Arthur almost shouted.
"Are you serious? Winning the competition?" Arthur said. "If I remember correctly, we've been losing for the last two years, right? Always finishing in second or third place."
The moment he said that, a jolt ran through Athena's body.
Her voice dropped into something colder.
"Do you have any idea," Athena said, "how much wealth, magical artifacts, research, and land I have lost over the last two years?"
She paused, her tone darkening even further.
"It amounts to billions of dollars," Athena said. "Along with the humiliation I have suffered... all because those cheating bastards ganged up on us."
Arthur stared at her.
"All eight academies against us alone," Athena continued. "Using whatever means necessary to win."
Arthur sighed.
"Now this is giving me a headache," Arthur said. "This year, you have so many talented students who can lead the first years, so why are you giving me such a headache?"
Athena's voice came out sharp.
