Chapter 323: The Purpose of Team Annie

Unfortunately, Haruto is nowhere to be found.

What they do not know is that Haruto has more important matters to attend to. Although Haruto's original body is not in the Stadium, various Shadow Clones of Haruto are scattered throughout different corners of the arena. Each clone stands in a strategic position, vigilantly observing every detail.

Haruto had anticipated that the Sports Festival could become a target for enemies. He could not allow the City Academy to be in a vulnerable state, especially in the midst of such a significant event.

While Team Annie celebrates their victory, elsewhere, Haruto's Shadow Clones are watching everything from a distance.

Where Haruto can only smile faintly.

"Good," Haruto murmured quietly. "You have all grown enough."

Then, without anyone noticing the presence of the Shadow Clones, Haruto's Shadow Clone vanished.

...

...

...

Time passed quickly, leaving traces of defeat and victory in the competition arena. From the 64 teams that participated at the beginning of the tournament, only half remain. 32 teams have been eliminated, taking with them shattered dreams and lost hopes, while the other 32 teams still stand on the battlefield.

One of the biggest surprises in this tournament is Team Annie. A team that, on paper, should not have had a great chance of making it this far. They are just first-year students, novices among far more experienced fighters. Yet, they continue to advance. From one match to the next, they refuse to give up.

As the matches continue, the number of teams dwindles. From 32 teams, only 16 remain. However, Team Annie persists. They fight, putting forth all their abilities, facing stronger, more trained, and more experienced opponents—but they do not waver.

Then, the inevitable moment arrives. Team Annie successfully reaches the top eight.

However, there is one thing that makes this result feel more meaningful for Annie and her team. Team Lucy has also made it to the top eight.

For most people, this is just a coincidence. But for Annie, it is destiny.

Team Lucy is not just an ordinary opponent in this tournament. They are the main reason why Team Annie has trained so hard—why they are willing to endure pain, fatigue, and despair under Haruto's guidance.

Haruto is a student known for his bad temper and his tendency to cause trouble, forcing them to face brutal, harsh, and nearly inhumane training methods. Yet, it is precisely because of this that they have become stronger, ready to face any challenges that await on the battlefield.

For Annie, defeating Lucy is not just about victory. It is a battle for self-esteem.

Lucy comes from the Scott family, while Annie comes from the Morgan family. Both families are part of the ten members of the City Government Council of Fortress 085. However, despite having nearly equal status on paper, the reality on the ground is very different.

Lucy has always been superior.

In terms of status, wealth, influence, and even fighting skills. Lucy has it all. And worse, Annie knows it.

Lucy's arrogant attitude, her mocking smile, the way Lucy speaks as if everyone around her is just a small pawn she can control—it makes Annie sick.

That is why Annie is determined to defeat her.

In the waiting room, Team Annie sits quietly. The air in the room feels tense, as if filled with energy boiling beneath the surface. The dim light from the ceiling lamps casts long shadows on the walls, adding to the serious atmosphere.

In the center of the room, there is a large screen displaying the ongoing match. On the screen, two third-year teams are fiercely battling it out.