In Martial Arts Club of High School of Fighting.
A dozen figures were gathered in a spacious room to watch the Battle of Countries.
Currently, the semi-finals was happening between Winterlight and Nightlight.
Michael, Sariel Rafael was watching from the front seat with anxious looks.
There was TV not far from them, which showed the battle between Richard and Nightlight member.
There were a dozen other members from the second year, not many from the first year.
In the last row, Ichiro was sitting with Azura.
''Damn!'' A loud shout echoed in the room— everyone grimaced after seeing Richard barely able to keep up with his opponent.
His body was already riddled with wounds, and no one knew how much he could last.
Soon, Richard fell lifelessly on the ground.
The Referee announced that the Nightlight was the winner of the first match.
Disappointed sighs echoed in the room.
Ichiro sighed, he knew that Richard was insanely strong, but he was still no match for his opponent.
Soon, the second match started.
It is still the same format as in the Battle of Cities.
The member of Nightlight who defeated Richard was fighting against the second member of Winterlight.
It was Ichiro's first time seeing the current Winterlight fighter.
He had short blond hair with a cold face and scars around his collarbone.
''It's Edward!'' An excited shouts came from a few second-year students.
Edward, the second fighter for Winterlight, didn't stall— instead, he went into the offensive instantly.
The Nightlight member was still exhausted after the fight against Richard, and he ended up in losing end very quickly.
Edward also received a few heavy injuries, but in the end, managed to defeat his opponent.
The room erupted in cheers, but Ichiro knew they would most likely lose the next match.
And, he was correct.
Edward was exhausted and injured— he couldn't even last 30 seconds.
The room became quiet once more.
Only one member remained in Winterlight's team.
The screen showed Giron patting the shoulder of one young man with golden-colored hair. He had quite an attractive face with gentle-looking eyes, but Ichiro feels like he is not as gentle as he seems.
''Come on, Jack!''
Jack, the third and last member of Winterlight, started fighting against his opponent.
After the first move, Ichiro already knew that Jack was Peak Martial Commander!
His opponent was suffering under his heavy punches and kicks, it didn't take long for Jack to win, and he didn't even receive injuries!
The second-year students erupted in cheers.
Azura also clapped with a smile on her beautiful face.
Soon, the last match started.
The last member of Nightlight was a giant of 220cm at least! His muscular body made Jack look like an ant, but he didn't look afraid.
Their battle shook the stadium.
The Martial Arts Club members didn't even dare to breathe.
Ichiro looked closely at the match.
The battle lasted for another 5 minutes, and the winner still couldn't be determined.
But then…
The mistake which ended the match happened.
There were hundreds of broken tiles on the ground, and out of nowhere, Jack slipped on one of them and fell down to the ground.
Nightlight's fighter didn't let that chance go by and knocked out Jack with one decisive blow.
Nightlight members on the screen started cheering loudly— some even cried.
While Winterlight's members were quiet.
Edward's cold look crumbled, and tears left his eyes. It was their last year in high school, and not managing to reach the finals was painful.
Ichiro first time, saw Giron also crying.
The room was quiet— everyone had disappointed looks.
Michael, Sariel, and Rafael was more disappointed than anyone else.
They risked their lives for the chance to enter the Battle of Countries, and they hoped that they would reach finals.
The semi-finals was almost guaranteed— the top 4 countries are much stronger than others.
That's why, top 4 countries won't meet with each other in Quarterfinals— even if it seems unfair, citizens want to see them fight in the semis.
Soon, the room started getting emptier.
Azura and Ichiro left as well.
In the Martial Arts Club hall, many were looking at their phones and had faces of disappointment. Some were even crying.
They watched the tournament as well, and losing is always tough.
Winterlight has been said to be the weakest of the top 4 schools past decade, but this year's team looked strong! Jack was just very unlucky— they might have won otherwise.
''This is so sad…'' Azura said while looking at the depressing air in the Martial Arts Club hall.
Ichiro sighed and left the hall with Azura.
They walked towards the dormitory. Ichiro will take the last of his stuff and officially move to the mansion.
Azura almost begged him to stay, but Ichiro also wanted to stay there because his smithy was there.
He has used it past few days, and he is getting used to it.
Ichiro entered the dormitory, and Azura was about to follow him, but then Ichiro put his hand on the way, ''Where do you think you are going, missy?'' He said with an amused smile while his muscular arm blocked the entrance.
Azura titled her head, ''I will help you to pack your stuff!''
Ichiro shook his head, ''This is men's area, no girls allowed.''
Azura pouted, ''That is stupid.''
''No girls allowed!'' A loud shout echoed in the first-year area.
Ichiro recognized the voice— it was Jordan's.
Ichiro's eyebrow twitched, but he also nodded his head, ''This is a sacred temple of young men in their prime.''
''Hmph!'' Azura crossed her arms and turned her body around, ''Fine!''
Ichiro chuckled and went to the first floor— he already saw Jordan and a dozen others waiting with arms crossed.
''Bringing girl here… You got guts.'' Jordan narrowed his eyes dangerously.
The group of virgins nodded with angry faces.
Ichiro looked at Jordan's getup. He was wearing an expensive bathrobe and gold ear piercings.
Ichiro stood in front of Jordan and, with a cold voice, said, ''You seem to earn quite good money lately, eh?''
Jordan had cold sweat pouring in his back, 'He can't possibly know…'
''Yup, business is doing good!'' He answered with an innocent smile.
Ichiro nodded, ''What are you selling?''
Jordan waved his hand, and his face looked innocent like he had done nothing wrong, ''I am selling stuff that gives me big money!''
Ichiro and Jordan looked at each other with innocent smiles.
The group of virgins took a step backward.
''DON'T FUCKING SELL MY PICTURES!'' Ichiro roared and slammed his leg in Jordan's groin.
''ARGHH!'' Jordan fell down on his knees, in agony he touched his balls, ''MY NUTS!''
''You will be fine, remember, don't sell my pictures! I heard there is some fucking cult forming in the Underworld whose main purpose is to worship my half-naked picture!''
Jordan shakily nodded his head, ''I-I won't sell anymore…''
''Good,'' Ichiro said and entered his room to pack his stuff.
''D-Did you get it?'' Jordan asked with a painful tone.
Wells appeared from his room and nodded— he showed a picture on his phone— it was the picture of Ichiro kicking Jordan's nuts.
Jordan stood up with shaky legs, ''T-That picture better earn money!''
''Should we call this picture a Nutcracker?'' Wells asked with a smile.
''It's not broken!'' Jordan screamed and limped towards his room.