepticism sweep across the spectators.


    "Don''t ask me why they took him; they must have some sort of plan. Anyway, introducing the second overall student, Anneliese Furstin, and the fourth overall student, Schatten Vertraut!"


    I feel disrespected. During the match, I''ll sneak in some projectile throws toward that emcee.


    "As for the other groups..."


    .


    .


    "Each group seems to be in position now. Pay attention as the projection counts down; starting from ten once it reaches zero, the competition shall start!"


    Each group prepares as they watch the projection count down, the digital numbers flickering ominously. Tension fills the air, thick and palpable, as the countdown continues. Every participant''s gaze shifts nervously to their sides, scanning their rivals on either side, searching for any signs of weakness or strategy. The atmosphere crackles with anticipation, a silent promise of the fierce competition about to unfold.


    A loud noise echoed across the stadium, signaling the start of the match. Each group surged forward, hearts pounding, as they raced toward the top of the hill. Some launched immediate attacks against their nearest rivals, shouts and the clash of bodies filling the air. To everyone''s surprise, the first to reach the summit was Eitel. No one saw him climb; he seemed to appear out of thin air, standing at the top before anyone else had a chance.


    At the top, Eitel created countless swords out of thin air, launching them toward the climbing rivals with deadly precision. Crouching low, he placed his hands on the ground atop the hill, his focus intense. Charging his geist, blue lightning energy crackled around the summit, illuminating his smug expression. Suddenly, spikes erupted from the hill, forcing the competitors to scramble for footing, their shouts of surprise echoing in the charged air. The climb had just become even harder.


    The match had just started, with 50 minutes still remaining on the clock. Tension filled the air as each competitor steeled themselves, eyes locked on their opponents. The weight of determination pressed upon them, igniting a fierce resolve to win at any cost.