"Welcome!!"
The collective gaze of the thousands of students in the arena lowered, focusing on Monica, who stood confidently at its center.
"The rules for this friendly competition will mirror those of the actual academy competition," her voice resonated clearly. "This will ensure none of you freshmen look like clueless newcomers when the real event begins."
Christopher, Advika, Mariana, Mitchell, and the other six freshmen—three boys and three girls—simply nodded in acknowledgment.
"We will have three rounds," Monica continued, her tone authoritative. "In the first round, two participants with the lowest points will be eliminated. The same will happen in the second round. Finally, in the third round, another two will be eliminated, leaving the final four as our representatives. Remember this: in the academy competition, you function as a team, not as individuals. Understood?"
A chorus of nods confirmed their understanding.
