The Return Of The Exiled Villain

The second challenge of the Inter-Academy Exchange began the next day.

The grand arena was once again filled with a massive crowd, the energy even higher than before. Projection screens floated above the field, and the cheers of the spectators echoed through the air.

Gray sat in the special viewing area reserved for participants who were not competing in this round.

He leaned back in his seat, his black eyes calm as he watched the stage.

As expected, the 2nd year was on break, and he would only be participating in the 3rd challenge. For now, he was simply an observer.

His gaze, however, was not on the younger years. It was locked onto the 4th-year participants.

They were the only ones who might actually give him some trouble in the future.

The referee, standing on the central platform, raised his staff. The crowd quieted down as his voice boomed across the arena.

”Welcome to the second challenge of the Inter-Academy Exchange! Today, we will test not only individual strength, but also teamwork, strategy, and adaptability!”

The referee paused for dramatic effect before continuing.

”This challenge is called the Multi-Layered Dominion Trial! It will be divided into three phases, each testing different aspects of a student’s capabilities.”

He waved his staff, and a large projection appeared in the air, showing a massive, floating island divided into different zones.

”In the first phase, all participating students will be transported to a specially prepared floating island. The island is divided into three layers: the outer layer, the middle layer, and the inner core. Each layer has different environments, dangers, and objectives. Students must gather ’Dominion Tokens’ scattered across the island. These tokens can be used to claim control over certain zones or to purchase temporary advantages.”

The crowd murmured in excitement. The referee continued.

”However, the tokens are guarded by powerful beasts and traps. Some zones are controlled by other teams. Stealing tokens from other academies is allowed, but be warned! The island will actively try to eliminate the weak. Every hour, a ’Purge Wave’ will sweep across the outer layer, forcing students to move inward. Those who cannot keep up will be eliminated.”

The referee raised his staff again, and the projection changed to show teams clashing.

”In the second phase, once enough tokens have been gathered, the remaining students will enter the middle layer. Here, they must form temporary alliances or fight for control of key strongholds. Each stronghold grants special buffs to the controlling team. Betrayals are common in this phase, and trust is a dangerous luxury.”

He smiled faintly before moving on.

”Finally, in the third phase, the surviving students will enter the inner core. This is a single-elimination battle royale where the last academy standing will be declared the winner of this challenge. The top three academies will receive special rewards for the next round.”

The referee lowered his staff, his voice growing more serious.

”Important rules: Killing is not allowed. However, serious injuries are possible. Students who are knocked unconscious or pushed out of the island’s boundaries will be eliminated. The challenge will last for six hours. Academies may send up to thirty students each. The more students you have, the better your chances... but also the more targets you become.”

He looked across the arena at the participating students.

”The 4th year and 3rd year will compete today. The 1st year will have their own separate challenge later. Good luck to all participants!”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

The screens showed the participants from different academies gathering at the teleportation circles.

But suddenly, a familiar hand grabbed his arm.

”Come on, Gray. You’re coming with me to the VIP seats,” Aurora appeared in front of him and said with a bright smile, her voice leaving no room for argument.

Before Gray could respond, Aurora pulled him up and began leading him through the crowd toward the elevated VIP section.

The people around them whispered and stared as the headmistress of Clementine’s Sword & Magic Academy personally escorted the standout talent of the tournament.

The VIP seats were located at the highest level of the arena, offering the best view of the entire field.

Important figures from all over the kingdom were already seated there, such as high nobles, high-ranking church members, powerful mages, and even the Emperor himself.

Aurora didn’t hesitate.

She pulled Gray straight to a seat right next to her, ignoring the surprised glances from the other VIPs. She sat down gracefully, crossing her legs as she patted the seat beside her.

”Sit here,” she said with a playful smile.

”You deserve the best view.”

Gray sat down without complaint, his expression calm as he scanned the people around him. Gloria was seated a few seats away, her golden eyes locking onto him with a cold, unreadable expression.

