by Michael Sisa
“Seems that everyone is here,” said a woman. Her body was that of a child, but everyone knew that she was among the oldest of them here. Rumors said that she had attained the pinnacle of Healing Magic, and her physical body stopped aging along with such enlightenment.
“As fellow Royal Magicians, we are all of equal ranks, but do let me facilitate this meeting,” she said. No one argued, and some nodded in response. She peeked at the Emperor before she continued. “The Emperor had summoned all of us here to discuss a matter of severe importance—”
There was a full second of silence before she said, “Ashevaren has been spotted inside the Empire.”
Edward could not believe his ears. Ashevaren was believed to be under deep hibernation along with two other descendants. Why was he awake? More importantly, what was he doing inside the Empire?
“So we’re going to fight that legendary monster, huh? Is that why we’ve been summoned here?” said Wellter Prochson. He too, was summoned.
The woman turned her head from side to side. “No. We won’t be doing anything. That is the Emperor’s orders.”
Buzzing sounds filled the Royal Hall. Even the maids and the magicians tasked to oversee the proceedings were stunned of the information they had received. All throughout history, Ashevaren had not failed to destroy the cities he had visited. There was even a country from two hundred years ago that was destroyed by him alone.
Edward remained silent. Wellter spoke in his stead, “We’re just going to watch as that monster ravages the cities in the Empire? Is that it?!”
A freezing aura swept over the room as Wellter Prochson snarled. He had not been happy with how the Empire had done things ever since the Emperor gained age. The country had become stagnant. They had long forgotten to move forward. And now, they were just going to watch as a legendary monster wreaks havoc in the area?
“Step down, Wellter.” A raspy voice said. Everyone turned towards the throne. The Emperor idly sat there, his eyes droopy but focused. He added, “That is my decree as your Emperor. Only you and Edward had yet to comply with my orders. That’s why it is necessary to summon the other Royal Magicians as well, isn’t that right?”
The next words uttered by the female Royal Magician almost made the veins on Edward’s forehead pop from anger. “That’s correct, Emperor. As of now, Ashevaren’s destination is the Sky Academy. Of course, he would first need to pass through the City of Ilian. It would do us no good to come into conflict with him for now.”
Realization dawned unto him. So, the reason they have summoned him was so that he would not come into contact with Ashevaren once the legendary monster arrived at Ilian? He gnashed his teeth in utter fury. Fools. All of them.
Everyone looked at Edward. It was the city where the Roshaila Family resided, and as well one of the four major cities in the Empire.
Edward glared at the Emperor and the other Royal Magicians as he gritted his teeth. He took out a small scroll from his pocket and channeled his mana into it. The magic circle glowed a violent color from the abundant mana from its source. To Edward’s surprise, the runes engraved in the circle shattered into innumerable particles of light, and along with it was the magic circle.
“We’ve already placed anti-teleportation magic inside the city. No one is allowed to leave the area—especially you, Edward,” said the Emperor. Edward saw the Lord of a Thousand Blades smirk in satisfaction.
Their movements were subtle, but Edward knew that the other Royal Magicians began to channel mana into their bodies. He realized that they were all ready to intercept him the moment he made the slightest bit of movement. He glanced at Wellter Prochson. The man was also at a dilemma. He was strong, but not as strong as the Emperor of Fire. He could not afford to fight so many Royal Magicians at once.
Merlot took a step forward and boldly announced, “We’ve set up a Barrier inside the Grand Hall—if you wish to fight, go. You don’t need to worry about setting the city ablaze!”—and he licked his lips.
Edward gnashed his teeth as he tried to control himself. Now was not the time to fight amongst themselves. He said to the Emperor, “Why are you doing this? I know that our relationship has deteriorated to the point of no return, but Ashevaren is a different matter! We cannot let him run wild inside the Empire! If the Royal Magicians wouldn’t stop him, then who would?!”
“Edward, I understand your concerns. Ilian is your city—”
“—And my son is studying in the Sky Academy!” Edward snarled. The entire hall shook with malevolence. Dan was full of potential. The Academy aside, he could not let anything happen to him. He was the key to the fulfillment of his dream.
The Emperor coughed. He tried to stand but eventually decided to remain seated. He was too old, and it would surprise no one if he died right now. “My grandson is studying in the Sky Academy too. Sacrifices. They are sometimes necessary.”
“Necessary?!” It was Wellter. After considering the route Ashevaren was going to take, he would eventually arrive at the Sky Academy. The Academy was known as the safest place in the Empire due to the guardian and the chairman, but even such place would crumble if the strongest descendant of the Great Demon Lord was to make its appearance. Wellter’s granddaughter was currently studying there, and he would not forgive the Emperor if something happened to her.
“The Royal Magicians are the Empire’s trump card. We cannot let even a single one of you die here—foolishly. We cannot afford to lose such power. If losing a city or two is what it will take for us to not aggravate the legendary monster, then it shall be given freely,” said the Emperor. He added, “According to our sources, Ashevaren is in search of Chairman Grasse. That old coot is one of the remaining fourteen S Class Magicians… but he will be sacrificed for the greater good. I hope everyone understands.”
