Chapter 1258: The Test of the Three Representatives
Chapter 1258: The Test of the Three Representatives
The Spirit Strand battle was a simple test, and all the students were aware of it.
Basically, each student would place their hand upon the Spirit Converging Crystal, a relic designed to measure the number of Spirit Strands within their body. These strands represented the depth of their Arcane Energy, the foundation of their power.
But everyone already knew the outcome if this was what they decided to use as a method to select their representative...
Skye had last measured twenty‑nine strands. That was when she entered the Academy.
For her age, it was an impossible number, a gulf that separated her from her peers.
Ruth and Vin, prodigies in their own right, had twenty‑five and twenty‑four, respectively. To outsiders, the difference might seem small, but among practitioners, each strand was a chasm.
At their age, even a single strand could mean at least six months of training and refinement.
Professor Zeno smiled faintly as the students murmured, then shook his head.
"No. We will not use the crystal. We already know Skye’s count is higher. Furthermore, Spirit Strands alone do not decide victory. In the battle royale, raw energy will not be enough. What matters is skill, adaptability, and endurance."
The students fell silent. They understood that as well. If the test were only about numbers, Skye would win without contest. But Zeno wanted fairness... and proof of ability.
He turned toward the professors’ table. "Dalton, you will be their opponent."
Professor Dalton, who had been enjoying his meal, froze mid‑bite.
He looked at Zeno with wide eyes before shaking his head helplessly. "Me? Zeno, don’t drag me into this. I was eating!"
Zeno’s smile widened. "You’re the best choice. You can withstand their attacks without harming them. And you’re fair. We need to see their skills, not just their numbers."
Dalton sighed, setting his plate aside. "You always find ways to make me suffer... Fine. But don’t blame me if they break the floor."
He rose, brushing crumbs from his robes, and faced the three students.
He first confirmed their desire to compete, and after being satisfied, his aura flared slightly, reminding everyone that he was no ordinary professor.
"I will give you five minutes each... or wait... You can just attack me all at the same time." Dalton said firmly.
"Show me your best within that time. Show me everything you have. I will judge your skill, creativity, and endurance. Do not hold back."
As he said this, he turned to Zeno, who nodded at him. He was definitely satisfied with the current progress.
The hall grew tense. Ruth, Vin, and Skye glanced at each other before they nodded.
Seeing their agreement, Dalton felt happy.
"Alright," He said while spreading his arms. "Show it to me. Do your worst!"
"I will go first!" Skye declared, stepping forward without hesitation.
Ruth frowned. "Wait, shouldn’t we coordinate? If we all attack at once, we might be able to hurt him.."
Vin grinned. "Coordination? Forget that. I want to see how my power stacks against his alone. Skye can go first, but I’ll follow right after."
Skye glanced at them...
"Professor Zeno asked us to prove ourselves. This isn’t a contest of beating Dalton.... Anyway, I’ll begin, and you can follow."
Dalton raised an eyebrow. "Confident, aren’t you? Very well. Show me what you can do."
***
Skye closed her eyes briefly, then opened them...
As she did so, her irises glowed faintly...
This time, she had decided to use not just her Holy Arts but also her skills in Rune Arts!
After all, the Battle Royale was different from the Holy Arts Competition, where she was only allowed to use one Arcane Path.
In this event, the judges wouldn’t mind whatever Arcane Arts we use!
With that in mind, Skye decided to show off her ability to use Forbidden Arts!
To be exact, Forbidden Runes! Of course, this Forbidden Rune was something she was able to discover after obtaining a certain number of Academic Points that she used in the library.
Unlike the other Academies that would put a high price on the Forbidden Arts knowledge, the Marshall Academy had a lower price... It was also to make them aware of what kind of spells they were dealing with.
After all, usage of Forbidden Spells had become rampant over the past few years.
It was as if someone had leaked various Forbidden Arts to the public. To combat that, every student in the Marshall Academy must be knowledgeable about Forbidden Spells.
Soon, Skye’s aura expanded like a storm.
The students gasped.
Even without casting a spell, her presence had suddenly become overwhelming. This Forbidden Rune boosted her strength and affinity to her Holy arts!
She raised her hand, and a sphere of sanctified light formed, and instead of healing energy, it was pulsing with destructive energy!
Just like that, with a flick of her wrist, it shot forward, exploding against Dalton’s barrier.
Boom!
Dalton grunted as he dismissed the attack.
"Strong. Very strong. But let’s see more."
Skye’s movements were fast as she soon started conjuring chains of holy light, before charging toward Dalton!
However, she shifted instantly to a forbidden rune flame that burned black and gold!
"Be careful, Prof!" Skye said as her attacks flowed seamlessly, one after another, without pause!
Dalton blocked each strike, but he couldn’t help but feel impressed.
"Efficient. Ruthless. No wasted motion. You fight like a true veteran and not a student."
After some time, Skye finally stepped back. "That is enough for now."
***
Vin cracked his knuckles as he approached Professor Dalton. "My turn."
As soon as he said this, demonic essence started spreading around his body...
In just a few moments, horns sprouted from his head, demon wings unfurled, and his claws changed to something dark!
"Let’s see if your barrier can handle this!" Vin roared.
His demonic energy clashed with the professor’s defenses!
However, as everyone thought that he’d focus on overpowering the Professor with Demonic powers, Vin showed what he was truly capable of...
He shifted suddenly, and his body morphed into a cheetah‑like form!
"Ahh?! Why?" The students behind him couldn’t understand his choice!