Chapter 383: One Above All

By the following morning, Pathfinder Academy looked considerably busier than usual.

Workers were carrying equipment toward the training grounds, instructors were inspecting the arenas, and several large banners had appeared along the main walkways.

Every banner carried the same words.

ONE ABOVE ALL.

Arthur stopped beside one and looked up. "They’re really taking this seriously."

Sun folded his arms proudly. "Of course they are. This is a competition to determine the best students in the Academy."

Athena adjusted her glasses. "The best students of each year. The competition is divided by academic year."

Sun waved a hand. "That’s what I meant."

Mithra smiled. "You sounded like you were already planning your victory speech."

"I have several ideas."

Melo giggled. "Please don’t tell me you’ve been practicing."

Sun looked away.

Arthur blinked. "You have?"

"That’s not important!"

Kong, sitting on Sun’s shoulder, nodded solemnly. "He practiced in front of the mirror."

Sun immediately grabbed him. "You’re supposed to be on my side!"

"I am. Your speech needs improvement."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Before Sun could defend himself, a bell rang across the Academy grounds.

Students began moving toward the central assembly area, where a large platform had been erected. Several professors stood nearby, directing the arriving students into their respective groups.

Arthur noticed that the training grounds beyond the platform were being rearranged. Some of the usual practice equipment had been removed, while temporary barriers and observation areas were being installed.

"Looks like we’ll have plenty of space," Arthur remarked.

Vedas studied the preparations. "They are preparing for more than a simple tournament."

Athena nodded. "Pathfinder trains explorers, not just fighters. I doubt the competition will consist entirely of direct battles."

Arthur smiled. "That makes it more interesting."

"Naturally, you would think that," Mithra replied.

They joined the gathering students just as an Academy official stepped onto the platform.

"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming."

The conversations gradually quieted.

"As many of you already know, Pathfinder Academy will be holding its annual One Above All competition. This event is one of our most anticipated traditions, giving students an opportunity to demonstrate their growth, judgment, and abilities before their peers and instructors."

Sun immediately straightened.

Melo leaned toward Mithra. "He’s already imagining everyone cheering for him."

Mithra smiled. "I think he’s been doing that since yesterday."

The official continued. "The competition will take place over one week, with each day assigned to a different academic year. Monday belongs to the first years. During your event, the designated Academy grounds will be reserved for first-year participants and their Beasts."

A wave of excitement moved through the crowd.

Several students immediately began discussing their schedules, while others looked toward the arenas being prepared.

"That means everyone can watch us compete?" a student asked.

"Students from other years may observe from designated areas," the official explained. "However, only eligible first-year students and their registered Beasts may participate in Monday’s event."

Sun smiled broadly. "Excellent. An audience."

Athena glanced at him. "You’re remarkably confident for someone who doesn’t know the rules yet."

"Confidence is important."

"So is preparation."

Arthur nodded. "She’s got a point."

Sun stared at him. "Whose side are you on?"

"The winning side."

Melo laughed. "That doesn’t help!"

The official raised a hand, quieting the crowd again.

"Now, regarding the rewards. The Academy has prepared three prizes for the successful first-year winner."

Although the prizes had already appeared on the announcement board, nearly everyone leaned forward.

"First, one month of complimentary meals from any establishment in the Academy district."

Kong immediately stood upright on Sun’s shoulder.

"Any establishment?" he whispered.

Sun nodded. "That’s what the announcement said."

"Even the expensive ones?"

"Yes."

Kong slowly placed both hands together. "Then we cannot lose."

Arthur chuckled.

The official continued. "Second, the winner will receive permission to skip one examination of their choice."

Several students cheered.

Athena, however, immediately raised her hand.

"Yes?" the official asked.

"Are there restrictions on which examination can be skipped? For example, does the exemption apply to practical examinations as well as written ones?"

The official nodded approvingly. "An excellent question. The exemption may be applied to one eligible examination during the current academic year. The relevant department must confirm its eligibility, and examinations required for safety certification or mandatory qualifications cannot be waived."

Athena nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense."

Sun leaned toward her. "You were hoping to skip something difficult?"