Edward and Wellter were at loss for words. They both knew that the Empire had deteriorated, but not to such extent. If they let Grasse, the Emperor of Time, die in the hands of Ashevaren, they would be losing a great deal of power. Furthermore, there was also Qaval, the guardian created by the legendary magician.
“Foolish… this is why the Empire of Mordredh has begun invading our borders! The Royal Family and its associated magicians are thinking only of themselves!” said Wellter. Freezing aura enveloped his entire body. He no longer cared if he was up against five Royal Magicians.
The marbled floor formed cracks as Edward walked towards the throne. He cast a quick look at Wellter. They would wreak havoc here.
“Athena—she’s such a pretty woman… is she not, Edward?” said the Emperor. Despite the menacing aura that kept oozing out of his body, the old man before him remained calm. His aged eyes stared at him, but Edward knew that the man’s mind was somewhere else.
The Emperor sighed then stood up. Everyone did not fail to notice that his knees were wobbling. “A few years from now… I am going to die—but that is fine.”
The Emperor walked down the flight of steps that led to the throne. He stopped before Edward then placed his fragile hands on the man’s face. “I know that you have a grudge against this old man… that you still believe that I caused your wife’s death. But believe me… I loved her as much as you did. She is like my own child… and I wept for weeks when I found out about her death. Athena—”
“—Don’t you dare speak of her name again!” snarled Edward. The Royal Hall shook, but to Edward’s surprise, the Emperor remained motionless and unfazed.
“You killed my son—and I forgive you for that, Edward,” said the Emperor. “You can kill me here. This old man’s life would have served its purpose if I can prevent your death, son.”
What was the Emperor saying? Edward and Wellter were both unable to decipher the meaning behind the old man’s actions. They both knew that the Emperor had devolved into an animal that was afraid of death, but his current actions stated otherwise.
Edward did not speak as he stared straight into the man’s eyes.
“You are strong, Edward. St
ronger than everyone present here. Even the other Empires refuse to clash against us because of you.” The Emperor coughed, and a thin line of blood dripped down his lips. He wiped it using his gold-embroidered sleeves. “—But you are nothing in front of an absolute monster like Ashevaren.’
The Emperor looked up, eyes reminiscing. “If only I could turn back time… Haha! This foolish old man would have chosen another path.” He again coughed. This time, large blotches of blood fell down the ground. “Be angry at me—you are entitled to it… but my decision remains the same. The Empire chooses your life over the life of an entire city and an academy.”
“You will stay here—you are not permitted to come into conflict with Ashevaren.
Chapter 29: Start of the Tournament
Sky Academy
A week quickly passed by, and it was now the start of the yearly tournament. Like ants, thousands of students made their way towards the coliseum. The sound of fireworks echoed, and the buzzing sounds in the air intensified.
Dan waited in a large room together with the other participants. At the far corner, Yvette was busy chatting with some fifth year students, with Cazareth on her left. Ryle Monfort and Denzel Jack silently sat in their respective seats, the chattering sounds served as background.
Professor Shirel entered the room, and the chatter immediately died out. She adjusted her spectacles then glanced at everyone in the room. “You guys ready?”
There was a small nod from some of the participants, while most did not bother to respond. Professor Shirel took out a pocket watch from her cloak. “It’s time. A few minutes from now, the tournament starts.”
As though on cue, the sound of a cannon reverberated, and a voice amplified by magic was heard. Dan and the rest of the contestants were unable to see the arena itself, but just the ecstatic cries from the students alone bespoke of how much spectators were present.
“And now!” said the commentator. “The time for the Annual Crimson Abyss Tournament has come!”
Cheers further echoed. His voice melodramatic, the man continued, “This Academy has reared countless magicians! It has honed countless legends! This Academy of the Sky has been the foundation of magic in the Empire for centuries!”
A gong was heard, and there was a couple of seconds of pause before the commentator said, “This Academy is a vital part of the Empire! A body! A limb! The very heart of magic itself! An institution created by the legendary magician! Walker Vont Ilian!”
There was a rumbling sound as the wall in front of Dan slowly rose upward. He momentarily squinted when the blinding rays from the sun seeped through. It was hot, almost scorching.
“In this tournament, the students of this academy will be able to show their might! Their prowess!” said the commentator. Now that the wall had completely vanished from sight, they were able to see a thin, almost skeletal man that acted as the commentator. His eyes had circle marks surrounding it, and his red lips resembled that of a clown. “Participants! Enter!”
The cheers exploded, and the ground shook as the spectators struck it with their feet. The gong repeatedly resounded as Dan and the rest of the participants made their way towards the center of the arena, where the commentator was currently situated.
Now that Dan had a look around, the coliseum was filled to the brim with students. They all wore their uniforms, creating a sea of crimson spectators. The ivory stadium shone brightly against the scorching sun above.
A few moments after they reached the center of the arena, particles of light started enveloping their entire bodies.
