"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?"


    Lia and I immediately turned to the voice.


    In the center of the room stood a man who effortlessly drew everyone''s gaze. His red suit highlighted his fiery hair and sharp features, making him even more striking.


    All eyes were on him, the spotlight naturally following his every move as the room fell silent.


    As soon as I saw him, one thought crossed my mind


    "...Marcus?"


    Why does he look so good?


    Even as a guy, I had to admit he was handsome. But, to be honest, I still believed I was better looking.


    No one in this room could outshine me.


    Marcus just had a certain ir about himthat''s probably why he stood out.


    With a confident smile, he started, "Thank you all foring tonight. It''s rare that we get to host such a distinguished group."


    He scanned the room, his eyes gleaming with charm and excitement. "Tonight is more than just socializing or having a good time. It''s about pushing our limits and experiencing something extraordinary."


    Marcus delivered his speech with enthusiasm.


    He spoke about new ideas and adventures, sharing stories of past achievements and the exciting opportunities ahead.


    I wasn''t paying much attention to his continuos talking, while everyone else appearedpletely absorbed by his energy and enthusiasm.


    It felt like they were totally captivated by him.


    I began to wonder if he might actually be the main character here.


    I couldn''t understand why everyone was so fascinated, treating his words as if they were something important...


    Seriously, guys, he''s just going over some history and stuff.


    Didn''t you all learn about this when you were kids?


    **Sigh**


    Now I see why my grandfather always said, "Education is important."


    "And now," Marcus said, brimming with excitement, "I want to make tonight unforgettable. So, I''ve got an idea." He paused, letting the suspense hang in the air. "How about a challenge? A full scalepetition thatbines strategy, skill, and luck. What do you all think?"


    "Huh?"


    I quickly tuned back in, intrigued by what he had in mind.


    Competition?


    Duel fights weremon at the Cannes meetings, but a full-scalepetition was quite rare.


    In fact, there''s only been one instance in the history of the Cannes meeting where arge-scalepetition took ce.


    Marcus stood at the center of the room, his eyes sweeping over the crowd, a mix of curiosity on his face.


    He definitely wants everyone to participate...


    I quickly turned to Lia and said, "Lia, what?"


    To my surprise, she was no longer beside me.


    Where did she go?


    I scanned the room and eventually spotted her in the corner, chatting with her older sister, Anna.


    How did she get over there so quickly?


    I didn''t even notice her leave...


    I must have been so focused on everything else that Ipletely overlooked it.


    Anyway, back to the situation at hand...


    The air was thick with tension, and it seemed


    everyone was waiting for someone to speak.


    Then, a voice suddenly cut through the silence.


    "How about a virtual monster huntingpetition?" Solos suggested, stepping forward with a rxed smile.


    As he proposed the idea to Marcus, he nced at me for a few seconds.


    We locked eyes for a moment.


    Neither of us moved.


    It felt like we were maically pulled together, our stares intense.


    If anyone had been watching closely, they might have noticed sparks flying between us.


    Then he quickly looked away, but not before giving me a mocking smile.


    This guy...


    I expected someone to jump in, but I didn''t think it would be him.


    Now I understand why he suggested that idea to Marcus. His mocking smile confirmed my suspicions.


    He''s trying to embarrass me again, just likest time, and show he''s superior in front of everyone.


    But...


    I smirked, a n starting to form.


    This time, things will be different.


    Our ranks are nearly the samejust one or two sub-ranks apartbut with my new technique and skills, he''s in for a surprise...


    Marcus raised an eyebrow, considering the idea.


    "That sounds fair," he replied. "What do the rest of you think?"


    He nced around the room, waiting for a response.


    The crowd broke into soft whispers, people leaning in to discuss quietly.


    I could hear some guys nearby whispering quietly to each other.


    "Nah, I''m not joining. What about you?"


    "Same here. I don''t really want to, but I''m worried about upsetting Sir Marcus. That could lead to serious trouble."


    "Exactly. Virtual hunting doesn''t even interest me a bit, but I can''t just turn it down in front of Marcus."


    "Looks like we''ll have to wait and see if anyone else steps up."


    "Do you think anyone will? Look at their facesthey all seem just as hesitant as us."


    Hmm...


    They''re right.


    Even the usually outspoken elite members are  staying silent, unsure of what to do.


    It makes sense, given that the person who suggested this will be the future leader of the association.


    One wrong move and your promising future could be ruined.


    The anticipation continued to build.


    Untill...


    Sensing their hesitation, Marcus leaned forward slightly and added, "Okay, how about this: the winner won''t just get a favor from methey''ll also receive a skill book."


    The second those words left his mouth, the room fell into a stunned silence.


    Everyone was suddenly wide-eyed, the weight of the offer sinking in.


    Even I was taken aback by the stakes he had justid out.


    A skill book?


    That''s a huge prize.


    And don''t forget about the favor...


    Even though it might not seem like much now, since he''s not the leader yet, it will be really valuable when he is.


    With rewards like these, I doubt anyone in this room will turn down thepetition.


    For a moment, no one dare move as the atmosphere was thick with awe.


    "...?"


    Am I missing something?


    Shouldn''t they have jumped at the chance to join by now?


    So why are they still hesitating?


    Then, a soft but determined female voice broke the quiet.


    "I''m in."


    All eyes turned toward the speaker.


    It was none other than Mira, standing tall, her expression unwavering.


    "I don''t see any problem with that," she said confidently, her words carrying through the room like a challenge.


