Chapter 26: All Eyes on Me (Consolidated)
Flames soared into the sky, dyeing the dim twilight over the Imperial Capital’s outskirts a fiery hue.
Outside Saint Roland Academy, Kahn, the Dean of Alchemy, watched the colossal wall of fire that had sprung up, cutting off the student dormitory area from the outside world, his gaze filled with worry.
“Where are the Principal and Vice Principal?”
“The Principal hasn’t returned to the school in two years; no one knows where he is.”
A dusty instructor wiped the sweat from his brow and replied, “The Vice Principal said three months ago that he was going to the Astral Realm to search for a void-crossing beast cub. He’s probably still lost in some dimensional rift.”
“What about the heads of the other departments?”
“Some are out on academic projects, some are visiting the Alliance of Lieges, and one seems to be attending a multi-player comp… a noble banquet. They won’t be back anytime soon.”
The young instructor cautiously glanced at Dean Kahn, “Professor Kahn, you are the only Master-grade cultivator at the Four Rings level present in the entire academy.”
“Those useless old scoundrels!”
Professor Kahn cursed and crushed the wooden staff in his hand.
Of course, he knew it wasn’t entirely his colleagues’ fault.
Under normal circumstances, even if those hidden organizations wanted to make a big splash, they would never choose to cause trouble in the Imperial Capital.
This was the core hub of the entire Freista Empire, teeming with powerful individuals.
Even if those thugs succeeded, escaping the empire’s borders under the pursuit of the Imperial Capital’s powerhouses would be as difficult as scaling the heavens.
It was a losing proposition, sacrificing eight hundred to hurt the enemy while losing one thousand of their own.
In contrast, border cities with chaotic security, few powerful individuals, and close proximity to the border, from which escape to the Lost Domain was easy, were undoubtedly better locations for causing trouble.
For these reasons, since its founding, Saint Roland Academy had never experienced such a heinous act of violence, and thus had no sense of crisis or vigilance. The school’s defense measures were, in essence, purely for show.
But who would have known that this time, it would be the Ash Cult.
Compared to other forbidden organizations deemed heretical by the Holy See, the Ash Cult was only average in terms of scale and the number of powerful members.
However, they had one defining characteristic—
They were incredibly audacious.
While other forbidden organizations considered the impact and losses when acting, preserving their strength and avoiding the attrition of high-level powerhouses, striving for maximum profit.
But the Ash Cult, these arsonists who constantly shouted “burn, burn, burn,” never considered battle damage ratios.
Even if captured, these arsonists would only shout “Anhur Akabath” and “Meteor Strike,” and then turn themselves into a massive firework.
They were, in essence, self-detonating trucks, a nuisance to everyone, like sticky dog feces.
No matter how powerful an organization, they could only curse their bad luck upon encountering the Ash Cult.
Professor Kahn’s emotions went out of control for a moment.
But he quickly regained his composure and looked gravely into the distance.
He could feel a faint, indistinct spiritual power locking onto him.
The Patriarch of the Ash Cult.
As one of the only two Four Rings cultivators present, the other party had been targeting him from the beginning.
Although they hadn’t attacked yet, the chilling sensation made Professor Kahn feel like his back was exposed. He knew that the Patriarch could launch an attack at any moment.
This was also why Professor Kahn hadn’t intervened to break the flame array.
His intuition told him that even though they were both Four Rings, he, a professor who had spent his life teaching, was no match for the bloodthirsty Patriarch.
“It seems we can only maintain this stalemate and drag it out. This is the Imperial Capital; time is on our side.”
“I regret to inform you, Professor Kahn, but time is not on our side.”
A steady voice sounded. It belonged to a middle-aged man in a military uniform, with a stern and determined face. The collar of his uniform bore the insignia of a black vulture.
Behind him, a colossal beholder floated in mid-air.
Its hundreds of tentacles waved in the void, its spiritual power subtly vibrating the surrounding air, likely using some kind of wide-range perception skill.
The officer waved his hand, and a blurry screen appeared, displaying the scene perceived by his beholder familiar.
On it, in the central plaza of the dormitory area, blocked by the wall of fire, dozens of figures in black robes, holding scythes, patrolled back and forth.
