Chapter 2366 Capture the Flag

Chapter 2366 Capture the Flag

A tense atmosphere hung over the clearing as two groups of 50 acolytes stood poised at the base of a towering, forested mountain, 100 miles outside of Utopia City.

The objective was simple: reach the summit and claim the flag that fluttered in the wind, a symbol of victory waiting at the peak. The air was thick with anticipation, every acolyte eager to prove themselves in the upcoming battle.

Leading one of the groups was a striking silver-haired girl, her sharp eyes gleaming confidently. She commanded a force of half-blood acolytes.

"Don't get your hopes up, we will be the winners,"

Standing across the field was a young man with a noble demeanor. He replied with a calm smile, "Well... not this time... you won't."

As both groups eyed each other, mentally preparing for the challenge, the signal was given—a sharp, piercing note that echoed across the clearing.

Without hesitation, both sides charged forward, their movements swift and precise. The initial sprint through the open field soon gave way to the dense thickets and uneven ground of the lower mountain slopes. But the mountain wasn't just an unyielding obstacle of nature. As they ascended, they quickly encountered the first challenge: a combined force of 100 acolytes standing in their path. This group was a mix from the higher and middle halls, their task was to prevent any group from reaching the summit without a fight.

Immediately, the battle erupted into chaos. The mountain's base became a battlefield, and the two advancing groups were forced to halt their momentum and engage the defenders. Fireballs crackled through the air, while barriers of light and shadow were summoned to block incoming attacks. The clash of weapons and the hum of magical energy filled the forest as acolytes from all sides engaged in close combat, dodging spells and striking at each other with deadly precision. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Shinta, the silver-haired leader of Hall 9, pushed her team of half-bloods forward with sheer aggression, smashing through every challenge with raw force. Her acolytes, a mix of diverse bloodlines, followed her lead, their abilities enhancing the team's relentless advance. They tore through the initial obstacles with brutal efficiency, determined to be the first to reach the summit.

Meanwhile, Hardy, the calm and strategic leader of Hall 6, took a more measured approach, maintaining a steady pace but falling a few steps behind Hall 9. His methodical demeanor contrasted sharply with Shinta's ferocity, but his focus was unwavering. As they pressed on, the difference in tactics became evident.

"We need to go faster! We cannot get left behind!" Blaine shouted, frustration evident in his voice. His competitive nature flared, especially as he watched the insectoid half-bloods among their ranks grow restless, eager not to be outdone by the other half-blood in Hall 9.

Despite their relentless efforts, it quickly became apparent that both Shiryu and Dillion were far too powerful for their opponents to overcome. Dillion's mastery of gravity spells in his Magus form was particularly daunting, creating an invisible force that weighed down his opponents, severely restricting the movements of all four acolytes. Every step felt like wading through thick mud, and the strain was palpable.

On the other side, Shiryu, now fully transformed into his fearsome dragon form, wielded his spear with deadly precision. Each thrust was accompanied by a roar that reverberated through the battlefield, his powerful strikes pushing them back relentlessly.

"This is impossible!!" However, amidst the chaos, Shinta's quick thinking and cunning instincts came to the forefront. She had been watching closely, biding her time, waiting for the perfect opportunity. While the others struggled, she cleverly concealed herself within Twik's root attack, camouflaging her spells among the tangled vines and branches. Faking her capture, she tricked both Magus into thinking she was out of the fight.

Then, in one swift, calculated motion, she broke free from the roots and bolted forward, her feet barely touching the ground as she slipped past both Magus in a burst of speed.

A victorious smile spread across her face as she dashed toward the flag. "I win!!" she exclaimed, laughter bubbling from her lips.

But just a few steps from the flag, she was shocked to see another figure appear from the opposite side of the mountain. It was Hardy, who had quietly taken a detour around the chaos, and with a triumphant smirk, he snatched the flag from its place.

"NOOO!!!!!" Shinta's voice rang with disbelief.

"Hahaha! Hall 6 wins!!" Hardy declared, his grin wide as he waved the flag triumphantly for all to see.

The combined instructors from the various allied halls watched the results with satisfaction, their eyes gleaming with approval. Klea, in particular, couldn't hide her elation, a proud smile crossing her face as she observed how smoothly the joint training exercise had unfolded. It had been a perfect simulation of a real battle, and the collaboration between the acolytes was better than she'd hoped.

With only two months remaining until the end-of-year exams, the pressure was palpable. For many of the acolytes, this marked their final year—one last chance to leave their mark within the academy before they would be judged on their readiness to face the outside world.

This was precisely why their newly advanced seniors, Shiryu and Dillion, had taken the time to assist in the training. The presence of two fresh Magus-level acolytes was an invaluable resource for the younger students. Once the joint training exercise concluded, Shiryu and Dillion took the time to personally mentor the juniors. Both moved amongst the tired but eager acolytes, offering advice, correcting techniques, and sharing insights. They ensured that the younger acolytes would be prepared, both physically and mentally, for the challenges of the upcoming exams.

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