The referee walked to the center of the stage, his voice carrying across the arena filled with excitement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to welcome the winners of this year's finals!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as he continued,
"First, the winner of the First-Year Division — Jack Lee!"
An elegant young man with a refined build entered the stage along with his parents. Amidst the applause and cheers, he stepped forward alone onto the podium, his calm smile reflecting quiet pride.
The referee waited for the noise to settle before announcing,
"Next, please welcome the Second-Year Champion — Daniel Smith!"
The audience roared with excitement, shouting his name as Daniel entered the stage beside Aion. His expression remained proud and aloof, as if he stood above the rest. Waving confidently to the crowd, he stepped onto his place on the podium.
The referee's tone rose again,
"And last but not least, the Champion of the Third Year — Augusta Silver!"
The cheers grew louder as Augusta entered the stage alone. Her serene and composed expression stood out amid the excitement, her calm presence drawing everyone's attention as she took her place.
Once all three winners stood proudly on the podium, the referee turned toward the audience once more.
"Now, let us welcome our honorable judges!"
The crowd responded with eager applause.
"First, please welcome the Principal of our academy — Mr. George Silver!"
"Second, we have Ms. Dani Ross, captain of the Raging Raven Mercenary Group!"
"And finally, Mr. Will Clark, representing the prestigious Clark Family!"
As the three judges entered the stage one after another, the audience greeted them with another round of applause.
The referee smiled and concluded,
"Now, we invite our judges to present the rewards to our champions!"
The crowd's applause swelled once more as the award ceremony officially began.
First to step forward was George Silver, the principal of the academy.
He approached Jack Lee, holding a gleaming medal in his hands. Placing it around Jack's neck, he said warmly,
"Keep up the good work and continue growing stronger. You're going to represent our academy one day. You fought well."
Hearing such praise from the principal, Jack's face lit up with excitement. He straightened proudly and replied,
"I will definitely work hard to become a champion, sir!"
The referee then announced,
"The winner of the First-Year Division, Jack Lee, will also receive a prize of 50,000 Star Coins!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, clapping for the young man who stood proudly on the podium, his heart brimming with pride and joy.
Next, it was Daniel Smith's turn.
Stepping forward, Dani Ross, the captain of the Raging Raven Mercenary Group, approached him with a confident smile. She placed the medal around his neck and said,
"Your battle was impressive. The way your beasts fought shows how well-trained they are. Keep up the hard work—and if you're interested, you can join us as a trainee in the Raging Raven Mercenary Group. It will help you hone your battle skills even further."
Hearing Dani's praise and her unexpected invitation, Daniel froze for a moment, his eyes widening in disbelief. Then, almost stumbling over his words, he blurted out,
"R-Really?! I—I mean, thank you! I won't disappoint you! I'll work super hard—no, I'll give my all! I... promise ma'am !!"
His voice trembled with excitement, and his hands shaking a little as he tried to bow and speak at the same time.
Seeing his overly thrilled and somewhat foolish reaction, Dani couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Do your best in the upcoming tournaments," she said with a smile, before stepping down from the stage.
The referee then announced,
"The winner of the Second-Year Division, Daniel Smith, will receive a prize of 100,000 Star Coins!"
The crowd cheered once again. Daniel looked ecstatic — it was the first time he had earned such a large amount on his own. From below the stage, Aion clapped proudly for his friend and quickly took a few pictures to capture this unforgettable moment.
Finally, Will Clark stepped onto the stage to present the medal to Augusta Silver.
Placing it gently around her neck, he spoke in a calm, monotone voice,
"In this academy, you are the best talent."
Without saying anything more, he turned and left the stage.
Augusta nodded politely in return.
The referee then announced,
"The winner of the Third-Year Division, Augusta Silver, will receive a prize of 200,000 Star Coins!"
The crowd cheered loudly, but their excitement grew even more when Will Clark suddenly raised his hand to interrupt.
"In addition," he said, his voice steady and deliberate, "Augusta Silver will also receive a special reward — an entry pass to the Secret Realm. The gains she obtains inside will belong entirely to her."
A wave of surprise ran through the audience as he continued,
"For others wishing to enter, your strength must be at least Elite Rank (Rank 3). There will also be an entry fee of 20,000 Star Coins, and participants must share 40% of their total gains, with priority of selection going to the Clark Family.