    Before anyone could react, another voice chimed inthis time, from the opposite side of the hall.


    "Me neither," came the familiar voice of Anna, her gaze as sharp as ever.


    With that, the room seemed toe alive again, the silence reced by murmurs of excitement.


    Oh, it seems they were just too shocked to say anything.


    So...


    I quickly looked around as whispers began again.


    The guys nearby were talking...


    "Is he serious?"


    "Hey, pinch me. I must be dreaming. A skill book and a favor? Can youOuch! Why did you pinch me?"


    "You said it yourself. I pinched you to prove you wrong."


    "Forget that. My Goddess Mira is Joining. I can''t wait any longer. I''m joining."


    "Hold on, I''m in too!"


    Two of the most formidable participants had thrown their hats into the ring, and it was clear that things were about to get serious.


    I could feel the adrenaline rushing through me...


    Thispetition was going to be intense.


    Since almost all the top elites are epting Marcus''s challenge and joining in...


    Let''s see how it ys out.


    ***


    "Fuufufu~"


    A soft, eerieugh filled the room as I lounged in one of the mansion''s chairs.


    I sipped my wine, my gaze fixed in one direction, lost in thought.


    I was alone in the nearly empty room with only a few people nearby.


    Why?


    After everyone had enjoyed the earlier celebrations, it was decided that the match would begin tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.


    By now, night had set in, and most people were exhausted from the day''s festivities.


    I also learned that the virtual match would be held at the academy, which wasn''t surprising.


    Florence Academy usually avoids outside events, but they make an exception for major virtual matches.


    These events are a chance for the academy to enhance their reputation by broadcasting them widely.


    It''s worth noting that the academy only hosts significant matches, not minor duels.


    I recalled thest time Michael participated in such a match.


    His reputation suffered because the match was shown only to elites, making him appear less impressive to the wider audience.


    Nevertheless, his reputation still took a dive.


    So, what am I doing here, just sitting around?


    The answer is simple: nothing.


    Normally, I''d be out hunting by now, but when I nce at my smartwatch, I realize it''s already toote.


    **Name: Michael Frostburne**


    **Total Rules Broken: 1**


    **Current Rules Broken: 0**


    **Time: 1:31 a.m.**


    **Date: 19th June, 2130**


    Yeah... far toote.


    The party ended about 15 or 20 minutes ago, and I''ve already missed most of my prime hunting time.


    Sure, I could still go out for a couple of hours, but I''ve decided against it.


    If I do, I''ll likely miss out on enough sleep, and I can''t afford that.


    A calm, rested mind is key in virtual reality.


    *Sigh.*


    I should probably leave.


    There''s really no point in staying here any longer, but this ce did give me the peace I needed for now.


    ***


    [Hello everyone, this is Dior Elebero from News 24 with an important update. Just a few hours ago, Florence Academy announced a major virtual match featuring the younger generation of the Elite society. This decisiones after an announcement from Sir Marcus, the future heir to the Federal Association, aimed at ensuring full participation. The match is scheduled for 9 a.m., which means we''re just 30 minutes away! Florence Academy will live-stream the entire event, so stay tuned for all the action. We''ll keep you posted on any updates. For now, we''ll take a short break, but after that, we''ll bring you the live coverage. Thank you.]


    The reporter, standing in front of shing lights and official banners, shared the news with excitement.


    "Finally, it''s happening," I muttered under my breath.


    I''d been waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity.


    I turned off my phone and leaned back against the wall for support, scanning the room. It was filled with people, all chatting with one another, their voices blending into a low murmur.


    *Hmm...*


    The noise was starting to annoy me, so I closed my eyes, focusing on calming my mind.


    I was in Rotinham Hall at Florence Academy, surrounded by the crowd, but I chose to keep my distance.


    Standing alone in a corner, I preferred to stay on the sidelines, observing from afar.


    I didn''t feel like talking to anyone in the room, mainly because of the rules Marcus had set.


    They were simple but strict.


    The rules were-


    "Michael!"


    I quickly opened my eyes when I heard my name being called. It was Allen, waving and walking straight toward me.


    *Really?*


    I thought.


    *Why is heing over here?*


    I suddenly felt flustered as everyoneJames, Mira, and even my rival Solosturned to look at me, as if noticing me for the first time.


    All eyes in the room were on me.


    Even Lia was looking my way.


    I kept my cool and stayedposed, a skill I''d picked up thanks to Allen''s training.


    When he got closer, I asked, "What''s going on? Why''d you shout my name like that?"


    Allen grinned and said, "Oh, nothing. I just wanted to see if I could embarrass you."


    Seriously?


    I stared at him,pletely baffled.


    He called me out just for that?


    I was about to say something, but he cut me off. "You did great! I couldn''t embarrass you at all. You definitely live up to the nickname ''Silent Star.''"


    Ugh, not that nickname again.


    I began to say, "You should" but before I could finish, the doors to the hall swung open.


    A middle-aged man with blue eyes and ck hair, who had an average appearance and build, walked into the hall.


    I didn''t know him, but his outfit resembled the ones worn by professors when I was at this academy.


    That probably meant he was one of the current instructors of this academy.


    I decided to use my appraisal skill to learn more about him.


    ***


    Name: Trion Hedler


    Age: 37


    Height: 6 feet


    Weight: 110 kg


    Personality: Inquisitive, enjoys toxic substances, holds misogynistic views, and is smart when necessary.


    Rank: ???


    Probability: ???


    ***


    Wait, what? How is this possible?


    This doesn''t align with the academy''s rules.