The commentator’s voice echoed, “The Crimson Abyss Tournament for this year will be composed of three rounds! The first round will serve as elimination, and the second and third round with test their inherent abilities! For the first round, the rules are simple! Do not be eliminated! Score the highest number of points!”
The particles of light that enveloped their bodies intensified, and it began to cling into their skin. A warm sensation crawled through Dan’s entire body.
“There are three kinds of monsters in the game! A normal monster—” said the commentator, and an image of what the monster looked like was immediately flashed at the center of the arena using a large, flat crystal. It was a monster that resembled a rabbit, but the numerous leaves on its body indicated that it was of plant origin. “—which will give 1 point once slain!”
Another image flashed and replaced the normal monster. This time, it was a large turtle the size of three adult humans combined. “The second type is a mini boss! There are ten of them in the game, and each one is worth seven points!”
A sound filled with awe and ecstasy was heard from the spectating students. Despite the appearance of a turtle, the monster’s body somehow gave the impression of a demon.
“And lastly!” said the commentator. This time, the images in the crystal plate vanished. The murmurs in the air slowly died down. “The boss of the game! We shall not reveal what it looks like, but be aware that it was modeled after the strongest participant! Therefore, just think of it as fighting the strongest student among your group! Based on its strength, it shall be worth twenty points!”
Most of the participants stared at Cazareth’s direction, and the man himself shrugged upon finding himself the center of attention. It was an undisputed fact that he was the strongest student in the entire academy, with the blood of the mighty Royals flowing through his veins.
“Heh, so were going to fight a boss on the same level as that monster, eh?” Dan heard one of the participants say.
Some of them wore grim expressions, but some were blatantly challenged by the twist of events. Even the spectators were euphoric upon hearing the description of the stage boss.
“Oh, and since the game itself is dangerous, we have created safety measures for the students!” said the commentator. “The participants must have noticed it, but your bodies were enveloped by a shell of light. It is designed to complement your individual strengths, and it will break once your limits are reached. Therefore, in the event that you face a life threatening situation, the Guardian of this Academy will automatically transfer you out of harm’s way! Of course! How can we let our precious students die, right?!”
Dan inwardly nodded upon hearing this. At the very least, there was minimal risk of injuring the other students.
The commentator spread his arms wide. “An amazing, secret prize awaits the winner! Now! Let the tournament! Begin!”
The scenery before him blurred then faded.
In the blink of an eye, Dan suddenly found himself in the middle of a forest. The sounds of fireworks far beyond clearly told him that he was still in the Sky Academy, and was merely transported to the forest near it.
He glanced left and right and confirmed that there were no other students around. Above him, he saw a small crystal orb that resembled the one Professor Rouma used. Dan was sure that it was used to monitor his every movement, transmitting live images to the arena.
Dan glanced at the twin blades hanging on his waist. Thankfully, they allowed weapons for the first round of the competition.
Everywhere around him were absurdly large trees, with occasional boulders and shrubberies here and there. He heard rustling sounds from his left, accompanied by the sound of twigs breakings.
“My first prey,” mumbled Dan upon seeing a bunny monster. Its mouth was peculiarly large and elongated, with two sharp teeth in front. It stood on two feet. A humanoid holding a spear.
The rabbit screeched, and it jumped off its place towards Dan. It was quick despite its thin legs, and Dan immediately side stepped as the spear flew past him. He quickly unsheathed his blade then struck the monster’s neck.
Instead of blood, particles of light flew out in all directions. A monotonous voice resounded from the orb above as the body of the rabbit monsters faded into particles of light. “1 point.”
Dan stared at his glimmering blade. He mumbled, “Such a refreshing feeling. Now, I need to find high ground. Bette
r see the entire battle as a whole.”
After glancing left and right, he dashed off into the distance. His goal was the highest spot in the entire battle ground.
***
After seeing the largest tree in the vicinity, Dan swiftly jumped through the branches until he reached its peak. Standing at the highest point, he was able to see the battleground as a whole.
Like him, there were numerous students transported inside the forest, their numbers reaching past three dozens. Not far from him, he saw two students surrounded by five rabbit monsters. Judging by their spells, he was sure that they were mere First Years.
Small sparks of fire magic flew as the two fought off the surrounding monsters, but to no avail. Dan merely watched as the two succumbed to their bane. Their cries echoed as spears pierced through their bodies.
‘They’ll be teleported out of the field, right?’ Dan thought. To his relief, the two defeated students were immediately transported out of the battleground the moment the protective shells that surrounded their bodies broke.
The rabbit monsters immediately moved to their next target after obliterating the two.
“As expected, this is chaotic,” mumbled Dan. He quickly went down the tree by jumping through the branches, blocking the rabbit monsters’ path. He grinned. “Five points.”
Without another word, he decapitated the rabbit monsters one after another. After his Soul Core had been fixed, it had become far easier for him to strengthen his body using his technique. His image blurred and the rabbit monsters broke into numerous particles of light one after another.
The orb above Dan once again monotonously announced, “Six points.”
After annihilating those that were nearby, Dan once again jumped through the branches of a tree and stood at the peak. He surveyed his surroundings.