Announcer: And there we have it! Red moves on to the finals! Up next we have Hiro vs Leo!

--- Chapter 128 ---

Hiro gets up and excuses himself from the stands, and walks down to the stage. As he does he passes Red, who gives him a high five. Hiro walks onto the field and they start their battle. As Red is walking down the halls, Kota stands waiting for him.

Kota: Red, we need to talk.

Red: What about?

Kota: When you fought Geno. You gained that armor. How did you do it?

Red: I- I don’t know. It just happened.

Kota: Do you have any powers other than your insignia.

Red: No, only my insignia.

Kota looks dumbfounded.

Kota: I- I see.

Red: Why, what is the armor.

Kota: It appeared to be Vassal mode armor. Let’s go Red, you should watch the semi-final, so you can gather info on your opponent’s.

Red: Right.

The two head upstairs, Kota heading to the VIP seating. He walks in, not looking at the field, and goes to sit down.

Kota: So how is the match?

He asks those sitting around him.

Master Taizowa: It’s over.

Kota’s eyes go wide and swiftly looks at the field.

Kota: What?! Already?

The battlefield is heavily scarred from the heat of battle. Leo stands on a raised point in the ground completely untouched, looking down at Hiro who lies on the ground, incapacitated.

Announcer: … and the winner is Leo! What a… fast match. The next fight, the final fight, is RED! VS! LEO!

The crowd roars.

Announcer: Before the final match, we will take a short break. Go and buy some merch!

Hiro is rushed into the infirmary, and properly healed but he needs rest. Red visits him, and they chat for a bit before Cari walks in. Cari uses her arcana to ease Hiro’s pain.

Hiro: He’s too strong man. Before I knew it all this ooze surrounded me and it was over.

Red: It’s ok man, I understand.

Cari: It’s true, I fought him as well, his power is overwhelming. And my arcana even countered his and I lost.

Red: I see.

Hiro and Cari go over what they know and formulate plans with Red. Taizawa explains what happened to Kota in the stands.

Kota: That kid is a monster, his arcana is amazing.

Himaki: Indeed, Leo is a prosperous student. At this rate, he will join my highest ranking mages. And join that of my impact unit.

Kota: Impact unit?

Himaki: The Impact unit is made up of exceptional students whose skill exceeds that of their peers to an extent where they are allowed on missions above the level of a student.

Kota: I see, I forgot Academy is a school-based guild.

Himaki: Indeed.

Announcer: Now that everyone is back, let’s get on to the grand finale! Our participants are Red from Elune! And Leo from Academy! Let the strongest participant, win!

He yells, and the crowd roars louder than ever before. The final battle begins.