Chapter 274: Death game of the second round
The roar of the demonic crowd grew louder.
It thundered across the unfamiliar stadium until the stone beneath Arthur's feet trembled.
The sound was nothing like the cheers of human spectators.
It was savage.
Hungry.
Cruel.
Demons screamed from the stands, their horns, claws, fangs, and twisted faces illuminated by blood-red lights. Dark elves watched from shadowed balconies with cold, expressionless eyes. Werewolves snarled and slammed their fists against the railings, while vampires sat in elegant silence, their crimson eyes fixed upon the terrified humans below.
Countless other creatures filled the seats.
Some had enormous wings.
Some were covered in scales.
Some possessed multiple eyes.
And some had no faces at all.
Arthur's stomach tightened.
Every student from every academy had been transported into this strange stadium.
But unlike before, they were no longer gathered together In meeting rooms.
Each academy had been placed inside a separate enclosed section of the enormous arena. Invisible barriers divided the platforms from one another, leaving each group Isolated while the demonic audience surrounded them from every direction.
Celestias Academy's students stood together.
Layla.
Diana.
Damian.
Alden.
Isabella.
Evangline.
Jasmine.
Victor.
Ruby.
light
Liana.
Aaron.
The second-year students.
The third-year students.
Everyone.
Their faces were pale.
Their bodies were tense.
No one understood what was happening.
The tournament they had entered only moments ago had become something else entirely.
Something far worse.
A figure suddenly materialized above the central platform.
The white-haired woman.
She hovered effortlessly in the air as though gravity had no meaning to her.
Her snow-white hair drifted gently in the dark wind.
Her black eyes swept across the students below.
Then she smiled.
"Dear contestants, don't worry"
Her voice echoed throughout the stadium.
"The tournament is still ongoing."
The demonic audience erupted into laughter,
"And it is still being broadcast to your world."
Arthur's eyes narrowed.
The woman continued.
"Everything will remain the same."
She slowly spread her arms.
"But to make the tournament more interesting, you'll have to put your lives on the line."
A cold silence settled over the students.
"Don't worry about the risks."
Her smile widened.
"The rewards will be unimaginable."
Golden letters suddenly appeared above the arena.
{SKILLS)
{ARTIFACTS}
{WEALTH)
{BLOODLINES}
{AUTHORITY)
{ANYTHING THE WINNER DESIRES}
The students stared at the floating words.
The white-haired woman continued.
"Any wish the winner has will be rewarded."
Her expression suddenly became colder.
"There's only one minor change."
The entire stadium fell silent.
"In every match, every participating team except the team that places first..."
She paused.
...will have one candidate sacrificed."
The students froze.
"As an offering."
A terrified murmur spread through the academy sections.
Some students looked at their teammates.
Others Instinctively stepped backward.
Before anyone could ask what she meant, a massive black-and-gold rift suddenly opened above the central platform.
The space itself distorted.
The selected teams for the second match were immediately
surrounded by golden light.
Palms.
Liana.
Clarice.
Aegon.
Riley.
Along with the representatives from the other academies.
They disappeared into the rift without warning.
Arthur's fists clenched.
His eyes immediately turned cold as he looked toward the white-haired woman.
She was already watching him.
And smiling.
Arthur turned toward Aiden.
"Do anything you can."
His voice was low.
"Contact Astarte. Right now."
Alden immediately closed his eyes and focused.
His expression tightened.
Seconds passed.
Then his face slowly became pale.
"I'm trying"
He opened his eyes,
"It isn't working"
His voice shook slightly.
"Sister always appeared whenever she sensed that I was in danger."
Alden looked around the demonie stadium.
"But it feels like my connection with her has been cut off too."
Arthur's expression darkened.
Then-
A familiar notification appeared before his eyes.
[ULTIMATE CHOICE SYSTEM]
[SPECIAL QUEST GENERATED]
Quest Name: The Sentinel Pursuit
Difficulty: EX-Rank
Description:
A Sentinel Assassin is after you.
Its sole objective is to hunt you down and end your life.
Make sure you survive.
[CHOICE 1]
Survive.
Escape from the Sentinel pursuing you and ensure your own survival by any means necessary.
Reward:
Magic Sword of Destruction
Talent Upgrade Card x2
Failure Penalty:
DEATH
[CHOICE 2]
Ensure that you and all your teammates escape alive.
No teammate may die.
You must personally ensure the survival of everyone accompanying you.
Reward:
Complete Bloodline Integration
All Bloodlines currently possessed by the user will be integrated into a single unified Bloodline, resulting in explosive growth.
Failure Penalty:
DEATH
[MAKE YOUR CHOICE]
1. Survive.
2. Ensure your team survives.
Arthur stared at the quest window.
A Sentinel Assassin.
An EX-Rank quest.
And 2 choices.
One demanded that he survive.
The other demanded that everyone around him survive as
well.
His jaw tightened.
"Why am I not surprised?"
His gaze moved away from the System window and toward his teammates.
They were frightened.
Some were visibly trembling.
But despite their fear, their eyes kept turning toward Arthur.
They were waiting for him.
Trusting him.
Waiting for him to come up with a plan.
Arthur took a long breath.
