The Transmigrated Author

[Pinnacle Academy: Main Arena Presentation Hall]

[Monday, 10:00 AM]

The murmur in the hall washed over me like waves on a distant shore, a crowd filled with nervous students ready for today's event.

High above I could see, banners depicting legendary heroes from the novel shimmering from their previous victories with their names engraved onto the massive Plaque following the years of the winner.

[First-Year Tournament Winners:]

[Derrick Song - 2021]

...

[Fredrick Bronze - 2019]

...

...

[Yuka Azira - 2017]

...

[Aurelia Draxen - 2008]

...

[Gerrard Freya & Kang Villerion - 1983]

The lore for these guys goes deep... I wonder who wrote all of that hmm? I took my seat in the second row from the front as the main cast sat right in front.

The principal, strode onto the stage, his booming voice echoing through the Massive hall. "Morning Aspiring Heroes!" he welcomed, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. "Today marks a momentous occasion - the Pinnacle Academy Scouting Invitational! Scouts from all corners of the world gather to witness the raw talent blooming within our first-year cohort!"

A ripple of excitement surged through the students, the main cast exchanging glances filled with ambition.

I kept my face neutral, observing the scene with a detached curiosity. I was the author, yes, but here, I was an anomaly a stranger to this feeling of not belonging here.

"This tournament," the Principal boomed, his voice serious, "represents a turning point in your young journeys. Top Guild representatives watch with discerning eyes, seeking the next generation of heroes. Unleash your passion, let strategy guide your actions, and remember, honour be your shield!"

He raised a hand, silencing the growing buzz. "Each group will have 20 students and with the 4 newly built arenas we can host up to 50 matches at a time, all duels are in single-elimination matches, a winner emerging from each group like a lone sentinel from a smouldering battlefield."

Just exactly like he said. Single-elimination. No second chances. But I do say that this is a fixed tournament knowing the outcome and results so is there a point in even trying?

Probably not.

FWANG!

[Live Event Quest Alert!]

My head snapped up, looking at the system's screen. "A Live Event Quest?" Confused I looked at the information shown to me

[A Live event quest is a unique challenge that unfolds in real-time, Unlike traditional quests that can be initiated and completed at any time, live event quests are time-sensitive and typically coincide with special occasions such as this one!]

[Would you like to participate in this quest Mr Axel? :D]

A live event quest isn't always good to take part in but I guess under these circumstances what problem would there be If I didn't gain from this?

"Sure..."

The screen buzzed with confirmation, displaying the quest in front of my eyes.

[Live Event Quest: Pinnacle Academy Knockout Stages: For each win throughout the tournament earn BP + Additional Rewards per stage.]

[Special Condition: QP cannot be used to enhance the rewards.]

***

[Group Stage Rewards:]

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

[Place top 5 group knockouts: 250 BP]

[Lose in the first round or place lower 6: No Rewards]

***

[Round of 50 Single Elimination Phase]

[Win The Final: 10,000 BP + 50 Points Allocation For Base Stats + 1 Special Ability Upgrade]

[Qualify for the final: 7,500 BP + 35 Points Allocation For Base Stats + 2 Normal Ability Upgrades]

[Win The Semi-Final: 5,000 BP + 20 Points Allocation For Base Stats]

[Qualify for the Semi-Final: 2,500 BP + 15 Points Allocation For Base Stats]

[Win Quarter-Final: 2,000 BP + 10 Points Allocation For Base Stats]

[Qualify for the Quarter Final: 1,500 BP 5 Allocation For Base Stats]

[Win Round Of 16: 1,000 BP]

[Qualify for Round of 16: 750 BP]

[Win Round Of 32: 500 BP]

[Qualify For Round Of 32: 400 BP]

[Win Round Of 50: 250 BP]

[Note: These rewards are all stacked and once you win or get knocked out all rewards can be claimed after the tournament.]

***

My eyes widened, not in surprise, but in a chilling calculation. This wasn't love, not in the true sense. It was an insatiable hunger for control, I could feel a smirk running down my face imagining the taste of new abilities.

I think it was time to try and go all in and maybe qualify for the final hmm?

I stroked my chin planning how I could get the most out of this but the winner was already determined before it even started. But I wondered if Jan had some idea on how to properly use Divine Conqueror.

