Chapter 146: Academy Battle (5)

Chapter 146: Academy Battle (5)

Every competition of the Academy Battle, in which about thirty prestigious academies from around the world participated, was held at the Stella Dome.

This special space was half real and half virtual, allowing participants to summon anything they desired, from landscapes to imaginary magical objects.

It also reflected the unique identity of Stella.

The Class 9 Archmage Eltman Eltwin replicated the 'Otherworld' by pouring all his knowledge and magic into it.

Though replicating another world seemed nonsensical, to magic users of Class 8 and above, such 'common sense' didn't apply, and no one questioned it.

*'... Can this barrier really prevent a curse?’*

Florin, the king of all familiars and elves, and the closest entity to the Heavenly Spirit Tree, asked with an uneasy expression.

Currently, the Stella Dome featured a massive stadium, with commoners and noble spectator seats strictly separated.

Additionally, Eltman Eltwin personally allotted a VIP section to Florin. It was located at the highest point in the stadium, and only allowed transparency from inside.

The opaque glass film was possible due to the special material provided by Edna and developed by Alterisha, but in addition, Eltman’s ‘Spatial Barrier’ enchanted it, so this place was like a completely separate world.

With a different dimension itself, how could the curse leak out?

Thanks to this setup, apart from Assistant Orenha, no one was around Florin, providing a pleasant environment to enjoy the competition.

"You don't need to worry about curses here at all."

"It's fascinating..."

Florin touched the opaque barrier like a child. A stark contrast to her usual imposing demeanor, causing Orenha's lips to subtly curve upwards.

"Do you like it?"

"... Eltman. It's been a while."

As the opaque barrier parted, Stella Academy's Principal Eltman Eltwin walked in.

Thinking about being interrupted in their private time, Orenha's expression briefly stiffened, but Florin greeted her friend with a smile.

"To develop something like this is impressive."

"It's not entirely my original magic. Well, 99% is my magic, but..."

"Did you receive help from someone else?"

As Florin widened her eyes at the unexpected notion of Eltman Eltwin seeking assistance, he nodded and chuckled, revealing a modest smile.

"Yeah. Our student developed a very unique theory called 'Parallel Array.' It turned the magical community upside down. Have you heard about him? He’s called Baek Yu-Seol."

"Oh... Yes, I've heard. I'm really curious about that student."

At the mention of Baek Yu-Seol, Orenha's fingertips trembled.

Baek Yu-Seol’s achievements were excessively outstanding to be considered an ordinary student.

It might seem utterly incomprehensible, but the truth that he was a mage who had lived for centuries provided enough plausibility.

Defeating dark mages?

Parallel Array?

All of his achievements were remarkable.

However, it was not as if such astonishing achievements never appeared in the world. Most were limited to old archmages.

The more prominent Baek Yu-Seol’s achievements became, the more convinced Orenha was of his hypothesis.

*‘No doubt. At this point, all Divine Slayers have either been arrested or killed due to the relentless pursuit by elite High Elf judges. Except for one, the unidentified assassin who put Florin’s friend Celestia into a deep slumber.’*

At this point, Baek Yu-Seol, who was heavily tainted with divine energy was undoubtedly a Divine Slayer.

Unless you kill a spirit and take its heart, it was impossible for a human to possess such energy.

*'Is he starting to act slowly, thinking no one will recognize his true identity?'*

*‘If so, it’s a big mistake.’*

He had already seen through his identity, and in this place, every Elf King had personally attended.

Evading her sharp insight was absolutely impossible.

*'Whatever happens, it's anticipated. Was the life of the teenage student thriving under the name Baek Yu-Seol enjoyable?’*

*‘Was being called a genius thrilling?’*

*‘Well, it's truly regrettable. It will come to an end today.'*

While Orenha smiled alone without anyone knowing, Florin conversed with Eltman.

"What an extraordinary student."

"I can’t believe I learned something new from a student in our academy. I still have a long way to go. Well...”

Florin touched the opaque barrier and asked, "This item... Can it be obtained elsewhere?"

Eltman sadly shook his head, "Sorry, that's not possible. It's only achievable in this virtual space called Stella Dome. The kind of magic it involves is difficult to implement in reality at my level..."

So, it seemed she wanted to get hold of Baek Yu-Seol.

Now that she knew his identity as a dark mage, she probably wanted to manipulate him as she pleased.

The character named Jeliel... was not someone who made a move normally, but only when she found a competent chess piece which could be controlled as she pleased.

Coercion, forgery, manipulation, and violence.

She was not much different from Jeremy as she committed all sorts of despicable and dirty acts from behind the scenes, and gradually dragged the other person down to the depths, turning them into slaves.

She was truly a woman he didn’t like in many ways.

"With just a word from me, even the Starcloud will be greatly shaken. Your father has probably worked hard... It's truly pitiful because of his daughter's mistake..."

Jeliel bit her lip slightly but didn't respond at all.

But by now, her mind must be in turmoil.

As someone who knew the setting and how she loved her father, he understood that this statement could be fatal to her.

If her father's honor was greatly damaged, and he became disappointed...

Jeliel wouldn’t be able to endure it.

"Well, it's a bother even talking to you in the first place. Just bring your father. How do you think he'll react? Trying to manipulate a person into a corner, even resorting to threats..."

"Enough, please stop."

Jeliel's pupils began to shake.

She appeared genuinely pitiful.

A girl with a breathtakingly beautiful appearance, who seemed like she could lose consciousness at any moment, might captivate the heart of any ordinary man.

However, with the protection of the charm immunity of the Blessing of Yeonhong Chunsamweol, he could remain quite composed in such situations.

"I'm willing to pay any amount for compensation... Please keep it a secret from my father."

"Are you sure about that? Just not revealing this fact to the public, including your father, would already result in a tremendous additional tax burden."

"It's okay."

Even if she had to pay a hefty price, it seemed she detested the idea of her mistake being exposed to her father.

Well, he had no intention of making a deal with Chairman Melian either.

It was better to firmly constrain Jeliel through coercion here.

In the future, for the sake of Edna and Eisel, who were destined to suffer terribly during the exchange student episode at the Astral Flower Magic Academy, this was the better choice.

"Alright, it's decided then?"

He was going to make somewhat excessive demands from her.

Flipping the stigma of being a dark mage was undoubtedly frowned upon even in magical society... but still, these demands were beyond reasonable.

However, even if it was Jeliel, she wouldn’t readily comply.

So, he would have to use the method he once employed.

Snap!

Anella, who was waiting in the background, revealed herself.

"Yes!"

"Did you bring the item?"

"Of course!"

She dramatically brought out a bag resembling 007, placed it on the table, and with a clicking sound, pulled out a piece of paper.

... Although it might seem impressive, it was just a cheap 'magic parchment' bought from a stationery store.

However, anyone would know that magic parchment had special functions.

"This is..."

Having swiftly written a 'pledge' on the magic parchment, Baek Yu-Seol extended it towards Jeliel.

"Let’s make a bet with Soul Chess?"

"... A bet, did you say?"

"Yes. If I lose, I'll cleanly forget about it, but if I win, you'll have to accept these conditions. How about it?"

He had nothing to lose even if he broke the pledge, while the other party faced a cruel and unjust deal where breaking the pledge resulted in the loss of all mana.

Unaware of even this fact, Jeliel silently read through the pledge, and having finally confirmed all the terms, she placed it on the table and nodded confidently.

"Alright. I accept these conditions."

Baek Yu-Seol subtly raised the corners of his mouth.

*'Caught you.'*