Rising of the Weakest Mage

Vol 8/Ch 80 - A Proclamation

The large auditorium was filled with all of the academy students, since the official announcement for the Annual Magical Knights Tournament would be taking place soon. A lot of the students had mixed feelings about the whole thing, with Ellen Marion as their temporary Head Director, with former Head Director William Windblade removed.

Thomas Terrastone was one such individual who had a lot of mixed feelings about recent events. While he was never close with Head Director William, he knew he was very important to a dear friend of his, Allen Fleming.

From what he knew, he had been Allen's mentor for several years, back when they were younger. He was the person who taught him how to use his "mana", since Allen was a horrible spellcaster in general. He also taught him how to use his sword that he wields, something that Thomas finds respectable.

Considering Thomas also has weaknesses in spellcasting, he has also learned to pick up other ways to fight, like how he does with his fists. He found out early on that he could use his magic to harden his fists, and use that as a way to make up for his shamed weaknesses.

With the amount of training that Thomas has gone through, it has really paid off, with him finally able to harden most of his arms, offering both defense and offense in close-range engagements.

"But with Allen not able to talk to us, what point is there now," Thomas had said out loud, without thinking.

"Tom," Cecily turned to look at him, who noticed his concern. "It'll be okay. I'm sure Al is doing what he can and we'll see him soon"

"I hope so...," Thomas answered, but he still had his concerns. He knew Allen wouldn't go down without fighting, but he certainly wasn't in a good position.

Thomas sat with Cecily, with the rest of the D ranks. Unlike Allen, they were able to keep their D ranking. Thomas felt horrible, because this whole time he's partly felt like Allen was the reason that Cecily and him are where they are now. He knew he wasn't useless, but Allen really helped give them the shove they needed to succeed.

Their other friends, Adam, Oliver and Sybil, were also nearby. They were chatting it up with each other just like usual. Truth be told, Thomas and Cecily have rarely spoken with them since Allen was demoted, but he was sure they also had their concerns for him.

"Alright everyone, if I may have your attention!," a voice called out from the front of the stage.

The chatter in the auditorium from the students slowly started to die down with the appearance of two recognizable girls up in front on the stage.

"I'm Misa!"
"I'm Lisa!"

"And we're your official twin tournament announcers!"

The air in the rooms shifted from uneasiness to relaxed but rowdy with the appearance of the twins. From Thomas' understanding, they were both water element second years, and twins at that. They each were one of the "four divas of the academy" alongside Sarah Childe.

"Now of course we appreciate the attention you all give us, but I please ask that you all quiet down from here on," Misa advised the crowd. "Now I am going to hand it off to my sister Lisa here, to inform you how the tournament will go"
This is what I have been waiting for, Thomas thought to himself. I can't wait to face so many strong opponents!

"Thank you Misa!," Lisa gave her a warm smile that instantly captivated the audience. The smile was no doubt staged, and intentional. "The tournament will work similar to the preliminaries that no doubt many of you participated in, with some needed changes! How exactly will it be different? I will gladly explain it for you!"
Misa explained the outline of the tournament, which most of the details Thomas and many of the other students were already aware of. The tournament will be round based, with the pairs at random. Each participant will be notified of who they will face next several days in advance. They will then have those few days to train or prepare, before finally facing their opponent in the arena. If they lose, they are completely out. If they win, they move on and will shortly find out who they will face next.