Sam's move appeared badass to the Gambler academy.

Even though he did take a few minutes longer than he did in the formation test, it is still way too fast compared to the rest of the competitors. Of course, there are many other people who found this chilling and concerning.

Generally, if an academy is an expert in the formations, their expertise in the inscriptions wouldn't be too far off. In fact, it is more than likely that they are of similar levels. So, when the plans in the formation competition have been destroyed, people tried to make some amends in this inscription contest.

But the sense of dejavu, Sam gave made their hearts sink to their stomachs.

They couldn't bring themselves to imagine what would happen and how much would their plans be disturbed if he repeated the same thing he did in the formation contest.

So, many meetings were convened even while the first round of prelims is going on.

And they all have only one goal at the moment, that is to make sure that Sam wouldn't advance past this first round of prelims.

There were many suggestions pouring in.

"I think we can buy off the elders and rig the competition. That is the only sure-fire way to get him out of this. I am sure, the Hel academy can cut some deal with the Thor academy.

"

One of the elders said to the elders of the other academies.

"And, why would they do that? I don't know if you heard about it. But in the freshman tournament, the same guy faced rigging and Olaf himself has to come down and apologize. He suffered severe losses.

Now, you know things have become much more troublesome. There are way too many rules. The judiciary system of the academy also become quite strict with everything. The Thor academy won't risk it.

Particularly, when they don't have any vested interests in this competition.

"

"Then, we have two more choices.

One is to convince the Gambler academy to withdraw him from the competition and the second one is to kill him or making him unable to compete any further.

"

Another elder said it out loud. Those two ideas are ringing in everyone's mind. There are around eight academies gathered here. Hel academy and Hephaestus academy are leading the alliance. The rest of them are from relatively lower level academies from various regions.

And one of the academies had great prospects in the solo combat this year, however, because of this alliance, they lost three candidates, only two more are left.

One of them happened to be engaged with Sam.

Everyone is staring at that elder, their expression is obvious. They are trying to coerce him give his student up so that they can go after Sam again.

"No way. It is not going to happen.

Those two students are the pride of my academy. How can I let their dreams go bust and commit of the dishonor of not even giving them a chance to participate.

This is their last year in second grade, it will take a long time for them to climb high enough to this position in the third grade.

There is no way, I am letting you guys force me to do this.

Over my dead body.

"

He stormed off without even letting them speak.

The Hel academy elder looked at the departing figure and turned to the Hephaestus academy elder.

"I have a few ideas...

"

He explained a couple of plans to them. Their faces showed a myriad of expressions before turning determined. Even if it is just another half a point, they need to secure it and they can do anything for that.

After all, it is not like they hadn't done much worse things before for far less.

They all dispersed after agreeing with the tasks.

The Hel academy Elder walked straight to the Paradise inn. Even with the repeated attacks, the Thor academy didn't change the residence of the Gambler academy student, so they are still staying there in the remaining two floors.

At the moment, Chorus is taking a nap in his room.

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

The knock on the door disturbed his peace. He lazily got up and waved his hand, the door opened.

"Come in.

"

The Hel academy elder walked in without any reservations as he looked around.

"Paradise inn. Although, the management changed, the rooms are still as luxurious as ever. I though the Thor academy would botch this up.

"

He muttered out loud. Chrous looked at the face of the elder and said.

"What is a small fry like you doing here, disturbing my nap?

"

The elder didn't feel offended, instead he just smiled and said.

"Well, I am indeed a small fry. However, I am here on behalf of a much bigger person than I am. I am sure, as a representative of that person, I am worthy of you holding a conversation with.

"

"Oh? Who would that bigger person be?

"

"Elder Mangus. The Head of the formation department of the Hel academy.

"

"The formation department head? Indeed, a very big seat. What does that old man want?

"

"I am here with a proposal to the Gambler academy.

I know the Gambler academy holds little significance when it comes to the academy tournament. You care more about the material benefits.

So, I would like to know if you can consider withdrawing Sam from the inscription contest. Your ranking will not be effected even if he doesn't participate. In exchange, you can gain a lot of material benefits. For you personally, if you prefer or even for your academy.

We can also discuss an alliance in this tournament. We can all help each other in other rounds

and competitions.

We just need you to withdraw him from the inscription competition.

"

*YAWN*

Chorus yawned lazily and said.

"See, I am not really interested in handling things like this, you must know that. The whole

realm knows me as that one lazy elder of Gambler academy.

So, can you just handle this discussion with the guy in the floor above this? He is in the room that's right above this one.

He will give you the answer you need. No matter what decision he makes, I don't care.

"

With that he fell on to the bed immediately. The elder frowned in confusion, before going up. Only to see Sam standing at his door, leaning against the frame while looking at him with a

cocky smile.

The elder froze for a moment, he hesitated a bit. Just when he decided to step forward, Sam

said.

"Not a chance. Get lost.

"

The Elder's face turned red. He walked away immediately. This is humiliating. On his way back, he took out his communication token and contacted the Hephaestus elder.

"I failed on this side, you need to convince that person. There is no other way. Meanwhile, I will organize the other smaller academies to send their students.

"

At the same time, on the other side.

The Hephaestus academy elder is walking through the broken down slums of the city. He walked into an abandoned, half-collapsed house and knocked on the floor.

"Come out kid. I know you are here.

"

After some hesitating silence, a young man came out of the ground.

It is the same kid that is engaged with Sam.

"I just talked to your elder. I wanted him to withdraw you from the competition. However, he

is not to be coerced so easily. He left even before we could say anything. I guess the academy

must have really invested a lot in you.

They care so much about you getting higher rank in this competition.

"

The young man didn't speak.

"I guess, you also worked quite hard. I have seen your fights, in your internal academy

tournament. You did great.

Particularly, the usage of your earth element is great. However, I feel like there are several

factors limiting your growth.

Your strength is not reaching its full potential. That is the only reason, why you were unable

to beat the other guy.

I heard he is the son of the Grand elder. He must have gotten quite a few resources. Should have been frustrating, losing to someone just because of the resources you have are limited. Particularly, when you might be more talented than him. Now imagine, what you could have accomplished, if you are at an academy like ours...

"

Fifteen minutes later, the elder walked out and contacted someone.

"It is done. These kids are way too easy to deal with.

"

As soon as he hung up, Sam who is inside the paradise inn trying to cook up his next plans in

this tournament, felt the green light go off on his token.

He became vigilant immediately and tapped the formation disc.

*SWOOSH*

*BOOM* *BOOM*

Three attacks landed from outside of his room. They attacked at the same time. Not one of

them landed on him, but definitely made contact with his formation, which means he is

engaged, once again.

He looked to the broken wall of the building and sighed.

Once again, the chase started.