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The eliminated participants from the preliminary rounds were divided into two teams, and through a losers’ bracket, two were selected. This finalized the total of 32 participants advancing to the main tournament.

Among them, Gilbert and Ian stood out with the most overwhelming performances.

Gilbert proved why he deserved his knight title, consistently displaying dominance and securing his spot in the main tournament.

Ian, while similar to Gilbert, took a slightly different approach. He also showed overwhelming skill, but where Gilbert stormed through like a tyrant, Ian was the opposite. He advanced smoothly with calm and composed piloting skills.

Other notable participants included Angelina and Hans, both part of the so-called “Gilbert Squad.” Though often overshadowed by Gilbert, their skills were nothing to scoff at.

Angelina, in particular, excelled in handling the Colossal Mech and had quick situational judgment. She could accurately identify and evade opponents targeting her, and her ability to take down weaker opponents was exceptional.

Hans, while not quite on the level of Gilbert or Ian in piloting, was still far above the average cadet. His natural talent seemed to bloom after meeting Gilbert, and any cadet who faced him in the preliminaries inevitably fell.

Lily also made a strong impression, clearly modeling herself after her older sister, a renowned active knight known for her immense skill. Lily’s talent, combined with her sister’s rigorous training, made her a formidable competitor.

The 32 participants who advanced to the main tournament all had something exceptional about them. While only five had officially manifested their Characteristic Skills, these skills weren’t the sole measure of absolute strength.

The main tournament would span five days, with matches from the Round of 32 to the semifinals held on separate days. The third-place match and the final would take place on the same day, followed by an event match between the grade champions.

This five-day marathon was a rare spectacle, showcasing the talents of the cadets. Many attendees were there to scout talent, and the longer they stayed, the better they could analyze the competitors.

[After a long wait, the Demia Empire Academy Competition Tournament Round of 32 begins. Let’s start the first match.]

And so, the curtain rose on this long journey.

[Gilbert and Ilene, please come forward when ready.]

The tournament began with Gilbert’s match.

***

Gilbert, drawn for the first match of the Round of 32, faced Ilene and her Colossal Mech. Ilene was a memorable supporting character in Tactical Combat, hailing from the northern regions. Despite being a commoner, her talent earned her a place at the Demia Empire Academy. She valued honor and chivalry, appealing to the romantic sensibilities of many gamers.

During the academy invasion incident, Ilene was one of the last to fight the invaders. Without player intervention, she would likely perish. However, saving her would make her a loyal companion, repaying the debt of gratitude as per northern customs.

Her character performance was solid, making her a beloved companion for many players.

[Good luck, Lord Gilbert.]

[Likewise.]

Ilene greeted him first over the public magic channel. Her demeanor, identical to her in-game self, made Gilbert chuckle. He found her presence oddly comforting.

Ilene was someone worth saving, not just for her potential as a companion but because she was too valuable to lose.

[Both cadets are ready. Let’s begin the first match of the Round of 32.]

The arena buzzed with excitement, and the crowd’s cheers grew louder. Ilene, popular among her peers, received overwhelming support.

In contrast, Gilbert had almost no supporters, except for the ever-enthusiastic Hans.

“Lord Gilbert! Finish it in one go!”

“Hans, can you be a bit quieter? A person should have some dignity. Why are you so hyper?”

“Well, should I just stand here? There’s not a single person cheering for Lord Gilbert!”

“That’s not the point… Sigh. It’s funny that I’m even talking to you. Do as you please.”

“Lord Gilbert, fighting!”

Angelina could only shake her head.

The competition lifted most restrictions on the mechs’ magic usage, allowing cadets to use their full potential. This was to let them experience and feel the differences firsthand, a core philosophy of the Demia Empire Academy.

– Bang!

The magic bullet signaling the start of the match echoed through the arena.

Gilbert immediately grabbed the controls and charged at Ilene’s Colossal Mech.

Ilene’s mech was a heavily armored artillery type, a stark contrast to Gilbert’s agile model. Its sturdy armor and shield made it a fortress, easily deflecting Gilbert’s initial assault.

Ilene’s mech had superior firepower, thanks to the lifted restrictions, making her a formidable opponent.

Her relentless barrage of Multi-shot Fireballs was overwhelming, but Gilbert’s piloting skills were even more astonishing.

Despite the inherent delay in controlling such a massive machine, Gilbert dodged the fireballs with ease, a feat that seemed almost impossible.

Ilene soon realized that her fireballs alone wouldn’t be enough. She opened her shoulder armor, unleashing a barrage of Lightning Bolts, much faster than the fireballs.

Gilbert, realizing dodging wasn’t efficient, drew his Iron Sword. A true veteran knew that sometimes, the best defense was a good offense.

– Slash!

“What?! He parried the Lightning Bolts?!”

Parrying, a common mechanic in many games, was also present in Tactical Combat. Successfully parrying a magic attack would dispel it, a crucial skill for high-difficulty playthroughs.

With a masterful parry, Gilbert deflected the Lightning Bolts, stunning Ilene. Seizing the moment, he launched his mech forward, closing the distance in seconds.

He thrust his sword towards the core of Ilene’s mech.

– Boom!

Ilene barely managed to block with her shield, the impact causing a deafening explosion. The sheer force of the attack shook her mech, but she gritted her teeth and held on.

She knew Gilbert was a tough opponent, but facing him was even more challenging than she anticipated. His mech was different—faster, more precise, and controlled with near-perfect skill.

“I can’t lose here…!”

Ilene had come from the cold north to become a knight. She had climbed step by step towards her goal, but now she realized that calm determination alone wouldn’t be enough to overcome this wall.

[I will defeat you and rise above!]

Gilbert smiled at her spirited declaration over the public magic channel. Ilene wasn’t the type to be discouraged by obstacles. Instead, she would charge headfirst, even if it meant breaking through.

This was why she was so beloved by players and why she was a must-have companion in the final party.

[If you’re confident, then give it your all!]

Gilbert responded briefly before charging again with unstoppable momentum. When his sword was blocked, he used his fists; when his fists were blocked, he kicked.

Ilene unleashed all her magic weapons, firing relentlessly while wielding her Iron Sword against Gilbert. As time passed, her Magic Barrier was nearly depleted, but she knew stopping meant certain defeat.

She moved her eyes rapidly, processing information from her Artificial Spirit, and clashed with Gilbert repeatedly.

However, overcoming Gilbert’s parrying was too much. His active use of magic weapons and parrying pushed her predictions to their limits. Her barrier was on the verge of collapse, and one more hit would immobilize her mech.

As the moment of defeat approached, Ilene calmly observed Gilbert’s mech. Despite the relentless barrage, it remained unscathed, leaving her in awe.

He is strong.

With a steady gaze, she threw her shield aside and gripped her sword with both hands. Her magic weapons were depleted, and her barrier was on its last legs.

If this was the end, she would pour everything into one final strike.

[This is my last move.]

[If that satisfies you.]

Gilbert’s mech also gripped its Iron Sword with both hands, golden mana swirling around it. Ilene’s eyes were fixed on the sight.

I will catch up to you.

Swallowing her unspoken words, she pulled the controls.

At this moment, Ilene’s eyes were filled with joy.

***

Round of 32

Gilbert Lion Heart vs. Ilene

Winner: Gilbert Lion Heart.

 

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