Episode 5: The Echo of Nova Academy – The Beginning of the Battle
Instructor Siadro stood tall in front of the gathered students, the morning sun casting long shadows across the academy's massive courtyard. Behind him, a giant screen flickered to life, displaying the details of the upcoming event.
Siadro announced firmly:
"Prepare yourselves. The qualifying rounds for this year's Voice of Nova tournament have officially been scheduled. The competition will take place in three main stages:
Day One: 3 vs 3 team battles.
Day Two: Some teams will be eliminated by the administration, and matches will continue as 2 vs 2.
Final Day: The last battle will take place in an enormous arena prepared by the Education Authority. The last three students standing will be declared Nova's Voice and go on to represent us in the Inter-School Tournaments."
His tone darkened slightly.
"No external weapons are allowed unless granted explicit permission by the event supervisors. A participant loses the match if they either surrender, fall unconscious, or are thrown outside the arena boundaries."
Silence followed. Tension filled the air like static before a storm.
Standing off to the side, Firon and Inazuma exchanged uneasy glances.
Inazuma (softly):"We'll need a third person…"
They spent the whole day searching across the academy, asking around, but no one seemed available—or willing.
Firon (frustrated):"I guess we're not going to find anyone… Maybe we should just—"
Suddenly, a voice cut through the air:
??? (boldly):"You really thought I'd miss a chance like this?"
Inazuma's eyes snapped to the side, and to his complete shock—Magnet stood there, grinning confidently.
Inazuma (stunned):"Magnet?! What are you doing here? Aren't you in a different division?"
Magnet (casually):"Yup. But I heard your class was chosen to represent Nova, and I couldn't pass that up. So I pulled a few strings—had a fan of mine with some influence help me transfer in."
Firon (relieved):"Well… I guess our team is complete."
Inazuma (smirking):"I knew you wouldn't leave me behind."
Firon (cautious):"But we shouldn't show all our abilities just yet. We might end up fighting each other…"
Magnet (shrugging):"Even if we do, that doesn't mean we're not friends."
At that moment, Instructor Kojie stepped up onto the podium, her voice cutting through the courtyard.
Kojie:"Now that everyone's chosen their teams, listen closely. Matches won't start tomorrow. First, we'll train—especially the new students—but that doesn't mean we'll neglect the veterans. Be ready at all times, because the administration may announce the first matches without warning."
She paused, scanning the crowd.
"And one last thing—participation isn't mandatory. But if you're going to join... say it loud and clear."
A heartbeat passed.
Then—an eruption:
"I'MMMMMMMM INNNNNNNN!!!"The entire class shouted in unison, their voices echoing across the academy grounds.
It had begun.
End of Episode 5.