Then he spoke quietly.
"Sorry, guys."
The others turned toward him.
Arthur's expression remained unreadable.
"My survival comes first."
Meanwhile, the participants selected for the Clash of Intellectuals Challenge found themselves inside an enormous enclosed chamber.
Its walls were constructed from dark stone covered in ancient golden runes.
Strange blue light radiated from countless floating crystals embedded in the celling, illuminating the massive room with an eerle glow.
At the center stood a gigantic statue.
It wore the robes of an ancient scholar, with a crown resting upon its stone head.
In one hand, it held a glowing golden crystal.
Each academy had been placed upon a separate platform surrounding the statue.
Diana, Liana, Clarice, Aegon, and Riley stood together on Celestias Academy's platform.
The other academy teams were close enough to see one another.
But invisible barriers separated them.
Liana looked around in panic.
"What the hell is happening?"
Her hands clenched tightly.
"Where are we? What is all this madness?"
The students from the other academies were equally distressed.
Some attempted to strike the invisible barriers.
Others shouted for their headmasters.
Several desperately searched for an exit.
Diana took a deep breath.
Then she stepped forward.
"Everyone, calm down first."
Her voice was firm enough to cut through the panic, The Celestias Academy team turned toward her.
"Our first priority is to clear this challenge and survive."
Diana's eyes moved around the unfamiliar chamber.
"Afterward, we'll reunite with the others and decide what to do."
She looked directly at Liana.
"For now, forget about dying."
Her volce remained steady.
"Treat this like a normal match."
The others remained silent.
Slowly, they nodded.
Diana was right.
Panic wouldn't save them.
Fear wouldn't solve the challenge.
They had to win.
Suddenly-
The enormous statue moved.
Stone scraped against stone.
Its head slowly turned toward the students.
Then it spoke.
"Woah."
Its voice echoed throughout the chamber.
"It appears we have some brave contestants here."
The statue's stone mouth curled into an unnatural smile.
"This will be fun."
It raised the golden crystal in its hand.
"Shall we begin the first round?"
The statue's voice became louder.
"I am the Guardian of Knowledge."
Its glowing eyes swept across the platforms.
"And I will serve as your host for this challenge."
A red buzzer suddenly appeared in front of every academy team.
The students stared at the devices.
"Before we begin, take a look at the red buzzer positioned in front of you."
The Guardian pointed toward them.
"Whenever you know the answer, press the buzzer first and then provide your response."
It paused.
"The team that answers correctly will advance to the next round."
Several students exchanged confused glances.
"The remaining teams will have to wait until they successfully answer."
A few students frowned.
The Guardian continued.
"There is no time limit for this round."
"But remember...
Its smile widened.
"Spending too much time here will leave you with less time to complete the challenges that follow,"
The students exchanged nervous glances.
"You may discuss each question and consult with your
teammates before answering."
The Guardian's glowing eyes narrowed.
"But be careful."
Its voice became colder.
"One incorrect answer may bring your journey in this challenge to an end."
The atmosphere immediately became heavier.
"And remember..."
The Guardian lifted the golden crystal higher.
"Each successive round will present questions more difficult than the last."
The crystal began to glow.
"With that..."
The chamber trembled faintly.
*...let the first challenge of the Clash of Intellectuals begin."
A soft golden light spread across all the platforms.
When it faded, a large holographic screen appeared before every team.
The first question materialized.
{FIRST QUESTION}
Which rare herb is known for treating Frostbane, a deadly magical disease that causes the victim's body temperature to continuously drop until their mana core freezes?
The chamber became completely silent.
Then-
Every team Immediately began discussing the question.
Students desperately searched their memories.
Magical medicine classes.
Ancient texts.
Herbal theory.
Healing spells.
Anything that might contain the answer.
Clarice's eyes suddenly widened.
"I-I think I know this one."
Everyone on the Celestias Academy platform turned toward her.
"It is the Crimsonleaf Herb."
Diana studied her expression.
"Are you certain?"
Clarice hesitated.
Her fingers tightened around the edge of her robe.
"I'm not completely sure."
She swallowed.
"But it's the only answer that comes to mind."
Diana's expression became serious.
"We can't afford to guess."
She looked toward Aegon and Riley.
"Does anyone know the answer?"
Silence.
Neither of them responded.
Aegon frowned deeply as he searched his memory.
Riley did the same.
But neither could confirm Clarice's answer.
Diana sighed.
"Then we skip it."
Clarice looked disappointed.
"But-"
"There's no point risking everything on a guess."
Diana's volce remained firm.
"We'll wait for the next question."
Before anyone could say anything else-Buzz!
A loud sound echoed through the chamber.
Everyone turned toward the source.
The leader of the Cherry Blossom Academy team had pressed their buzzer.
"We believe the herb used to treat Frostbane is the Crimsonleaf Herb."
Her voice was confident.
The Guardian of Knowledge smiled.
"Correct"
A wave of relief immediately passed through the Cherry Blossom team.
"Well done, Team Cherry Blossom Academy."
The statue raised the golden crystal.
"You have earned the right to proceed to the next round."
Golden light surrounded the Cherry Blossom team.
Then-
Whoosh!
They vanished from their platform.