In the four corners of the plaza, hundreds of students lay scattered on the ground.
However, apart from being bound by rope, they showed no signs of death or serious injury. Most students didn’t even have minor wounds on their bodies.
And in the center of the plaza, a dark altar was rapidly being assembled.
Occasionally, illusory dark flames flickered above the altar, feeding into the surrounding wall of fire, supporting the continued existence of the blockade array.
De-eper within the altar, some more profound and evil power seemed to be gestating.
Even just viewing it through the projection screen sent a chill through the professors present.
“These arsonists are likely planning to use the students in the dormitory area as sacrifices for a fire ritual.”
The middle-aged officer’s voice was calm, “Based on the magic fluctuations detected by the beholder, once the fire ritual is completed, its unleashed power will result in the destruction of at least half of Saint Roland Academy.”
Seeing the officer’s arrival, Professor Kahn felt a wave of relief, “Lieutenant Colonel Sieg, you’re here… What about the other reinforcements…”
The middle-aged officer named Sieg glanced at Professor Kahn and shook his head, “I am the only Four Rings cultivator among the reinforcements.”
“Upon learning of the situation here, the high-ranking nobles of the Imperial Capital exerted immense pressure on the military and the Directorate, demanding stringent defenses of the main city, especially their residences in the Upper City, to prevent any infiltration by cultists.”
“There will be no further reinforcements from the Imperial Capital in the short term.”
A flicker of disbelief crossed Professor Kahn’s face, “But, the Ash Cult’s actions are clearly a provocation to the Empire’s majesty…”
“Provocations to the Empire will certainly be met with the most severe retaliation.”
“However, for those high-ranking nobles, the best course of action is to strike while the enemy is retreating, rather than actively stepping into a trap they’ve laid.”
Lieutenant Colonel Sieg looked at the astonished Professor Kahn and slightly shook his head.
He didn’t fully articulate certain things.
In reality, the high-ranking nobles in the Imperial Capital had already mentally prepared to sacrifice Saint Roland Academy in this incident.
Of course, if their own children were among the hostages trapped within the academy, the situation would be entirely different—
Forcing the military and the Directorate to mobilize all their forces, and even deploying the private armed forces controlled by the nobles themselves for a rescue, would be entirely possible.
But the Ash Cult had chosen their timing well. It was just after sunset, and the noble children who had been studying at Saint Roland Academy had already returned to their residences in the Imperial Capital.
Those who remained at the academy were basically commoner students with no backing in the Imperial Capital.
To the high-ranking nobles of the Imperial Capital—
A group of commoners with no background, at best possessing some talent.
Compared to forcing a rescue when it was known that Four Rings cultivators were present, potentially even risking the loss of Master-grade Beast Tamers under their command in the enemy’s counter-attack.
On this scale, the choice was almost obvious without even looking.
After hearing the officer’s words, Professor Kahn fell silent for a moment.
After quite some time, he spoke again, “Lieutenant Colonel Sieg, if you and I join forces against that Patriarch…”
“It will be difficult.”
Lieutenant Colonel Sieg’s voice remained serious, “From my perception, he is at the late stage of the Four Rings, on the same level as me. He should not be an ordinary individual among the Ash Cult’s Patriarchs.”
“With your mid-stage Four Rings cultivation, it won’t be difficult to suppress him and gain an advantage, but achieving a quick victory within half an hour will be extremely challenging.”
“And according to the fluctuations detected by the beholder, the internal sacrificial ritual should be completed within twenty minutes. By then, even if we defeat the Patriarch, it will be of no avail.”
“However, regardless, as a member of the military, I must try.”
The middle-aged officer summoned a bear-like familiar beside him, “Actually, there is another way to break this stalemate.”
“The Ash Cult Patriarch is being held off by us. The arsonists inside the wall of fire are all at the Two Rings level.”
“If your students are strong enough, there might be a chance to destroy the altar from within. This would not only stop the sacrificial ritual but also remove the blockade array, allowing the army and instructors to enter and rescue the hostages.”
“The students inside…”
Professor Kahn’s gray eyebrows furrowed. Then, a hint of joy appeared on his wrinkled old face, “Although many senior students are out on missions, I remember that the most elite members of the student council have just returned.”
