Chapter 396: Chapter 396

"We will shortly be separating each year, and from there, we will once again split you according to your classes"

"Each class will compete with another class from the respective year, and the matches will be displayed on the large monitors above."

Pausing and pointing upwards where four large monitors that were each the size of a large truck stood, instructor Seans' monotonous voice continued to ring across the arena.

"This examination will take part in the virtual world and thereafter, based on performances, the teams that perform the best will directly be chosen as members for the tournament…"

Pausing there to make sure that everyone understood, instructor Sean started flipping through a couple of pages before he resumed speaking.

"Today's trial is simple. It will be a six vs six code breaker competition. One of the main competitions in the tournament. The rules are simple all you have to do…"

Listening to the instructor speak, I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

How can someone's personality change so much? Going from being so passionate and animated to sounding like a bored bureaucrat reading a grocery list? It was almost impressive how quickly instructor Jean shifted gears.

The crowd's energy noticeably dipped as the monotonous explanation dragged on. Students around me began whispering or zoning out entirely, their earlier excitement fading like the remnants of a passing storm.

I tried to stay focused, though. Six vs six code breaker competition—that sounded intriguing. It wasn't the usual head-on brawl but something that required both strategy and teamwork. My mind buzzed as I imagined how the matches would unfold.

"…teams will be provided with a virtual objective, and each team's goal is to either defend their code or break the opponents'. The first team to successfully complete their task wins."

I tuned back in just in time to catch the essential part of the rules. Instructor Jean's gaze swept over the audience, his expression unreadable.

"This will test your combat abilities, strategic thinking, and coordination under pressure. Remember, the objective isn't just about winning; it's about showing how well you can function as a team."

A few groans erupted from the crowd. Teamwork wasn't everyone's strong suit—mine included, if I were honest.

Instructor Jean, clearly ignoring the murmurs, raised his voice again. "The monitors will display the matches, and every student will be able to observe and learn. This is as much a chance for you to gain experience as it is a competition. Use this opportunity wisely."

He clapped his hands once, the sharp sound cutting through the arena. "Now, let's not waste any more time. You'll be called by class shortly. Be ready."

With that, Jean stepped back, letting his assistants handle the crowd's organization.

I slouched against the railing near me, watching the chaos of students milling about as the announcement echoed across the arena. Teams were being formed, and the air was once again buzzing with excitement.

Code breaker, huh? I ran through the possibilities in my head. Stealth? Defense? An all-out assault? There were plenty of ways to approach it, and if my team wasn't careful, we'd probably end up face-first in virtual defeat. Check latest chapters at 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖⁂𝕟𝕖𝕥

"Code breaker... This might actually be fun," I muttered to myself.

Though, looking at the overly excited faces of some classmates, I couldn't shake the feeling that my definition of "fun" might be very different from theirs.

Lillian clapped and bring her students attantion to her, taking out her tablet, Lillian calmly looked at her students.

There were a total of twelve students representing our class and apart from the usual people, there were a couple of new faces, me included.

Pursing her lips, Lillian scrolled through her tablet before looking at everyone and saying

"There will be two [1- Hero-1] groups and before you say anything, the teams have already been decided beforehand therefore no, you can't choose."

Pausing and pointing towards certain individuals, Lillian continued

"Now…the teams are. On my right, Elera, Adrian, Isabella, Emma, and Noah. You will be the first team"

Staring at the people whose name she had just called and seeing them nod at each other, Lillian looked away and continued

"On my left, Aric, Evelyn, Lucas, Hora, Volt, and Zack…"

As the members of our group were being announced, my mouth couldn't help but twitch as I realized who was part of my team.

…I was fine with Evelyn, but Aric and Hora?

Unbothered by my distress, after making sure she got the names right, putting the tablet down, Lillian calmly explained.

"You six will each be competing against a team from another class in a six versus six scenario and from there we will judge your performances."

"Considering that there will be a lot of matches today, you only have to fight once, however, even if you win, it won't mean that all of you will be chosen. So if you want to make sure you get selected, you must think of an adequate strategy first and make sure that you crush your opponent"

Pausing there, Lillian solemnly looked at everyone present before saying.

"That's enough from me. Huddle up in your teams and come up with an adequate strategy. I have high expectations from you"

Finished with what she wanted to say, Lillian briefly glanced at everyone present before leaving.

As I watched Lillian leave, an exhausted and tired sigh escaped from my mouth.

Brushing my hair to the side, I glanced towards my group in the distance. My eyes soon interlocked with theirs, and a bitter smile appeared on my face.

'…Now how am I going to deal with this?'

The moment Lillian walked away, all eyes from my group turned to me.

Aric, ever the confident one, crossed his arms and smirked. "Well, Lucas, you look thrilled to be here. Don't worry. Just stay out of my way, and I'll carry us to victory."

I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "Sure thing, Aric. I wouldn't dare get in the way of your brilliance."

Evelyn, who was leaning against a nearby railing, let out a soft chuckle. "Play nice, boys. We're supposed to be a team, remember?"

Volt, a towering guy with a buzz cut and zero sense of humor, grunted. "Save the banter for after we win."

Hora, the wildcard of the group, scratched his chin and grinned. "I dunno about you guys, but I'm ready to break some codes…and maybe a few virtual bones while I'm at it."

I let out a slow breath and forced myself to focus. This wasn't the time to let personal opinions cloud my judgment. "Alright, listen up," I said, stepping forward. "We don't have time to argue. If we're going to win this, we need a plan."

Aric raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Oh, and you've got one already, do you?"

Ignoring his tone, I nodded. "I do and would you listen to me?"

I asked in annoyence and started to laid out my plan