The Guardian looked toward the remaining teams.
"As for the rest of you..."
Its smile widened.
"Better luck next time."
The remaining students groaned.
Only 7 teams remained.
Clarice lowered her head.
For a moment, she said nothing.
Then she looked toward Diana with a small, almost bitter smile.
"See?"
Her voice was qulet.
"My answer was right."
Diana didn't respond immediately.
She studied Clarice for a moment before slowly shaking her head.
"You need to have more confidence in yourself, Senior Clarice"
Clarice looked down.
Diana continued.
"If you're not confident in your own answer, the rest of us
will naturally doubt it too."
Clarice clenched her fists.
"I understand."
Her voice became firmer.
"I'll do better in the next round."
Diana nodded.
This was no longer an ordinary academic competition.
One wrong answer could have consequences far more serious than losing points.
One missed opportunity could leave them behind.
One moment of hesitation could cost them their chance to survive.
They were already behind after the first question.
And the challenge had only just begun.
Chapter 275: Sacrifice
Inside the enchanted chamber, the remaining academy teams stood before the Guardian of Knowledge, waiting for the next question. The pressure had become far heavier than before. This was no longer a simple competition for points.
Every participant understood the truth now. Fallure did not simply mean losing a match. Failure meant one of them could be chosen as a sacrifice-one of their own teammates could die.
The Guardian of Knowledge raised the glowing crystal in its stone hand, causing a golden light to spread across the chamber. A new question appeared on the floating screens before every remaining team.
[Next Question]
According to legend, in the ancient kingdom of Draconia, there exists a powerful artifact that allows a mortal to wield the power of the Heart of the Dragon.
It is said that whoever possesses the Dragon Heart will gain immense power and control over the elements.
However, the Dragon Heart is guarded by a fearsome dragon that cannot be defeated by conventional means.
How does one defeat this dragon and claim the Dragon Heart?
Silence filled the chamber as Diana, Liana, Clarice, Aegon, and Riley stared at the question. The name Draconia was familiar a legendary ancient kingdom connected to
dragons, old magical artifacts, and dangerous myths-but the exact legend was not something most students studied. Liana looked at her teammates, desperately trying to recall anything that might help them.
"So... does anyone have an idea about this-"
Buzz!
The loud sound of the buzzer suddenly echoed through the chamber, causing everyone to turn toward its source. Clarice had pressed it. She stood before the buzzer with her hands shaking slightly, but unlike the others, her eyes were focused. Liana stared at her in surprise.
"Senior, you-"
Clarice raised one hand, signaling her to wait, before stepping forward. "To defeat the dragon and claim the Dragon Heart, one must use a special artifact known as the Heartbreaker." Her voice was initially hesitant, but as she continued, it gradually became steadier. "The Heartbreaker is an artifact capable of breaking through the dragon's Impenetrable scales. It can shatter the shell protecting the dragon's heart, killing it."
The floating screens reflected in Clarice's glasses as she continued explaining. "However, the Heartbreaker can only be used by someone with pure intentions and a heart free from darkness. Once the dragon is defeated, the person holding the Heartbreaker can claim the Dragon Heart."
Clarice finished her answer.
For several seconds, nothing happened.
Her teammates watched her anxiously, unsure whether she had made the right choice. Then the Guardian of Knowledge suddenly began to laugh.
"Hohoho."
Its stone eyes glowed brightly as it looked toward Clarice.
"Correct."
Clarice's shoulders immediately relaxed, and a small breath escaped her lips. The Guardian raised the golden crystal in Its hand. "Well done, Team Celestias Academy. You have earned the right to proceed to the next round."
The other academy teams looked toward Celestias Academy with despair. Some had not even finished discussing the question, while others had desperately searched through their memories but found nothing.
Celestias Academy had answered first.
Golden light surrounded Diana, Llana, Clarice, Aegon, and Riley, and in the next instant, they vanished from their platform.
They reappeared in front of a massive door.
The door was made from dark blue stone and covered with an intricate glowing pattern. Ancient symbols formed spirals across its surface, some resembling waves, others resembling stars, while several looked like broken runes from a long-forgotten language. The pattern was incomplete, with several sections clearly shifted out of place.
Diana walked closer and examined the strange arrangement. "It looks like this is the next challenge."
Liana stepped beside her and studied the door as well. "Do you know how to solve that pattern?"
"The pattern itself does not seem too difficult to decipher," Diana replied after examining the inscriptions for a few moments. "So I do not think this is the actual challenge."
Her fingers traced several of the glowing symbols before she began moving the rune-shaped pleces. One by one, the symbols slid into place-a wave, a moon, a star, a trident, and finally a spiral.
Click
The final piece locked into position.
The entire door immediately began glowing as a bright, pulsing light spread across its surface. Diana stepped back just as an ethereal voice echoed through the chamber.
"Pass through me, seeker."
Diana froze.
"But first, you must prove your wit."
The voice continued, its words reverberating through the enormous chamber.
"Answer me this. I am a treasure of the mermaid's realm. A Jewel that can dazzle and overwhelm. I am buried deep beneath the waves and fiercely guarded by creatures with razor-sharp blades. What am I?"