"No. I wanted to know whether the reward could be used efficiently."

"That’s the same thing!"

"Not necessarily."

Arthur laughed quietly as the official continued.

"And finally, the winner will receive one week of personal training directly under Principal Steven."

This time, the reaction was considerably louder.

Students who had been interested in the food and examination exemption suddenly began talking excitedly.

"Personal training from the principal?"

"For an entire week?"

"Does he actually teach students himself?"

Arthur looked toward the platform with renewed interest.

He had already considered the possibilities, but hearing the reward confirmed made it even more appealing.

Steven was one of the most experienced Beast Tamers at Pathfinder Academy. A week of direct instruction could provide insights that ordinary classes couldn’t offer.

Vedas noticed Arthur’s expression. "That is the reward you’re interested in."

Arthur nodded. "Definitely. Imagine what we could learn."

"Provided we win."

Arthur smiled. "Then we should win."

Vedas looked at him. "That is not a strategy."

"It’s the beginning of one."

Mithra giggled. "I think we’ve heard that before."

The official waited for the excitement to settle before continuing.

"Principal Steven’s training will be tailored to the winner’s development. It will not simply be a week of sparring. He will evaluate the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and relationship with their Beasts before determining the appropriate instruction."

Arthur’s eyes brightened further.

"That’s even better."

Athena nodded. "Personalized training from someone with his experience could be extremely valuable."

Mithra smiled. "Father takes teaching seriously. If someone wins that reward, he won’t waste their time."

Melo tilted her head. "Will he actually teach them, or will he just stare until they improve?"

Mithra burst into laughter. "He doesn’t do that!"

"Are you sure?"

"Mostly."

Arthur laughed. "Now I’m curious."

A student near the front raised his hand.

"Excuse me! What’s Principal Steven actually like when he’s training someone?"

The official paused.

For a moment, he seemed to consider several possible answers.

Then he smiled politely. "Experienced."

The students waited.

Nothing else followed.

Sun blinked. "That’s it?"

Melo covered her mouth. "That sounded suspicious."

Mithra laughed softly. "Father can be strict when he needs to be."

Arthur looked toward her. "How strict?"

She smiled innocently. "You’ll find out if you win."

Vedas nodded. "An additional incentive to prepare properly."

Arthur grinned. "Exactly."

The official continued with the briefing, explaining that participants would be evaluated according to the challenges presented during the event. The Academy would announce specific rules before each stage, and instructors would supervise the competition.

"Remember, Pathfinder Academy does not train students solely to defeat opponents. An excellent Beast Tamer must demonstrate judgment, control, adaptability, and the ability to work with their Beasts."

Arthur nodded thoughtfully.

That was what he had expected.

A competition based entirely on strength would favor certain Beasts and fighting styles. But if the Academy tested different skills, the participants would need to think carefully about how they approached each challenge.

The official finished with one final announcement.

"Registration opens immediately after this assembly. All first-year students wishing to participate must register before the posted deadline. We encourage everyone to consider entering, regardless of their current level."

The crowd erupted into conversation.

Some students hurried toward the registration desks, while others gathered with their friends to discuss their chances.

Sun immediately turned toward Arthur. "We’re entering, right?"

Arthur smiled. "Of course."

"Good! Because I intend to show everyone what Kong and I can do."

Kong nodded proudly. "And win the food."

Sun sighed. "You could at least pretend you’re interested in the prestige."

"I am. Prestigious food."

Melo burst into laughter.

Athena looked toward the arenas. "Before we register, we should consider what the competition might involve. We don’t know the exact format, but the official emphasized several different qualities."

Vedas nodded. "Strength alone will not guarantee victory."

Arthur folded his arms thoughtfully. "Then we shouldn’t train as though we’re preparing for a normal battle."

Mithra looked toward him. "What do you have in mind?"

"Coordination, control, and adapting to unfamiliar situations. We should practice those alongside our usual abilities."

Athena nodded approvingly. "That would cover several likely challenges without relying on assumptions."

Sun grinned. "And combat?"

"Obviously combat too," Arthur answered. "But we shouldn’t spend all our time trying to hit things harder."

