After Enrico had eliminated more people than he should have, those still standing passed immediately, while a new match among the eliminated ones would be held to decide the final participants who would form the groups.
"As always, we're the best."
"Director Hao, I don't think that proves anything—"
"That's right, Director. Besides, we have the best student from my class."
"Miss Virelle, did you forget that he's rank—"
The two glared with murderous intent at the teacher who talked too much. Realizing he was in danger, he stayed quiet as Zenaria stepped forward.
"It was a foolish decision to split up, but in doing so, in front of everyone in the stands, we proved that we are the best academy."
"That's right, Professor Zenaria. You actually know what you're talking about, unlike certain teachers."
"My apologies, Director."
In the stands, conversations buzzed among the audience, everyone excited for the start of the elimination rounds and already picking their favorites.
"I bet Matteo will be the first in his group."
"Are you stupid? The groups haven't even been decided yet. If he ends up with five strong ones, he'll be last."
"He's right. Besides, if you were going to bet, you should choose someone from Astrong Academy. Did you see what that rank five did?"
"Yes, he was amazing, but I'm a patriot, so I'll bet on my own."
Each comment was filled with enthusiasm, especially for the top five academies of the continent, which represented each territory. Enrico, in the area where those who passed waited, stood alone because he wanted to have a conversation with the system.
'The arc must be starting around now, right?'
[Yes, your friends should be on a carriage at this very moment.]
While they were traveling, they would be attacked by bandits taking advantage of the event to rob travelers along the way. They would end up being tricked and left behind, but thanks to Giulio, who marked the bandit, they discovered that this bandit was heading to Vesparello.
'I'm not worried about them since their levels are higher than in the original story.'
The only problem was that the bandit had a special potion that increased a person's reaction speed, and Enrico really wanted that potion to be given to Elian since it would be very useful to help him in the future.
'That bandit will use it in the fight, but if I could…'
Taking a piece of paper, he began to write something to Kai. In the letter, he asked that if possible, Kai should get a potion for Elian similar to the one the bandit had.
"Sir, could you deliver this to a guard at the entrance who can pass it to a friend of mine named Kai?"
"I can, but you'll have to pay me."
"That's easy then — here are fifteen silver coins."
The guard nodded, took the letter, and quickly left, telling another guard to keep watch. He was clearly rushing because he needed to return to his post soon, as Queen Sofia disliked that kind of behavior.
[Why don't you take that potion for yourself?]
'Because I don't need it. This body has become capable of physically rivaling Victoria. In the future, I'll be able to improve my reaction speed on my own.'
He also did this because there needed to be strong allies. His plan was to become the strongest in the council and set traps for the evil gods, but even then, it wouldn't be enough considering how many beings were at the level of a tenth circle.
'I'm sure it'll break the rule that humans can only reach the tenth circle — it can't just be three against forty-three.'
To be honest, Enrico wanted to break that human limit before Kai so he could inspire others to follow the same path.
'If everything goes according to plan, we can be sure that at least half of the Evil Gods will be eliminated.'
[That's if some of the five reincarnated ones don't interfere and mess up your plans.]
"Tsk, why did you have to remind me of that?"
[Come on, don't be like that. You must've already made a perfect plan to deal with or eliminate them, so don't say things like that — you'll hurt my feelings.]
That was exactly it. Even though the system was right about him already having plans to locate the other four — since he had already found that girl — it didn't mean his plans would be one hundred percent successful.
'I never see my plans as perfect because every time I make one, I always think it could fail and try to cover that possibility another way.'
Of course, sometimes he had a backup plan for the situation he was in, needing to adapt in case something went wrong.
'Somehow, I feel like I've managed this far because I was able to adapt when needed.'
[And thanks to me too.]
'Of course, you too.'
[Wait — are you admitting that I'm useful? I knew it, you've been hiding your feelings from me.]
Rolling his eyes, already regretting his words, Enrico left the area. To him, the system shouldn't have been that surprised — even with its restrictions, it still helped.
'I don't know why you're so surprised, since I really did make the most of this body thanks to you.'
[...]
It seemed the system was processing his words. That surprised Enrico — now he knew how to make the system shut up: just compliment it. Even knowing that, he had no intention of doing it often.
'I'll still complain about you when you mess up, so don't get used to it.'
[...]
'System? … Damn, looks like it short-circuited.'