Diana, Liana, Clarice, Aegon, and Riley gathered together and began discussing the riddle. Llana was the first to offer an answer. "I think it is a pearl." She explained that mermaids were often associated with pearls and that pearls were considered valuable treasures. Aegon nodded in agreement, adding that pearls could certainly dazzle and overwhelm with their beauty.
Riley still looked uncertain. "But how can we know it is buried beneath the waves?"
Clarice adjusted her glasses as she considered the riddle. "Mermaids are known to live in the ocean. It makes sense that their most valuable treasure would be kept there."
Diana thought about the final clue before adding, "And creatures with razor-sharp blades likely refers to the dangers of the ocean. Perhaps clams, razor fish, or other creatures guarding a pearl."
The team exchanged glances. The answer seemed to fit every clue.
Liana stepped forward and looked toward the glowing door.
"We believe the answer is a pearl."
Silence followed.
Then the ethereal voice spoke again.
"Correct."
The symbols on the door glowed brightly.
"You have proven yourselves worthy to pass."
The massive door slowly began to open.
"Enter if you dare."
The team took a deep breath before stepping through.
Beyond the door was a massive hall, far larger than any of the previous rooms. At its center stood a long black table covered with numerous objects: an old silver key, a broken crystal orb, a wooden wand, a golden coin, a small glass vial containing blue liquid, a black feather, a rusty dagger, a tiny dragon statue, a silver mirror, and several other unfamiliar objects.
At the far end of the room stood a locked chest. Beside it was a stone pedestal with a glowing white orb resting on top.
As the team approached, a hologram appeared above the pedestal. It was the same old wizard from the first round.
Welcome, adventurers."
The wizard's illusion bowed slightly. "I am the Keeper of this Chamber. I present to you Challenge Three: The Puzzle Round."
The hologram pointed toward the locked chest, and several glowing slots suddenly appeared along the front of the table. Each slot carried a different symbol-a flame, a moon, a blade, a feather, a wave, a crown, and a dragon.
"To unlock the chest, you must correctly place the objects on the table into their corresponding slots."
The wizard's voice became more serious.
"But be warned. There are decoys among the objects."
The students exchanged glances.
"Choose incorrectly, and the chest will remain sealed. You must work together and choose wisely."
A faint smile appeared on the wizard's face.
"Unlock the chest, earn your next clue, and advance."
With those words, the hologram disappeared.
The third round had begun.
Chapter 276: A Heavy burden
Diana and her team had already been transported into their next challenge.
The moment the golden light disappeared, they found themselves standing inside a vast circular chamber. The room was unlike anything they had encountered before. Its walls were constructed from enormous slabs of black stone, each one covered with ancient golden runes. Strange blue crystals floated near the ceiling, bathing the chamber in a dim, cold light.
At the very center stood a massive stone table, while several meters behind it rested an enormous chest. The chest was nearly as tall as Diana herself, its surface covered with intricate engravings of monsters, stars, ancient weapons, and mysterious symbols.
But the strangest part was its three openings.
They weren't keyholes.
They were mouths.
Each mouth possessed rows of razor-sharp metallic teeth, and a faint crimson glow flickered deep inside them.
Diana frowned as she studied the strange chest.
"What kind of challenge is this?"
Before anyone could answer, a holographic figure appeared above the chamber.
It was an elderly wizard wearing a long blue robe covered with golden symbols. His long white beard reached his waist, while a glowing crystal floated above his palm.
{Welcome, students.}
His voice echoed throughout the chamber.
{1 am the Keeper of this chamber, and I present to you Challenge 3-the Puzzle Round.)
The wizard raised one hand, causing a magical light to sweep across the table.
[Before you is a locked treasure chest. To open it, you must correctly identify three objects hidden among the many objects scattered across the table.}
The students immediately looked toward the table.
{Each correct object must be placed into one of the three mouths.)
The wizard's expression suddenly became serious.
{But be careful. Not every object is what it appears to be. Some are decoys designed to deceive you.}
His glowing eyes swept across the students.
[Only careful observation and intelligent reasoning will lead you to the correct answers.}
The crystal above his palm shone brighter.
{Choose incorrectly, and you may pay the price.}
The students exchanged uneasy glances.
(Choose correctly, and the chest will reveal the clue to your next challenge.}
The wizard smiled.
[Good luck}
With those words, his holographic figure vanished, leaving the chamber in silence.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then Diana stepped toward the table,
"Let's examine everything first. We shouldn't start placing
objects randomly."
The others nodded and gathered around her.
There were dozens of objects scattered across the stone surface: a miniature griffin statue, a golden goblet, a vial filled with purple liquid, a silver key, a leather-bound tome, a crystal prism, a broken pocket watch, a black feather, a miniature crown, a pair of enchanted spectacles, a small bronze bell, a wooden mask, a strange red gemstone, several coins bearing unfamillar symbols, a silver dagger, a bundle of dried herbs, and countless other objects whose purposes were impossible to determine at first glance.
Clarice approached the enormous chest and carefully examined its three mouths.
...The chest has three locks. Well, they're not exactly locks."
She leaned closer, her expression becoming slightly uneasy.
"They're shaped like mouths."
Liana immediately walked over.
