"The first round is won by Italy Team," Sheira announced out loud after Diego's verdict, so everyone could hear.
As one would expect, some sang the National Anthem while some cheered to the top of their lungs.
The same euphoria could be felt from Italy Team. When Agata and the others returned to the waiting room, they all shouted cheerfully.
"Yeay!"
"We did it!"
"Thanks to Ignazio's plan, we won!"
However, Ignazio couldn't share the same sentiment. His face was dead serious despite Agata's cheerful expression. He simply felt threatened when he watched the entire battle.
Enrica noticed his expression and called his name. "Ignazio?"
"…" Ignazio shook his head helplessly and sighed. "We're in trouble. To think they are this good…"
The cheers stopped as Alys asked, "What do you mean? Wasn't your plan working?"
"Of course, but it's only working because of the difference in our strategy."
"The difference in our strategy?" Enrica furrowed her eyebrows.
"Yes. Assuming the plan they used came from Theodore… His entire plan was a short term one while mine was building up before one big explosion."
"What is the difference?"
"My plan was for all of you to adapt and adjust as time goes on. It's a dull strategy, but there's no need for a big change of plan. Meanwhile, Theodore's plan was like a general who commands the army that can change its formation in a short time, creating one commotion after another, making a perfect commotion to destroy our team if we're not careful."
"Hmm?" Agata tilted her head and asked, "Doesn't that mean your plan worked better?"
"In the previous fight? Yes. But in the second fight… We are going to face Theodore directly. During that time, he will have time to reorganize the entire plan and create a commotion according to his observation. This kind of short term plan will work effectively if the commander is on the field."
"…" Agata fell silent and noticed that the entire fight became dull as time passed on. She thought it was due to Ignazio's plan, but it turned out because they had no leader that commanded them to a changing situation. With Theo coming up on the second battle, the way they moved might be far sharper than the previous one and it would keep at that pace to the end of the battle unless they defeated Theo.
Agata couldn't help but smile and said, "Hmm… That guy is more amazing than I thought, making me want to possess him even more. What do you think about inviting him to Italy after this competition?"
"Well, he seems to be interesting enough, but we can't give any guarantee. If you want to do it, better tell Sir Diego after the competition, so he can get the proposal to the government." Ignazio shrugged. "But with what he has shown until now, the country won't make a move yet."
Agata nodded with a calm expression and changed the topic, "So, what are you planning for the second battle?"
"After acknowledging his power, I realize that it's better for us to win this round as soon as possible." Ignazio frowned and turned to Enrica. "I wonder…"
"I don't know the answer." Before he continued, Enrica already shook her head. "If you think this is the only way, I can ask my teacher about it. However, I doubt we will get a reply for this round."
"That's enough. I just want a guarantee for my plan. It's for the worst case scenario." Ignazio nodded and continued. "Moving on. I am sure Theo will aim at Enrica in this battle. He is wary of her eyes even though he has no idea about it."
"Are we going to lure him in?"
"He will certainly feel it. And I believe Enrica has enough strength to fend off Theo alone… At least a couple of minutes. The best will be ten to fifteen minutes."
Enrica thought for a moment and nodded. "I can't guarantee, but I will do my best. I will also keep a watch on his clone since he may ambush you during the fight."
"Yes. I can see that coming." Ignazio nodded and turned to Lavinia. "You and I will eliminate the other two as soon as possible."
"But won't Theodore see this as well? He may stay together with his team." Lavinia had some doubts after seeing Theo's plan in the first battle.
"Don't worry. He will make a move as soon as we come toward them. I have ninety percent assurance for this."
"I understand. I will follow your strategy."
Ignazio gave a thumbs up before continuing, "Anyway, there are fifty percent the other two will move, but I think they may do something big to the arena again. Although I don't believe it as well, I think Theodore used the first battle to see through our level and what kind of move will be acceptable in the entire battle. This will give him a gist to the extent he can do without harming their country's reputation.
"Hence, have your guard up all the time. The other two don't have a blessing, so we have a massive advantage over them. As for Theodore… I don't know who gave him the blessing, but I'm sure it's a pretty high one."
"Hmm?" Agata squinted her eyes and said, "Mythical Rank? Or maybe a God Rank Blessing?"
"Yeah. However, we have no information about his blessing or which mythology it comes from. Before we can discern it, it's better to assume he can do everything. That's why I want you to be on the defensive all the time, Enrica."
"I understand." Enrica agreed without hesitation.
"Good. Now, this is the details of our plan…" Ignazio began to tell them his entire plan.
Meanwhile, Theo had given them a detail that Ignazio had mentioned before looking at Alea, who was down after returning here.
"Alea. I don't have time to babysit you. If you are down just because of this, why don't you give up now?" Theo shrugged before turning to the others. "Alea aside, You may not hear what I'm saying in the arena because of the loud cheers, so I will also add my Magic Bullets as my signal."
"Alright. You've given the details earlier and we will keep looking at the sky." Ellen smiled.
"That's good. It's time for us to go then." Theo raised, took another peek at Alea's face, and walked away.