Once outside of the arena and me and my team were surrounded by tidal wave of human students.

Student 1: "Kard, that last match was insane! You guys were incredible!"

Student 2: "Isa, your spear techniques are so precise and deadly. Teach me your ways!"

Student 3, looking at Kuro: "Your sniping skills are just out of this world! How do you manage to hit every target with such accuracy?"

Student 4, admiring Rumble: "Rumble, you're a powerhouse on the battlefield! I don't know how anyone can stand against you!"

Student 5, gushing over Biggy: "Biggy, you're the cutest and most ferocious pingu ever! Can I pet you?"

Biggy, understanding the human language, nodded happily and allowed the student to pet him.

I looked around, slightly overwhelmed but also proud of my team. "Thanks, guys. We've trained hard, and we'll give it our all in the finals. We'll make IIMT proud!"

Then from the distance, I saw a familiar figure approach me, it was none other then the every elegant and graceful Veritas. As she approached, people parted ways for her.

She approached me with a warm smile on her face.

Veritas: "Kard, I wanted to personally congratulate you and your team. You've done exceptionally well in the competition so far. I must say, I'm impressed."

"Uh, thank you, Veritas. We're just doing our best to represent IIMT and prove that we humans can hold our own against the elementals." I replied with a slightly flustered voice.

Veritas: "Well, you've certainly made a strong case for that. I'm looking forward to seeing your team in the finals."

"Same, I promise we'll give you a good fight."

Veritas: "I wouldn't expect anything less. Good luck, Kard."

"Good luck to you as well Veritas." I said.

With a nod and a smile, Veritas walked away.

"You have a crush on her don't you Kard?" Rin poked.

"Don't be ridiculous! She's an elemental noble, I am just...I am just..." I said, looking for the right words.

"A baka." Rin sighed. "But jokes aside, it doesn't matter. Your just Kard and that's all that matters." Rin said, surprisingly supportive.

"Rin..." I said.

"Hai?"

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me. But," Rin raised her voice. "If you really want to thank me, you can buy me a cup of Stardelight."

"Yeah, I could use a cup of stardelight as well." I said.

***

Me, Rumble, Isa, Kuro, Biggy and Dr. Cherrylove gathered around a table at their HQ, reviewing information on the student council members.

Dr. Cherrylove: "Alright, let's break down the student council team. First up, we have Amare. She is the niece of the elemental queen, she can use six elements and currently rated N/S threat level."

Isa: "She may be difficult to deal with due to her elemental versatility. We'll need to be prepared for anything."

Dr. Cherrylove: "Next is Veritas. She is current heir of the wind kingdom. She's an excellent strategist and a wind elemental. She is currently rated a S threat level."

Rumble: "I seen that chick in action before, she is no joke."

Dr. Cherrylove: "Next is Zeloto. His weapons are shoulder blades and his element is lightning. He is currently rated a S threat level."

Biggy made an acknowledge sound from the side: "Gabu gabu!"

Dr. Cherrylove: "Wyndham is another one to watch out for. He uses a rapier and his element is wind. He is currently rated a S threat level."

Me: "I will keep an eye on him."

Dr. Cherrylove: "Lastly, we have Illyria. She uses a staff and her element is ice. She may be the youngest, but we shouldn't underestimate her. She is currently S threat level."

Me: "So, that's the student council team. Any ideas on how to tackle them?"

We team began to brainstorm strategies, considering each member's abilities and weaknesses. We knew the finals would be a tough battle, but we were determined to give it their all.

Q: Would you analyze your opponents before going into a match?