And so, the first round for the sacred tournament came to a close. Everyone went back to their respective residences to await the second round. Later that night, Felix and his group had gotten a hold of the next round matches, and proceeded to check on who they'd be fighting next.

“ Now let's see who we'll be fighting for in our next round.”- Felix

“ Huh, it looks like your next opponent is a duelist named Stark Blansky. He's the biggest in the tournament so far, but his size doesn't affect his speed. I don't expect this fight to go as smoothly as your last one.”- Nina

“ I wouldn't have it any other way.”- Felix

“ Hmm, it looks like your next opponent is Carline Sylvas. Do you know who this woman is or what type of magic she possesses Annie?”- alicia

“No, but it doesn’t really matter to me Lady Alicia. I’m a magi knight, blowing away my opponent will be no such trouble.”- annie

“Glad to see you’re confident. So who’s my next opponent exactly?”- alicia

“Someone named Ganryu Shirou. I saw his fight and he’s not bad. He’s a terran just like Felix and lives the life of an adventurer. He falls under the category of a magic swordsman.”- nina

“An adventurer, huh.”- alicia

“Oooooh you’re so lucky Alicia! I saw him and this guy’s a total hottie! He’s not only a decent fighter, but he’s really handsome to match!”- annie

“A super hottie, huh? Much different from a barely grown-up terran with a sad attitude that I know.”- alicia

“Really, can’t you show some class and insult me when I’m not in the room?”- felix

“WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I’M TALKING ABOUT YOU? AS A MATTER OF FACT, WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU’RE EVEN WORTH COMPARING TO? YOU LOOK LIKE YOU STILL DRINK YOUR MOMMY’S MILK!”- alicia

“Keep it up lady, you stepping on a landmine!”- felix

Once again, the tension between those two was practically visible. Everyone had already gotten used to this daily routine.

“Will those two ever get along.”- nina

In the early afternoon, the next round of matches commenced. Felix was the first to go up and everyone was hyped up to see how the young Drake would perform. Along with Alicia’s group, Coraline and her friends cheered for him too.Needless to say, they were hoping to be amazed.

“You must really have high hopes for this Felix character Coraline. I just hope he lives up to them.”- ariel

“I thought you said you were interested in him to.”- coraline

“I am, but I also want to see how formidable he truly is.”- ariel

“Sucha battle maniac.”- coraline

“Hey!”- ariel

“Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the next round of this year’s fighting competition! For our first match we have the terran who’s size and age does not match his skills, young and handsome Felix Drake! And opposite to him is a man whose body looks to be blessed by the gods themselves, the mighty Stark Blansky! Who will win this round is anyone’s guess. Let the first match, BEGIN!”- announcer

As Felix’s opponent was made his way up, he could tell that he’d definitely have to step up this. This guy was indeed tall a whole lot taller than the average terran. Not to mention he was built like an ox. Several layers of muscle really filled that skin. But, the thing that got Felix was that unique battle sense that radiated of him. He could tell that he was definitely trained in some art.

“Looks like Felix is going to have to really work this time. This guy looks like he’s not going to give him a chance.”- nina

“Of course. That last match was practically a free pass. Now he’s really going to have to show off his skills. They'll be no room for his previous display.”- Alicia

“ I know Mr Felix will be just fine.”- Sakura

After the announcer left, Blansky held his arms to his chest and lunged himself at Felix who stood ramrod straight without a hint of worry. By the time he got close, felix bought his foot forward and knocked him off balance followed by flipping him over his head and sending him flying. Blansky crashed onto the ground, leaving a nice dent in the ground. He instantly recovered and got back into his fighting stance. He instantly charged at Felix, and started to throw a flurry of punches and kicks at him. Felix repeatedly kept parrying his attacks, until finally he found an opening and landed a solid punch at his abdominal muscles. Blansky definitely felt the blow, leaving him completely winded. Felix then takes his other hand, slightly bends his knees, and performs a major uppercut like a game character, sending himself and Blansky slightly in the air. He quickly follows this with a roundhouse kick. Blansky winds up bouncing across stage, only stopping till he was near the edge, to disoriented and injured to focus his thoughts. Deciding to ends this, Felix does a twirl in the air and throws a kick in his chest, sending him flying off the stage and into a wall, completely knocked out.

“ And the winner of the first match is the young terran, Felix Drake.”- announcer

The crowd, originally shocked by what they had seen, burst into cheers as they were greatly impressed by Felix's skills.

