Three days later…
The inter-academy competition made the already bustling Saigon even more bustling, Thong Nhat Stadium was expanded to 100,000 seats but was still packed with spectators. In the middle of the stadium, a giant double-sided mirror was erected to help spectators on both sides of the stands observe the competition, the mirror was a Space and Light Immortal Treasure, helping to reflect the images in the Spiritual Realm where the competition took place.
The triennial inter-academy competition is named after the theme of each season, this year the competition took the theme of Con Rong Chau Tien.
The opening ceremony was quite cumbersome with fire dancing, formations, fireworks, introductions of VIP guests, sponsors, then Saigon’s lord Ho Dai Quang representing the organizing committee gave a speech, followed by the introduction of the competing teams.
The MC used her spiritual power and said loudly: “And now, please welcome the members of the home team!”
A thunderous applause broke out as the Goddess Academy team, dressed in black and white uniforms, stepped out.
“The home team of Nu Than Academy consists of captain Le Van Hai, born in 1999, members include Tran Hoa Lien, born in 1999, Nguyen Hong Dao, born in 1999, Chau Doc, born in 1999 and Vo Phi Duong, born in… 2003!”
Another round of applause, but mixed with murmurs.
“2003, 13 years old? What can a 13 year old do in here?”
“Is there a mistake?”
“The next team, Co Do Academy, consists of captain Nguyen Hoai Lam, born in 1999, members include Le Van Luyen, born in 1999, Tang Bich Ha, born in 1999, Trieu Tu Lang, born in 2000 and Nguyen Hoai Bao, born in 2003!”
“Another freshman!”
“Are you kidding? In the previous semesters, we didn’t even see a third-year student!”
“The third team is from the Imperial Academy! Captain Chonghao, born in 2003!”
“What happened?”
“What the hell?”
At this point, the audience could no longer believe it. What problem did the teams have that they all sent their freshmen to compete? And even as team captain?
“Members include Vu Van Tien, born in 1999, Tran Minh, born in 1999, Ly Van Thong, born in 1999 and Trieu Van, born in 1999!”
“Finally, the team of the Hoang Sa – Truong Sa Academy Alliance, captain Ly Dai Long, born in 1999, members Nguyen Hai Duong, born in 1999, Hoang Thuy Loan, born in 1999, Long Chuc Bang, born in 2000 and Long Ngao, born in… 2003!”
Perhaps because they were too shocked, no one in the audience said anything anymore. All four teams brought a new student, either all four teams joined hands to show off, or all four new students were geniuses!
After introducing the teams, the MC continued to introduce the rules of the competition. This year, the competition also had the Hoang Sa – Truong Sa Academy duo from Long Thanh participating, so the rules were different from previous years.
This year’s competition is divided into 3 rounds, including Survival, Competition and Battle.
Round 1: Survival, the teams will be taken to the four corners of a Spirit Realm for 3 days and 3 nights, during those 3 days, the teams must find food, water, fight against spirit beasts and opponents. In addition, in the spirit realm there are 10 red flags with yellow stars hidden, the teams must search and collect the flags, at the end of the round, the team with the most flags will receive 4 points, the second most team will receive 2 points, the third team will receive 1 point and the last ranked team or the team with no flags will receive no points, in case the teams have the same number of flags, if they are in first place, each team will receive 3 points, if they are in second place, each team will receive 1 point.
4 sacred gates were placed in front of the teams. After the signal fire, the teams entered the gates.
…