Absolute Soul
52. Attention Center

News of the city's protectors being penetrated by the undetected Verg spread so quickly throughout Adele, Skymaze Academy was one of the places where the information moved from end to end through the mouths and ears of each of its students.

Unfortunately it was not only that news that spread, the news of Haikal successfully killing the Sea Monkey in a single slash was now widely circulated among the Skymaze Academy students.

Thanks to this now class 1-A is very crowded visited by other students with one goal, which is to find out the truth about the rumors that have just spread this morning.

"This morning is really apes...." Haikal heaved a heavy sigh shortly after arriving on his stool, he had difficulty since entering the academy's surroundings. He was immediately surrounded by disciples who were curious about him so that he could not walk.

If it wasn't for the disciplinary committee paving the way maybe Haikal still hadn't made it to class.

On the other hand Heru who had been sitting on his stool since a long time ago gave a small smile glancing at Haikal, "So that famous person turned out to be difficult as well, huh."

"You don't have the right to say that, you shucks." Haikal closed his eyes while taking a deep breath trying to hold back his emotions and body that could move itself hit Heru.

Heru shrugged his shoulders in response to Haikal's words while smiling mockingly, "Why? They have business with you, not with me, why should I take part in your problems?"

Haikal's eyes squinted at Heru, feeling eager to hit the young man with all his might just once. Heru who noticed Haikal's gaze gulped and immediately went towards the toilet.

On the other hand Haikal heaved a heavy sigh looking at his best friend who was running out of the class, but before he reacted any further he found dozens to dozens of students from various classes clustered in front of grade 1-A.

Some of the students were screaming hysterically when Haikal's gaze met their eyes and almost all of them were women, a small part consists of male students who now look at Haikal with sparkling eyes from outside the classroom.

"What the fuck...." Haikal's face turned pale knowing the number of students in front of the keals was increasing, whereas previously only about a few but there were not five minutes of their number increasing to touch the fist number two.

While Haikal was still glaring at the other students of the class, Anna suddenly came to him with a small smile at Haikal as if insinuating, "What's it like to be a famous person, lord of the Arcless Blazer?"

Thanks to Anna's insinuations, Haikal came to his senses from his excessive anxiety and turned to the girl and looked at Anna's face for a moment before covering her entire face with both hands, "Thrattling.... It's gruesome... It's the worst experience since I was born...."

"Oh, you're afraid of attention, yeah." Anna raised her eyebrows seeing Haikal's unexpected reaction, but she thought Haikal was enjoying the fame she might have gained this time.

After defeating Edward the name Haikal was spread so quickly in various circles, especially in the city of Adele. Currently there is no one who does not know the name Haikal Aldra—or what is now known as Arcless Blazer.

Haikal himself only learned this from Sakuya in the morning when a dozen Sea Monkeys broke through the city guards so he was not used to the attention of all corners of the city that was fixed on him.

Anna sighed for a moment before pulling a bench in front of Haikal, then sitting there. He looked at Haikal who was feeling a little better, but was still a little worried about the views of the other students, "Haikal, aren't you nervous?"

"What does that question mean? Don't you see how I am?" Haikal's forehead immediately shriveled as Anna asked the question, she pointed at her own face that looked quite pale.

Anna choked on her own breath hearing Haikal reply, "That's not what I mean. What I'm asking is the final round held next week. You're gonna fight Jack, Cecil, and the girl nicknamed Witch Queen, Verna Galvoria."

This time it was Anna's turn to frown, "Why did you say? Jack is there, not to mention the presence of Verna who is said to be the strongest Wizard-type Blazer in our force. Cecil who was a Summoner as well as the owner of a rare Soul Arc, the Jade Phoenix was also not to be underestimated. You still ask why?"

Haikal scratched his cheek realizing Anna's words were not at all wrong.

Although not including the four geniuses who were championed since the beginning of the tournament, Jack was one of the leading participants who attracted the attention of the audience and the Blazer of the world with his unnatural strength.

With his Soul Arc known as the Forbidden Magic Card, Jack is able to adapt to any attack or fighting style.

In both physical and magic battles, as far as the Welcoming Tournament began Jack had never lost a single time. There is even a possibility that if Jack and Verna clash with pure magic power, Jack is said to be able to surpass Verna.

Jack's existence can be said to be Haikal and Verna who are in one body, physically strong and magical.

Besides Jack and Verna, Cecil's whereabouts should also not be underestimated. Although he had just awakened his true Soul Arc, the Jade Phoenix itself was one of the rarest and strongest Soul Arc-type creatures in history.

Haikal understands Anna's intentions as well as the strength of his three opponents next week, but he feels he will not lose. He smiled and looked at Anna optimistically, "I know they are strong, but that doesn't mean we should just give up."

"I also have a reason to reach this point, I can't give up after everything I've been through" Haikal continued, recalling his many years of hard work that shaped his current self.

Anna was stunned to see Haikal's smile that looked so optimistic and confident, Haikal's last words also made her chest become warmer and more excited.

Since her defeat against Jack in the last round, Anna has become even more moody and lackluster. He felt weak and helpless as one of the so-called 'geniuses' in his generation.

But after hearing Haikal's words, he realized it was not time for him to give up. He realized it was too early to give up and left his main reason for fighting so far.

Anna smiled a small smile thanks to Haikal's words, "You're right, it's not time to give up."

"Hmm? I don't think I said that" Haikal rubbed his chin in response to Anna's murmur.

Anna was aghast at Haikal's words, her face slightly flushed red thanks to him. He got up from the chair then shouted loudly, "I know! I just muttered to myself!"

Anna's cry sounded so loud that it managed to become the center of attention of the entire class, her face blushing even more when she realized the gaze of every student in the class was centered on her.

After that Anna stepped away from Haikal who was confused about what he had done until Anna used a tone that high to him. But Haikal had not had time to think further, Anna stopped her steps for a moment to make the young man's attention distracted.

Anna turned to Haikal with a smile, "Thank you, Haikal. I won't give up that easily either."

After saying so Anna walked towards her seat leaving Haikal who now looked so confused, "Did I accidentally say something that made her happy?"