KRISTINA’S POV

We fell silent... Everyone was gaping after the battle ended.

"I'll just make another barrier," said the emcee. "And the winner is... none! They're tied! Sky stays on his section as well as Antonette!" he announced, causing everyone to cheer.

I glanced at the unconscious Antonette and Sky being carried by the first aiders.

"Are they okay?" I heard someone behind me ask.

"Yes. They're okay," I replied, exhaling in relief. I've been holding my breath since earlier. I didn't hear what Antonette was shouting inside earlier, but she looked so frustrated. And instead of being happy because of his opponent's reaction, Sky seemed guilty. So, in the end, he became Antonette's shield. Wow? Is he just a goody-two-shoes?

"Okay. We still have twelve students left to fight!" the emcee shouted again, so I sat back properly.

"The next ones to battle are Dianna Eunice and..." I squinted my eyes. Damn emcee! He's so dramatic! He could have just said it straight, right?! "Glendhel May Stone!"

I slowly opened my eyes. Gosh! That's a relief! Thank God! I really thought it was going to be me!

As the emcee's voice boomed across the arena, the anticipation among the students reached a fever pitch. The air crackled with excitement as the next contenders stepped onto the Floating Island.

"Here comes the showdown! Princess vs. Transferee!" murmured the spectators, their eyes glued to the unfolding spectacle.

Glendhel, the lone transferee among them, exuded an aura of determination as she squared off against Dianna, who carried herself with the regal bearing befitting her status.

"Get ready! The battle begins in 3, 2, 1… go!"

With a fierce intensity, they charged at each other, their clash sending shockwaves reverberating through the arena. Amidst the chaos, the sound of their blows echoed like thunder, shrouded in a haze of swirling smoke.

For what felt like an eternity, the spectators could only catch glimpses of the fray, obscured by the thick fog. The tension mounted as they waited with bated breath for the outcome.

As the smoke began to dissipate, revealing the aftermath of their fierce confrontation, the crowd held its breath in anticipation. Glendhel stood battered and bloodied, a testament to her resilience, while Dianna, though wounded, maintained her composure.

But just when it seemed the battle had reached a stalemate, Glendhel faltered, collapsing to the ground. A triumphant grin spread across Dianna's face, signaling her victory.

"And the winner is… Dianna!" boomed the emcee, his announcement met with thunderous applause and cheers from the enraptured audience.

As the first aiders rushed to tend to Glendhel's injuries and the emcee announced Dianna's retention in her section, all eyes turned to the next bout: me versus Carper James Death.

The spotlight bathed us in its harsh glare, intensifying the tension that hung thick in the air. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease as Carper's name echoed through the arena, sending a shiver down my spine. Why did it have to be him? It felt like the universe was conspiring against us, the transferees, setting us up for failure.

Carper, the infamous Prince Carper, exuded confidence as he gracefully took his place on the floating island. Despite my reservations, I couldn't deny the magnetic charm that emanated from him, drawing the attention of the crowd and stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within me.

"Don't worry, Kristina, we'll tie— I mean, win this together," Carper's voice broke through the chaos, offering a semblance of reassurance amidst the uncertainty. His words, though laced with jest, carried a hint of sincerity that caught me off guard.

"Really?" I responded, my skepticism evident in my tone. I couldn't help but wonder about Carper's true intentions. Was he genuinely trying to help, or was he merely playing a part in this twisted game?

"Do you know Joke?" Carper's sudden shift in conversation took me by surprise, leaving me momentarily bewildered. Who was Joke, and why did Carper feel the need to bring him up now of all times?

"No, why?" I replied, trying to mask my confusion with a sense of composure. But Carper's infectious laughter broke through my facade, filling the air with a sense of lightness amidst the looming battle.

As we descended onto the battlefield, I made a conscious effort to maintain my distance from Carper. I couldn't afford to let his charm cloud my judgment, not when victory hung in the balance.

"Ready! Get set… go!" the emcee's voice boomed, signaling the start of our showdown. With determination burning in my veins, I braced myself for the challenge ahead, ready to face whatever Carper had in store for me.

As Carper approached me, his every step leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, I couldn't help but feel a surge of apprehension. It was as if the very ground quivered beneath his feet in deference to his power. My heart pounded in my chest as fear gripped me. I closed my eyes, seeking solace in silent prayer amidst the chaos unfolding around us.

"Lord, please take care of me! I hope you accept me with open arms in your kingdom. Thank you for everything. I'm sorry for all my sins. Please watch over my beloved Mommy and..." My prayer was interrupted by a deafening scream that echoed through the arena, sending shivers down my spine.

Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierced the air, followed by a deafening explosion that reverberated through the arena. My heart raced with fear as I realized the gravity of the situation. Carper's voice cut through the chaos with an unsettling calmness, his words dripping with disdain as he remarked on the source of the disturbance.

"The Darshinians' minions are causing trouble once again," he observed coolly, his gaze fixed on something beyond my line of sight. Despite the impending danger, there was a hint of amusement in his tone that sent a shiver down my spine.

With a sense of dread, I opened my eyes, only to be met with a scene of utter devastation. "Oh my god..."

END OF CHAPTER 4