Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world-Chapter 372: Academy’s Tournament [1]

Standing in front of the vending machine, Brandon tapped the panel, and with a soft clunk, an apple juice dropped into the tray.

He bent down, grabbed it, and twisted the cap open before taking a calm sip.

Beside him, Elena waited for her own drink and a bit later pulled the iced coffee out with a grin, already shaking it excitedly.

Brandon wrapped his hand loosely around her shoulder, pulling her close in that casual, familiar way he always did.

Elena accepted it, leaning slightly into him as they stepped outside the building.

The campus was bright, and everyone was buzzing with the pre-tournament excitement.

After a few quiet steps, Elena glanced up at him and poked his side lightly "We are not even training, just chilling," she complained, taking a loud sip of iced coffee.

Brandon chuckled, taking another drink of apple juice "Don’t worry," he said, brushing his thumb along her shoulder. "We can win easily against other first years."

Elena stopped walking for a second and gave him a look so deadpan it nearly made him laugh again. "Bran... don’t tell me."

Her eyes narrowed accusingly. "Are you aiming to fight seniors too?"

He smiled lazily and shrugged "Maybe..."

Elena stared at him in surprise, then placed her palm on his chest dramatically "Brandon. Let me explain something to you in a way even your genius brain can understand."

She stepped back and raised one finger "First years are mostly C, D, and E ranks. Weaklings, late bloomers, or people who literally awakened two months ago."

"Second years are stronger... mostly B and C ranks," she went on, walking in front of him like a disappointed mentor.

"Third years? A and B ranks. Meaning they will kick our asses into orbit if we go in unprepared."

He let out a small laugh at her exaggerated arm sweeping motion, but Elena wasn’t finished.

"And fourth years..." she said, lowering her voice dramatically. "Fourth years have actual monsters. Rare S-ranks. Top A-ranks. People who can punch holes in walls just by sneezing. And you..." she jabbed his chest "...want to fight them?"

Brandon shrugged his shoulders "It could be fun."

Elena stared at him again, slowly lowering her hand as if losing all hope. "Fun?"

He nudged her head lightly with his knuckles "Relax. First, we need to top the first-year tournament anyway."

She jogged to catch up with him, "Exactly! You have to be in the top five just to qualify to join the second-year matches as a first year."

"Yeah," he said softly, "and I plan to be number one."

Elena blinked.

Then blinked again.

Brandon laughed, slipping his hand back around her shoulder as they continued walking. "Don’t worry. I’ll carry you through everything."

She rolled her eyes, though a faint blush tinged her cheeks "Yeah, yeah... just don’t forget to carry me when I faint after seeing our opponents."

Brandon took another sip of juice "Like I said, we’ll win."

---

Walking through the hallway, Brandon stretched his arms "I guess it’s about time..."

Looking at the mobile in her hand, Elena nodded "Yeah, by the schedule, the next match is ours."

The moment Brandon and Elena stepped through the tall archway leading into the arena, they heard the cheers, chatter, and the buzz of excitement rolling across the circular stadium.

The sunlight poured down from the open dome ceiling, illuminating the wide combat ring at the center... and the sea of girls filling every seat around it.

Every row. Every corner. Every section.

All filled with female students.

A low murmur ran through the stands the moment Brandon appeared and thousands of eyes widened, looking at the only male awakener.

Brandon exhaled quietly and glancing around "I didn’t expect so many would come to watch first-year competitions."

Elena walked beside him with her hands behind her head, "Hmm... maybe because the only male awakener is joining the competition," she said, shrugging casually.

"People are excited-"

She stopped and her eyes widened in horror.

"...oh wait." She grabbed Brandon’s hand "That means I will also get attention because of you... ugh."

Brandon let out a soft laugh as more whispers rose from the crowd.

"Is that him?"

"He’s taller in real life..."

"He’s actually here... Brandon Kael..."

"And the girl with him must be his partner..."

"She’s so lucky..."

"Look, look, they’re really close-"

Elena groaned under her breath "Bran, they’re staring. They’re staring so much."

He placed a reassuring hand on her back. "Relax. They’re probably just curious."

"Curious my ass..." she muttered, peeking through her fingers.

Brandon chuckled, walking forward confidently while Elena reluctantly followed beside him.

As they approached the arena floor, the crowd noise grew louder and some teachers were stationed to control the crowd.

The giant holographic screens flickered, showing the names and match brackets.

Brandon’s name made the arena roar.

Elena jumped slightly.

"What is this celebrity treatment?" she mumbled in surprise. "I thought this was an Academy tournament, not a concert..."

Brandon’s lips curved with a soft, amused smile "Oh... seems like I am not that hated."

She pouted, elbowing him. "I didn’t sign up for fame. I signed up to punch people."

They stopped at the center ring, and the roar of the female students echoed around them.

Beside him, Elena exhaled slowly, brushing her fingers through her hair as if trying to steady herself against the sudden spotlight.

The announcer’s voice boomed across the arena, amplified by the speakers embedded in the walls.

Her tone was sharp and enthusiastic, and she was clearly thrilled to be calling this match.

"Next match... Brandon Kael and Elena Zoyrdius!"

"Versus...!"

A drumroll effect shook the floor beneath them, making the air vibrate.

"LYRIA VOSS AND MIRA HAILWYN! "

A pair of girls leapt down from the opposite side of the arena.

Lyria Voss swept a strand of icy blue hair behind her ear as her boots touched down.

Beside her, Mira Hailwyn landed with a lighter step, her short dark hair bouncing with the motion.

She summoned a small spark of ether in her palm, letting it crackle just enough to stir excitement in the audience.

"All participants, take your starting positions!"

Brandon and Elena stepped back from the center circle as they moved to their marks.

Across from them, Lyria twirled her spear effortlessly while Mira stretched her arms, and sparks flickered along her fingers.

The announcer raised her hand.

"Combatants... prepare!"

Lyria lowered her stance, and her eyes were locked onto Elena with a predatory sharpness.

Mira’s feet slid slightly apart, and a faint hum of electricity gathered around her.

Elena inhaled deeply, grounding her ether, and her fingers curled into fists.

"Match..."

"...BEGIN!"