I stopped for a moment to think and I was overcome with a realisation that sealed my hopes of winning first place. He has Divine Conqueror... the ability to deal true damage bypassing all forms of defence... So it would hurt to get hit by Jan regardless of how you block his attacks this OP ability couldn't be countered.

Okay, maybe I could settle on in the top 5 if I get lucky with who I get, I'm just praying that It's not an early matchup of Valencia, Louise, or even Noah...

"All your matchups and brackets have already been formed so check your watches on the PBA (Pinnacle Battle App) for your bracket and the location of the arena if you're not sure where to go there will be assistants that will guide you to an IDS station and help teleport you to the correct arena," the Principal continued, his voice turning stern, "That concludes all the information for this weeks event, True heroes fight not just with strength, but with integrity.

Let victory be earned, not stolen."

"Let the tournament commence!" he declared, raising his fist.

The hall erupted in cheers, everyone eager to prove themselves on the tournament's stage. I, however, remained seated, looking at my first-round matchup.

***

[Axel Saint Rel Laurence]

[Group E]

[Matches Completed: 0]

[Match number: 2]

[Opponent: Christopher Kurtado - [Arena D] ]

[Time: 11:00 AM]

*Arrive 15 Minutes Before The Battle For Checks*

***

Getting up from my seat everyone in the room checked their watches and dispersed and I left towards Arena D which was located South of the Presentation Hall...

...

...

[30 Minutes Later...]

[10:45 AM]

[15 Minutes Until The First Matchup]

[Arena D Tunnel Entrance]

I felt pretty steady making my way through the arena, This place felt familiar to Dawn's arena like the same architectural feel.

As I could hear the roar of the crowd surged and decreased like waves, amplified by the echoing dome overhead. Multiple battles raged on, in the multiple stages in each arena.

Unlike the students preparing in the lobby, I was lucky to have the tunnel all to myself. I only had one goal in mind and it was to get all the BP I could get.

A Pinnacle Academy worker, young and vibrant with fiery red hair, approached, a clipboard clutched in her hand.

"Axel Saint Rel Laurence? or... Rel?" she chirped, her voice barely audible over the noise.

I simply nodded, my eyes glued to the ongoing battles, There was no one noticeable on my arena side.

"It says this is your first in-school tournament, huh?" she remarked, her gaze flitting across me, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Don't worry, jitters are normal. Just remember, safety first. No lethal attacks, and if things get bad, tap out. We don't want any students in wheelchairs, understand?"

keeping a steady expression on my face I replied, "Understood."

As she nodded after my response she did some checks with my equipment. "Alright then, Equipment check? Weapon functional?"

With a smooth motion, I unstrapped my Silver crossbow showing the worker, as her eyes widened slightly before she nodded in approval.

"Looks good. Remember, honour and integrity on the stage. No dirty tricks, no shortcuts. make sure to fight fair."

As I nodded at her words I took a seat at the rear entrance as there was a TV showing all the current matches going on.

> - It's a complete upset! Jan has overcome Jon Jon with a single slash! Incredible!

> - The Heir Of Villerion strikes with nobility Louise has won within mere seconds of the round beginning!

> - Are we witnessing the generational sword saint of Freya because Valencia has dominated her opponent with her beautiful swordsmanship!

> - Jae Yoona is the best first year archer since the arrival of Derrick Song! She has topped her skills in archery and overcame her opponent within mere seconds.

As I watched the extras get pulverised by the main cast a booming voice reverberated through the arena.

"Attention Students! Match One is nearing completion! Match Two Students please prepare for entry."

With a few minutes passing a hush silence fell over the crowd as the all current matches in Arena D were finished, as I met the worker's gaze, she opened the gates seeing many students leave the stage. "Seems it's showtime," she said signalling me to go through.

____________

Authors Notes:

- Divine Conqueror bypasses all types of defenses dealing true damage regardless of the target's invulnerability. True Damage is the purest form of attack, Jan Attained the light attribute as a requirement to use Divine Conqueror although it's not needed. Divine Conqueror is also an ability that enhances and changes damage outputs.

- All the Guild Leaders have exclusive booths to watch all the action from multiple screens in the 4 Stadiums of the arena.

- The Scouting Invitational Event also has crowds filled with 2nd years and 3rd years with the exceptions of parents and sponsors of the academy in attendance to watch as well as media to film the events for this special week.

- The academy also hires A dozen of commentators to make the fights sound more immersive.