Evolving My Undead Legion In A Game-Like World - Chapter 572 Me?
Chapter 572 Me?
The world blinked.
Michael opened his eyes to a familiar place.
Below him, the same glassy, ink-black water lay perfectly still, a mirror that refused to reflect. Above, black suns hung like holes punched through the sky, bleeding no light, just weight.
He drew one slow breath.
Before he could fully center himself, the floor of nothing swayed- -and dropped.
Sight and sound snapped back with a soft clap. Stone underfoot. Voices. A wash of mana like ocean wind breaking across cliffs.
He stood in a plaza, but not the one he’d first arrived in.
Michael had returned to the academies’ territory in the Land of Origin.
He wasn’t alone.
“Castle 37…”
“That was him.”
“Two Rank 3s-“
“Shut up, look-look.”
Michael didn’t care about the whispers. He was wondering what to do next when a pressure brushed his senses.
Rank 3.
His gaze lifted on instinct. A man stood near the edge of the plaza. Michael didn’t recognize the face.
But the man recognized him.
Their eyes met. He dipped his chin in a small nod and offered a gentle smile before stepping to the rail.
“Candidates,” the man said, his voice rolling out on a steady thread of mana that brought the plaza to heel without ever turning harsh. “Welcome back to Veraunt’s Edge Academy.”
The crowd settled. All around Michael, students stood in fresh academy-issue garments. No blood, no soot, no torn sleeves. Only a few were pale around the mouth, and almost all of them avoided looking his way. The ones who did, didn’t hold it long.
“I am Instructor Saelen of Veraunt’s Edge,” the man continued.
“On behalf of the ten academies, congratulations. You have concluded the last trial.”
Saelen let the quiet breathe for a heartbeat longer, then his tone shifted-still even, but carrying a firmer edge.
“Due to… unforeseen variables in the final trial, many of you were prevented from completing your stated objectives.”
More than a hundred heads turned-most of them, inevitably, toward Michael. He didn’t bother returning the looks.
Saelen didn’t rebuke them. He simply continued, “The academies will not pretend the field conditions were typical. Nor will we discard talent. Therefore, a temporary provision is in effect.”
Murmurs spiked-hope and dread braided together.
“After resumption,” Saelen said, “those who did not meet the passing threshold will receive a probationary assignment. One task and a fixed window to complete it. If you succeed, your provisional admission converts to full standing. If you fail, you will be transferred to an appropriate partner institution.”
The word hung there-transferred. Not expelled. But a fall all the
same.
“What kind of task?” someone called, too loudly.
“Varies by candidate,” Saelen replied. “You’ll be measured against your class, your record, and the resources you’ll have access to here. It will challenge you but it will be achievable.”
Saelen lifted his hand, silencing the whispers that wanted to spill into questions. His tone hardened.
“Do not ask me about the specifics. You’ll know when you resume. No
sooner.”
The plaza quieted again, tension coiling. He let the stillness settle before shifting topics.
“Now, resumption. Just as the academy holds territory in the Land of Origin, we also do in the original world. In two weeks’ time, all students will be required to report. You will receive the coordinates of your assigned campus soon. That will be your entry point in the real world.”
Mana rippled subtly with his words, carrying them to the very edges of the plaza.
“During those two weeks, prepare yourselves. When you step through our gates in the original world, your life as academy disciples begins in earnest. What follows next will be revealed to you there.”
Students glanced at one another, unease mixing with excitement.
Saelen gave a single nod, his eyes sweeping the crowd once more. “That concludes this assembly. You are dismissed.” His voice dropped just enough for only some to catch the last line. “Michael Norman-
remain.”
The plaza lit in flashes of white. In an instant, more than a hundred figures dissolved into light and vanished.
When the brilliance faded, silence returned. Michael stood alone in the open plaza, with only Saelen’s calm gaze resting on him.
Michael adjusted himself.
“Sir,” he said, his voice even, “may I ask why I was told to remain?”
Saelen’s expression softened further. “Because you are our top newcomer.” His smile lingered, warm in a way that made Michael shift his weight uncomfortably. The man’s gaze carried no malice, yet something about it made the back of his neck itch. For a split second, Michael had to bite down on the impulse to blurt out I don’t swing that way. He swallowed it, jaw tightening, and kept his silence. Saelen continued smoothly, as if unaware of the awkwardness. “You’ve done something extraordinary. Few in the academy’s history have stood where you stand at your age, with what you command. Recognition is due-and others…..”
Michael inclined his head. “others?”
“Yes.” Saelen clasped his hands behind his back, his tone measured
but deliberate. “Though you have two weeks, I advise you to come at least a week earlier. Don’t wait until the last day.”
Michael’s brows drew together. “Why?”
Saelen’s smile faded into something more serious. “Because the
principal has requested to see you. Personally.”
The words fell into the silence between them like a stone into still
water, sending ripples through Michael’s thoughts. The principal-of a First-Rank Academy.
Saelen let the weight of it linger before adding, “That is not an honor given lightly. Don’t waste it.”
Michael’s heart paused for a beat.
The principal of a First-Rank Academy.
If the vice principal was a rank 5 awakener then this person was at
least in the same rank or higher.
And they wanted to see him.
Why?
*****
A/N: My brain and system knocked out before I could finish the last
chapter. Sorry about that, guys. I’ll add it in the next update and make it three chapters instead of two. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the chapters! Also, feel free to join the Discord and let’s add some life to it, haha.
