The Contest Begins

He stretched out before looking through the window at a clear blue sky. It felt so good to be alive, he couldn't wait for what today and the next few days had in store for him and certain people.

He had prepared early as the contest was being hosted in a different place which was in the middle of all 3 training mansions of the 3 branch families.

He didn't need to take anything with him as all their needs would be provided there so after completing part of his daily quest and dressing up, he walked towards the door of his room but just before crossing he stared back at his bed with sadness in his eyes.

This was probably the last time he was going to see his bed and his room. Not only them but the mansion as a whole.

He had built his first-month worth of memories here so it felt a little sad but at the same time, he couldn't wait to leave as he needed to see the outside world and was restricted here.

After one last glance, he closed the door before walking through the hallway and stairs, ending up outside the mansion where everyone stood.

No one was talking to each other as they saw themselves as enemies for the time being.

He looked towards Cait, the crush of his former body owner, and was glad that he didn't feel a thing. It seemed that his cold heart passive skill had helped to kill those emotions.

After some minutes, the last person arrived, and shortly after which was the time given to them, lord Gajeel also arrived.

He was clad in formal clothing with a smile on his face. He stopped a few meters away from them.

After staring for some seconds he began to speak. "This one year with you all has been one of the best, you're one of the most promising sets to ever set foot here and l am proud to be the one to nurture you all.

Even though you would compete against each other in the contest. No matter the result you will forever be comrades...…...."

His speech continued and most of them listened attentively and vigorously some even had tears in their eyes as they recalled the one year they've spent together here.

Due to some reasons including his condition at that time, Art had arrived here four months after them, so he had spent only eight months here and wasn't interested in the speech given by Lord Gajeel and it seemed like some people felt the same way.

He noticed that Frigga, JV, and Chucky has been in high spirits since after his fight with Iris and he was sure why.

Only the smiles on their faces and the occasionally released chuckle when looking at him said it all.

What they weren't aware of was that he was in even higher spirits, but just to satisfy them he wore a worried look anytime he met their gazes and it was working perfectly.

They felt much better with his expression as different scenarios of him pleading ran through their heads.

"And so after this contest, your first step into the magical world begins. I would love to see what kind of mages you all become." After he said the last word he placed his hand on the ground as some runes which weren't visible before began to glow.

"A teleportation circle," Art muttered. He was sure that this was something put recently.

Racheal was also coming along so she stood beside him and after the circle glowed brighter they all disappeared from that spot.

When they opened their eyes next they were in an open room with no ceiling or roof and a similar teleportation circle below their feet.

The glow faded as lord Gajeel gestured towards the open door before they all walked out.

They realized that there were on high grounds so they had a good view of the place.

It was like a small settlement of buildings that surrounded a battle arena about a quarter the size of a football stadium.

Well, that was only for the rows of seats as the open space which they surrounded was just as big as a standard football field. They could see people moving around which meant that they were going to have spectators.

"The contest is going to begin a few hours from now and you are all expected to be in your rooms in that building before then." He pointed at a tall building that had numerous rooms.

He opened his hand and the ring on one of his fingers glowed as a box appeared and opening it, their gazes fell on golden bracelets.

Without anyone telling them, they took turns in picking one and after they were done, they brought it close to their wrists and it wrapped around it on its own.

"You can check the place out if you want to but make sure you're in your rooms before the contest starts. Those bracelets would guide you to your room. I have work to do so see you soon. I'm looking forward to your performances."

After leaving them they began to disperse. Those who felt nervous and some who wanted to prepare went towards the building. But others like Art decided to stroll around for some time.

"I'll see you later," he said to Racheal who nodded, and after walking down to the ground level he started moving around.

The higher-ups preferred not to draw too much attention to the young Silvers so this contest was not made too public, with the guests arriving being limited, so during his walk he didn't encounter many people.

There were some places they weren't allowed to go to and he wasn't feeling that curious so he just stayed away.

He noticed that the people he made contact with didn't try to communicate with him, most likely, there was a rule stopping them from doing so.

'It's been some minutes now, maybe I should head back,' he muttered before turning around as his gaze fell on a girl who seemed about 5 years older than him with some people escorting her.

She stopped walking after noticing his presence. Her long wavy silver hair showed that she was certainly a Silver.

She shifted her yellow eyes to him.

He didn't need to be told, only the mana leaking from her was enough for him to know that this person was incredibly powerful.

He couldn't recall anything from the memories he gained so this was probably his first time meeting her.

After some seconds, she looked forward before walking away.

When she was out of sight a wry smile appeared on his face as he raised his hands which were shivering to eye level. His body was reacting to the danger he felt from her.

He decided not to stay longer outside to prevent meeting people who could end his journey which had just begun with a wave of their hand, as several more people were still arriving.

After getting to the building he walked inside and the bracelet on his hand lit up.

The bracelet glowed brighter when he walked towards the stairs, so he concluded that it becomes brighter the closer he gets to his room.

After tracing, he ended up in front of a door in a hallway which had several others and the bracelet glowed its brightest right in front of the door.

He stretched his arm towards the door as the place meant for the handle also glowed and the door immediately opened.

He walked into the simple-looking room which only had a bed with clothes meant for combat and a sword which was what he had awakened in or better put just one of the many.

Others would also have their awakened weapon type also provided to them. He had brought his dagger along in his inventory, not as though using it was not allowed.

Basic things like food and water were also present, stored in a transparent large cube.

He walked towards the window and looking out, he could see the battle arena.

Those who choose or weren't allowed to go to the spectator's seats which surrounded the arena could watch from their rooms and the windows also acted as screens for viewing fights at closer range.

He sat on the bed, a little disappointed as it lost to his other bed but didn't have time to complain. There was something that he wanted to try out and he kept practicing until an announcement began.

"I guess it's time," his eyes opened.

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