"Mouths?"
Clarice pointed toward them.
"Yes. And each one has rows of razor-sharp teeth."
As if to prove her point, the metallic teeth inside one of the mouths suddenly shifted.
Clack
Clarice immediately stepped backward.
"And they seem very much alive."
Aegon stared at the chest for several seconds before sighing.
"Great"
Riley folded his arms and looked over the table.
"So we just have to figure out which three objects these things want to eat?"
Diana nodded.
"That's probably the idea."
Aegon glanced over the enormous collection of objects.
"But there are dozens of them. How are we supposed to know which ones are correct?"
"Which means most of them are probably distractions," Riley replied.
Diana's eyes narrowed as she looked over the table.
"Then let's find the clues."
The team immediately began searching. They examined the table, inspected the objects, checked beneath them, and even looked around the base of the chest.
Several minutes passed before Liana suddenly stopped.
"Walt"
She crouched beneath the table and reached underneath it.
Her fingers touched something cold.
"There's something here."
She pulled out a small metal plate covered in dust.
Diana took it from her and brushed the surface clean. Ancient symbols were engraved across it.
"What does it say?" Aegon asked.
Liana studied the inscription for a moment before realizing what it was.
"I think it's a riddle."
She cleared her throat and read it aloud.
"I am born without a mother, I die without a grave. I can fill a room, yet I weigh nothing. You can chase me, but you can never catch me. What am I?"
The team fell silent.
Aegon frowned.
"That's actually difficult."
Riley crossed his arms as he thought.
"Something that fills a room but weighs nothing..."
"A smell?" Liana suggested.
Clarice shook her head.
"You can't really chase a smell."
"Smoke?" Aegon offered.
Diana immediately shook her head.
"You can catch smoke."
Riley suddenly looked toward the table.
"What about light?"
Diana's eyes narrowed.
"Light can fill a room," Riley continued. "And you can chase it, but you can never actually catch it."
Clarice looked around the table.
"Do we have anything related to light?"
Everyone began searching through the objects.
Diana's gaze eventually landed on the crystal prism.
"The crystal prism."
She picked it up and held it beneath the strange blue light.
When light passes through a prism, it splits into different colors," she explained. "So the prism is probably connected to the answer."
Aegon nodded slowly.
"It fits better than anything else."
Diana handed the prism to Riley.
"Senior Riley, try the first mouth.
Riley stared at the chest before looking back at Diana.
"Why am I always the one doing this?"
"Because you're the one who suggested the answer."
Riley sighed.
"...Fair enough."
He cautiously approached the chest and held the crystal prism above the first mouth. The metallic teeth shifted slightly.
Clack.
Riley nearly dropped the prism.
"That thing is definitely alive."
Liana couldn't help but smile.
"Just put it in."
Riley took a deep breath before carefully inserting the prism into the mouth.
For several seconds, nothing happened.
Then-
Click.
The first mouth closed.
A golden pulse traveled across the surface of the chest.
The Keeper's voice echoed through the chamber.
{Correct.)
(You have Identified the first object.}
{Two remain.)
The golden light disappeared.
Liana smiled.
"Nice."
Diana gave a small nod.
"One down. Now let's find the second clue."
The team returned to the table and resumed their search.
This time, Aegon discovered something hidden beneath the wooden mask. He picked it up and found a thin strip of parchment.
"Found another one."
Everyone gathered around him as he unfolded it.
Another riddle appeared.
Aegon read it aloud.
"I have a face, but no eyes. I have hands, but no fingers. I can tell you when to run, but I never move from my place.
What am I?"
Liana immediately answered.
"A clock"
Her gaze shifted toward the broken pocket watch lying among the objects,
"There."
Aegon picked it up and examined it.
The broken watch."
Riley leaned closer.
"But why would the riddle say it can tell you when to run?"
Diana studied the pocket watch carefully.
"Because time determines when you need to act."
She turned it over and noticed the strange magical inscriptions engraved across its back.
"And this watch has magical inscriptions."
Clarice leaned closer.
"There are numbers around the back."
Diana nodded.
"Perhaps it's enchanted."
Aegon examined the broken hands.
"Then this should be the answer."
Diana hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"Maybe. But the riddle clearly describes something with a face and hands, and this is the only object here that matches."
Riley smiled.
"Then let's try it."
Aegon took the pocket watch and approached the second mouth.
The metallic jaws opened.
Aegon carefully placed the watch inside.
Click.
The second mouth immediately closed.
Golden light erupted across the surface of the chest.
{Correct.)
[You have identified the second object.}
[Only one remains.)
The golden light faded.
Liana smiled.
"We're getting the hang of this."
Riley immediately shook his head.
"Don't say that yet."
He pointed toward the remaining mouth.
"That one looks like it wants to eat someone's arm."
Everyone looked toward the final mouth.
It slowly opened and closed.
Clack.
Riley nodded seriously.
*...I stand by my statement."
Diana ignored him.
"Let's find the final clue."
The group began searching the table again, this time with even greater attention. They checked beneath the objects, Inside the containers, behind the books, and even around the legs of the table.
Several minutes passed.
Then Clarice suddenly noticed a strange reflection beneath the silver dagger.
"Wait."
