The Transmigrated Author-Chapter 67: A Single Thought (2)

[Pinnacle Academy Stadium 1 - Arena A: Outside Of The Arena]

Jan suddenly checked his watch, the carefree vibes evaporating with surprising speed.

"Oh, looks like they bumped my match forward. I have to go, the inspection time just told me to arrive 5 minutes early. Can't be late…"

His usual grin seemed more forced, and he quickly got up from the bench.

The mention of matches triggered a memory. "

Ah, That must mean Alice's fight wrapped up quickly," I murmured, mostly to myself. It was expected that whoever went up against her was completely screwed.

But it gave me a data point for what my next opponent might be. But right now, with this new gap in my schedule...taking more time to relax seemed counterproductive.

With a quick wave to Jan, who was muttering strategy half-aloud as he exited, I added more casually, "Good luck, Jan. Do whatever it takes to get that win."

He flashed a grateful grin before launching into a hurried jog. Meanwhile, I took another glance at my watch again.

[Your upcoming match details...]

[Round Of 16:]

[Name: Axel Saint Rel Laurence]

[Matches Completed: 21]

[Match Number: 12]

[Time: 12:00 PM, ETA: 11:45 AM]

[Opponent: TBA]

[*Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early For Inspection]

nothing new to update my fight slot. I might as well use this time. "Might as well head back in…" I decided. After the brief talk of calm with Jan, I could feel myself losing the will to keep fighting in this competition any longer.

"system" I spoke, stretching my arms in the air.

[Yes Mr Axel? :D]

"What are my current rewards as of now?"

Immediately, a screen displayed all my current objectives:

[Here are your current rewards earned:]

[Place top 5 group knockouts: 250 BP]

[Win the group knockout: 500 BP + 10 Points Allocation for Base Stats]

[Win Round Of 50: 250 BP]

[Qualify For Round Of 32: 400 BP]

[Win Round Of 32: 500 BP]

[Qualify for Round of 16: 750 BP]

[Total Reward Earnings: 2,650 BP, 10 Base Stat Allocation Points]

Checking the rewards I knew they were pretty good, I just wondered if I need more BP since there's this ability I've been wanting to craft for a while now.

But If I just drop out here I wouldn't mind receiving what I've earned, cause I could've been using this time to go to the dungeon that required the Silent Abyss Key. But I'm already this far in I might as well try to go even more deep into this competition.

This might be my one chance… I muttered.

focusing on the stat point allocation in my rewards. I was thinking the stat I needed most after I got my rewards, my speed was good, above average even for the first year, but was it enough?

Probably... I meannnn, Jan is just about as fast as me.

(Rel's Speed Stat - 63) Vs (Jan's Speed Stat - 56)

I knew that my HP and Stamina were at least average for someone like me, I only needed to upgrade my strength stat so my punches could do actual damage.

...

...

...

[Pinnacle Academy, Stadium 1 - Arena A: Main Lobby]

I stepped into the lobby, and instead of the lobby being filled with students, I was met with the frenetic energy of a media frenzy.

- Louise!, Louise!, Can we hear your thoughts on this topic please!

- Louise what is the current situation between you and your father?

- Are you going to inherit the legacy of your father?

Louise Villerion was trapped at the centre of it all, flashes of light and a relentless hook of excited questions surrounding him. It felt surreal as if someone had flipped a switch on the cocky kid I'd gotten used to.

By looking at his current situation there could only be two answers to why the media was swarming him.

1. His father had suddenly announced his retirement and stepped down from the guild leader position, handing it over to Louise in the next few years.

2. Louise had beaten a top-tier student at the academy and he's getting all the praise for it.

As I moved closer to the media I could hear them speaking about the rumours of his legendary father, Kang Villerion, which was nothing new.

The name evoked an almost mythic persona, leader of the Trinity Centurions, the globally influential guild that consistently ranked in the top 3. I never gave it much thought. But seeing Louise now, it was clear.

He was suddenly no longer just a promising talent, he was an heir to a massive responsibility.

I moved through the crowd to better hear the questions. I felt almost invisible, the media sharks were completely focused on their target.

The swarm of reporters around Louise resembled predators drawn to the scent of conflict. It was a battle unlike any I'd witnessed in the arena but with just as much potential for damage.

Cameras jockeyed for a better angle, I remained on the edge, watching the entire scene unfold.

"...but given you haven't yet claimed Grade 3 or 2 as a hero... is this premature?" The question pierced through with a sting that even hardened guild masters would flinch at.

It was a direct challenge to his legitimacy. Was this about fair reporting or exploiting doubt?

Unphased, Louise responded as if he was swatting away an insect.

"My commitment to Pinnacle and constant training ensures that rising to be a Grade 1 hero is on the horizon. My father wouldn't stake his own legacy on my potential as it stands."

Another reporter, seeing an opening, jumped in.

"With so many capable High Graded members in Trinity Centurions, are you the most qualified choice? Some might argue age over ability..."

That hit another nerve – one of youth and inexperience. In the face of a cutthroat guild culture, did raw talent and potential guarantee anything? The air turned uncomfortably still in anticipation of his reply.

"In Trinity, succession follows legacy and loyalty,"

the statement turned into the atmosphere like a challenge thrown back at them. But it wasn't the crowd roaring this time, it was a tense silence in the heart of chaos.

"If there was more to leadership than simply a title, if there was about understanding the weight of the crest we all wear...would those qualifications matter then?"

He didn't wait for an answer. The press were momentarily silenced, his final words carrying an undeniable weight as he deftly maneuvered back into unassailable ground.

I couldn't help but be grudgingly impressed. Was this how he dealt with that evil side of media? Sure he was smooth, but he was also excellent at deflecting and leading the conversation...and never saying more than he absolutely needed to.

A bolder reporter shoved in close, voice cracking with unmasked curiosity. "Does this mean we can assume this transition of leadership has been in the works, or…" The pause hung heavy, leaving the implication about internal conflict unsaid. I wanted to see how Louise would answer this question, and he didn't disappoint.

"Family matters will be settled behind closed doors." He stated it as an unshakeable fact. In that small act, he took total control of the narrative.

It wasn't arrogance, but an inherent authority - and this media swarm seemed to sense that same shift in the energy as abruptly as they had descended.

__________

Authors Notes:

- Speed Stats Comparison

1 - 20 = Normal Human

20 - 30 = Above Average

40 - 60 = Superhuman

70 - 90^ = Super Fast

100 - 120 = Fast as Sound

130 - 150 = Faster than Sound

160 - 180 = Supersonic

200 - 250 = Hyper Supersonic

300 + = Light Speed

Think of it as Kilometers a second (K/sec), The Majority of Grade [6] and Grade [4] Heroes have an average speed of 51.