Chapter 35: Last day of the Exam
"Moonlight Technique: Fourth Form - Niflheim! " they chanted together.
A blinding light enveloped the area as icy winds swirled around the bear.
The ground beneath it froze, and its lower body was encased in thick ice, immobilizing it temporarily.
The temperature dropped sharply, and the surrounding area was cloaked in an eerie, cold mist.
Agni, Mira, and Bazel wasted no time.
"Fire Magic: Hell Inferno!" Agni shouted, launching a torrent of flames at the beast.
Mira followed with "Fire Magic: Burning Sun!" sending a concentrated blast of fire, while Bazel unleashed.
"Fire Magic: Dragon's Breath!" a stream of searing flames.
The combined fire spells collided with the frozen bear, creating a spectacular display of elemental power.
The area lit up with the intense glow of the flames, but despite their best efforts, the bear remained unscathed, its thick hide absorbing the attacks.
Zane transformed, his body morphing into a powerful wolf form.
"Beast Transformation Magic: Wolf Monarch! " he roared, his claws and fangs glowing with energy.
He lunged at the bear, slashing with a wave of his claws and fangs.
The ferocity of his attack was impressive, but it barely left a mark on the beast.
The other participants also launched their strongest attacks.
Azalea Riverwind summoned a massive wave with "Water Magic: Tides of Destiny, "
Kieran Pecunia unleashed a barrage of stone spikes with "Earth Spirit Magic: Behemoth's Roar, "
and Prince Aelric himself joined the assault with "Verdant King's Second Form: Thorn Barrage," sending a flurry of razor-sharp vines at the beast.
Despite the onslaught of powerful spells and techniques, the bear remained largely unaffected.
The Frostveil twins' ice began to crack, and the bear's movements grew more violent as it started to break free from its icy prison.
The beast unleashed a thunderous roar, sending arcs of lightning coursing through the air around it.
Everyone was exhausted, having used nearly all of their mana in the previous attacks.
"We need to run!" Prince Aelric shouted, urging everyone to retreat.
But the bear's roar paralyzed them with fear, and they couldn't move.
Mira was the closest to the bear when it raised its massive paw, ready to strike.
"Mira!!!" Bazel shouted in desperation.
At that moment, Oasis appeared, his eyes locked on the impending danger.
His aura flared with determination and power as he prepared to confront the formidable beast.
"I couldn't even read his movements. Who is this?" Prince Aelric thought, eyes wide with surprise.
"You're finally here," Amilia murmured faintly, leaning on her sister's shoulder for support.
"Oasis, run!!" Zane shouted from a distance, unable to move any longer.
"He's powerful," Oasis thought, locking eyes with the bear.
The Thunderclaw Bear's eyes mirrored his intensity.
"Wind Magic: Whirling Tempest, " Oasis whispered calmly, as a vortex of wind formed in his hands.
He moved swiftly, striking the bear simultaneously with the bear's thunderous claw.
The clash of wind and thunder created a shockwave that forced both Oasis and the bear back, their powers nearly equal in strength.
As they both regained their footing, Oasis began circling the bear, mirroring its movements.
They launched their next attacks, blow after blow, the wind and thunder colliding with each strike.
Each clash was marked by powerful gusts of wind and crackling arcs of lightning, tearing through the surrounding trees and ground.
Oasis's clothes started to tear from the intensity, revealing his toned muscular body and the pendant around his neck.
"He's smiling is there such a person in the kingdom?" Prince Aelric thought, astonished.
"So this is a D-rank beast's strength," Oasis thought, feeling both exhilarated and challenged.
"They've been at each other for an hour already. This kid is strong," a shadowy figure observed from a distance, cloaked in the attire of a Verdantia elite guard.
As the exchange continued, the bear unleashed more terrifying energy, hitting Oasis with a powerful attack that sent him crashing into a nearby tree.
Blood trickled from his mouth.
"Damn it, I can't move. I let my guard down," Oasis thought, struggling to rise from under the tree.
"He's done for," Prince Aelric thought.
As the bear moved toward Oasis, who was bleeding under the tree, the phoenix tattoo on Oasis's body began to glow.
"Let me take over, kid," a voice echoed in his mind. Realizing that Azura, was awake, Oasis gave in.
"Phoenix King Magic: Caecus ," Azura spoke through Oasis.
A controlled mist enveloped the area, temporarily blinding everyone present, including those watching in the arena.
"What is that cloud of mist?" people in the arena murmured in confusion.
"I have to move closer. The kids might be in danger," the guard thought, stepping out of the shadows.
"Oh, this body is not bad," Azura mused, drawing a sword from the bracelet.
