Chapter 121: Selecting the Contestants

The day was clear and bright as the students of Class A gathered in the verdant outskirts of the city, where Instructor Ishikata led them through magical training. From a distance, Dean Yunlan approached with a leisurely gait and an air of serene detachment, flanked by Bai Shengye and Ling Meng.

“Instructor Ishikata, may I have a moment of your time?” Yunlan called out.

“Oh, Dean Yunlan! You must be here about the selection of contestants,” Ishikata replied, stepping aside to clear the center of the training ground.

At the mention of “selection of contestants,” whispers rippled through the crowd as everyone moved closer to the clearing.

“Dear students,” Yunlan’s face softened like a spring breeze, his smile gentle and warm. “I’m sure you’ve heard about the upcoming Magical Combat Tournament to be held in the Holy City at the end of the semester.”

He paused, allowing the excited murmurs among the students to swell.

“Let me explain the selection criteria. First, those who have reached the late intermediate stage of magic mastery will automatically qualify for participation.”

“Ah…” A wave of disappointment swept through the students. Most were at the mid-stage level, with only a few nearing the late intermediate threshold. Among them, only Yixin, Heiyu, and Shenzai Guo had truly reached the late intermediate stage.

“Moreover, those who qualify will gain early admission to Class S, where I will personally oversee their training.”

“Class S? With Dean Yunlan’s personal guidance!” The crowd burst into exclamations, eyes filled with envy as they glanced at the three privileged students.

“May those in Class A who have reached the late intermediate stage step forward.”

The trio promptly moved to the front, standing alongside Bai Shengye and Ling Meng in a straight line.

“To verify that your levels truly meet the late intermediate standard, we must proceed with a formal assessment,” Yunlan said.

He conjured a transparent magic orb—the very same the students had seen on their first day of enrollment—and began calling out names:

“Heiyu, you’re first.”

Heiyu stepped forward, placing both hands gently on the orb. The moment he touched it, the orb expanded dramatically, swelling several times its original size. The immense magical energy within radiated a dazzling brilliance.

“Heiyu, late intermediate stage mage.”

“Wow…” The students gasped in awe at the intense glow, crowding closer to observe the orb’s strange transformation. Heiyu felt a surge of pride, recalling the arduous training he had undertaken in secret within the Twilight Forest. He also credited his rapid growth to the encounter with an ancient-level demon in the Red Sea, whose devouring by the one-eyed giant had greatly amplified his magical power.

“Next, Yixin.”

Yixin approached calmly, placing her palm on the orb. The light it emitted rivaled Heiyu’s in intensity but roiled with blazing flames within.

“Very good, Yixin. You’re just a step away from the pinnacle stage.”

The students whispered among themselves, “No wonder Yixin from the Crimson Flame family is almost at the pinnacle stage—and she’s only in her second year.”

The last to step forward was Shenzai Guo, noticeably shorter than the others. She stood on tiptoe to reach the orb, which glowed a deep crimson, evoking the image of a great dragon awakening.

“Shenzai Guo has also reached the late intermediate stage.”

After the assessments, Yunlan handed the orb back to Ishikata and smiled at the students.

“For those not selected this time, do not lose heart. There are still two other ways to enter Class S.”

At this, hope rekindled among the crowd.

“First, if you believe your combat skills surpass those of the students standing before you, you may challenge any one of them. Victory guarantees you a place in Class S. Second, if you manage to elevate your level to the late intermediate stage before the tournament begins, you will also qualify.”

Some students hesitated, and one raised a hand to ask, “Dean Yunlan, must we choose any one of these five to challenge? Is selecting any opponent allowed?”

Yunlan responded calmly, stepping aside to introduce.

“This is Bai Shengye, an alchemist and ice magic specialist from Class D—the first in that class to reach the late intermediate stage. Next is Ling Meng, a light elf and holy light mage from Class B, also the first in her class to reach that stage. You are all familiar with the others—they represent fire magic, non-elemental magic, and the Divine Dragon clan.”

He swept his gaze across the students. “Now, you may challenge any of them at will. Should you defeat any one of these students, you will earn the right to participate.”

Whispers spread again, though the hopeful expressions soon faded.

“Chances are slim… They all look incredibly strong.”

“That dragon clan girl is no joke—only twelve years old and already at the late intermediate stage. We’re no match for her.”

“As for Heiyu, he’s definitely hiding his true strength; otherwise, he wouldn’t have progressed so quickly. Rumor has it he received the secret Wind Blade technique from Dean Yunlan himself…”

Though envious of those admitted early to Class S, the majority could only look on helplessly.

“Dean Yunlan,” a student asked, “besides the two methods you mentioned, is there any other way to enter Class S?”

“There is,” Yunlan replied to all assembled. “Soon, there will be selection tests organized by each class’s instructors. These tests will be similar to those at the beginning of the term but will omit the written portion and add a practical combat assessment. Those who perform excellently in these tests will also qualify for Class S.”

At this, the students breathed easier, resolved to continue striving to improve their abilities.

Among the crowd stood Ling Xiao Lei, her heart heavy with unease. Having trained alongside Heiyu and Shenzai Guo for so long, she now found herself lagging far behind, still at the mid-stage level.

Summoning her courage, she raised her hand.

“Dean Yunlan! I wish to challenge.”

“Ling Xiao Lei, whom do you wish to challenge?”

Ling Xiao Lei hesitated. Given her current rate of advancement, she was uncertain whether she could reach the late intermediate stage before the tournament.

Moreover, the “selection test” required assessments of strength and physicality in addition to combat skill. She knew her own frailty well; with barely any physical power, she would surely score poorly.

Thus, this challenge was her sole chance.

Her gaze swept over the five standing before her, whose abilities and combat styles she had come to understand.

Yixin… no contest—there was no chance of victory.

Heiyu? As their eyes met, Heiyu raised an eyebrow, wearing an expression that practically dared her: “Come on, challenge me—I’ll knock you flat, or I’m not Heiyu.” Ling Xiao Lei shook her head in disdain.

Bai Shengye… no need to say more. She suspected that he had countless tricks up his sleeve and might even cheat mid-battle. Just the thought made her break into a cold sweat.

Especially now, with his hands leisurely tucked into his pockets and a playful glint in his eyes, he resembled a big gray wolf waiting to ensnare a little lamb. Ling Xiao Lei quickly averted her gaze.