[So this is your group... looks tough]
'Just another day of bad luck, I'm used to it.'
All the groups were ready, and those luxurious boxes began to reveal the names of everyone one by one, and Enrico was in Group F.
Group F
Shengtian Academy – Liang Xuanwu, Rank 2
Ryuuen Academy – Sakura Himari, Rank 3
Della Corona Academy – Franchesco Giovanni, Rank 5
Astrong Academy – Enrico Solcren Ferreira, Rank 5
Astrong Academy – Lira Xuefeng, Rank 2
Sentinela Academy – Nicholas, Rank 4
At least two of them were supposed to participate in the inter-academy battle, Liang and Lira, which made things very difficult.
'I hope the important characters manage to advance…'
[Looks like that reincarnated boy is an orphan]
'So his name is Nicholas... counting me, there are four who seem important here.'
[It's literally a group of death. That must be unfortunate for you; I even feel sorry.]
You could tell the system was having fun, but it wasn't the only one — Elaris ended up in the same group as Victoria, which meant certain defeat.
'She may have gotten stronger like the others, but Victoria's level is still above hers.'
To make matters worse, it seemed Hao had trained her more seriously than in the original story, improving her skills — not her peak yet, but better than before.
'Elaris will lose, but she can still enter if she stays second with good points. For now, I should worry about myself.'
"With that, everything is settled. You may all rest for today; tomorrow will be the first round."
Sofia turned, waving to the stands as she left. With her departure, the students around seemed to breathe more freely now. Turning, Enrico saw Elaris approaching nervously after seeing who she would face.
"Looks like we'll have some tough matches."
"I'll find a way to advance, and I hope you do too."
"If you say so…"
Shaking her head with a small smile, she turned and saw Roberto looking relieved, his group being mostly rank 5s — meaning he got lucky.
"Lucky bastard."
"I totally agree."
"Enrico, I hope you surprise me in our battle."
Lira appeared behind Enrico, making him sharpen his senses instantly — this girl was dangerous, not because of her power, but because of her hidden personality.
[Great, the lunatic's here.]
"I'm surprised you know my name."
"How could I not, when you're so praised by the teachers and the headmaster?"
She was right — every Astrong professor seemed to see potential in him, except for a few nobles of royalty who resented the Solcrens because of his father, Matteo.
"If he's Uncle Matteo's son, then of course he'd be recognized."
Matteo Nero approached Enrico, looking him over carefully. Exhaling, he gave a small smile and extended his hand.
"It was hard to recognize you, cousin."
"It's been a while, Matteo."
"Call me Nero. I don't feel I deserve that title after that defeat."
The Neros were one of the two branches of the Solcren family that managed to gain political power within Vesparello. Each had its own surname because Enrico's father's brothers took their wives' family names. Unlike his father, those two brothers weren't obsessed with expanding the Solcren power, so they were easily convinced into arranged marriages.
'I can even understand why he admires Matteo so much, but it's still annoying.'
His father's younger brother always had immense respect for his older brother — so much that he gave his son the same name and told him stories of Matteo's strength. Nero himself began to admire Matteo after being saved by him.
"Sorry for not recognizing you when I went to your Academy. I was busy dealing with those friends of yours."
"Dealing? You totally lost."
"…Next time will be different."
In the original story, the two only spoke maybe three times, and honestly, Nero didn't even care if Enrico existed. That had changed now because the Solcren house itself was recognizing him.
[What do you mean he didn't recognize you? You were fat before, so of course he wouldn't.]
'He's just being polite, idiot.'
"Anyway, if I'd known they were your friends, I'd have been friendlier."
"I don't think they'd be friendly after what they saw you do."
"Now that you mention it, I think you're right… See you tomorrow, cousin. I hope to see your new level."
He waved goodbye and left. At least his character development seemed to be progressing faster — unlike Lan and Deymon, who took forever.
"Isn't that the guy who caused trouble that day? He's your cousin?"
"He is. We just don't talk much."
"Really? He seemed pretty excited to talk to you."
"That's because I'm stronger now."
Nodding, Elaris began to leave as well, her name being called by a personal guard who would escort her to her room.
'That guard must be a Circle Eight… being the princess of the Elves really is something else.'
"Looks like I was forgotten."
Feeling a chill, Enrico saw Lira still there, her face slightly annoyed — being ignored wasn't something good, especially for Astrong's rank 2.
"Sorry about that. We were interrupted suddenly, and I lost track."
"Then don't lose track next time."
"As always, she's such a dominatrix."
Even with that neutral face, you could see the dissatisfaction in her eyes at being interrupted by Nero. He was lucky because, even though she was crazy, her self-control was still strong. Lira walked past him without looking back, saying one last thing that made Enrico sigh.
"As I said, I hope you're a good opponent."
'To be honest, I don't want to be a good opponent for you.'
That girl was someone who could restrain her madness for now, but only until she found a rival she liked.
"She'll still hold back against others, but with her rival, she'll let her madness out — I'd better be careful."
[Good luck with that.]