Contrary to their expectations, they were set to face last year's champions—

Blackthorn Academy.

And the match was scheduled for today.

In just four hours, the first battle of the tournament would begin.

The entire team was gathered in one room.

Only Adrian remained standing, while the others sat in silence, all eyes on him—waiting for their strategy.

"This isn't what we expected," Adrian began, his tone light and composed, "but that doesn't mean we're unprepared."

He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his calm presence settling the air.

"Each of you made it here because of your strength. You already know how to fight in the arena. You've been through enough battles that there's nothing I need to spoon-feed you now."

Brendon raised his hand. "What about the rules, sir?"

Adrian exhaled lightly. "I'm sure the referee will go over them before the match. But from what I understand, the format should be similar to an official duel."

Allen, who had been gripping the hilt of his sword tightly, asked next, "And our armaments? Should we just use what we already have?"

Adrian chuckled. "If that were the case, then why would I be here?"

He stood upright and looked around the room.

"Head back to your quarters and wait for my call."

Then his gaze shifted.

"Aries, stay here."

"Yes, sir," she replied.

As the team began filtering out, a small moment passed between Elana and Aries.

Elana glanced back, her eyes filled with envy for the girl who'd been asked to stay behind.

Aries caught the look and offered a sheepish smile. 'Seriously… her jealousy knows no limits.'

Soon, only the two of them remained in the room.

That's when Adrian spoke again.

"Change into something as short and light as you can. If you'd prefer to change in your room—"

"No need," Aries cut in, already moving her hands to unbutton her outer clothes. "I'm wearing it underneath."

Adrian blinked and turned his back immediately, letting out a quiet sigh. "At least give me a second to turn away…"

"Done," came her voice shortly after.

Adrian turned back—and paused for a second.

She stood there in what looked like skin-tight, minimal black shorts and white bandages wrapped securely around her chest. A sleek and efficient outfit—designed for movement, not modesty.

"I usually wear this before a fight," Aries explained, brushing her dark hair behind her ear. "Women are born with certain… anatomical disadvantages in combat."

Adrian kept his gaze level and nodded, not letting it linger.

"That's still a part of you, Aries. You don't need to treat it like a flaw."

"Well…" she murmured, lips curling into the faintest smile.

Once she lay down, Adrian began tuning her weapon—

A heavy battle axe, resting beside her like a sleeping beast.

"Not a blunt weapon?" he asked, summoning the elemental wheel above her.

"I'm using what suits me best," Aries replied, her eyes following the spinning elements. "Can't afford to disappoint my juniors with a loss."

As he completed the first stage of tuning, Adrian offered a quiet assurance.

"I know you'll do well. You may come across as playful or carefree, but I've seen the work you put in. You're called one of the strongest students for a reason."

Aries grinned. "Hearing that from you… makes me really happy. Thank you, Professor."

Then, her expression shifted. Her eyes sharpened, tone dipping to something quieter.

"I just wish my father thought the same way."

Adrian's brows lifted slightly. "Hmm?"

"Ah, it's nothing." She waved a hand, half-heartedly brushing it off.

"Just the usual male supremacy nonsense. He never believed in me. But I'm not here to prove anything to anyone—I live for my own happiness. Fuck the world."

Adrian gave her a side glance. "Language, student."

Then, with a hint of mischief in his voice, he added,

"But yeah. You're right. Screw the world. Only care about what you want."

Aries chuckled softly. "Glad we think alike."

Before long, Adrian finished the final tuning and helped her sit up.

As she settled on his bed, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the handle of her axe, she asked, "Any last-minute advice?"

Adrian thought for a beat, then spoke with calm sincerity.

"I'm sure others have already told you this, but I'll say it again—

A single result doesn't define who you are. Just step into that arena and give it everything you have. And whatever the outcome… come out with a smile."

He added with a small grin, "Oh—and be humble to your opponent. Especially after you beat them."

Aries laughed. "I never stop smiling. Don't worry about that, sir."

Not so long after, she wore her clothes and took her weapon with her for testing.

Next, he invited Brendon and tuned his twin daggers for him.

"Remember Brendon, don't go overboard. You just need to just knock your enemy out."

The younger boy gave a firm nod before making his way out.

Next was Altia.

The sky girl insisted on wearing a towel on her upper and lower body, leaving the stomach bare and the rest of her body.

Adrian didn't mind. He had already told what disadvantage she was causing herself and she was alright with it.

"Here, wear this and eat this before the match."

Adrian handed her a chewing gum and a pair of headphone like artifact.

"The candy will help you keep your nerves calm and that artifact cancels every sound around you. Prior to the match, I don't want you to get discouraged by a passing comment."

The bespectacled girl smiled gratefully, "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

She happily ran away and soon, Allen entered the room.

Adrian tuned his sword for him without any problem. And when he was at it, Adrian added,

"You have gotten a nice control over your light attribute. So don't hesitate in using it when needed, okay?"

Allen gave a firm nod, "Understood."

Once finished, Allen got up and took his weapon.

Before he could leave, Adrian said, "Keep a hold on your temper, Allen. If you can do that, I believe no one in this tournament could defeat you."

Allen suddenly felt a rush of warmth seeping into his chest.

With a confident nod he said, "I won't, sir. Thank you."

Not so long after the team captain and the last participant arrived, holding her batons.

She nervously stepped inside and heard him saying, "Change into whatever you find comfortable. I am just standing here."

He turned around and took a glass before filling it with water.

He just took the first sip when he heard, "I-I am ready."

Adrian rested the glass on the counter and slowly turned around…only to freeze in his place.

She was naked.

°°°°°°°

A/N:- I wanted to write her naked description but then Adrian stopped me.