As he spoke, his eyes, which were looking at the beholder’s detection screen, suddenly lit up, “Attack!”
Behind Professor Kahn, three illusory points of light in red, blue, and green appeared.
The points of light rapidly condensed, transforming into humanoid creatures with small wings.
They were elemental sprites of fire, wind, and lightning.
Furthermore, they differed from ordinary Commander Tier elemental sprites. The elemental sprites summoned by Professor Kahn had clearer forms, and the nascent stages of a crown were already appearing on their heads.
This indicated that his three elemental sprites had reached the fourth tier, earning them the title of Sprite Monarchs.
The three-colored points of light rapidly converged and then transformed into beams, shooting towards the wall of fire.
On the other side, the giant bear summoned by Lieutenant Colonel Sieg stood on its hind legs, letting out a deafening roar. A ring of earthy yellow light spread outwards.
Boom—
A giant wreathed in lava appeared amidst the flames. Its magma-covered fist struck the incoming elemental waves.
The elemental waves were shattered, but the lava giant staggered a few steps, its obsidian volcanic rock cracking.
In a very short time, three Master-grade Beast Tamers were locked in combat.
…
And on the other side of the wall of fire.
Hardly at the same time as the three Four Rings powerhouses on the outside engaged in battle.
Several students, who had been covered in dust and disguised among the captured crowd, suddenly sprang into action.
Imposing familiar figures appeared, exuding powerful auras, revealing their masters’ identity as Two Rings Beast Tamers.
To have advanced to the Intermediate Beast Tamer level as students of an Extraordinary Academy, they were all outstanding elites among the student body.
They were all members of the Saint Roland Academy Student Council and had fought side-by-side many times, completing numerous high-difficulty missions for the Adventurers’ Guild.
This time, they had discovered the altar as the key to breaking the stalemate early on, so they deliberately disguised themselves as captured individuals and quietly infiltrated the vicinity of the dark altar.
Then, after communicating through eye contact, they coordinated their efforts and launched an assault on the dark altar.
Holy chants echoed behind them, accompanied by pure beams of light.
It was Diris summoning her Pure White Unicorn, and various support enhancement skills were being cast upon their familiars, significantly amplifying the power of their attacks.
This sudden turn of events invigorated all the students present, as well as the instructors outside who were using detection skills to observe, bringing a look of anticipation to their faces.
Mature thinking, sharp combat tactics, tacit cooperation.
With enhancement buffs added.
This was the elite of Saint Roland Academy!
The opportunity to break Saint Roland Academy’s predicament, become the hero who saved the academy, bathed in flowers, glory, applause, and cheers, was at this moment!
However, to everyone’s surprise.
Just as the familiars’ attacks were about to land on the dark altar.
Trails of dark flames, as if to devour light, silently appeared around the altar.
Then.
Instantly.
Almost all the familiars that approached the altar let out tragic cries, their flesh and blood being burned and corroded.
Even though they were immediately recalled to their Soul Pact Space by their masters, they barely managed to cling to life.
And the pain that backlashed through the Soul Contract from their familiars turned the faces of those students pale, causing them to faint immediately.
Within a few seconds.
The student council elites who had carried everyone’s hopes were completely defeated, unable to rise again.
…
“Hahahaha… Did you really think all of us from the Ash Cult are brainless madmen, leaving a single opening for you to exploit?”
“The altar is suppressed by the owner’s token. How can ants like you possibly destroy it?”
Arrogant laughter came from the crowd of black-robed thugs. A leader-like arsonist stepped out from the group.
His undisguised power made all the captured students present inwardly sink.
Three Rings!
A High-level Beast Tamer!
And not someone who had just reached that level.
Besides the Patriarch outside, there was another powerhouse hidden among these arsonists.
An Intermediate Beast Tamer was already the limit for current students. For the military, Three Rings was sufficient to hold a general’s position.
This was not just a difference of one additional Soul Pact; it was the difference between the growth potential of familiars breaking through from the Extraordinary Tier to the Commander Tier.
It was almost an insurmountable chasm.
The arsonist leader scanned his surroundings.
