"Next, we'll explain the rules of the event. Please put aside whatever else you're doing for now."
According to the prior official announcement, this event was described only as a "simulated battlefield contest." But even with so little information revealed, the Sirius Dome was packed to capacity.
Clearly, secrecy could stir curiosity to the highest degree.
"First, the Apex Arena will consist of three stages. Those who meet the conditions of each stage will advance to the next. Those who fail will be eliminated on the spot. Contestants, please be aware!"
"The first round! Contestants will be randomly assigned to different arenas. As for your opponents, once you arrive at your assigned location, you'll find out!"
"And one more thing! This is a contest. While contestants may choose to cooperate, remember that at the core, you are all still opponents! Do not forget this!"
"Now then, contestants—please enter the arena!"
The host's voice echoed through the vast dome, signaling the official start of the Apex Arena event.
"Hmhm! Good luck, everyone!" Fan Xinglou looked delighted. "This first round is just a warm-up. I'm sure you'll pass it quickly enough, right?"
"The next round will also be a filter—those who don't make the cut will be dropped. The real highlight is only in the final stage!"
"We'll meet again then!"
With that, Fan Xinglou cheerfully waved goodbye and turned to leave, leaving many contestants bewildered.
But that was only natural. None of the students could have imagined that although this event was nominally hosted by the four academies, in reality, it was born from this loli's whim.
Every detail of the event was decided by Fan Xinglou!
And as for her personality… no guessing needed.
This event would definitely be about fighting. Fighting. Fighting!
As for who or what they would fight—that was still unknown.
...
Elise entered her assigned arena. Counting herself, there were only five people there.
"Five to a group? Or… is it about eliminating the others?"
As she pondered, the stage rumbled with movement, and the host's voice rang out again.
"Everyone, look closely! These are the newest batch of Proxies developed by Arlequint Academy! According to the data, their performance far exceeds that of normal models—nearly comparable to Genestella themselves!"
"And each Proxy is equipped with a newly developed Lux, boasting powerful ranged firepower and formidable close combat capabilities as well!"
"These Proxies are certain to give contestants a unique challenge, and also present the audience with a spectacular show!"
The booming sound drew everyone's gaze. And what they saw shocked them speechless.
Many in the audience gasped, and even some of the contestants were stunned.
"Hey, hey! Isn't this way too many?!"
Though there were only five contestants in the arena, the number of Proxies exceeded one hundred!
And not just ordinary models—these were the newest high-performance units, each armed with powerful Lux weapons and advanced computing systems, able to directly target and counter the contestants.
"What the hell!" one contestant cried in despair. "Didn't Banyuu Tenra say the first round was just a warm-up?!"
"What kind of warm-up is this?!"
Even Elise was shocked. She hadn't expected Fan Xinglou to be this serious.
To Fan Xinglou, these Proxies might indeed be just a 'warm-up'—
But to normal students? They were overwhelming!
"Without further ado—let the match begin!"
The moment the host's voice fell, every Proxy on the field raised its ranged weapons and opened fire on the contestants!
Or rather, calling it mere gunfire would be inaccurate—bombardment was far more fitting.
Caught in such a relentless barrage, the contestants had very few options. Once they could no longer resist, their school emblems were shattered by the machines, marking their elimination!
But not all the students present were ordinary. The true strong ones wouldn't just sit back and take it.
In the first arena, Fan Xinglou laughed heartily as she effortlessly dodged every attack. In just a few swift moves, she wiped out the entire swarm of Proxies.
Before her fellow contestants could even cheer, their emblems were also shattered by Fan Xinglou, stripping them of eligibility.
"Hmhm! Remember—we're all opponents here. Don't forget that next time!" Without sparing a glance at those eliminated, she turned and left.
In the third arena, Laetitia and Ernest fought side by side against the Proxies. Unlike Fan Xinglou's quick sweep, their match was far more entertaining to watch.
Fan Xinglou hadn't bothered holding back, clearing both the Proxies and her fellow contestants in the shortest time. By contrast, Laetitia's Lightwing ability and Ernest's swordsmanship created a perfect synergy, producing an effect far greater than the sum of its parts. It was only a matter of time before they too cleared their arena.
In the fourth arena, Orphelia hadn't even wanted to come, but Xinglou's invitation wasn't something she could easily refuse. At Elise's persuasion, she showed up—but she clearly had no intention of putting in much effort.
As always, she stood still, unmoving. Her miasma alone wiped out the Proxies—and her teammates as well. In the end, she would likely be the only one advancing from that arena.
In the final arena, Elise, determined to win with style, conjured a heavenly star by hand. A massive meteor emerged from the void and crashed straight down upon the swarm of Proxies.
Though the Proxies were highly advanced—some attempted to intercept the meteor, others tried to evade—it was simply too massive. In the end, they were all obliterated beneath its weight.
The meteor vanished after destroying the Proxies, leaving no lasting damage to the Sirius Dome itself.
This scene immediately drew every spectator's eyes, sparking a wave of astonished cries. None of them had expected Elise to be capable of summoning meteors.
"Well then, let's move on to the next round together!"
Smiling, Elise gestured an invitation to the other contestants. But after witnessing the meteor, not a single one dared continue.
"N-no, that won't be necessary. Please, continue on your own—we forfeit here!"
Though it was only the first 'warm-up' round, the number of eliminations was by no means small.