Stuck as a Villain!

Chapter 130: Where's Seth?

The Tournament of Elites was a point-based competition where the team results with the highest score get their name framed as winners. The rule has altered through time and in regards to filling the loops but the outline of the contest has remained the same since the foundation year.

There are a total of three rounds in which the six schools have to participate and gain scores through either individual merit or group efforts. There is no disqualification so despite having no considerable score on any particular round doesn't mean the said team couldn't advance.

The said three rounds would not only test the magical aspect of the students but their intellect and physicality along the path as well. A true warrior does not remain behind a barrier and chant spells to claim victory but the one who can dynamically adapt and in no circumstances, face defeat.

The first round of the tournament comprises testing the wisdom of the students who were selected as the elites from their respective national academies. Twelve questions would be asked and the correct answer would grant four points. An extra point if the team presses the buzzer first and answers it accurately. However, there was a negative marking of two points as well so no one could allow themselves to be hasty.

No limit to attempts is there but surely no team would want to tank excessive negative points which they might not be able to compensate for with further matches. There are teams as well who do not even try to participate and just idly wait for the round to finish since the question asked in the round is not something that could be answered through general studies.

The Academy from Brisbain, the Savant Academy has excelled in this round in the past by gaining most of the points in their account. The Pristine Academy has also considerable records but not even once they have been able to come to the top when it comes to true brainiac capabilities. Since the focus mostly remained on the final round, mainly those with high magic percentages and physically strong participants were chosen, it was given that for such warriors to carry a sharp mind was something excessive to ask for.

The current selection procedure at Pristine Academy was a testament to how students were chosen based on their physical and magical might so the first round was purely based on luck or one must have to compromise one or two participants and allow the nerdy type to take slots in the team.

However, there was an exception this year in the team from Ranghaur. Seth Albeck.

The strongest contender carrying the most brilliant mind is what makes the Student Council President of Pristine Academy, a unique entity.

For someone who has been on top of the list since his first year and the one who has been asked even by the professors related to matters concerning academic exams, Seth undoubtedly was the perfect candidate for this round and those which have yet to come.

That was the reason why the headmaster of Pristine wanted Seth to be a part of the team without even any assessment since if not his battle prowess, his intelligence and leadership qualities would suffice to consider him as a necessary add-on to the team.

Without a single doubt, this round was for Seth to shine but...

"Where is President Seth?!"

The panicked voice leaked out from the blonde female, who along with several others of the same age group stood behind the door which leads to participants' seats. Since this place was allowed for the support teams to be, Serena along with the other three responsible for supply and support were allowed to be here.

"Arata and Anabelle have gone to search for him. I checked into his room and asked the receptionist as well, but no one saw him."

Replied Ciel, whose usual stoic and serious demeanor has been overtaken with slight anxiety and uncertainty since it has been hours since the search for the team captain has begun yet there was no trace of Seth whatsoever.

The guards around the vicinity have not caught even a glimpse of him at all. Kevin earlier went to check inside his room yet nothing. Seth's bag was unlocked and an ironed school uniform was arranged on the table which he must have planned to wear today.

No other classmate heard him going on some adventure in the morning including Anabelle who met Seth last night. Any observation skill or Anabelle's connection to nature was unable to detect him, making it more so disturbing, not just from the competition perspective but Seth's safety held extreme priority as well.

"I think you guys should get yourself listed for the time being."

One of the third year responsible for medication spoke up since it was already time for the teams to report and late participation is not allowed for the whole team altogether. Surely contestants might walk in the latter half of the round but initially, three participants from a team are necessary to show up.

"But neither of them -"

"I am here."

As Ciel was about to address the problem of not having the necessary team members the masculine voice of a raven-haired teenager made way from outside making every gaze turn to look in the way, with a tinge of expectancy. But upon finding the figure accompanied by no one, the look of hopefulness died in an instant.

"Ouch..." Arata muttered under his breath by those many disappointed looks before he informed what he found upon investigation.

"Anabelle is fanatically searching all around and as for me, then nothing related to the President came out."

No surprise there since knowing Arata and his enthusiasm toward Seth's safety, this was something Ciel and Serena already guessed. But still, for Anabelle who was well-versed in wide-area search and analysis to not be able to dig out a single clue...indeed unsettling.

"I pray the Duchess doesn't get word of this...or who knows..."

Someone from the group muttered and a cold sweat dripped mutually. No one dared to even think of such a scenario and thus the topic was quickly dismissed with a shared wordless consent.

"Team Three, please proceed to your designated seats."

An announcement was made, indicating that there was no time remaining to ponder any longer. As the vice-captain of the team, Ciel wiped away all other thoughts and turned toward the door leading to the main hall, as she called for the other two teammates of hers.

(A/N: -Arata and Kevin)

"Let's go. We've got no time to contemplate."

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A/N: - Drop a comment~