The man’s name was Ian Hoboken, an elder for two generations. Consequently, his words carried a lot of weight."The Dome was decommissioned because we did not have much spare cash lying around to maintain it. But it is a fact that The Dome is where we’ll be able to test our candidates' capabilities to the fullest during the selection, which is why I agree with War Legate Draco."For one, Novemton is now economically prosperous, so we have more than enough money to reopen The Dome. Secondly, times have changed, and so have our candidates. More than a thousand of them have already surpassed War Legate Draco in the written test, which proves just how capable they are."Thirdly, by placing the candidates in The Dome for the six-way showdown, we can tell how well they work with one another and determine who out of them is truly competent. Thus, I think War Legate Draco has the right idea."Ian made some solid points, but the others were still against the idea because they did not wish t
Adrian nodded in response.The candidates arrived that evening. The next morning, they all entered the main hall for the assembly. Adrian walked out with their results around nine.Looking at the candidates, he said, "I'm going to announce your results from the last exam before we discuss the six-way showdown." He began to announce their results. Unsurprisingly, Jerome and the others scored full marks. Kieran was also among those who scored full marks, so he was allowed to enter the next segment. Less than half of those who scored full marks in the first round were able to do the same for the second as the second round of questions had been difficult.All of this was within Adrian's expectations. After he was done announcing the results, he said, "You have eight days before the next test. I'm sure you're all wondering what this six-way showdown is and why it's now being held despite not being a thing before."I won’t go into details about it today. What I want you all to remember
Gale then gestured and said, "Please, sit.”When everyone was seated, he continued, "You will all have to work as a team during this next segment against the other five venues. The Dome is a complex place with all kinds of terrain, which is why you'll need to select a leader. A leader is necessary to make a team more efficient. You'll need to be in sync with each other if you wish to emerge victorious and put on a spectacular show."A few candidates stood up and agreed, "Sir Gale is right. We need a leader to lead us, and we'll listen to their every instruction.“It's our responsibility to listen to our leader's commands as a unit, but the person who leads us has to be someone capable as well."At that moment, a girl by the name of Luna Ingrid stood up and said, "I'd like to nominate Jerome as our leader. I think he's the most outstanding one among all of us, and he's capable of leading us."Jerome seemed a little surprised when he heard this, but the other candidates all stood up
As time ticked by, the candidates ran through their final strategies under their leader's guidance. With The Dome now ready for action, the candidates put on their battle suits and hurried to the arena before the showdown.***As Rivton candidates gathered at the square to board their plane, Jerome stood in front of Sierra, who was smiling happily at him. Taking a deep breath, he held Sierra's hands and said, "The six-way showdown will be my first time leading a team into battle, and I'd like it if you could be there to watch me." Jerome’s dreams were unending, but there was a girl who had taken up the deepest parts of his heart, and that was Sierra. Even though he had always distanced himself from her due to his family background, he genuinely wished she would be there to watch him perform.Sierra covered her mouth. Her eyes welled up with tears as she nodded. "I promise I’ll be there to root for you. I can't wait to see you become the next legate."Jerome took another deep br
Remy turned around and placed his hand on Luke's shoulder, who was trying his hardest not to cry. "Luke, you're ten now, so you shouldn't be snatching toys from your little sister anymore. I'll buy you a new one after the selection, okay?"Luke wiped away his escaped tears and said, "I'm a big boy now, so I don't need toys. Don't worry, I won't bully Celia anymore.""Good."Finally, Remy hoisted his youngest sister into the air and smiled. "Celia, be a good girl and listen to Debs and Uncle Will, okay? I'll buy you a huge doll when I get home.""Okay!" Celia smiled. "You're the best!" Remy smiled and put his little sister down before turning around to wipe away his tears. "I'm off now, Uncle Will. Thank you for everything." He took a few steps back and saluted Will.Knowing his siblings were under Will's care, Remy turned around and headed for the plane, where his teammates had been waiting for him. "Remy!" Celia cried out the moment he headed for the plane, running toward
Two hours later, the plane meant for spectators headed for The Dome as well, consisting mostly of friends and family of the candidates. Meanwhile, Novemton was in high spirits as the six-way showdown finally arrived.***Mount Aether, located at Aetherborough in the Northwestern region, was a mountain with a warm climate all year round. The Dome was located at the mountain's peak, and it had taken twenty years to build it. The arena was outfitted with countless mechanisms. Despite it being abandoned for the past twenty years, The Dome had now been revamped and looked brand new. While restoring the place, the staff added many features unseen in the past. The Dome was tens of kilometers wide, with tall stands built around the perimeter for spectators to watch the battles from above. There were rivers, forests, mountains, and traps all around the arena. The six teams would be entering the venue from six different directions. The showdown was melee-only, and the candidates would be
Meanwhile, Jerome, Sage, Remy, Juno, Zack, and Polaris, the leaders of their respective parties, ran into each other at the airport. Sage was the first to say, "I will do my best tomorrow. I hope you'll all bring your A-games as well."Zack, who was always a cheerful boy, smiled and said, "You seem confident, Sage. Honestly, you ladies should be more careful out there tomorrow.""Are you looking down on us women?" Juno asked.Zack quickly shook his head. "It's a reminder, not an insult. I just don't want to see you ladies cry when you lose."Juno sneered and turned toward Polaris, Jerome, and Remy. "What about you three? Do any of you have anything to say?"Jerome replied, "I'm going to do my best."Remy added, "Me too. I can't afford to lose."Juno frowned when she heard this. "You two are so much alike. I might as well listen to Zack. Despite how much I want to smack him, at least he smiles.”"Are you complimenting me or insulting me?" Zack instantly felt confused. "Ms. M
After playing with his daughter for a while, Adrian turned toward Samantha and said, "I'm sorry for leaving you all alone with her, Sam."Samantha smiled. "Nova's been really good, plus she's got a huge appetite like you."Adrian let off a wry smile. Samantha took Nova from his arms and said, "Well then, we'll leave you to your work. I'm going to go find Mother and Ada.""Look for anyone in management if there's anything you need. And make sure to wear more layers. It's cold here.""Okay, don't worry about us. Nova, say bye-bye to Daddy!" Samantha waved Nova's little hand before walking out of the office. Immediately after that, Lucas, Steel, Raquel, Gale, Cadel, and Zero walked into the office. They were the six battle warriors in charge of the competition venues, and they were highly looking forward to the showdown. They stayed at headquarters for more than an hour to go through the details. By the time they left, it was already nightfall.The usually quiet place had suddenl