The Transmigrated Author

Chapter 65: That One Archer (2)

{Alice POV}

[Pinnacle Academy, Stadium 1 - Arena A: Studen Section Stands]

A wave of shock, both from the spectators and combatants alike, washed over the battle platform. It was an ending most hadn't predicted. Yet, with the whispers and complaints, the announcer found the focus in the unusual display

"Well, there you have it, folks! Jae Yoona advances to the next round in spectacular fashion! What in the world was that technique?"

He leaned towards the edge of the announcers' booth, gesturing with both hands in an exaggerated display of awe.

"Anyone recognize what kind of technique she used at the end there? That certainly ain't your everyday arrow barrage! Let's get some expert analysis. What say you, Professor?"

While the commentator scrambled for an explanation, a wave of students were going crazy over the graceful archer.

"She finally decided to use it," Alice murmured, as a mixture of surprise and a knowing tension threaded through her usually composed aura. Despite Jae's flawless win, Alice had her suspicions, knowing of what Jae had in her arsenal.

It was equal parts thrilling and unsettling, a display of dominance that bordered on frightening.

wow...

As Alice turned, she was startled by Rel's reaction. In the harsh sunlight bouncing off the white stone of the arena platform, there was an unusual glow behind his normally straight face.

Perhaps it was just a play of shadows and angles, but it felt intense, the focus turning inwards as if analyzing the fight on a level the commentators and crowds missed entirely.

Rel turned his head to his left seeing Alice's blue eyes lock with his for a moment.

Caught in an unexpected second of staring, Alice averted her gaze, suddenly flushed with an odd blend of embarrassment and curiosity.

But what caught her even more off guard was Rel breaking the silence with a slight upturn of his lips. His tone held a curious note that felt distinctly unfamiliar.

"Is there something on my face?"

Suddenly, the sounds of the stadium turned distant against the sudden beat of her pulse. How in the world could she even respond to that?

haah

BZZT!, BZZT!

While Alice seemed frozen mid-thought, a vibration at my wrist broke my focus. A glance revealed a notification

[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]

Hmm, interesting. Looks like a few of the more predictable matches had concluded early, giving me a spot sooner than expected. One problem, though...my opponent was just listed as "TBA." Seemed odd, but maybe some unexpected injuries or forfeits had reshuffled things. Guess I'd just have to keep watching closely until the announcement cleared things up.

____________

Authors Notes:

- Jae's Ultimate Ability: "Invulnerable Pursuit," enables her to unleash arrows that defy conventional limits. These arrows possess the unique ability to vanish in mid-flight, only to reappear at Jae Yoona's command. This remarkable trait not only makes her shots elusive and difficult to evade but also grants her the uncanny ability to change the arrows' trajectory at will.

Coupled with the arrows' ability to land on any spot of a person's body, "Invulnerable Pursuit" makes Jae Yoona a formidable and unpredictable adversary in battle.

- Bow Users have an automatic reload function for arrows.

- If Matches in the tournament end early it is expected that the next match that comes after is pushed forward ahead of time to get out as many battles as possible.