She lifted the dagger and discovered a tiny crystal tablet hidden underneath it.
Clarice picked it up.
"This must be the final clue."
Diana nodded.
"Read it."
Clarice examined the glowing symbols before reading the riddle aloud.
"I have no body, yet I can wear a thousand faces. I have no volce, yet I can make kings tremble. I can be broken without being touched, and once broken, I may never return. What am I?"
The team fell silent.
Aegon frowned.
"Trust?"
Liana shook her head.
"You can break trust, but it doesn't have a thousand faces."
"An illusion?" Riley suggested.
Diana shook her head.
"No."
She reread the riddle, her expression becoming thoughtful.
"I can be broken without being touched.
Her eyes slowly moved across the table.
"A promise,"
Everyone turned toward her.
Diana continued.
A promise has no physical body, but it can take countless forms. A promise can make kings tremble depending on what was promised, and you can break one without physically touching anything."
Riley's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"So the answer is a promise."
Diana nodded.
"Exactly."
Clarice looked around the table.
"But which object represents a promise?"
The team began searching again.
There were dozens of objects, but none seemed to fit.
Then Liana noticed the miniature crown.
"Could it be that?"
She picked it up.
"A crown represents a king."
Diana examined it carefully before shaking her head.
"But the answer is a promise, not a crown."
"Then perhaps we're looking for something associated with promises."
Aegon suddenly pointed toward the silver key.
"A key?"
Diana looked at him.
"A key can represent a promise?"
Aegon shook his head.
"No. Look at the engraving"
He turned the key over.
There was a strange symbol carved Into the metal-a circle divided into two halves.
Riley's expression changed immediately.
"I've seen that symbol before."
Clarice looked at him.
"Where?"
"In ancient magical contracts."
Everyone became silent.
Riley continued.
"Two parties would use that symbol when making a binding agreement."
Diana's eyes narrowed.
"A magical contract."
She looked at the riddle again.
"A promise that cannot be physically touched... but can be broken."
Riley nodded.
"And a magical contract can certainly make kings tremble."
Diana smiled faintly.
"I think we found it."
She picked up the silver key.
"This is our final object."
Aegon looked toward the remaining mouth.
"Then who's going to put it in?"
Everyone Immediately became silent.
Riley took one step backward.
"No."
Liana laughed.
"You're really not going to volunteer?"
"I already sacrificed myself for the prism."
"You almost dropped it."
"Exactly. That was extremely dangerous."
Diana sighed before looking toward Clarice.
"Clarice?"
Clarice immediately looked at her.
"Why me?"
"You haven't placed anything yet."
Clarice stared at the chest.
The final mouth slowly opened.
Its metallic teeth glimmered beneath the blue light.
Clack.
Clarice swallowed.
"...Fine."
Riley handed her the silver key.
"Good luck."
Clarice gave him an annoyed look.
"If I lose my hand, I'm blaming you."
"I'll accept responsibility,"
"You'd better."
Clarice slowly approached the chest, the silver key held
tightly in her hand.
The final mouth remained open, Its rows of metallic teeth waiting.
Clarice took a deep breath.
'Please let this be right.'
Then she inserted the key.
For one terrifying moment, nothing happened.
Then-
Click.
The final mouth closed.
The entire chest suddenly began glowing.
Golden runes spread across its surface as the three mouths disappeared.
A deep rumbling sound echoed throughout the chamber.
Creak...
The enormous lid slowly opened.
Inside was a single golden scroll.
The holographic wizard appeared once again.
This time, he was smiling.
(Congratulations, students.)
(You have successfully solved all three puzzles.)
(Your reasoning, observation, and cooperation have proven sufficient.)
He raised one hand toward the opened chest.
(You have passed Challenge 3.)
(Take the scroll within the chest.)
[It contains the clue that will lead you toward your next challenge.)
The hologram began fading.
(Your Journey continues.)
With those final words, the wizard disappeared.
The chamber became silent once again.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Liana suddenly smiled.
"We actually did it."
Aegon released a long breath.
"And somehow, none of us lost a hand."
Riley glanced toward the three now-closed mouths.
"That was my primary concern."
Clarice rolled her eyes.
Diana stepped toward the chest and carefully picked up the golden scroll.
Her expression became serious.
"We passed."
She looked toward her teammates.
"But this was only Challenge 3."
Diana slowly began unrolling the scroll.
"Let's see what comes next."
The others gathered around her.
None of them knew that the next challenge would test something far more dangerous than their ability to solve riddles.
It would test how well they could trust one another.
Meanwhile, Arthur and the other Celestias Academy students watched every moment through the massive mana screen Inside the demonic stadium. No one blinked-not Arthur, not Layla, not Victor, not Alden, not Damian, not Isabella, nor any of the second- or third-year students.
They watched Diana's team solve the pattern. They watched Clarice answer the question. They watched Liana solve the riddle.
The same was true for the other academies. Every group watched their own participants with terrified expressions. One mistake could mean death.
Layla sat beside Arthur with her eyes fixed on the screen. After watching Diana's team disappear into the next challenge, she finally spoke quietly. "Arthur."
He looked toward her.
