The Greatest Supreme

Italy. ”

As the stagehand introduced her, I looked at her and politely smiled. The lady looked at me and nodded her head once while still maintaining her earlier posture and demeanor.

I could see her now in much clearer detail… I guess Rin wasn exaggerating. The nametag on her chest was visible.

”Oh, Sir Radnier, you may sit here. ” The stagehand invited me while pointing to the vacant foldable chair beside Ms. Arcuri.

I sat on the chair. The stagehand began explaining things to remember and do. In that whole process, Ms. Arcuri didn make a sound, even as a way of agreeing.

Yes, I already saw this coming.

”I need to go now since theres a lot of things happening backstage… Is it okay to leave just the two of you for a moment? ”

I nodded my head, and so did she. At our non-verbal response, he left.

”….. ”

”….. ”

Even though the crowd noise and the busy atmosphere were rampaging here, it felt like a mini-space vacuum emerged just for the two of us. To be precise, it resembled a situation inside the eye of a storm. It was silence amid the turmoil.

”….. ”

In her attitude, she reminded me of someone.

I used my left hand to grab my right wrist, and then my left index finger continuously tapped. I looked at my wristwatch without moving my head, and the time was four minutes before one in the afternoon.

I didn bother to look at her, even just a sideway glance, because it would probably worsen the mood once I did. Well, it didn matter if she wouldn bother to start a conversation; I myself hated small talk, particularly with strangers.

I began recalling some information inside of my head until…

[Welcome to the 6th International College Clash, Individuals Category, Finals!]

Applause. Cheers.

I stood up from my seat and readied myself for entrance. The lady beside me stood up also.

[For our sponsors, thank you so much for…]

My ears became alert as they awaited the cue that would allow me to enter the studio hall.

[And now for our first finalist… lets welcome Zekiel Radnier from the United States of America.]

Applause. Cheers.

As the quiz master introduced me, my feet took their step on the stage. I carried on walking while witnessing the crowded spectacle. A bright smile formed on my face, and I kept eye contact with some audience members. Behind that smile was the anxiety about something I couldn fathom.

…Is it because of the possibility that hey are here?

Or because this is already the finals?

Perhaps because I am worrying that something unexpected might happen?

I was already in front of my assigned podium.

[ We all already know who Zekiel Radnier was, who just recently became an Internet sensation. But for the last time, for buzzer checking, we encourage him to introduce himself. After that, Mr. Zekiel, can you tell us about what you currently feel now that you have reached the finals?]

I nodded at her.

Buzz.

[Hi. Im Zekiel Radnier, twenty-two years old, from the University of A, New York City, currently studying Business. Today will mark the end of the competition, so Im enthusiastic and grateful that Ive come this far. Thank you Philippines for your heartwarming welcome. Mabuhay po kayo.[1]]

Applause.

[Wow, thank you so much, Mr. Radnier. Now, for our second and last finalist… Lets welcome Fia Arcuri from Italy.]

Applause. Cheers.

From there appeared a woman who was approximately the same height as me.

The lights reflected on her sultry eyes, and those eyes pierced the audience. However, despite her intimidating gaze, there was a tight-lipped smile.

She walked with her back and legs straight, as if she was on the runway. Her long, straight hair synchronized with the slight sway of her hips as she walked towards her podium. Undeniably, she was a head-turner.

She sat on her seat and placed her hands on her lap.

[Okay, again, lets welcome Fia Arcuri, another internet buzzworthy…]

…Really?

[So same with our first finalist… Fia, we invite you to introduce yourself for the last time. Afterward, tell us about your current thoughts… now that you
e finally here in the finals.]

She stared at the audience for a moment, and the crowd noise subsided.

Buzz.

And a voice was heard.

[Good afternoon. Im Fia Arcuri, twenty-two years old, from University B, Milan, Italy. Im studying Economics and I also took a Fashion Modeling education. Its fulfilling to be here in front of you and I just hope for the best.]

Hm, I see. She was better than I was firstly impressed. I thought that she was someone who would be monotonous and would answer the question with brevity.

[Thank you, Ms. Fia. Now that our introductions are over, let us explain once again the mechanics of the competition… There will be twenty setter questions. Each setter question has its own category. When answered right, it will correspond to three bonus questions that will fall under the same category as the setter question. Five points are equivalent to every correct answer. In terms of setter questions, you can answer right away even if the question is not read yet fully. The first one to use the buzzer will be the one to answer. Only use the buzzer to answer the setter question. When answered wrong the setter question, the other competitor will have the chance to steal the spotlight.]

I nodded as a way of agreement.

The quiz master continued, [Okay, so thats it. Good luck to both of you. The 6th International College Clash, Individuals Category, Finals now begins.]

Naturally, the crowd noise subsided to its fullest.

Haaa.

[For the first setter question… Category Mythopoeia. Mythopoeia is the act of creating a mythology. The first known use of the word was in 1846. In 1931, the author of the The Lord of the Rings John Tolkien adapted the word as the title of his poem as part of the argument he used in his conversation with Clive Lewis and Hugo Dyson at Magdalen College. The poem was added in the second edition published in 1988 of what book?]

Buzz.

Buzz.