I was worried about Sara’s health and why she wasn’t getting up but I guessed that she was just still tired from the first round. She did end up in the infirmary.

The portal was in sight and the win was in our grasp but…

An arrow shrouded in shadow mana skimmed past my face, I dodged it barely by a hair’s breadth. According to my past experiences, I knew none of the school kids had the shadow element, so who could it have been?

The pathway we were in at this time was lit well, with the portal on one side, and the dark walls surrounding from every other side. However, It wasn’t the best site for a fight. I still had lots of MP and HP, but my battle prowess was only restricted to using ice mana.

“It looks like the broadcasting is being blocked. We are trying our level best to fix this issue. Please bear with us.” the presenter’s voice echoed into the maze.

Now I was certain something was wrong.

A dark hand moved out of one of the walls and grabbed Sara’s arm from behind. Immediately I froze it with Ice magic and continued running forwards towards the portal.

“Zeref Amara.” A voice echoed in the labyrinth and a sinister pressure enveloped the whole area. The mana felt familiar. I had felt this dark mana before but it didn’t ring a bell. Where? Where had I felt this type of Mana?

10 or more figures shrouded in darkness, slowly appeared out of the ground and blocked my path forward, I looked back but about the same number of figures were behind me, all holding swords and wands. Who were they and how did they know ‘James Lance’ was a fake name?

“You should’ve known you had limited days when you picked war with Umbra. Your execution is now a-” the lead figure at the front was going to finish speaking but I conjured large spears of ice in both hands and threw them like a javelin at the figures.

A shadow wall rose from the ground and hands made of darkness mana grabbed the spears stopping them in their tracks, with ease.

“Any sort of fighting back is futile, I can assure you that.” the figure spoke confidently. I kissed my teeth in frustration. I didn’t care about these fools, time was of the essence.

I laid Sara on the ground and checked all their levels with my inspect skill. This was going to be an easy fight. They were all at level 35, the leader being at level 40. Me being a level 58, this was going to be interesting.

I cracked my neck left and right and activated my lightning aura. The atmosphere vibrated as the lightning rattled around me and my presence made some of the shadow soldiers move back.

‘Almighty presence.’

With a single chant and a click of my fingers, my gravity magic activated and the labyrinth walls shook struggling to stay standing. The shadow soldiers and their leader fell to their knees involuntarily and in an instant.

“H-How is this possible?!” the leader slowly got up resisting, “Aren’t you an ice mage? This is unfair!”

“Maybe, but life isn’t always fair is it.” I shrugged before beheading the shadow soldiers instantly using Godspeed, leaving the leader alive.

“I’ll let you live. Go tell your organisation or whatever to not mess with me or my friends. Next time I won’t hesitate to annihilate Umbra off the face of this planet.” I grabbed the leader’s collar, faced him dead in the eyes before letting him go. He didn’t say a word, except vanishing into thin air, lonely leaving a dark smoke.

As soon as his departure, I grabbed Sara’s body and jumped into the portal.

**

My eardrums almost burst as the crowd’s cheers blew up the stadium; I looked to the sidelines to see Jace, Malia and Naz waving in joy. We did it. We won.

“What a surprise! The Xanxus Academy pair seem to have come in first place, leading them one step closer to winning the cup this year.” The presenter’s voice bellowed and for the first time, I felt my body almost fall due to fatigue; I must have been drained.

After a couple seconds the ROyal Prep duo that I beat up appeared out of the portal.

“Wow! The Royal Prep Academy Duet finally exit the portal! They seem very beat up though. What could’ve happened, while the broadcasting system was down? Nevertheless, they make it out at second place.” The presenter continued, “30 seconds remain and the last portal will close. Will the other schools be able to make it back in time?!”

The Royal Prep duet looked at Sara and I, with eyes filled with hatred. This must’ve been their second loss now. Those two were spoiled brats, children of the King of the Vrimeon Kingdom; their life was filled with nothing but ease. What a bunch of inexperienced brats.

“…And the gates are now closed! Royal Prep Academy and Xanxus Academy go to the finals!”

With that the second round ended and the loud cheering of the crowd boomed through the arena.

“YES! YES!” the faint voice of Xanxus could be heard in the crowds.

Sara was finally awake now; I looked back at her and a proud smile stretched across her face. She stared at me then raised her eyebrow in acknowledgment.

“You got us our second win. I’m impressed.” she smiled.

“What can I say? I’m just good.” I winked.

**

“YES MY VICTORIOUS DUO!” Xanxus came running backstage towards us. We laughed as he jumped up and down.

“Mr Xanxus!” Sara squealed.

“Do you know how happy I was to shove the victory in their faces for once?!” he squealed higher. I rolled my eyes making sure he saw me.

After listening to Xanxus talk about his stupid bet with the other principals, my eyes started to wonder and paused on a particular duo packing their bags. Xanxus left, saying bye.

“Johan! Ciara!” I waved, calling them over. They walked over and Ciara instantly pulled Sara into a hug.

“Sara. Zeref. You both did so well!” Ciara complimented making me scratch my nape and nod gratefully.

“Yeah, we hope you guys win.” Johan smiled.

“I’m so sad you guys didn’t make it,” Sara pouted, holding both of Ciara’s hands.

“Same but don’t cry. We will be cheering for you both in the audience.” Ciara ruffled Sara’s hair and smiled at me.

“Thanks, we-” I was about to say something when someone ran into me, hugging me.

“ZEREF!” Naz yelled, squeezing me with her surprisingly strong arms.

“Argh, Naz.” I wheezed and to my relief, she finally let go.

Jace and Malia were behind her but were too preoccupied by Ciara and Johan.

“Malia!” Ciara smiled at Malia with a sparkling glint to her eyes.

“Ciara! I’m sorry you guys didn’t make it…” Malia swung her arm around Sara while talking.

“Na it’s fine.” Johan spoke, blushing.

“We saw you both faint. It was a bummer.” Jace spoke sympathetically, pulling Malia and Sara apart and stepping in between them.

“Hey!” they both said at the same time, pushing him. I chuckled and so did everyone else. Damn. I was so ready to win this and return with a trophy.