Chapter 374

Chapter 374 – The Battle Begins

Alas, the actual events deviated from Nia’s conjectures.

Lolan Hill did not participate in the Fortress Academy’s competition team; instead, she would appear at the Temple Academy under another identity.

At the Temple Academy, within the Black Moon Hall side chamber, two women sat facing each other.

“Ah, even Bridge Pier has lost?” Sisina lay on the sofa, eating grapes, her tone carrying a hint of laziness and surprise.

“But you don’t seem surprised,” Ingrid said from across the room, still fully clad in knight armor, with her sword beside her.

“Of course not. Don’t let my usual lazy appearance fool you; I’m quite well-informed. A ghost always knows many secrets hidden in corners.”

“Yes, yes, is this why you stay up all night? Looking sleepy during the day gives a bad impression,” Ingrid advised.

“The nightlife is always so exciting; going to bed too early feels like wasting life,” Sisina offered another perspective.

After discussing their differing views, the conversation slowly returned to its main topic.

“Do you have confidence in winning this tournament?” Ingrid picked up a fresh fruit.

“Yes, at least we were the champions last time. We can’t lose the glory left by our predecessors,” Sisina sat up slightly.

“Elon Trey, huh? I’ve only heard his name but never met him personally,” Ingrid recalled something, speaking slowly.

“Mm, he’s a pride of the academy. Not only did he lead the Temple Academy to break the nearly twenty-year curse and win the title of Breaker of Armies, but he also dominated in individual competitions, earning the title of Sole Champion. He is a rare double champion in the academy’s history. Back then, I was one of his biggest fans, following him everywhere.”

Ingrid shook her head, “I can’t imagine you being so enthusiastic.”

“Don’t say that; I had my youthful, vibrant days too,” Sisina said, popping a grape into her mouth after peeling it.

—

Three days later.

After an explosive start, everyone thought this academy tournament would be particularly intense, but unexpectedly, everything calmed down, passing through several unusually peaceful days. With only two days left until the deadline, some spectators started to feel anxious and began to discuss it. Various rumors spread throughout the campus.

It wasn’t until today afternoon that the High Tower Academy stirred again. Massive war machines began moving, steel clanging, titans marching, dragons flying, heading toward the western part of Emanas.

Sisina sat atop the Starlight Cathedral’s bell tower, gazing at the approaching dark spots and dragon shadows in the distance. She held her witch hat to prevent it from flying away, letting the gentle afternoon breeze play with her hair, her dark skirt fluttering in the air. Behind her sat another silver-haired girl.

The girl’s snow-white legs peeked out from beneath her black dress, her slender feet gently swaying in the air as she looked down at the streets, halls, crowds below, and the smoke rising from the western town. Due to her posture and angle, anyone looking up could only see her calves.

“Lohil, you can’t hold back anymore.”

“Hmm?” The girl raised her head in surprise.

“I know, you hardly ever show your true strength at school,” Sisina turned her head, brushing aside her disheveled hair.

“Surprising people is good, but hiding too long can affect one’s mindset.”

Unconvinced, the girl blinked, nodding although she secretly thought, ‘She’s probably just being lazy again.’ After getting to know her senior better, she realized that despite her mature and somewhat cool appearance, the dark circles under her eyes betrayed her, making her words less credible.

“Cough.” Seeing that Lohil wasn’t as easy to persuade as before, this senior came up with a new strategy.

“If we win this time, I’ll give you the position of leader.”

“That position is troublesome,” the girl showed no interest.

“I’ll introduce you to all the handsome seniors in Emanas, like Jielanen from the Southern Bridge Pier Academy, Edren from the Fortress Academy…”

The girl shook her head adorably, completely uninterested.

“Do you not like boys? Girls work too, like…”

Sisina suddenly stumbled, unable to think of any girl prettier than the one in front of her.

“I’m worried, Lohil. This isn’t right. You should listen more to your seniors’ advice. After all, these are lessons we’ve learned together. Just imagine how cool it would be to lead the academy to victory.”

“It’s not just you; your fellow students years later can boast about how they stood out among countless geniuses to win the championship. It would be quite glorious even in your family records.”

Sisina painted a beautiful picture, and hearing this, Lohil finally agreed.

“Mm, I will act, but I can’t guarantee victory.”

“No problem!” Sisina felt relieved and happy, like a student who borrowed someone else’s homework to submit at the last minute.

“Lohil, the best in the world!”

She stretched out her arms to hug the silver-haired girl, but the latter easily dodged.

“Sisina-nee is too forward,” the girl stuck out her tongue, standing on the edge of the bell tower, holding onto the top decoration, whispering, then laughing as she flew into the sky.

With the cause of the anomalies within the academy gradually understood, and solutions just a matter of time, Lolan Hill recently relaxed slightly, becoming a bit more lively.

“Being called forward by juniors…” Sisina, unable to hug Lohil, rested her hands dejectedly on the bell tower top.

“Giggling…” The girl laughed lightly, her voice drifting in the sky’s breeze.

Sisina didn’t dwell on it for long, quickly standing up, adjusting her expression, and addressing the girl in the sky.

“Come down. I won’t catch you. The battle and competition are about to begin. We still need to organize and summon the academy’s troops.” With that, she picked up the crescent-shaped staff beside her.

“Okay.” Lolan Hill nodded, taking out the previously given wing scepter from her space.

A purple and pure white stream of light intertwined, spiraling upwards, bursting open to reveal a magnificent shower of light and fireworks. The purple vine moon and the sun surrounded by wings illuminated the sky.

Indeed, a single arrow piercing the clouds brought thousands of troops together.

Under the sky, the academy began to stir. Ghosts flew wildly, bones struggled free, death knights galloped, pure white robes flapping in the wind, spears pointing skyward like dense forests, beginning to move forward.

The grand battle finally began.

(End of Chapter)