The Golem Mage

The spectators that gathered to witness the second round of the inter-academy competition far exceeded the attendance of the first round.

And this was despite the increased ticket fees, this clear indication showcased their excitement and eagerness to experience the intensity of the second round.

A significant contributing factor to this overall enthusiasm was the Grand Arena.

Its larger space compared to the Colosseum easily surpassed the former venue in popularity.

Although it was a new location, the Grand Arena had its own VIP section, specially designed to accommodate esteemed figures from High and Ancient Clans, additionally, several deans from other academies, who had initially decided not to participate, surprised everyone by attending.

However, the most unexpected presence of all was the new Dean of the War God Academy, no one had anticipated his appearance, causing a wave of astonishment among those entering the VIP section.

Given that the War God Academy was often regarded as one of the lesser esteemed academy, some members questioned whether it was a deliberate insult to have the Dean seated alongside them, but upon deeper contemplation, they realized that if the Dean of an academy ranked among the top eight was not granted VIP access, it would certainly raise eyebrows.

Within the VIP section, influential figures had even begun placing bets, hoping to profit from the competition, these wagers transcended monetary value, with each bet requiring participants to offer something of equal worth or personal significance.

The stakes in the VIP section were considerably higher than those in the ordinary betting booths, as each wager entailed putting forth something immeasurable in terms of monetary value.

”I never expected to encounter you again,” the head Abbot of Vajra Academy remarked, drawing nearer to the new Dean of the War God Mage Academy.

”It appears you have emerged from the shadow cast by your master and senior disciple.”

The new Dean turned to face him, a slight smile gracing his features, deliberately concealing any discernible emotion from his countenance, he responded,

”How can you make such a claim? My master remains my superior as the primary dean, while my senior disciple retains his authority as the leader of the punishment hall which is above me, despite his current absence from the academy, essentially, I am still living in the shade of their accomplishments.”

The head Abbot was taken aback by the new Dean’s unexpected response, rather than becoming offended, the new Dean chose to elaborate further on his subordinate role, indirectly referring to himself as unworthy and simply functioning under their influence.

”Hmm, setting that aside, I propose a wager on which academy will emerge victorious,” the head Abbot challenged, seeking to place a bet between their respective institutions.

Turning to face the head Abbot directly for the second time, the Dean took in the image of the bald Abbot, dressed in a black robe with a long staff in his right hand and a prayer bead adorning his neck.

With a sarcastic tone, the Dean questioned,

”What exactly are you attempting to accomplish here?, are you seeking to claim my possessions? I thought monks were meant to cast aside all earthly belongings.”

The head Abbot swiftly replied, his tone unwavering,

”This has nothing to do with my personal desires, it is merely a bet to gauge the confidence we have in our academy’s students, however, it is quite evident that you lack belief in your own academy’s prowess.”

”If you insist on taunting me, then I cannot shy away from your challenge, i accept your bet,” the Dean of the War God Academy responded, determined.

”Present any possession you believe matches the caliber of my Night and Day blades, these were the weapons I wielded during my time in the Mid Tier realm.”

”They have been imbued with my Mana ever since I ascended to the High ranks, making them superior to any other Mid Rank spirit weapon, furthermore, they have awakened an ego, indicating their potential to evolve to the High ranks,” the Dean explained confidently.

”Now that I have placed my bet, you must meet me halfway and offer something of equal value,” the Dean stated, turning his attention to the Head Abbot.

The Head Abbot, wearing a smile, took notice of the dual blades the Dean had unveiled.

He had not anticipated such extraordinary treasures when he proposed the bet, the weapons that met his gaze were beyond ordinary.

Nurtured by a High rank Mage for years and possessing egos, these weapons could not be assigned a mere price tag; they were priceless.

”I shall meet you there!” the Head Abbot replied with enthusiasm, quickly retrieving something from the space bag hanging at his waist.

However, he froze as his attention shifted elsewhere, the Dean followed the gaze of the Head Abbot, only to discover the War God Academy team being led by Selene entering the Grand arena.

After qualifying, they were rewarded with reserved seats exclusively for their team at the angle their building faced, with ease, they navigated towards their designated seats, while a small portion of the crowd cheered in support.

However, the Dean’s attention was fixated on the team of War God Mages, unable to divert his gaze.

The reason for his focus became apparent as all the members of the team were visibly covered in bruises and deep cuts.

With the exception of Alec, Lucas, and Beatrice, the majority of the team displayed visible injuries, causing the Dean to furrow his brow.

Anyone with common sense could deduce that the War God Academy team had been subjected to an attack overnight.

However, the identity of the aggressor remained a mystery, all they knew was that the team had been able to survive with most of the members sustaining significant damage, placing them at a substantial disadvantage considering the battle format for the second round.

As this realization settled, the Dean heard a chuckle from the Abbot, without even turning back, he understood that the amusement stemmed from the state of his academy’s team, which had heightened the likelihood of him losing the bet beyond his initial expectations.