Jake woke up at 4am as usual. Instead of putting on the standard uniform like every other day, today was totally different. Usually when inside the academy...

    Students were only allowed to wear the uniform with standard equipment.

    The weapons dedicated for training were mostly made out of wood. This way, they won''t seriously injure themselves when sparring. The only time they were allowed to used their beast gear was when they were on missions or out hunting.

    The previous day, Jake was given another intermediate weapon by Sunny. His reasons was that Jake could lose his sword while fighting so it will be good if he had another weapon which was why he gave Jake a gauntlet.

    A type of weapon that looked like a glove but it covered someone''s arm to the elbow and it was good enough to even cause damage on an opponent and the gauntlet was colored black just like most of Jake''s equipment. The gauntlet also could allow someone to hold onto another weapon so it didn''t hinder Jake from using a sword. He was happy about the gauntlet and was thanking sunny profusely before he left the place.

    Today, everyone taking part in the tournament was to wear the equipment they owned and they were not really required to hold onto the wooden equipment given to them. Most of Jake''s equipment were at the intermediate tier all except his sword that he acquired from Kilberg.

    A part of the tournament would allow real equipment. The tournament was taking place at the sports arena in Aurora city a city that was owned by the academy were most soldiers after completing their training at Aurora stay. The arena was around a 30-minute walk from the academy. Although the city was filled with soldiers, it didn''t stop them from participating in normal activities which included sports.

    That was why the city had an arena where they would often host sport games. This was where all the students were required to gather.

    Looking around in the dorm, he could see some of them were nervous while others including himself were quite confident. Although, he was nervous, he knew that he could handle whatever was thrown at him. After everyone were ready, they all decided to get a head start by going to the arena quite early.

    While walking through the city, Jake noticed that the atmosphere was different than usual. The city felt more alive and less tense. Usually the soldiers were always serious, tense and on guard. But today, it felt more like a festival.

    Today, there were people from all different cities who came to visit. Once a year, Aurora would open its gates to surrounding cities for the tournament. A lot of famous and rich personalities would look for talented soldiers to recruit into their army.

    Finally, after a good walk and touring the place, Jake and his friends reached the arena. Outside was a jam, full of energy. The starting event won''t start till nine so it was impressive to already see this many people waiting outside. Luckily, there was a different entrance for participants.

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    They couldn''t argue with that all they had to do was to do their best.

    Suddenly, Kate placed her hand in the middle of everyone. They all looked at it strangely wondering what she was trying to do.

    "Then, let''s promise to get the top ten spots together." Kate said.

    "Haven''t we done this two weeks ago?" Jake asked.

    "C''mon don''t be a party pooper. Just do it." Kate said.

    Jake sighed and one by one, they started to put their hands on top of each other, all apart from Sophia who felt like it was childish especially with everyone watching.

    "C''mon Sophia!" Jack said. "Join us and stop being a sour grape."

    Reluctantly, Sophia placed her hand on top with everyone else as well.

    "Together"

    "1,2,3..."

    "Hurray!" They all shouted.