"I know I should not ask this." Layla hesitated, her fingers tightening together. "But what is your decision in the worst-case scenario?"
The nearby students immediately became silent.
"If we do not take first place in this challenge, someone from our team will have to be sacrificed." Her voice trembled slightly. "Right now, we are in second place."
Her brown eyes narrowed as she glanced toward the screen. "Cherry Blossom Academy is still in first place."
The words made everyone turn toward Arthur.
The burden rested on him.
If Celestias Academy lost, he would need to choose someone.
Someone to die.
Arthur's crimson gaze slowly moved across the students. Their faces were filled with fear. Their hands trembled, some looked away, others clenched their fists, and a few simply held their breath as they walted for his answer.
Then Arthur finally spoke.
"Do not worry."
His voice was calm.
"I have someone in mind."
The students did not feel reassured.
They felt worse.
Arthur's answer had confirmed it. Someone among them would die if they lost.
Damian could not hold himself back any longer. He stepped forward and grabbed Arthur by the collar. "Surely you are not thinking of sacrificing my sister. Or Liana."
The others immediately turned toward them.
Damian's eyes burned with anger. "I know you do not like them. But think twice before you choose either of them."
His aura began to rise.
"Because I will-"
"Remove your hand."
Arthur's voice cut through Damian's threat.
The entire room became silent.
Arthur did not raise his voice or even move. Yet the coldness in his crimson eyes made Damian freeze.
"It would be best for you to remove that hand from my collar."
Arthur leaned slightly closer, his voice remaining calm. "I cannot speak for anyone else. But I might kill you myself."
Damian's face darkened.
"What did you
Before the situation could escalate further, Victor moved. He grabbed Damian by the shoulder and pulled him back.
"Are you out of your mind?"
Damian glared at him, but Victor's expression remained stern.
"Think calmly." He pointed toward the surrounding demonic crowd. "Do you think Arthur wanted this to happen? He is as clueless as we are."
Victor gestured toward the enormous stadtum surrounding them.
"We are surrounded by enemies. One wrong move, and all of us could die."
Damian's anger gradually weakened, but the fear in his eyes remained.
"What about my sister's safety?"
Aiden stepped forward.
"Alright"
He looked directly at Damian. "Then tell me."
Damian frowned.
"If Arthur gave you the choice, who would you choose to die?"
The question struck Damian like a weapon.
Everyone looked toward him.
Damian's mouth opened, but no words came out.
"I..."
His hands began to shake.
He lowered his gaze, unable to meet anyone's eyes.
He could not choose.
Not Diana.
Not Liana.
Not anyone.
Arthur ignored the silence.
He stood up and began walking toward the edge of Celestias Academy's section.
Layla looked after him. "Where are you going?"
Arthur did not turn around.
"To the bathroom."
He glanced over his shoulder.
"Would you like to come with me?"
Layla's face immediately turned red.
Arthur smiled faintly.
"Just kidding."
His expression became tired again.
"I am going to get some fresh air."
He continued walking.
"Would you like to come?"
Layla frowned. "But the second match is still ongoing. How can we leave?"
Arthur ignored her and continued toward the exit.
Tell me the outcome later."
Layla watched him leave before letting out a quiet sigh.
"Surely this burden is too much even for him.'
Her eyes lowered.
"Choosing someone to sacrifice. Sending someone to their death
Arthur walked through the dim section of the demonic stadium as the roar of the crowd echoed around him.
Then he suddenly stopped.
Someone stood in his way.
Chapter 277: End of the second
match (1)
After completing the third round, Diana and her team were teleported into a lavishly decorated room.
The room was completely different from the ancient chamber they had just left. Elegant golden patterns covered the walls, while expensive-looking furniture was arranged throughout the spacious area. At the center of the room was a massive screen, and several plush sofas were positioned around it, providing a comfortable place for the remaining team members to sit.
Aegon looked around the luxurious room with a bewildered expression.
"Wow, this is so out of place."
However, Diana paid little attention to the surroundings.
As soon as they arrived, she took out the golden scroll they had obtained from the chest in the previous round and began examining its contents.
The others quickly gathered around her.
Once everyone had settled down, Ayla began reading the instructions written on the scroll.
(Welcome to Round 4-the Puzzle Relay!
This challenge is designed for a team of five students who will work together to solve a series of five puzzles.}
The instructions continued, explaining that the team had to select one member to solve each puzzle and decide the order in which they would participate.
Once the order was established, the first student would be
transported to a separate room where they would have to solve the puzzle alone.
The remaining team members would be able to watch everything through the massive screen while also providing guidance through a volce-chat feature.
Diana paused and looked up from the scroll, meeting the gazes of her teammates.
"Let's quickly decide on the order. I don't think we have much time left," she said urgently, knowing that the clock was already ticking.
A brief silence followed.
Each student exchanged uncertain glances, but none seemed particularly eager to volunteer first without knowing what awaited them.
Sigh!-
Finally, Diana let out a quiet sigh.
"Alright, I'll go first."
She placed the scroll on the table.
Diana already had a plan.
From what she had observed during the previous rounds, the first puzzle was usually the easiest and rarely contained any dangerous elements. If she could complete it quickly, she could return and help the others through the voice-chat system.
