That complex knot of emotions surged up in Jerrick's chest once again.

He had actually been at the venue for the entire duration of today's matches.

When he claimed to be Serena's official security detail, he hadn't been making it up. His primary mission was to scout the vicinity of the tech center for any anomalies. And during the competition, to ensure the safety of the Elyndorian Captain. Severia's character was notoriously awful.

So, he figured he could protect Serena while keeping a watchful eye on the Severians.

And simultaneously, he could fulfill his mother's request: to watch his little sister compete for Elyndor with his own eyes.

Ideally, he would snap a few photos to send to their mother, proving that he, as the older brother, truly cared about his sister.

Before coming here, he had specifically called Julian to ask how to spot her.

Julian, however, had done nothing but shower her with extravagant praise, making her sound like an unparalleled goddess.

But he hadn't provided a single piece of useful information.

His only instruction was: "Once you're at the venue, you'll recognize her instantly. Because... no one will be able to take their eyes off her."

But Jerrick had to admit...

After arriving at the venue...

His attention had been completely hijacked by Serena.

Serena's performance in the arena was simply too outstanding, too dazzling.

It was as if she was born to stand in the spotlight.

From stabilizing the entire team in the first round and leading Elyndor to their finest victory...

To spearheading a counterattack that slaughtered the entire field in the second round, right when everyone expected them to fail.

Time and time again, she turned the tide against multi-nation sieges.

Her control and sheer force of will were so brilliant he couldn't look away.

He completely forgot he was supposed to be looking for his own sister.

He had been entirely fixated on Serena.

And now, Serena had personally confessed that she was the one who handed over the

e eviden

regarding the Obsidian Sun island to the Elyndorian brass

Jerrick truly, from the bottom of his heart, admired this girl.

Her abilities, her courage, and her intellect were far beyond what anyone her age should possess.

In fact, a ridiculous thought even sprouted in Jerrick's mind.

If this girl with the same last name was actually his sister, how incredible would that be?

...

The car drove all the way back to the Skyline Seven-Star Hotel.

After it came to a halt.

Jerrick unbuckled his seatbelt, preparing to step out with Serena.

"That's enough," Serena said, raising a hand to stop him. "Officer Drake, you'd better keep a low profile. I don't need a security detail."

Jerrick understood her implication.

His main mission was to covertly investigate the connections between Obsidian Sun and Severia, as well as finding evidence of the Augment manufacturing.

Stepping into the light was extremely dangerous for his assignment.

But...

"Severia won't just let this go," Jerrick frowned. "You only publicly humiliated their officials at the

opening ceremony ye yesterday and

you were already targeted

And today, over the two rounds, Serena had led Elyndor to absolutely crush Severia

and the other nations into dust.

Severia, in particular, had suffered a catastrophic defeat.

After just two rounds, they only had six competitors remaining in the field.

It was safe to say... they were sitting dead last in the individual bracket of the Global Elite Academy Challenge.