The complete rules and regulations will be announced on the official Clark Family forum in the coming days, so please wait for further details."
His words caused an immediate stir among the crowd. Augusta's calm expression shifted slightly as she looked at Will Clark. She knew, from her father, that the Clark Family had recently discovered a new Secret Realm near the Etenagrave Forest, in their private property which they purchased recently . She hadn't expected to receive a free pass to explore it.
The audience was stunned at first — many didn't even know about this new realm. But as whispers spread and information exchanged among them, the cheers grew louder. Soon, the entire arena was filled with excitement and praise for the Clark Family's generosity.
Seeing the crowd's enthusiasm, Will Clark smiled faintly, the look of a man who had achieved exactly what he intended.
This was the effect he wanted — with one simple announcement, he had turned public favor toward the Clark Family and discouraged any rival families from acting against them.
Down below, Daniel sighed in frustration.
"Damn… just a few levels more, and I could've had a chance to enter too," he muttered, his expression as gloomy as someone who had just lost millions in a lottery.
Beside him, Aion watched silently, his eyes following Will Clark.
He couldn't help but admire the man's cleverness. With a single announcement, Aion thought, he has earned the people's favor and turned a private venture into massive profit. The Clark Family really knows how to gain the most with the least effort.
When the crowd's enthusiasm died down a little, George Silver stepped forward.
"I would like to thank the Clark Family for this opportunity on behalf of everyone present," he said warmly. Then, turning to the three winners on the podium, he continued,
"The Summer Tournament will begin in a month, so prepare well and give it your all. I have high hopes for each of you!"
With that, he left the stage alongside Dani Ross.
The referee then thanked the audience for attending, and with a dazzling display of fireworks, the finals officially ended. Slowly, the spectators began moving toward the exits, while the three winners made their way backstage.
As Augusta walked away, Daniel hurriedly called out,
"Senior! Wait a moment!"
She paused and turned, accompanied by Aion and Jack, who was walking with his parents. Daniel approached her, his voice slightly nervous and fumbling.
"You… you're amazing, senior. Your battle… it was incredible."
Augusta looked at him with her usual calm, monotonous tone.
"I watched your battle."
Daniel's heart leapt, thrilled that she was paying attention to him. But the next words crushed his excitement.
"Your pets fought well," she continued, her tone still even. "If you hadn't been commanding them, they would have won the battle within minutes without a single injury. I don't know how a muscle-head like you trains them."
Daniel's voice caught, and he struggled to find the right words. He glanced at Aion for support and said,
"My… my friend trains them, and he even healed one of my pets before the finals. Without him, I might not even be standing as a winner."
Jack looked at Aion in surprise, clearly impressed.
Augusta now turned her attention to Aion. She had noticed him briefly on stage but hadn't paid much attention. Now, standing before her, she looked more closely. He was refined, his features handsome, with subtle golden strands in his hair that gave him a unique and distinguished aura.
Aion smiled at her, slightly amused, and extended his hand.
"Hi! I'm Aion. Nice to meet you."
Augusta unconsciously shook his hand.
"I… I'm Augusta," she replied.
As she pulled back, she thought to herself, This smiling young man… he exudes a presence I haven't felt from any of my peers. He's strong, and judging by this aura, he must be an elite rank, like me.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a phone call. She picked it up.
"Where are you? I'm waiting," her father's voice said.
"Coming, Dad," she replied, then turned back to Aion.
"You should train your friend as well," she said, "so he won't be a burden to his pets."
Daniel felt as if he had been slapped in the face in front of everyone, unsure how to respond.
Aion, however, nodded to her with a smile.
"I'll definitely train him well," he said.
With that, Augusta turned and walked away.
Jack Lee also left with his family, giving a polite nod to Aion and left along.
Aion turned to Daniel.
"Let's get going."
Daniel, still flustered and grumbling under his breath, muttered,
"I'll show her when I get stronger… How can she belittle me, the Champion?"
Aion said nothing, though he had earlier used his Insight Eye to glimpse Augusta's talent. He had been surprised by her talent, and as he studied the panel of information, he noticed even more intriguing details about her. Now, watching her walk away, he thought quietly to himself, This girl is not simple… but what does this have to do with me?
Shaking off the thought, he looked at Daniel and said once more,
"Let's go."
With that, the two of them left toward their home.