Then, his gaze settled upon Diris, who stood pale-faced in the crowd, having exhausted her mental power by casting multiple support skills.
He raised his scythe and pointed it at Diris’s swan-like fair neck, a hideous smile appearing on his lips.
“I heard that Pure White Unicorns only form contracts with maidens who are virgins.”
“Such a pure soul, it should be a suitable first sacrifice for my Master.”
…
“Bastard, let go of President Diris!”
“Stop it! Your atrocities will be judged!”
Seeing Diris, who was at the mercy of the scythe but still stubbornly refused to bow down to the arsonist leader, many students roared in anger.
As the Student Council President of Saint Roland Academy, Diris had always been diligent and responsible. She was knowledgeable, polite, gentle, and kind to both her teachers and classmates.
Coupled with her exceptional beauty, she had long been the perfect goddess in the hearts of countless commoner students.
Now, seeing the goddess of their hearts in danger, many wished they could rush forward to save her, but they were all bound by ropes, completely unable to move.
As the shouts and curses of the crowd grew, the arsonist leader’s actions of driving Diris towards the altar actually paused.
However, it was not due to those meaningless shouts and reprimands.
He turned around, his brows furrowed as he stared into the distance, “Who is it? Come out.”
“Oh, it seems there are still some intelligent individuals in the Ash Cult. Not all of you are just brainless lunatics focused on burning things.”
“Indeed, if you only knew how to burn things, you would have likely been used as pawns and annihilated long ago.”
“As expected, hidden forces that can endure in this world naturally have their unique ways of conducting themselves.”
Some lazy words drifted from afar.
A man and a woman emerged from the cluster of buildings.
The man had black hair and black eyes, wore a trench coat, and had his hands in his pockets, his expression casual.
The woman, with her hair cascading down her shoulders, wore the simple student uniform of Saint Roland Academy, which did little to conceal the beauty of her pale, delicate face.
She walked a step behind the young man, her light golden hair fluttering in the heatwave from the fire.
It was Shaya and Aerora.
Shaya, with his hands in his pockets, examined the arsonist leader from head to toe, “By the way, I’m a little curious, does everyone in the Ash Cult come standard with a scythe?”
“Are you really cosplaying as the FFF group?”
FFF group?
The arsonist leader frowned slightly, not understanding Shaya’s question.
But soon, he shifted his attention from Shaya back to the blonde girl beside him, who was holding a silver spear.
This blonde girl gave him a peculiar feeling.
From her age and the perceived mental strength, she shouldn’t have reached Three Rings yet, still remaining in the realm of an Intermediate Beast Tamer.
Yet, in his spiritual perception, the girl was like a sharp knight’s sword, brimming with a fierce killing intent.
It was as if anything, be it metal or stone, that appeared before her, had only the fate of being pierced into powder.
The arsonist leader’s expression gradually turned solemn.
Without a doubt, this blonde girl before him was a powerhouse capable of threatening him.
Compared to the previous weaklings, although they were all Two Rings, she was in a completely different league.
“Shaya, Aerora.”
Sensing their arrival, Diris looked up in surprise.
The crowd of captured students also stirred.
Some students looked at Aerora with hope. She was the true strongest of Saint Roland Academy.
Perhaps what the elite student council members couldn’t accomplish before, this prodigy, ranked first in the academy and rumored to be on long-term missions with the military, could achieve?
Meanwhile, other students were blankly asking those around them who Shaya was.
“Ahem.”
Shaya surveyed the surroundings and cleared his throat.
“All eyes on me, everyone, I have an announcement to make.”
In an instant.
Students, arsonists, instructors… Myriad gazes converged on Shaya.
Even the three Four Rings powerhouses engaged in battle in the distance diverted a small portion of their mental energy to pay attention.
All their trump cards had been revealed, and it had reached the critical moment where everything was on the line.
And at this moment, Shaya and Aerora might be the final variables that would determine the outcome of the battle.
Then.
Under everyone’s gaze.
Shaya spoke words that made all the teachers and students of Saint Roland Academy’s vision black out.
“Um, I think President Diris’s soul quality is a bit too subpar.”
“How about… I’ll be the sacrifice first?”
