Chapter 229: Let's Start

"For the winner of the 'Trial of Illusions' event, we have Adrian Lighthaven."

Adrian stepped forward once more, the cheers of the crowd echoing in his ears. This time, he received a shimmering crystal orb, a token of his victory, a powerful artifact from a Gold Ruin. He thanked the principal and returned to his place among the students, a satisfied smile on his face.

The ceremony continued, and soon it was time for the winners of the 'Team Battle' event to be announced. "And the winners of the 'Team Battle' event are Adrian Lighthaven and his team: Kairen, Ardel, Lila, Aurelius, and Aria."

Adrian and his teammates walked up to the stage together, the bond between them evident in their smiles and confident strides. They received a large trophy, symbolizing their teamwork and strategic prowess. The crowd cheered loudly, acknowledging the team's hard work and unity. Each of them was given an artifact from a Silver Ruin as well.

After another event, the individual combat winners were announced. The third place was taken by Aria, the second Aurelius, and finally, the first, Adrian.

"In first place for the individual combat event, we have Adrian Lighthaven."

Adrian stepped forward to receive a pair of gleaming daggers, while Aurelius was awarded a sword, and Aria got a staff. All the artifacts were from Gold-tier Ruins, the academy was really generous with its rewards. The crowd applauded their achievements, recognizing their strength and skill.

Finally, the moment Adrian had been waiting for arrived. "And the winner of the 7 Star Strategy Games event is... Adrian Lighthaven."

The crowd's applause was deafening as Adrian made his way to the stage for the fifth and last time. He received a grand trophy, intricately designed and symbolizing the highest honor of the event. In addition to the trophy, as the first-place winner of the 7 Star Strategy Games event, he was awarded a rare spell scroll.

The principal explained, "This spell scroll is a unique treasure that appears in Gold or higher-tier ruins. You don't have to learn the spell through traditional means. Simply imbue your aether into the scroll, and it will do the rest. However, if the spell scroll is of an elemental type, you must have an affinity with the element, or else the spell scroll will be wasted."

Adrian accepted the spell scroll, feeling its ancient power thrumming through his fingers. The principal smiled and added, "This spell scroll contains a mind-defending spell. It will protect you against mental attacks and enhance your mental resilience."

Adrian's eyes widened with appreciation. "Thank you, Principal. This is an incredible honor." S~eaʀᴄh the nôᴠel Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

As he carefully stored the spell scroll in his ring, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and relief. He finally got the last reward he wanted.

The ceremony continued with the announcement of the ultimate finals' winners. Adrian watched with his friends as the winners were called up to the stage.

The ultimate team battle event's first place was taken by the fourth years' team. In the second place was the second years' team, and in third place, the third years' team. The first years did not participate due to Adrian's absence.

Adrian felt a twinge of disappointment at not being able to compete, but he knew it was for the best given his condition. Well, they would have lost given the difference in their power anyway.

As for the individual combat ultimate finals, the first place was taken by the fourth-year student Layla Moonshadow, the Shadow Phantom. The second place went to the third-year student, Cedric Lightbringer. As for the third place, it was obviously the strongest second year, Ceil Skyborn.

Then, with another speech from the principal and a few distinguished guests, the tournament came to an end. Adrian looked around at his friends, the satisfaction of their achievements shared among them.

But as the applause faded and the ceremony concluded, Adrian couldn't shake the feeling that their greatest challenges were yet to come. Well, this all was just the beginning anyway. He and the Main Cast had a long way to go.

_______ ___ _

Later in the evening.

Adrian walked through the academy grounds, searching his way to the location sent by Aria.

After walking for a while, Adrian passed through the forest behind the first year's grounds and finally came into a clearing. His eyes widened in pure astonishment as he took in the view before him. A large silver pond lay at the center of the clearing, its surface reflecting the moonlight in a shimmering dance.

Beside the pond, a magical waterfall cascaded down from a rocky cliff, the water sparkling with an ethereal glow as it fell into the pool below.

The air was filled with the soft hum of nature, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the distant call of night birds. Fireflies flickered around the clearing, their tiny lights adding a touch of magic to the scene. The scent of blooming flowers wafted through the air, mingling with the fresh, earthy smell of the forest.

Adrian felt a sense of tranquility wash over him as he took in the beautiful scenery. The combination of the serene pond, the enchanting waterfall, and the surrounding flora created a perfect, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

His eyes then landed on a figure near the pond, slowly rising from the water's edge. Aria stood there, her presence blending seamlessly with the magical surroundings. She wore a flowing dress that shimmered like the surface of the pond, catching the light and reflecting it in a myriad of colors. Her wavy silver hair danced gently in the evening breeze, framing her mesmerizing face.

Her purple eyes glowed with an inner light, captivating and enchanting Adrian as he watched her.

Aria smiled warmly as she saw Adrian, her expression filled with a mixture of hidden joy and anticipation. "Adrian," she called softly, her voice carrying the melody of the night.

Adrian stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. "Aria, this place... it's incredible."

'She's incredible!'

Aria nodded, her eyes twinkling with nearly unseen delight. "I'm glad you like it. I thought this would be the perfect place for us to talk."

Adrian took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "It's perfect, Aria. Everything about it."

"Then, let's start." Aria's warm smile remained as she slowly drew her sword, the blade gleaming under the moonlight. She took a graceful fighting stance, her movements fluid and precise.

"Eh? Start what?"