That was weird. Fucked, even. To be honest, I’m bewildered. Was that magic? Why could Ivan move? Was he even moving? Why couldn’t I move? I don’t have the means to answer any of these questions, and frankly, I’m a little scared to. If Ivan did that, how powerful is he? If I did that, how? The only thing I can think of is magic, and I can’t do magic.

Actually… looking at Tobi, his camouflage is magic, right? It expends mp, so it has to be a magic ability of some kind. But, the thing about this is that it was listed as a skill on his status sheet. I had some skills, right? Then the logical explanation is that I subconsciously activated a skill. But which one could possibly have that effect? It mapped out what looked like every possible course of action, and I could see what would happen with each choice I made. Therefore, it should be . Probably. I think.

Last to fight is a Hawk-girl and a Mouse-boy. No, I don't know their names. I wasn’t paying attention ok? But whatever. The only thing I notice from the fight is the weapons they used and the look in the girl’s eyes. She looked hungry. This whole thing is starting to get weird. Weirder than it already was, which is saying a lot. I mean, we’ve already been turned back into children, turned into animal-people, and forced to fight each other in gladiatorial combat.

The Hawk-girl wins (apparently her name is Emma), and the tournament continues. We’re moving into the semi-finals now. Or we would be, if this were normal. If you weren’t aware, this situation is anything but. And in true sadistic overlord, Ivan stands up, and speaks. His confidence and vocal projection are incredible. It’s like he trained for this moment his whole life. He probably did vocal exercises beforehand or something because DAMN.

“Alright. We’re done here. The four winners will stay, the rest of the mangy menagerie can go with my lovely assistant here to the written test portion,” He says, while waving a hand at a human lady at his side. Everyone grumbles, and eventually they all shuffle out of the stadium. Ivan turns to us, and switches over to his more “evil” voice.

“Now… what will we do with you?”

Sinister. I’m a little worried for my and my friend's futures. Things are not looking good here.

Fuck...