Even as the crowd cheered, an unease lingered in the air. The council's decision wasn't just about fairness.
It was about control and time. Especially time.
"Okay ladies and gentlemen, we're back and the council has pronounced judgement. It has been decided by the officiating council that Jayden Reginald will suffer a penalty if he wishes to continue in the tournament. Jayden Reginald will…"
The speaker paused to gain suspense as he opened the letter "…have to defeat his opponent within three minutes and fifty seconds or else the match automatically ends and he is disqualified."
As expected, sudden murmuring began as people talked about the unfairness of the punishment, while others agreed with the council, meanwhile Jayden just stood calmly by his sister's side in front of the mages section.
Five more people stood by her side which she introduced as her classmates, two boys and three girls. "Damn, your brother got it bad. At least it's better than being disqualified immediately." The first boy named Felix said. He was tall and lean and had brown hair with little freckles on his face.
"He's kinda cute, so I believe in him" The first girl, Sania, a small girl with pink hair and two ponytails tied behind her back said as she held Myra's hand.
"Nah, don't worry he's got it under control. After all, he's a Reginald." Myra said as she slapped Jayden's back playfully.
The commentator then put his hand back into the box and brought out two pieces of paper
"Oh my, what a twist of fate, Jayden Reginald versus Simon Zain."
The arena erupted.
"Fantasy! Fantasy!"
"Simon's gonna get cooked."
"A real match between magic copiers."
"End him."
Different shouts and suggestions erupted from the audience.
"Keep your eyes peeled guys, I'm gonna show you how a Reginald wins a fight" Jayden said as he walked towards the stage, the hilt of his sword showing through his white coat.
"What is it with you guys and your surname" Felix sighed, recalling how many times she used it in school.
"It's an achievement, a honour and a responsibility" Myra replied as she smiled at Jayden who gave her a thumbs up.
After a minute, Simon rushed in, slightly panting, but with a huge grin on his face. "Are you ready, boys?!" The speaker shouted as they both crossed the entrance.
After clearance, they entered the ring with the referee.
With a wave of his hand in the air, the referee asked,
"Are you ready?"
"Yes" Simon said as he brushed his hair back and flashed Jayden a grin.
"Yeah" Jayden answered as he left his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Fight!"
"No need to rush this time. Let the clock do the work" Simon thought as he stood still.
"Your mana feels wrong and twisted…" Jayden looked closely as he tilted his head to one side.
"…How many people did you take it from? Mine, Kyrian's and who's else?" Jayden questioned calmly.
"What?" Simon answered suspiciously as his mind started to race.
"I'm not stupid, you were that little kid shaking me right before the match started, weren't you?" Jayden scratched his head as if this whole match was irritating him.
"Say the word 'BREAK' to activate mine, okay? Now let's end this."
"He's smart, I can't believe he found out on his own this quickly, but he doesn't know how many powers I collected from father's prison since my hair didn't change colour like Kyrian's own so I have the advantage." Simon reassured himself as his doubts started to fade.
"The clocks ticking."
Simon smiled.
"Don't waste the amount of effort I put on this."