The Information Paper.

I'd try to find the answer myself first, but if I couldn't, I could always rely on its help.

It was a risky move, considering the potential price, but I was determined to claim the top spot this semester.

As I was mulling this over

Now, let's create the match-ups.

*Snap*.

Luzian snapped her fingers.

*Hum*.

A black box materialized in mid-air.

There was a hole in the top.

What's that for?

Luzian quickly explained.

I need one representative from each year to come forward and place their hand inside.

So, the box would randomly determine which years would face each other.

We, the first-year representatives, huddled together.

Who's going?

I'm too drained from bringing Adel here. I'll pass.

I'm also too tired from staying awake

You call that tiring?

Baltan chuckled awkwardly, while Aeron simply yawned.

They were both just looking for excuses not to go.

I sighed internally. Just then

*Thud*.

Guwar stood up resolutely.

I'll do it.

Very well.

I agreed, though I wasn't thrilled about it.

It was all a matter of chance anyway.

It didn't matter which year we faced.

As Guwar went to draw our opponents

What do you think the criteria for the extra point are? I asked.

Too lazy to think

Aeron mumbled, burying his head in his arms.

As if I expected anything from him.

I turned to Baltan.

I haven't a clue.

He seemed just as lost.

*Maybe Rene knows?*

I glanced at her, but

I don't know.

She avoided my gaze, offering no insights.

Looks like it's up to you-know-who.

I focused my attention on the thorn on my wrist.

In terms of intellect, Samuel had no equal among us.

All eyes were now on him.

[Sigh]

After a dramatic sigh, Samuel spoke.

[It's highly unlikely that the extra point is directly related to winning the matches.]

What do you mean? Isn't winning the most important thing?

Baltan asked, bewildered.

Samuel sighed again, as if dealing with an idiot.

[If the extra point was simply for winning, the Headmistress would have told us. There's no reason for her to keep it a secret.]

Maybe she just chose not to tell us? To keep things interesting?

[Ha, you fool. If that were the case, then everyone who gets perfect scores in theory, weaponry, and magic would end up with the same final score. Why? Because they would all get the extra point for winning their matches.]

Then what if the extra point is given to the student with the most wins?

It sounded plausible.

Instead of awarding it by year, the extra point could go to the individual with the highest number of victories.

However, Samuel merely scoffed.

[Do you honestly believe there will only be one student who wins all their matches?]

Hmm.

Baltan groaned, realizing his logic was flawed.

In that case

Samuel, what do you think the criteria are?

[The Headmistress did give us one clue. She said the extra point is intended for those who tie for the top spot.]

I don't understand.

Samuel's cryptic answer only deepened my confusion.

So, did that mean the extra point was only for those who scored full marks in theory, magic, and weaponry?

As I pondered this, Samuel spoke again.

[Actually, that doesn't seem right either. Just forget it.]

He concluded, sounding defeated.

We couldn't help but frown.

He acted like he knew something, but in the end, he was just as clueless as we were.

It seemed my only option was to use the Information Paper.

I wondered what kind of price it would demand this time.

Just then

Everyone, your attention please.

The Headmistress's voice rang out, drawing our attention.

Three pieces of parchment now floated behind Luzian.

The match-ups have been decided.

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