The Victory dinner was neither in the evening nor much of a banquet. The Academy had simply rented a Restaurant beside the arena so the professors and students could rest. Even "Victory" felt like a stretch, since the real match was tomorrow's showdown with Siltovis Magic Academy.
By noon, lines had begun forming outside the arena next door.
"Why is there such a difference?" muttered Fitt, one of the Contestants. He had won his match in style, but the crowd hadn't applauded.
"Because Siltovis Magic Academy's Contestants are either heirs or Geniuses. I hear two of them are Elites."
Looks like I'll have to take this a little more seriously if I want a chance at that fief... Annan thought. His strength lay in his summons. His weakness was that summons were all he had.
Annan had mostly fought Ratfolk, with little experience fighting humans, especially spellcasters. To him, a fight between spellcasters was like a duel between two Musketeers: whoever fired first won.
Before long, a line of carriages bearing the Siltovis Magic Academy Divine Emblem passed down the street.
Annan watched the procession go by. Its occupants noticed the people in the Restaurant too, and a professor left the convoy to meet Dean Breichim.
"Do you have a friend at Siltovis Magic Academy?" Sienna asked, coming over.
"No."
Annan had been hoping a Contestant would jump out and pick a fight with him, only for him to crush them in the match. But none did. The convoy went straight to the arena.
At dusk, Solz Magic Academy's Victory "dinner" ended. Before leaving, Annan asked the Vice Dean for a few tickets. He planned to invite some friends.
If Olmedo stayed in that town any longer, she'd turn into Olme-do-nothing.
Before dusk fell, Annan reached Seaport and rented a