Chapter 1257: The Choices!
Chapter 1257: The Choices!
The day before the battle royale, Professor Zeno sat in his chamber, the responsibility to choose a student pressed heavily on his shoulders.
’Vale... This guy. Why did he passed the responsibility to me? I’m not even the Headmaster.’ Zeno couldn’t help but complain in his head.
From the thirty‑six prodigies, each trained in one of the twelve Arcane Arts, only one could represent Marshall Arcane Academy.
Of course, he couldn’t just decide it by himself, or he might become biased.
After some considerations, he decided to ask the other professors for their opinion. Then, after several hours of debate with these people, three names stood out...
First was Ruth of Rune Arts.
She had mastered Draconic Runes, a feat that even seasoned practitioners struggled to achieve. Her runes could shift between offense and defense, granting her adaptability in battle.
Fire runes could burn her targets... Ice runes could provide her shield, and binding runes could trap opponents. She was balanced, versatile, and unpredictable... She was basically a dangerous combination in a chaotic arena.
Second was Vin of Transformation Arts.
Among the demon‑blooded trio, Vin had proven himself the most suitable. His demonic transformation granted him immense firepower, claws that shredded steel, and flight ability that carried him above the battlefield.
He’d have a body that could crush almost anything with his hands!
Yet he was not limited to demonic form. In case he was being targeted by the Holy Arts Practitioners, he could shift into a bipedal cheetah for speed or a falcon for aerial dominance. Furthermore, he could also use half‑transform to manifest only wings or claws.
Of course, the toll on his body would be very high if he transformed multiple times in a row... But in a battle royale that might last only an hour or two, endurance mattered less than impact.
Lastly, there was Skye of Holy Arts... the homunculus.
Vale had revealed her secret to Zeno, and the professor had been stunned.
Skye’s body was unlike any mortal’s... built to endure spells, shrug off physical attacks, and channel forbidden arts without worrying about the backlash!
She was, in truth, a weapon disguised as a student.
Sending her would almost guarantee victory. Yet Zeno hesitated.
Was it fair to pit a homunculus against mortals? Would it not be seen as bullying, as crushing the hopes of others before the battle even began?
Furthermore, it felt as if he was blocking the chance of other real Arcane Arts Practitioners to participate in the Battle Royale!
Still, if the academy wanted certainty, Skye was the answer.
Zeno rubbed his temples. "Three choices... three paths. Balanced runes, destructive transformations, or the homunculus."
Finally, he summoned the three in front of everyone...
The dining hall fell silent as Ruth, Vin, and Skye stepped forward. The other students watched with bated breath.
Zeno’s voice carried across the room.
"You three have been considered as representatives. Tomorrow, one of you may carry the banner of Marshall Academy. But before I decide, I want to know if you’re willing to participate or just give up this chance."
Ruth bowed her head respectfully. There was no hesitation in her voice.
"Professor, I am willing to participate in that Battle Royale... I will win it for the Academy’s honor!"
Hearing this, Zeno turned to Vin...
The latter smiled. His eyes were filled with the desire to participate!
"Give up? Never. I was born for this kind of exciting battle! Demon blood isn’t a curse... It’s power. Showing that to everyone will change their perspective on Dark Arts and Demonic Transformation. I’ll endure whatever toll it takes on me. I want to fight, and I’ll show the world what true transformation means."
Zeno nodded. It was a good answer.
Still, Skye remained quiet for a moment. Then she spoke.
"I will not give up the chance, Professor... If you choose me, I will win. But I understand the burden. If you wish to give others a chance, I will accept that. Still, I am willing to participate."
Apparently, Skye didn’t really expect to be given the chance at all. However, since she was already selected as a possible choice, she wouldn’t mind winning the trophy for the Academy.
The hall erupted in whispers.
Galatea leaned toward Irene. "Did you hear that? Our friend, Skye, doesn’t even hesitate. She’s too confident."
Irene chuckled... "Confidence or certainty? Either way, she’s dangerous."
The two of them didn’t envy Skye at all. Even though they were also Hoyl Arts Practitioners, Skye’s deep Arcane Energy reserves were just too high. They didn’t want to compete against her.
Jericho of the Knight Arts also liked these choices.
"If they send Skye, it’s over. No one else will stand a chance." He muttered.
"Well, Forbidden Arts are allowed, so she’s a nice choice..." Another Knight Arts student spoke.
Amaya scoffed from the Transformation table. "Don’t underestimate Vin. Demon blood will crush holy light if he pushes hard enough."
After a few moments, Zeno raised his hand and silenced the chatter.
"Enough. Tonight, we will hold a contest among the three. Not a duel to harm, but a test of skill, endurance, and adaptability. You must prove yourselves without injury, for tomorrow you will fight again."
The students gasped.
A contest, here and now, to decide who would represent them, was quite unexpected since they do not have a lot of time.
Still, reporters outside the gates caught wind of the announcement. Dorn nearly dropped his quill. "A contest? Tonight? If I can get even a glimpse of it, tomorrow’s headline will be mine."
Cici of the New Era Chronicle grinned as he recalled their faces... "Vale’s academy never disappoints. This is a nice story, I guess."
Soon, Ruth, Vin, and Skye completed their preparations!
"Professor, tell us what to do. What kind of tests will we get this time?
They were all disappointed that the International Arcane Academy Competition had changed its schedule.
Because of that, they were all fired up and ready for battle!
Ruth wanted to show the full power of her Draconic Rune Arts, and Vin also had similar thoughts... He wanted to let all the people know that the Demonic energy could be controlled
Meanwhile, Skye simply stood, waiting for the announcement.
After being bored, she spoke. "Professor Zeno... Let’s just do this with the Spirit Strand battle. No one will get hurt..."