The Transmigrated Author

Chapter 67: A Single Thought (2)

[Pinnacle Academy Stadium 1 - Arena A: Outside Of The Arena]

Jan suddenly checked his watch, the carefree vibes evaporating with surprising speed.

"Oh, looks like they bumped my match forward. I have to go, the inspection time just told me to arrive 5 minutes early. Can't be late..."

His usual grin seemed more forced, and he quickly got up from the bench.

The mention of matches triggered a memory. "

Ah, That must mean Alice's fight wrapped up quickly," I murmured, mostly to myself. It was expected that whoever went up against her was completely screwed.

But it gave me a data point for what my next opponent might be. But right now, with this new gap in my schedule...taking more time to relax seemed counterproductive.

With a quick wave to Jan, who was muttering strategy half-aloud as he exited, I added more casually, "Good luck, Jan. Do whatever it takes to get that win."

He flashed a grateful grin before launching into a hurried jog. Meanwhile, I took another glance at my watch again.

[Your upcoming match details...]

[Round Of 16:]

[Name: Axel Saint Rel Laurence]

[Matches Completed: 21]

[Match Number: 12]

[Time: 12:00 PM, ETA: 11:45 AM]

[Opponent: TBA]

[*Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early For Inspection]

nothing new to update my fight slot. I might as well use this time. "Might as well head back in..." I decided. After the brief talk of calm with Jan, I could feel myself losing the will to keep fighting in this competition any longer.

"system" I spoke, stretching my arms in the air.

[Yes Mr Axel? :D]

"What are my current rewards as of now?"

Immediately, a screen displayed all my current objectives:

[Here are your current rewards earned:]

[Place top 5 group knockouts: 250 BP]

[Win the group knockout: 500 BP + 10 Points Allocation for Base Stats]

[Win Round Of 50: 250 BP]

[Qualify For Round Of 32: 400 BP]

"...but given you haven't yet claimed Grade 3 or 2 as a hero... is this premature?" The question pierced through with a sting that even hardened guild masters would flinch at.

It was a direct challenge to his legitimacy. Was this about fair reporting or exploiting doubt?

Unphased, Louise responded as if he was swatting away an insect.

"My commitment to Pinnacle and constant training ensures that rising to be a Grade 1 hero is on the horizon. My father wouldn't stake his own legacy on my potential as it stands."

Another reporter, seeing an opening, jumped in.

"With so many capable High Graded members in Trinity Centurions, are you the most qualified choice? Some might argue age over ability..."

That hit another nerve – one of youth and inexperience. In the face of a cutthroat guild culture, did raw talent and potential guarantee anything? The air turned uncomfortably still in anticipation of his reply.

"In Trinity, succession follows legacy and loyalty,"

the statement turned into the atmosphere like a challenge thrown back at them. But it wasn't the crowd roaring this time, it was a tense silence in the heart of chaos.

"If there was more to leadership than simply a title, if there was about understanding the weight of the crest we all wear...would those qualifications matter then?"

He didn't wait for an answer. The press were momentarily silenced, his final words carrying an undeniable weight as he deftly maneuvered back into unassailable ground.

I couldn't help but be grudgingly impressed. Was this how he dealt with that evil side of media? Sure he was smooth, but he was also excellent at deflecting and leading the conversation...and never saying more than he absolutely needed to.

A bolder reporter shoved in close, voice cracking with unmasked curiosity. "Does this mean we can assume this transition of leadership has been in the works, or..." The pause hung heavy, leaving the implication about internal conflict unsaid. I wanted to see how Louise would answer this question, and he didn't disappoint.

"Family matters will be settled behind closed doors." He stated it as an unshakeable fact. In that small act, he took total control of the narrative.

It wasn't arrogance, but an inherent authority - and this media swarm seemed to sense that same shift in the energy as abruptly as they had descended.

__________

Authors Notes:

- Speed Stats Comparison

1 - 20 = Normal Human

20 - 30 = Above Average

40 - 60 = Superhuman

70 - 90^ = Super Fast

100 - 120 = Fast as Sound

130 - 150 = Faster than Sound

160 - 180 = Supersonic

200 - 250 = Hyper Supersonic

300 + = Light Speed

Think of it as Kilometers a second (K/sec), The Majority of Grade [6] and Grade [4] Heroes have an average speed of 51.