Kong looked disappointed. "I like hitting things harder."

Athy glanced at him. "You can practice hitting things accurately instead."

Kong considered that. "That sounds acceptable."

Melo smiled. "I want to see how everyone handles a challenge they can’t solve by fighting."

Sun looked toward her. "Why do I feel like you’re talking about me?"

"Because I am."

Mithra laughed as Sun threw his hands into the air.

Arthur watched the exchange with a smile. They had faced plenty of difficult situations together, but a competition against their classmates would be different.

They knew how to cooperate during an expedition. Now they would have an opportunity to test themselves against people who had spent the same semester training and improving.

"Alright," Arthur said. "Let’s register first. Then we’ll decide what to work on."

...

The registration area was already crowded.

Several tables had been arranged beneath the Academy’s banners, with staff members checking student information and recording their Beast partners.

Arthur joined the line with the others.

A nearby student noticed him and immediately nudged his friend.

"Hey, isn’t that Arthur Cronwall?"

His friend looked over. "The one who went to the Everglades?"

"Yeah. He’s entering too."

Arthur smiled when he noticed them looking.

The first student hesitated before approaching.

"Arthur, are you really participating?"

"Of course. Why wouldn’t I?"

The student laughed awkwardly. "I thought you might skip it after everything that happened during your expedition."

Arthur shook his head. "That was an expedition. This is a competition. They’re different."

"Right. I guess that’s true."

The student looked toward Vedas, then smiled with determination.

"Well, I hope we get to compete against you."

Arthur’s smile widened. "Me too! Good luck."

The student seemed surprised by his response, but he quickly returned the smile.

"Thanks. You too."

As he walked away, Sun folded his arms. "You just encouraged someone who might become our opponent."

Arthur blinked. "Shouldn’t I?"

"We’re supposed to win!"

"And it’ll be more fun if everyone tries their best."

Mithra smiled. "That’s very Arthur."

Vedas nodded. "Competition is more valuable when the participants are motivated."

Sun sighed. "You two are impossible."

Their turn finally arrived.

The staff member looked up from her records. "Names, please."

"Arthur Cronwall," Arthur answered. "And my Beast partners, Vedas, Eden, and Star."

The staff member checked his information, then paused.

"Three contracted Beasts?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes."

She examined the record again before looking toward him. "I see. Your information has already been verified by the Academy."

Arthur smiled. "That makes things easier."

The staff member nodded and completed his registration.

Mithra stepped forward next, followed by Sun and Athena. Their respective Beast partners were recorded, and each received confirmation of their participation.

Melo looked delighted. "We’re officially entering!"

Sun raised his fist. "One Above All, here we come!"

Kong copied him. "One month of food, here we come!"

Athy sighed. "At least your priorities are consistent."

Arthur laughed as they stepped away from the desk.

Behind them, the registration board continued filling with names.

More students arrived every minute, some looking nervous, others excited. Several recognized Arthur’s group and immediately began discussing the possibility of facing them.

Arthur glanced toward the board.

He recognized a few names from his classes, along with several students he had seen training around the Academy.

Sun leaned closer. "Looks like we’re going to have plenty of competition."

Athena nodded. "And we shouldn’t assume we know what they’re capable of. They’ve been training while we were away."

Vedas looked toward Arthur. "Then we have work to do."

Arthur smiled. "I know."

Mithra crossed her arms playfully. "Just remember, we’re preparing for a competition. Not another expedition."

Arthur laughed. "I promise."

Melo giggled. "That’s what he said before the Everglades."

Sun groaned. "Don’t remind me."

Arthur looked at the growing list of participants, his excitement rising.

For the first time in a while, their next challenge had a clear date, a familiar location, and opponents who were just as eager to prove themselves.

Then Athena pointed toward the registration board.

"Arthur, look. They’re still adding names."

Arthur followed her gaze.

Several more students had registered, and the board was beginning to fill with competitors he knew almost nothing about.

He grinned.

"Good. That means we’ll have plenty of people to learn from."

Vedas shook his head with a faint smile. "And plenty of reasons to train."

Arthur nodded enthusiastically. "Then let’s get started."