"The semifinal match of the mens academy tournament between Darryl Lachman and Rid Archie, won by Rid Archie," said Mr. Elgin.

  Some of the audience cheered upon hearing the announcement of the results.

  "Amazing,"

  "He's so good, even though he's only a first-year,"

  "And he doesn't seem to be from a noble family either,"

  "It's no wonder the ice princess decided to be his girlfriend if he's this strong," said the audience.

  Others seemed to be displeased with the outcome. I observed those who were displeased with my victory. It seemed they were displeased that a commoner like me could win and advance to the finals. Or perhaps they were displeased that I stole Irene, who should have been their target. Whatever the reason, I didn't really care.

  Then, a short time later, several staff members entered the tournament arena. They carried the unconscious Darryl senior to the infirmary. Since I wasn't injured in the slightest, I decided to walk back to the participant waiting room. And because the arena was currently flooded with water and there were also many spikes made of earth from Senior Darryl's magic, the next match was postponed for a few minutes.

  -

  In the participant waiting room, just before I returned to this room.

  "Rid is also great because he can beat Darryl. So in the final match of the men's tournament, you'll be facing Rid, Chairman. A match with Rid is a match you've wanted for a long time, right?" asked Senior Gretta.

  "Yes, I can't wait to compete against him tomorrow. I'll give it my all and win tomorrow's match," said Senior Vyn.

  -

  In the audience seats where Mr. Irwin was.

  "So, Irene's boyfriend made it to the finals, huh? I have to tell him about this. But there's one thing that surprised me. The technique he used earlier was a San Fulgen family technique, right? How could he use that technique when he's not from the San Fulgen family?" said Mr. Irwin.

  -

  In the audience seats where Her Majesty the Queen was.

  "His performance so far has been excellent. He made it to the finals despite still being a first-year student. I haven't seen him get any injuries so far. But what surprises me is how he can use the San Fulgen family technique?" asked Commander Oliver.

  "I'm as surprised as you are, Sir Oliver. That technique is a water element technique from the San Fulgen family. It was passed down to Charles for him to learn. Could it be that Charles himself taught him that technique?" asked Queen Kayana.

  "It seems unlikely that the prince would teach him the San Fulgen family technique. Even if the prince is friends with Rid Archie, as you said, Rid Archie is still a stranger to the San Fulgen family. The San Fulgen family technique shouldn't be taught to a stranger unless he's already part of the San Fulgen family. You know what I mean," said Commander Oliver.

  "I understand," said Queen Kayana.

  "If he uses the San Fulgen family technique when he's not a member of the San Fulgen family, doesn't that mean he's committed a crime? Shouldn't you take action, Your Majesty?" asked Duke Remy.

  "Take action for what?" asked Queen Kayana.

  "Of course, to punish that student named Rid Archie. Isn't it strange to use a family technique when he's not part of it? Moreover, the family technique he uses is a royal technique. What if he uses it to commit a crime? If the victims of his crimes find out that he used the San Fulgen family technique, it will tarnish the reputation of the San Fulgen family," said Duke Remy.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  "You're overreacting, Lord Duke. But you're right. If he uses the technique to commit a crime, of course I will punish him. But since he hasn't committed a crime yet, I won't," said Queen Kayana.

  "It's better to punish him now, as a precaution," said Duke Remy.

  "That's an inappropriate move, Lord Duke. How could I possibly punish someone who hasn't committed a crime? Even if you think this is a precaution, it doesn't seem right to punish him. Besides, he doesn't seem like someone who would commit a crime," said Queen Kayana.

  "How can you think that when you've never met him in person?" asked Duke Remy.

  "I met him yesterday when I was going to visit Charles. We didn't talk much, but I have a feeling he's not someone who would commit a crime. Even so, I'll still ask Charles later about why that student named Rid Archie can use the San Fulgen family technique," said Queen Kayana.

  Then Queen Kayana seemed to be thinking about something.

  "I've heard reports from Karina that Rid can also use the San Lucia family technique, and now he's using the San Fulgen family technique."

  "Rid is currently Irene's boyfriend, and that's it. Rid isn't part of the San Lucia family yet because he hasn't married Irene. It shouldn't be possible for Irene to teach Rid the San Lucia family technique, because he's not yet part of the San Lucia family. If Irene and Charles didn't teach him at all, how could he use the San Lucia family technique and the San Fulgen family technique?" thought Queen Kayana.

  -

  In the audience seats where Charles and the others were.

  "I can't believe Rid can use a technique I often use. Especially since it's my family's technique," said Charles.

  "Irene once said that Rid has the ability to copy the techniques of those he's fought. That's why Rid can use the ~San Lucia Art~ without being taught by Irene directly because they spar every morning. Every time Irene spars with Rid, Irene always uses the ~San Lucia Art~ technique, and that's how Rid can 'copy' it," Chloe said.

  "I see. I also spar quite often with Rid, especially since I challenge him to a daily match every week. And when I compete against him, I always use the ~San Fulgen Art Water Technique~. It's no surprise that Rid can also use my family's technique," Charles said.

  "Don't tell me Rid can copy my technique too?" asked a surprised Noa.

  "You're a spear user, Noa, while Rid is a sword user. It seems impossible for Rid to copy your technique," Charles said.

  "No, there's a possibility that Rid can copy Noa's techniques too. Rid can copy Irene's, even though Irene is a rapier user. There's not much difference between swords and rapiers, though."

  "So far, we only know that Rid is a sword user, but what if Rid can also use other weapons? So, it's possible that Rid has copied every technique from everyone he's fought so far, regardless of their weapons," Chloe said.

  -

  I arrived at the participant waiting room.

  "Congratulations, Rid, for making it to the finals," said Senior Gretta.

  "Congratulations, Rid," said Senior Alisha and Irene.

  "Thank you, everyone. By the way, did you just come back from the treatment room, senior Alisha?" I asked.

  "Yes, and besides, my injuries weren't too serious, so I recovered quickly, and that's why I decided to come back here," said Senior Alisha.

  "I see," I said.

  "Congratulations, Rid, for making it to the finals. We finally get to compete in an official tournament. I'm going to beat you in the finals," said Senior Vyn.

  "I told you before, Senior. I'm going to beat you and win this tournament," I said.

  We both stared at each other.

  "Suddenly, the atmosphere in this room has become heated," said Senior Gretta.

  -

  A few minutes later, the match resumed.

  We saw from the projection that Mr. Alan had returned to the arena.

  "Sorry for the wait, the arena had to be restored to its original state first. Now that the arena is back in place, let's continue the match. The next match is the final semifinal match for the womens," said Senior Alan.

  Then the match schedule was displayed on the projection.

  "Now it's our turn to compete. Let's get to the arena, Irene," said Senior Gretta.

  "Ok," said Irene.

  "Good luck, both of you," said Senior Alisha and Senior Vyn.

  "Good luck, Irene," I said.

  Irene looked at me and nodded.

  Senior Gretta and Irene walked toward the tournament arena.

  -

  In the tournament arena.

  "As you can see in the projection chart, the participants in this final semifinal match are fourth-year Gretta Schwartz and first-year Irene Emerald San Lucia. Let's welcome these two," said Mr. Alan.

  The audience began to applaud and cheer for Senior Gretta and Irene.

  Then they both entered the tournament arena and stood facing each other.

  "Sorry, Irene, even though you're my junior, I won't be gentle with you. I will win this match and then face Alisha in the final and defeat her," said Senior Gretta.

  "You're not the only one who wants to compete against senior Alisha, senior. I also want to compete and defeat her and win this tournament," said Irene.

  -To be continued