Chapter 384 88.7 - Final Exams
Chapter 384 88.7 - Final Exams
Chapter 384 Chapter 88.7 - Final Exams
The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, casting a soft, golden light across the academy grounds. Eleanor walked briskly to her office, her mind still reeling from the revelations of the previous night.
After seeing the document, she, of course, didn't believe it immediately and started a special investigation. And, some of the things she had found...
They all matched the previous events that had transpired in the academy. Though it wasn't much, it was enough to increase the possibility of that being true.
She had spent hours contemplating her next moves, ensuring that the academy's final exams would proceed without incident despite the looming threat.
After she entered her office and settled, she was greeted by a knock on the door.
–CREAK!
Eleanor's eyes flicked up to see a young man standing there. He had incredibly handsome features; his green eyes and brown hair almost perfectly matched.
His demeanor was refined and calm, a stark contrast to the cold and wild student he had been at the start of the semester.
"Come in, Student Victor," Eleanor called, gesturing for him to take a seat. He stepped inside, moving with a grace that suggested he was fully aware of his surroundings and his own capabilities.
Eleanor watched him closely as he sat down. "Student Victor, I noticed you haven't appointed anyone for the duel," she began, her tone inquisitive but firm. "Explain the reason why."
Victor looked directly into her eyes, holding her gaze for a few moments longer than was comfortable.
A subtle but unmistakable surge of energy emanated from him, a controlled and deliberate display of his power. In Eleanor's experienced eyes, it was child's play compared to her own abilities, but it was impressive for a student.
After a pause, Victor spoke, his voice calm and measured. "I've come to realize that appointing a duel against a student for the sake of showing off my prowess is not possible for me." He stopped.
Eleanor could easily see where he was going with this.
"After all, no one in this year can pose a challenge enough to display my prowess. Not even Seraphina Frostborne or Irina Emberheart."
Eleanor narrowed her eyes. "That's an arrogant statement, Victor."
Victor remained unfazed, his demeanor steady. "It is not arrogance to know your worth, Instructor. I dislike wasting my time."
Eleanor regarded him for a moment, considering his words. "That's indeed a good quality," she acknowledged, nodding her head. "So, what do you want, then?"
Victor's eyes gleamed with a determination that Eleanor hadn't seen in him before. "I propose a duel with either a senior student or an instructor. I believe that only they can provide a challenge worthy of my abilities and truly test my limits."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "You understand that this is highly irregular? The duels are designed to be between peers, to ensure fairness and appropriate levels of challenge."
Victor nodded. "I understand, but I also believe that exceptions can be made for the sake of genuine progress. I don't seek to undermine the system; I seek to push myself beyond its confines."
Eleanor leaned back in her chair, pondering his request. It was bold, certainly, and could set a precedent that might be difficult to manage. The repetition of the academy could also be affected by this decision, yet Eleanor knew it was already in shambles to a certain extent.
There was also a logic to his argument that she couldn't entirely dismiss. "Who do you have in mind?" she asked, curious about how far Victor's ambition extended.
"The best of the seniors or one of the more experienced instructors. Someone who can truly push me to my limits and beyond," Victor replied, his voice steady and resolute. "I do not care about winning or losing."
Eleanor considered his proposal carefully. Allowing such a duel could indeed provide valuable insights into Victor's abilities and could be beneficial for the academy's reputation if handled correctly. It was a double-edged sword at the end.
"Very well," she said finally. "I'll discuss this with the academy's board. If they approve, you'll get your chance."
"I won't disappoint."
"You are dismissed."
With that, Victor left the room, leaving Eleanor alone.
"Interesting, batch. Isn't it?"
'From my state of mind alone, it can be easily concluded that something related to souls happened in Phantom's Land. Yet, no one knows anything.'
'No, not no one.'
I thought.
'Irina knows something.'
There was someone who knew. After all, there was no way she could escape from my eyes. Her reactions after the Phantom's Land and her certain emotional swings from time to time.
'Yet, she is suffering the same thing. Her memory is hazy; something is blocking it.'
I need to get the answers related to those memories as well as see if Irina was someone that needed to be taken care of.
I needed to keep her close.
But for now, nothing seemed to me dangerous.
'In any case, it is highly likely that Liam Wayne is being instigated by someone.'
There was certain someone in my mind, someone that would make sense.
'But well, in the end, does it matter?'
Since the person appointed didn't pass a certain range of rank, at the end of the day, acting like I wasn't top-notch would be a lot easier for someone like him, who was controlled by his emotions.
Also, since I had confirmed that once again, Ethan and Victor would take the spotlight.
'As well as the duel between Irina and Seraphina.'
Eyes would be on other people, after all.
*******
The campus was buzzing with energy as the sun rose over Arcadia Hunter Academy. The anticipation for the week-long duels was palpable, filling the air with excitement and nervous tension.
Students hurried through the corridors, some exchanging last-minute words of encouragement with friends, others lost in their thoughts, mentally preparing for the challenges ahead.
By 8:45 A.M., the grand arenas where the duels would take place were already filling up.
Relatives, mentors, and a few select outsiders who had been granted permission to watch the duels took their seats, chatting animatedly.
The arena itself was a marvel of magical engineering, with a central arena that could shift and adapt to various combat scenarios, surrounded by tiered seating that offered everyone a clear view of the action.
RING!
At precisely 9:00 A.M., a loud gong resonated through the amphitheater, signaling the official start of the event.
And the moment it did, a hologram appeared right in the middle of every arena.
"Welcome to the Final Exam - Duels," the Headmaster announced, his voice amplified by a subtle use of mana.
"This is a time-honored tradition of our academy, where students demonstrate their skills, bravery, and determination. Each duel is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We wish all participants the best of luck."
The audience erupted in applause, the sound echoing through the amphitheater. As it died down, the Headmaster continued, "Our first duels of the day will begin shortly. Participants, please make your way to the staging area."
Backstage, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of excitement and tension. Students were lined up, waiting for their turn.
Just like that, the duel period had started.
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