Battle Plan
The party progressed smoothly. Ayaka also came back not long after, and Kai removed the magic from his ears. He didn't know what they were talking about, but there were determination and doubt in her eyes, halting him from asking questions.2
In the end, Kai could only say, "If you need any help, just ask."
Ayaka couldn't make a big smile because of all the things she had just learned. She nodded. "It's fine. I'll be all right."
She knew that if Kai had wanted to listen in on their conversation, it would have been easy for him. Knowing that he didn't listen to their conversation meant that he trusted both Nathan and her. And this was the thing she needed at the moment.
She walked past him before turning around, staring at his back. Memories of the past events kept replaying in her mind. It was only now that she realized, despite having only known him for only a few months, they had gone through a lot. She said inwardly, 'Wait for me. I'll definitely walk beside you, not behind you. This time, it's not an empty promise.'
Time was all she needed. She might not be able to make it to the group battle against Isabelle, but there was still time until they needed to take the third mission. If not the third mission, then the fourth mission. She set a time limit for herself, and if she fails to complete her objective before the time limit, she would then take the other road.
Michelle took a glimpse of her expression and understood what was on her mind. She knew exactly what kind of expression that was. It was the same expression she had when she started her training. Looking at Ayaka now, she could only smile and cheer for her silently.
On the other hand, Tasha decided to leave the party. She couldn't stand those rich people. They flaunted about anything and everything they could, trying to impress her. She didn't have the same amount of patience that Kai did, so she left.
Two hours later, the party finally ended and Michelle led them to their own rooms.
Michelle tried to get the same room as Kai, but she was stopped by a single word from him. The same applied to Tasha. They could only sulk in their own rooms. In the morning, they would stroll around the city.
Meanwhile, Ayaka didn't come or talk to him when they were here. Every time she was inside her room, she would only stare at the ceiling with blank eyes. She knew her goal, but she didn't know where to start. The only thing she could do was try anything she could think of.
...
And just like that, three days passed by.
They went back to school. Shirotsuka Sanae and Mano Yuki had already gone back after a one-day holiday. Yuki aside, Sanae certainly couldn't get a long vacation considering how she was a new teacher.
After going back, Sanae searched for information about Isabelle Fisher and the others, though she could've gotten it more easily by asking Evan Young.
When they finally came back to school and gathered in room 420 again, the first thing they discussed was the upcoming battle.
Evan handed them a few papers containing their opponents' data.
He explained, "They have two A-rank and three B-rank magicians. The first one is a man named Nicholas. He uses a shield and a spear. He is an 18-year-old B-rank earth magician. He can make a huge earth wall, and if my prediction is correct, he will try to make a base or labyrinth so Isabelle can get a good and safe sniping position.
"Then there are these twins. The elder is Eve Burton, an A-rank fire magician, while the younger one is Eva Burton, a B-rank fire magician. I heard that when they are combined, they can bring down three A-rank magicians.
"The fourth person is another A-rank ice magician, Tommy Jackson. This person is very powerful and might become the greatest factor in this match. It can be said that this person is the strategist of the group.
"However, as expected, the most important person of the group is their leader, Isabelle Fisher. Although she is only a B-rank wind magician, her power is no joke, specifically her sniping ability. She can shoot a sniper while running, and most importantly, she is very accurate."
Evan finished his report and sat.
Kai looked at the detailed information Evan brought them. It seemed that he was right to bring him here. He looked at the profile of the muscular brown-haired man, blonde twins, blue-haired prince, and pink-haired annoying leader.
He glanced at Sanae's expression and asked, "Does Teacher want to give any input?"
"The arena hasn't been decided yet, so I don't know what kind of place will be the battlefield. However, I've made a few simulations for the battle and I think you'd want to know about this." She closed her eyes, recalling the battle simulations.
"It's a rare occurrence to see you put effort like this, Teacher," Kai smirked.
"Shut up. It's only a few hours of work. Besides, don't you know that since I'm now your instructor, I can get ten percent of your hard work? Including the fifteen percent you put for the group's purpose, all of you only get fifteen percent of the money." She rolled her eyes. "That's why I should, at least, become a good instructor. I can revert to being the lazy teacher though."
"No, this is good." He shook his head.
She nodded and continued, "Well, through all the simulations in my head, the enemy will most likely split up. After all, if they try to fight all of you at the same time, they'll definitely lose.
"As for the pairings, I assume Nicholas will fight Tasha, Tommy against Ayaka. As for the twins and their leader, their target would be either Kai or Michelle. Since Michelle is a well-known S-rank magician, they might have their leader fight her. Still, considering her interest in you, she might fight you while the twins hold Michelle back."
"I apologize. Since I can't really fight, I might become a burden. But if you are injured, I can heal you in a jiffy. As long as we have time, you can fight again and again without injury. That's why I will stand behind." Evan added.
Kai closed his eyes, running a battle simulation inside his mind. With his shield, Nicholas would pose a big problem to Tasha. As for Tommy, he has an elemental advantage against Ayaka. Considering Isabelle's interest, she'll most likely choose to go against him while Michelle will go against the twins.
Ayaka suddenly said with an ashamed tone, "As expected… I'll be the target again since I'm the weakest link."
As she said, all of them had their roles. The twins would function as a shield that protected their general, Isabelle. Nicholas would act as a buffer, not letting Tasha, the Lion Group's biggest factor, change the tide. Last but not least, Tommy would be their spear, thrusting their weakest link and gaining the advantage.
Kai took a glimpse of her expression and said, "We have a miracle doctor that won't let anyone die in our team. We have three swords that can penetrate their defenses, and I believe we also have a guardian deity that will block everything they throw in our way. The moment their spear, Tommy, is broken, we'll gain a huge advantage in the battle and I need to say, our winning probability will go as high as 90 percent. That's why it's on you, Ayaka."
Ayaka's body shook. Even though she was a burden, Kai still trusted her for the most important position. She thought that Tasha would fight Tommy while she stalls Nicholas. The trust Kai put on her hand felt so heavy. She looked at the others who had confidence in her and clenched her fists. "I won't disappoint you."
Looking at her expression, he smiled before turning to Tasha. "Sister, do you like to play extreme difficulty games that make you try again and again?"
"Of course not." She shook her head before realizing what he meant. "I see. So that's the plan."
"Yes. I'm leaving it to you." He nodded before telling Michelle the plan. "If I say, I'll defeat Isabelle Fisher-"
Before he could finish, Michelle already answered, "It's obvious. I'm your shadow and my job is to support you. You don't need to worry, I won't allow anyone to interfere with your battle. My request is... beat her to a pulp!"
"Don't be too hard on her. Even though she is annoying, she is a good girl. She is just… too energetic," Evan interjected.
"Hoh… this is really interesting." Michelle grinned, looking at Evan with a teasing glance.
Evan had no change in expression and replied, "No. She is just someone that wants to prove that her effort does not go to waste. If you can get past that annoying side of her, you can see her as a good friend."
"Fufu… It would seem that our Evan has feelings for Isabelle," Michelle teased him.
"No." Evan shook his head. "I just want to warn you that if you beat her to a pulp, she will try anything to fight you again. If you don't want to be bothered by her, then I suggest you just show the difference in power and not do anything excessive."
"Tch, you're so boring." She clicked her tongue.
"Well, sorry about that." He shrugged.
"Anyway, it seems that we have our plan ready. There's still a week left before the fight, so make all the preparations you need." Kai looked at all of them. "Anyone want to add anything?"
"No." All of them shook their heads.
"All right then, our meeting ends here."
pqdm.com