My Scumbag System Chapter 502: Make This Worth My Time

The massive crowd erupted into a frenzy.

Clad in a modified instructor’s uniform that blended formal attire with tactical gear, Hanae glided onto the central platform. Her amethyst eyes gleamed with amusement as she offered a graceful wave to the roaring spectators.

She possessed a striking, effortlessly dangerous beauty that unsettled sensible individuals.

"Thank you, Maximus!" Her voice, seemingly amplified without any visible device, resonated across the entire arena. "Welcome, everyone! Students, faculty, esteemed guests, and the millions tuning in from afar! Today heralds the commencement of something extraordinary!"

More enthusiastic cheers followed.

She allowed the tumultuous applause to subside, a subtle, knowing smile gracing her lips as the noise gradually diminished to a hum of eager expectation. "Before we officially commence the tournament, New Vein Academy observes a cherished tradition." Her tone shifted, gaining a more solemn gravitas, transitioning from performer to academic. "The student who achieved the highest score on the entrance examination delivers the State of the Year address. This is their moment to address their peers regarding our collective journey, to reflect upon our past struggles, the adversities we’ve endured, and to set the trajectory for the times ahead."

A sickening drop seized my stomach.

It felt like an uncontrolled plummet, a sensation that jolted me right down to my very boots.

Oh.

Oh, dear heavens.

Even before I turned my head, I sensed Natalia’s gaze upon me.

"This year’s honor falls to an individual who has already generated considerable buzz," Hanae continued, her grin widening as if she were acutely aware of the predicament she was putting me in. "An individual who joined this academy merely six months ago, armed with naught but raw potential and a singular aspiration. An individual who has weathered trials that should have proven fatal." She paused for dramatic effect, her amethyst eyes surveying the assembled multitude. "Twice."

Natalia’s hand tightened on my arm, her grip a firm, anchoring presence.

"She's referring to you," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the growing murmur of the crowd.

"I had deduced that, thank you," I retorted, my jaw clenched tightly.

My mind was already in overdrive, rapidly strategizing and re-evaluating. This was far more than a simple speech. It was a platform. A grand stage.

And Hanae had unceremoniously thrust me into the very center of the spotlight, whether I was prepared or not.

"Please join me in welcoming to the stage! The individual who requires no formal introduction! Satori Nakano!"

The ensuing roar was palpable, a physical force.

I passed my bat to Natalia. "Hold this for me."

"Don't tumble off the stage."

"Your faith in my stability is truly heartwarming."

I began walking towards the central platform where Hanae stood, her smile radiating a knowing, almost mischievous air. The intervening distance seemed to stretch into an eternity. With each stride, the cacophony from the crowd intensified.

Ascending the steps, I positioned myself beside her.

She leaned in slightly, her perfume a delicate blend of floral notes and unmistakable luxury. "Strive to keep it under ten minutes. Any longer, and the audience's attention tends to wane."

"Understood."

She stepped back, gesturing towards the awaiting microphone.

My gaze swept across the vast expanse of faces before me.

Twenty thousand souls.

Cameras were far too numerous to count.

Millions, as stated, observing from their homes, according to the broadcast.

The entirety of New Vein Academy's student body, arrayed across the arena, displaying their respective guild insignia.

And positioned prominently in the VIP area, Seraphina Vance remained, hands calmly folded in her lap, her glacial blue eyes fixed upon me with the intensity of laser targeting systems.

Right.

Absolutely no pressure.

I grasped the microphone firmly.

The crowd's noise surged once more, a tidal wave of cheers, screams, and what sounded distinctly like marriage proposals being shouted.

I waited.

Two minutes, I resolved. Allow them to expel their pent-up energy. Let them scream until their vocal cords ache. Let them believe they’ve anticipated my every move.

The sheer volume was astonishing. Young women in the front rows were visibly moved to tears. Males were chanting my name as if victory were already secured. Banners and signs were brandished in every conceivable section.

My eyes found Kimiko and Luka in the family spectator area. Kimiko had a hand pressed to her mouth, tears streaming freely down her face. Luka stood beside her, radiating a palpable pride that was almost overwhelming to witness.

The two minutes elapsed with agonizing slowness.

At long last, mercifully, the crowd began to quieten.

I lifted the microphone.

"Thank you."

My voice, amplified by whatever arcane energies Hanae had infused into the sound system, reverberated throughout the vast arena.

"Thank you for gracing us with your presence to support your esteemed institution. To support us. All of us." I motioned towards the assembled guilds. "Whether you are here in the stands, watching from the comfort of your homes, or streaming this illicitly on your phones while feigning productivity, know that we acknowledge you. And we are genuinely appreciative of your participation."

The audience enthusiastically embraced my words.

Waves of cheers swept through the seating sections.

I paused again, permitting the acclaim to settle.

Then, my gaze shifted to the other guilds present.

The Strikers offered welcoming, open smiles in return.

The Vipers observed with a chilling, analytical intensity.

The Phantoms exuded an aura of restrained ferocity.

My attention finally settled upon Reyna.

She stood with her arms crossed, her emerald eyes locked onto mine, her crimson hair flowing gently in the ephemeral breeze.

A silent understanding, a gauntlet thrown, a primal craving. It was palpable between us.

I allowed the charged atmosphere to linger.

Then, my attention shifted to the Sentinels.

Julian, standing rigidly in his immaculate armor, his eyes the color of pure sapphire, blazed with suppressed rage.

I met his gaze directly.

A hush fell over the arena.

Not complete silence, but a quiet so profound that my impending words would resonate unmistakably.

"As for my competitors from the other houses," I stated, my voice deepening, growing steely, "ensure this all proves worthwhile for me."

The crowd roared to life.

Julian's visage contorted, turning the shade of old, dried blood.

Reyna's smile was a razor's edge, capable of drawing blood.

And deep within my mind, Nel unleashed a peal of maniacal laughter.

she said.

Stepping away from the microphone, I exited the stage.

Hanae intercepted my path, her hand grasping my arm. "You are courting disaster."

"That seems to be a recurring assessment."

I rejoined my team.

Natalia presented my bat. "That was a bold move."

"Precisely the intended effect."

Skylar's grin widened. "You just ignited a war on live television."

"Excellent. Let the message be heard loud and clear."

Emi, practically vibrating with excitement, bounced on the balls of her feet. "That was amazing! Did you see Julian's face? He looked like he was about to combust!"

"A distinct possibility, I'd say."

Cel remained close, her expression an enigma. "You understand you've now painted a target on your back for every guild present?"

"Indeed. That too, was part of the plan."

Akari's laughter rang out. "I find your brand of reckless confidence incredibly alluring."

"Focus," Isabelle's voice cut through from behind us. "The opening ceremony is drawing to a close. The initial event commences in thirty minutes."

My gaze ascended to the scoreboard.

INTER-GUILD TOURNAMENT

DAY ONE: QUALIFICATION ROUNDS

TIME TO FIRST EVENT: 00:28:47

The entire arena seemed to hold its collective breath.

Five guilds.

A single, coveted crown.

And every soul in attendance harbored a pre-conceived notion of the inevitable outcome.

They were demonstrably mistaken.

But the realization would dawn upon them soon enough.