Without further hesitation, Diana stepped forward and placed her hand on the red button positioned on the table.
Buzz-
A sudden burst of light enveloped her.
In the next instant, Diana materialized inside a pristine
white room.
She took a moment to steady herself before immediately examining her surroundings. Her sharp eyes moved across the empty room, searching for anything that might provide a clue
Soon, her gaze landed on a large white pedestal standing in the center.
Diana walked toward it.
As she approached, she noticed a collection of strange crystal tiles arranged across its surface.
Each tile displayed a different syinbol.
Some depicted magical creatures.
Others showed elements, weapons, stars, and various mysterious markings.
Diana raised an eyebrow.
"What is this?"
A faint magical glow appeared above the pedestal.
A volce echoed throughout the room.
[Arrange the twelve symbols in their correct positions according to the sequence hidden within them.)
Diana's expression immediately became serious.
"So it's a pattern puzzle."
Back in the luxurious room, the others watched the screen closely.
Diana picked up the first crystal tile.
Each symbol appeared unrelated at first glance, but after examining them carefully, she noticed something peculiar.
The symbols weren't random.
The creatures represented different magical affinities.
The weapons corresponded to certain combat styles.
The elemental symbols represented stages of magical advancement.
And the stars appeared to indicate the order in which they were connected.
Diana's eyes narrowed.
'So the clues are hidden in the symbols themselves.
She began arranging the tiles.
One by one, she compared their markings, looking for relationships between them.
"This one goes here..."
She moved a blue crystal tile.
Then she picked up a golden symbol.
"And this one comes after it."
Her movements became increasingly confident.
On the other side of the screen, her teammates watched closely.
"Do you need any help, Diana?" Clarice asked through the voice chat.
"No, I've got it. But thanks anyway."
Diana continued working.
Several minutes passed.
The twelve tiles gradually formed a circular arrangement.
When Diana placed the final tile into position, all the symbols suddenly lit up.
Click
The entire arrangement began glowing.
Then-
Whoosh!
A brilliant white light filled the room.
Diana smiled.
"Done."
In the next instant, she was teleported back to the luxurious room.
[Congratulations! You have completed Puzzle 1/5 of the Puzzle Relay Round-the Arcane Sequence!)
Ayla turned toward Clarice, who had been watching the entire process with growing excitement.
Diana smiled.
"Do you want to go next, Senior Clarice?"
Clarice's eyes lit up immediately.
"Yes, please!"
"Good. The buzzer is all yours."
Diana handed the buzzer to her with a smile.
Clarice didn't hesitate.
She pressed it.
Buzz-
In an instant, she disappeared and was transported into another white room.
The room looked almost identical to Diana's previous chamber.
Clarice quickly made her way toward the center.
This time, she found a large circular board placed on a pedestal.
Several glowing symbols were scattered across it.
A message appeared above the board.
{Three magical formulas are Incomplete.
Restore each formula by selecting the correct sequence of runes.}
Clarice's eyes immediately brightened.
"A rune sequence puzzle!"
She smiled.
"This is my favorite kind of puzzle!"
The rest of the team watched as Clarice leaned over the board and began studying the magical formulas.
Each formula contained several missing runes.
The clues surrounding them described different magical effects.
Clarice quickly recognized the first one.
"This spell creates a barrier capable of stopping physical attacks....
She looked at the available runes.
"That would require a reinforcement rune followed by a defensive rune."
She selected the two symbols.
The first formula immediately glowed.
"Correct"
Clarice moved on to the second.
"This one increases the caster's movement speed."
She studied the sequence.
"Wind enhancement followed by acceleration."
She selected the corresponding runes.
Another magical chime sounded.
"Correct."
Aegon smiled while watching from the sofa.
"I don't think she'll need our help with this."
Everyone nodded.
Clarice was clearly in her element.
She moved to the final formula.
"Hmm..."
She narrowed her eyes.
"This one allows the caster to detect magical energy through solid objects."
She thought for a few seconds.
"Detection rune... followed by resonance..."
She selected the symbols.
The entire board suddenly lit up.
(All three formulas have been restored.}
Clarice's face immediately brightened.
"Done!"
She raised both hands triumphantly.
The puzzle began glowing.
{Congratulations! You have completed Puzzle 2/5 of the Puzzle Relay Round-the Arcane Formula!)
A flash of light surrounded Clarice,
Swish-
She was teleported back into the luxurious room.
Diana's smile widened.
"Well done, Senior! You did an excellent job."
She gave Clarice a high-five.
"T-Thanks, Diana!"
Clarice blushed slightly before smiling.
"That was a fun challenge."
Diana turned toward the rest of the team.
"Who wants to go next?"
"I'm up for it! I think I should go next."
Aegon raised his hand with a determined expression.
Diana looked around the room to gauge everyone's reaction.
No one objected.
She nodded.
"Alright, sounds good to me. Senior Aegon, you're up next"
She handed him the buzzer with a supportive smile.
"Good luck!"
Aegon nodded confidently.
"Leave it to me."
Without wasting another moment, he pressed the buzzer.
Buzz-
A burst of light surrounded him.
The next instant, Aegon disappeared from the room and was transported into the third puzzle chamber.