“ Looks like you were right Coraline. His skills are definitely the real deal.”- Ariel

“ So he really was holding back when he was fighting against me. I'm happy to see my instinct wasn't a fluke.”- Coraline

“ You should've jumped him when you had the chance. Now I've completely fallen for him. He's a man worthy of my heart.”- Ariel

“ Battle maniac.”- Coraline

“ Did you see that Mrs Nina? I told you Felix could handle it!”- Sakura

“ I must agree that was an impressive display. The way he carried himself all the way through the fight, that is something only masters can accomplish. And the way he performed those techniques shows he really has control over his body. He's clearly done some serious training.”- nina

“Guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Even if he doesn't possess magic or the crimson eyes, he's still a formidable opponent. Those are qualities fitting those of the Drake family.”- Alicia

“ It is weird though. From the way he fights, it's almost similar to the way Alex fought. As you all know, Alex had a unique fighting style, one that couldn't be easily replicated. How can there be such distinct similarities.”- annie

“Another mystery of Felix that is waiting to be solved. For now, I should go get ready. It’s time for me to start my fight.”- alicia

Alicia proceeded to make her way to the stage as the announcer began to introduce the fighters.

“ Ladies and gentleman, the next match for the second round is about to begin! On this side, we have the flaming haired beauty whose unlimited mana leaves us in wow, the gorgeous woman, Alicia Rand Philistine! And on the other side we have the gentleman whose handsome looks matches his fighting skills. The self proclaimed paragon of handsomeness, Ganryu Shirou!”- announcer

Needless to say, Alicia got a great many cheers for multiple reasons. Ganryu, however, had a whole stadium of female followers. He wore form fitting, formal attire that went well with long, light-brown hair and blue eyes. The only equipment he had was a shoulder guard, shin guards, and a rapier. All-in-all, this man was definitely the very definition of a pretty boy. Even as he got up on the stage, he acted like he had no concerns whatsoever. He always made sure his female admirers got a good look.

“Ughhh this guy. He makes me lose my appetite.”-- alicia

“Please don’t look so serious.while this is a battle, I make it a policy of mine not to be rough with women. Especially a young beautiful women like yourself.”- ganryu

“Heh, oh really.”- alicia

“ Of course. Beauty knows beauty after all. For in a garden of red roses, you are a white rose; distinct and elegant. In all honesty, if we weren't in a tournament, I would want to kneel before such an elegant figure.”- Ganryu

“ Great, a classic playboy. Been a while since I've seen one of those.”- Felix

“ Only an idiot would fall for such word's.”- nina

“ Eh eheheheh, well I must say, your a better person than I thought.”- Alicia

Ganryu’s words clearly left an impression on Alicia as she began to blush.

( ( ( SHE ACTUALLY FELL FOR IT!) ) )

“ ALICIA, GET A GRIP! YOUR SUPPOSED TO BE FIGHTING, NOT FLIRTING WITH YOUR OPPONENT!”- Felix

“ WHO- WHO THE HECK IS FLIRTING!”- Alicia

“ WHO DO YOU THINK!”- Felix

“ WHO DO YOU THINK I AM? SOME LOOSE WOMAN WHO FALLS FOR ANY HANDSOME MAN THAT CROSSES ME?”- Alicia

“ YOU SAID IT, NOT ME!”- Felix

“ I AM NOT WAVERING!”- Alicia

“ WOMEN, I SWEAR! A FEW PRETTY WORDS AND THEY TURN TO MUSH!”- Felix

“ Hahaha, aah the curse of the handsome. Truly this is an amusing sight. In any case, this is still a tournament. Despite my strong feelings against this, I'll still do my best to overcome you.”- Ganryu

“ You greasy haired punk! Just how shameless can I you be?”- Alicia

( If you know that, then get a grip already, geez.) Felix

“ Let the match, begin!”- announcer

The crowd cheered for the start as Alicia built up her magic.

“Take this pretty boy. I'll knock you out in one strike.”- Alicia

However, to her shock Ganryu decided to walk towards her instead of drawing out his sword. Even Felix and the audience didn't understand his intentions.

“Wha-what are you doing? Whatever you’re planning, it will prove fruitless against me. Don’t think I won’t do it.”- alicia

Alicia’s words proved to hold no sway over Ganryu as he still had a glint in his eye and continued to proceed forward.

“Alica! Quite zoning out! He’s trying to play mind games with you!”- felix

“Just what is this guy’s angle.”- nina

When Ganryu was a few feet to from Alicia, he shocked everyone in the audience including her by performing an unexpected stunt; going down on knee and lowering his head.