The Northern Duchess, Selene’s mother, was seated on the other side, her elegant blue hair flowing as she looked at Gray with clear interest.

The Emperor sat in the center, his presence commanding respect, while several dukes and high-level church members filled the rest of the seats.

”Enjoy the show. This round should be interesting,” Aurora leaned closer to Gray and whispered softly.

A soft, elegant voice came from his other side.

”May I?”

Gray turned his head slightly.

The Northern Duchess, Evelyn, stood there with a graceful smile, her long flowing blue hair cascading down her back like a waterfall.

Her eyes twinkled with clear interest as she looked at him.

Gray gave a small nod.

”Of course.”

Evelyn sat down smoothly in the seat next to him, her elegant dress shifting gracefully as she crossed her legs.

She was close enough that Gray could smell a faint, fresh scent of sea salt and flowers.

Her presence was calm and commanding, but there was a playful glint in her eyes that reminded him of Selene.

She didn’t expect to be able to talk with him so soon, but this was a perfect opportunity for her.

Gray also didn’t expect Aurora to simply drag him over here... but this also turned into a great opportunity for him.

He could properly analyze the power level of the people he would need to fight in the future.

The Emperor, the dukes, the high-level church members, and especially Evelyn herself - all of them were here in one place.

Evelyn leaned slightly closer, her voice soft and elegant as she spoke.

”I must say, Gray Vireux, you have been the highlight of this tournament. The way you dominated the first challenge... it was quite impressive. My daughter indeed has good taste.”

Gray turned his head slightly to look at her, giving a faint smile, containing a hint of laziness that was etched on his bones.

”Thank you for the compliment, Northern Duchess. Selene also fought well, although... she’s still holding back her full power,” his eyes narrowed as he said those words.

Evelyn’s eyes twinkled even more as she smiled.

”Oh, I know. But I’m more interested in you right now. For someone of your age to... be already so strong, I guess we can consider that the D’Aurélion bloodline is truly blessed.”

Aurora, on Gray’s other side, let out a soft laugh.

”Don’t try to steal my student, Evelyn. He’s already mine,” she said playfully, though there was a hint of possessiveness in her tone.

Evelyn laughed lightly at Aurora’s warning.

”I wouldn’t dream of stealing him, Aurora. I just want to... get to know him better.”

Gray remained calm; his expression didn’t change a single bit as he listened to their conversation.

Internally, he was already analyzing Evelyn’s power level.

Her mermaid bloodline gave her a natural affinity for water and illusion magic, and her presence felt like a deep, calm ocean.

He couldn’t determine it... but just like Jasmine had said, she was definitely above the Monarch Realm.

And because of her bloodline, she might be able to challenge above her power level.

The Emperor, sitting a few seats away, glanced at them briefly but didn’t interfere.

The dukes and church members were also watching the screens, but many of them were stealing glances at Gray, clearly curious about the young man who had caused such a stir.

Evelyn leaned a little closer to Gray, her voice dropping to a whisper.

”After the tournament... would you like to visit the Northern Seas? I think we could have a very interesting conversation there.”

Gray gave her a small, polite smile.

”I’ll consider it.”

Aurora’s hand brushed against Gray’s arm possessively as she smiled at Evelyn.

”He’s busy with training. Don’t distract him too much.”

The Northern Duchess simply laughed, shaking her head lightly.

The second challenge continued on the massive projection screens, the crowd in the hall cheering loudly as the participants from the 4th and 3rd years fought on the floating island.

His gaze quickly locked onto one particular student from the 4th year of Dragon Slaying Academy.

The boy was tall, with short silver hair and sharp, piercing blue eyes.

He moved with incredible speed and precision, his body surrounded by a faint, swirling wind aura as he cut through a group of opponents from another academy.

His sword was a blur, and every swing seemed to create cutting gusts of wind that knocked multiple students off their feet.

Gray’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched him.

’Interesting,’ he thought.

’...Another Vessel, huh?’