Seven figures rushed out from different directions in the forest simultaneously, faces filled with excitement and anticipation as they surrounded Lilith.
“Go! Eliminate her!”
“We’ve got this! We’ve got this!”
Just then, an eighth figure stepped out from behind a tree on the other side.
It was a youth wearing a deep blue uniform. He appeared more composed than the others, a confident smile playing on his lips.
“I am Ryan, a first-year from the Royal Capital Magic Academy.” He gave Lilith a slight nod. “The eight of us are freshmen from the Royal Capital, and we’ve come to test your skills.”
As he finished speaking, the seven people behind him dropped into combat stances.
“Sure, come at me!” Lilith replied, settling into her own fighting stance.
...
Outside the Mirage Corridor, in the spectator area.
A massive projection spell hovered in mid-air, divided into eight sections, each displaying real-time footage from the different fields.
Leaders and instructors from various academies sat in the viewing stands, conversing in low voices as they watched the matches.
When the feed for Field 3 switched to Lilith being surrounded by eight people, many showed expressions of interest.
“Oh? A team from the Royal Capital Academy has cornered a student from the Holy City?”
“Check the marker... Is that the Rank 2, Lilith? The one ranked second in talent?”
“Eight against one. Although they’re all quasi-Rank 1 and Rank 1, the numerical advantage is clear. That Holy City student is likely going to suffer.”
“Indeed, two hands are no match for sixteen. Even if she is Rank 2, it will be difficult to gain the upper hand against eight well-coordinated opponents.”
Amidst the discussion, a middle-aged man in ornate robes turned to look at Principal Aurora beside him, a smug expression on his face.
“Old Man Aurora, that student of yours named Lilith doesn't seem to be in a very good spot.”
He was Glen, the Vice Principal of the Royal Capital Magic Academy.
Principal Aurora stroked his white beard and gave a chuckle.
“Glen, don’t speak too soon. You think numbers alone can bridge the gap in talent? Besides, Lilith is a genius of our academy. She reached Rank 2 less than five days after enrollment. Although Karl is officially number one, I don’t believe she’s made zero progress this past month.”
Glen raised an eyebrow.
“Oh? Such confidence? Then how about we make a bet?”
“What are the stakes?”
“Let’s wager a Rank 6 Magic Crystal.” Glen pointed at the projection screen. “I bet the students from the Royal Capital Academy will win.”
Hearing this, the leaders of the other academies turned to look, their faces showing they were eager for the show.
A Rank 6 Magic Crystal was quite precious and extremely valuable.
Principal Aurora’s brow furrowed slightly as he hesitated for a few seconds.
Seeing this, Glen immediately laughed and prodded him.
“What’s the matter, Old Man Aurora? Surely you’re not afraid, are you? Hahaha!”
Aurora’s face instantly flushed red.
“I’ll take that bet! Who’s afraid of who!”
“Good! It’s a deal!” Glen nodded with satisfaction and turned his attention back to the projection.
The other academy leaders exchanged glances, focusing their attention on the footage from Field 3 as well.
...
Field 3, Mirage Corridor.
Lilith looked at the eight people before her, the corners of her mouth curling upward.
“Who’s going first?”
The eight exchanged looks.
“We won’t bully you,” Ryan said, nodding to a warrior beside him who was holding a greatsword. “Hank, you go first. Test her limits.”
The warrior named Hank grinned, hoisting a greatsword that was nearly as tall as he was, and strode toward Lilith.
“Hank, first-year warrior from the Royal Capital Academy! Please advise!”
With a low roar, he charged at Lilith like a cannonball!
His speed was high, and his momentum was fierce.
He was clearly a Rank 1 warrior who had undergone rigorous training.
As Hank charged, Lilith raised her right hand and made a light slashing motion in the air before her.
Swish!
An invisible slash instantly appeared, flying toward Hank!
The slash wasn't particularly fast, and its power was perfectly controlled.
Seeing this, a flash of disdain crossed Hank’s eyes.
“That’s it?”
He didn't even bother to dodge, preparing to tank it head-on!
Psh!
The slash hit his chest, carving a shallow bloody mark.
Hank let out a muffled grunt. His charge faltered for a moment, but he didn't stop!
In the team behind him, a young girl in white robes immediately raised her staff, and a soft healing light fell upon Hank. The bloody mark healed at a speed visible to the naked eye, vanishing in an instant.
Hank let out a loud laugh.
“That’s all the power you have? That was just an itch!”
He accelerated again, reaching Lilith. Gripping his sword with both hands, he swung it down toward her head!
“Take this!”
The greatsword whistled through the air, seemingly about to strike Lilith.
In the spectator area, Vice Principal Glen’s lips were already curled into a victorious smile.
Principal Aurora clenched his fists, a thin layer of sweat breaking out on his forehead.
However, at that moment, Lilith raised her left hand, fingers spread wide, and caught the greatsword directly.
Hank’s greatsword stopped dead in mid-air.
His blade had been caught firmly by Lilith’s bare left hand.
Hank himself was stunned.
Even all the leaders in the spectator area were stunned.
What was going on?!
A Rank 2 mage had caught a Rank 1 warrior’s full-strength strike with her bare hand?!
How was this possible?!
Hank’s eyes widened as he stared at Lilith’s seemingly delicate hand, his mind going completely blank.
Lilith looked up and gave him a brilliant smile.
“I forgot to tell you...”
“I’m a rare dual practitioner of magic and physical training.”
“So...”
She pulled her right hand back into a fist and then threw a sudden punch.
Bang!!!
The punch landed squarely on Hank’s chest.
Hank didn't even have time to react before his feet left the ground, and he was sent flying backward!
Thud!
He tumbled seven or eight times after hitting the ground before finally coming to a stop.
He lay there, motionless.
...
Rate on N.U.