“Fate can be so cruel, do believe that my lady. We are forced to combat each other on this arena. Yet what I truly want to do is bow before you and serve you for the rest of my life.”- Ganryu

“ You- you idiot! Do you realize were we are?”- Alicia

“ I can't help it. Though I'm a lowly swordsman, my desire to serve you is to strong. Before we begin this duel, I'd like to have the honor of kissing your hand.”- Ganryu

To say the audience was shocked would be an understatement. They didn't know what to make of this fight.

( Seriously, just how many times has this guy swoon women like this?) Alicia, keep your guard up! Don't just give in to his requests! You're not allowed!”- Felix

( Way to sound like her parent.) Nina

“ Don't worry Felix. Something like this isn't enough to sway me.”- Alicia

Alicia proceeded to walk forward and hold her hand out.

(Hmph, you think just any can earn a kiss from me? Keep dreaming. The moment you think you've won, I'll knock you out and through you off the stage)- Alicia

Ganryu proceeded to bring her hand close to his face. Thinking he dropped his guard, Alicia raised her arm to knock him out. However, with an incredible show of speed, Ganryu pulled Alicia close, making her lose focus. Using this opportunity, Ganryu stole a kiss from Alicia. Not a single sound was heard from the audience. Even Nina and the others were beyond shocked. Felix was the only one whose expression couldn't be seen, but from the way his hands were placing cracks on the stand, his mood was obvious. Alicia was probably the most shocked out of everyone. When Ganryu stopped kissing her, her mind was a total blank.

“ He…..kissed….me……. someone….. other than……..”- Alicia

“ Please forgive the conduct of this weak man. Even though trickery is beneath me, I couldn't help but steal the chance that was offered.”- Ganryu

It didn't look like Alicia heard him as she still had a blank expression on her face. The affected her more than she realized since she went weak-kneed and fell of the ring.

“And the winner of this bout, Ganryu Shirou!”- announcer

Most of the crowd cheered, while others, mainly the females, were crying tears of jealousy and hate.

“ Hahahahaha, this is why really don't have to fight against females!”- Ganryu

Alicia finally got out of her stupor, but from the amount of killing intent radiating from one person, she didn't think it was a good thing.

Back in the waiting area, pretty much everyone was giving Alicia the third degree.

“ That was some display Alicia! For a magi to lose to some flowery greenhorn like that! Was that kiss really that great to you? This is the greatest disgrace in our entire legacy!”- Nina

“ OH SHUT UP NINA! I WAS JUST SURPRISED BY ALL THE SUDDENNESS! AND BESIDES, WE STILL HAVE ANNA IN THIS FIGHT SO THE PLAN STILL HASN'T CHANGED!”- Alicia

“ Spoken like a true sore loser.”- Felix

Hearing Felix speak sent shivers down their spines. He hadn't spoken a word since he came, and from all the rage radiating off him, no one wanted to get close.

“ Though we can't really blame her Nina. Considering all she's kissed is a barely masculine kid, it's a definite improvement. I wouldn't be surprised if it did feel good.”- Felix

“ W-wait a minute Felix! I-it wasn't like that! I w-was just surprised. It didn't feel-”- Alicia

“ Save it. I don't need to hear it. I'm not your parent or your spouse. Who you kiss is not my concern. Honestly, we have other concerns other than your lovelife. So let's worry about that. I'm going to get something to eat.”- Felix

“ Wait! Felix!”- Alice

“ Nice to see how far my faith goes.”- Felix

“ Wait for me Mr Felix.”- Sakura

Felix left the room, not even looking back at Alicia as she tried to call him. A sullen silence filled the room. It ended with Alicia smashing a table.

“ IT! IT'S NOT LIKE I DID THIS ON PURPOSE! WHAT'S WITH HIM? SAYING HE DOESN'T EVEN CARE!”- Alicia

“ Well color me surprised.”- Nina

“ WHAT DID YOU SAY?”- ALICIA

“ Out of everyone, the one you don't want to hate you the most is Felix.”- Nina

“ SH-SHUT UP NINA! LIKE I CARE WHAT FELIX THINKS! BESIDES, I DON'T SEE WHY HE HAS TO MAKE SUCH A BIG DEAL ABOUT THIS!”- Alicia

“ You really are clueless when it comes to feelings, it's more than just the kiss.”

“ It's --- wh- what?”

“ Apart from the fact that no normal man likes it when someone else makes a move on his woman, what's most upsetting to him is the fact that you let it happen.”

“ But….. it wasn't like it was intentional.”

“ It doesn't matter Alicia, it doesn't change the fact that you let him down. Contrary to what you believe, Felix respects your strength. People like him don't just give their respect to just anyone, especially to people they don't get along with. Since he was going to show everything he was capable of, he was counting on you to put in everything you had to achieve victory. The fact that you let some random flower boy get to you instead of knocking him off the ring when it started just shows him what you think about him and his expectations. And what's worse is that this gives Luther more time to massacre his opponents.”

Hearing Nina's words made Alicia look back at what Felix said before he left. If the guilt wasn't showing on her face before, it definitely was now. She finally realized that she was acting like a hypocrite.

“ Nina, isn't there any way for me to make this up to him?”

“ Oh? What happened to you don't really care.”

“ I-I-I don't! I-it’s that Felix is the key to unlocking my mana. It won't do me any good if he hates me”

Oh, is that right? Then I guess I won't tell you then.”

“ Tell me what?”

“ The secret to winning Felix's heart.”

“ W- win fe-felix’s! WHY WOULD I WANT TO WIN FELIX'S HEART! THAT KID ISN'T WORTH THE DIRT IN MY SHOES!”

“ Oh is that so? Then in that case, I'll just go and get a drink.”

Before Nina left, she felt a hand grip her from behind.

“ The secret, what is it?”

“ Oh wow, you sure are being wishy-washy.”

SHUT UP! I'M ONLY DOING THIS BECAUSE FELIX HOLDS MY MANA, YOU HEAR ME? IT WON'T DO ME ANY GOOD IF OUR GROUP ISN'T IN SYNC! SO THIS IS A NECESSITY, NOTHING MORE!”

“ Honestly, how thick-headed are you? You're going through all this because you're constantly thinking of Felix. You have all this power and yet you're thinking of one little terran. Now why is that?”

“ B-because….. my mana…..”

“ It's called attraction.”

“ Attraction?”

“ In other words, you're in love. It's a type of magic in it's own sense. One that terrans have a full grasp of. A wondrous feeling between man and woman that can't be put into words. When one's sad, so is other. When one's angry, so is the other. All these feelings get stronger and stronger the closer they get. That is the magic that is love.”

“ Love...is... magic?”

“ I was married to Thomas so I know this feeling well. If you want to win Felix's heart, you can't do this half-baked. You've gotta really put your all into this.”

“ Mmmm”

“ First things first, Felix likes girls with long hair, particularly blondes. That's one advantage you have over some girls, myself and Sakura included.”

“ An advantage? Wait! WHY THE HECK AM I COMPETING AGAINST YOU AND A MIDGET-SIZED DOLL?”

“ Your attitude however is a big minus. Felix likes calm and collected girls, ones who won't fly off the handle at the first sign of issues.”

“ Grrrrrr”

“ Third, Felix likes strong girls. I girl that knows how to take care of herself and is capable of fighting beside him can instantly put his heart at ease.”

“ Just what are you saying exactly?”

I'm saying is that to win Felix's heart, you have to be at least as strong as me, as well as kind and helpful like Sakura.”

“ ARE YOU FOR REAL? WHAT IS WITH ALL THIS BULL CRAP? FELIX! SAKURA! WHO CARES? I'M ALICIA RAND PHILISTINE! A MAGUS! A GODDESS REINCARNATED! I CAN GET ANYTHING I WANT WITH MY POWER!”

“ Yet you can't win the heart of a single terran boy.”

“ Uuuuuuuu!”

“ As a terran’s wife, I learned a lot of the common feelings that dwelled in the hearts of all terrans. Their fears, their joys, their dreams, it's all something that can't be put into words. It's not something that you could understand yet Alicia. For all you’ve ever seen is their evil. I'm not saying you're completely wrong in your thoughts. There is darkness in all terrans and they mainly only think about themselves. I could never forget how the hunted our kind and burned them alive. That's why I thought Arcadia was such a wonderful place.”

“ Arcadia”

“ But I also understand why he also fought for the terrans. He believed that all life, terran and otherwise, was sacred. He didn't want the wrongs of the few to be vented out on the many. That's why picked up his sword and went against you.”

“ You mean Alex Drake, don't you.”

“ You fought for the world, but Alex fought for the terrans. Each of you fought with your convictions on display. And when it came down to it, Alex's won out. That was the power of hope for the future. The feelings that you have for Felix is probably the realization of his dream.”

Alicia mind wandered back to when she and Alex had their last battle. The look of determination and unyielding resolve was etched on his face.

“ Alex. Just what did you want me to see.”- Alicia