"Die, ugly beast. Phoenix Dance Secret Technique: Sixth Form—Eternal Flames. "
Azura's voice was calm yet deadly as he unleashed the technique, slashing through the bear in an instant.
The bear's head separated from its body, and blue flames erupted from the wound, consuming the beast.
As the mist dissipated, Oasis emerged holding the severed head of the bear in one hand and his sword in the other, blood pouring from the beast.
"It's over," he declared as the guard arrived at the scene.
Everyone in the clearing stared in stunned silence.
"He did it He actually did it," Zane whispered, awe-struck.
"I've never seen anything like this," Amiliana said, her voice trembling.
"Who is this kid?" Bazel wondered aloud.
Before anyone could react further, Oasis's strength left him, and he collapsed.
Mira, reacting quickly, caught him before he hit the ground, holding him close.
"Oasis Oasis" she whispered, hugging him tightly.
"This kid is a beast," the guard thought, shaking his head in disbelief.
He stepped forward, raising his voice to announce, "The exam is over. Prepare for transportation."
As the guard began to activate the transportation array, murmurs of awe and admiration spread through the participants, each one realizing they had witnessed something extraordinary.
The array glowed with a soft light, enveloping everyone and signaling the end of their trial in the mystical forest.
Chapter 36: Conclusion of the Whispering exams
The crowd in the arena buzzed with excitement, their cheers echoing through the grand stands.
Colorful banners waved, and the air was filled with the joyful chatter of spectators celebrating the conclusion of the Whispering Exams.
Families and nobles alike were on their feet, applauding and exchanging enthusiastic congratulations.
Suddenly, the array at the center of the arena began to glow, signaling the return of the participants from the mystical woods.
One by one, the students appeared, their figures materializing in the light.
Some stumbled out, exhausted and injured, while others held their heads high, their expressions a mixture of relief and pride.
"Help! Help! Oasis isn't waking up!" Mira's desperate scream cut through the noise.
She cradled Oasis in her arms, his body limp and unresponsive.
Her face was pale with fear, sweat dripping down her brow as she struggled to keep him upright.
In a flash, before anyone could react, Conri Bluemoon, the leader of the Bluemoon family, vanished from the noble stand and reappeared at the array.
He moved with a speed that left the crowd gasping.
Approaching Oasis, he placed a reassuring hand on Mira's shoulder.
"No worries, the Bluemoon family will take care of the boy," he said with a serious expression.
As he lifted Oasis, he noticed the boy's body was burning hot.
"No wonder Mira is sweating this much," he thought, concerned.
Without another word, he leapt back to his place in the stands, carrying Oasis effortlessly.
"Lancelot, take the boy to our manor in the inner city and immediately tell the alchemist to look at him,"
he commanded, his voice brooking no argument.
"I hope he's fine. I think he'll be okay,"
Sir Elias, standing on the other side of the stands, thought, his mind filled with thoughts of Oasis's rapid growth and potential.
"Alchemists, attend to the wounded!" Queen Elara Evergreen commanded, her voice carrying across the arena.
Immediately, a team of skilled alchemists moved through the crowd, tending to the injured participants with practiced efficiency.
Healing potions were administered, wounds were bandaged, and exhausted students were given restorative elixirs.
"The Whispering Exams have concluded, with many injuries caused by the hidden test in the exam."
Elder Aric Evergreen's voice echoed through the arena, drawing everyone's attention.
"That was part of the test?"
"It means it occurred at different locations in the woods since most of the students look injured and they weren't at our location when we faced the beast,"
Prince Aelric thought, glancing around at the other participants who bore signs of battle and fatigue.
"Only one group of participants managed to not only chase away the beast but also kill it through teamwork," Elder Aric continued.
"Everyone who was present and contributed to fighting the D-rank beast will receive 15 points each. Oasis, who managed to kill the beast, will receive 45 points."
The crowd murmured in astonishment, the participants who hadn't realized it was part of the test now understanding the full scope of their challenge.
"So that explains it," Prince Aelric thought, a look of realization dawning on his face.
"The D-rank Thunderclaw Bear appeared in three different places where there were more than 20 participants in each location."
"Only one group prevailed, while the other groups failed."
"However, inspectors controlled the situation to avoid any deaths. No participant was killed in the woods," Elder Aric explained.
Elder Aric's voice echoed through the arena as he continued his announcement,
"With that, we shall display the results of the Whispering Exam. 101 participants entered the woods, but only 67 managed to pass the exam."
The results were projected onto a large screen, and the crowd's murmurs grew louder as they read the names and scores:
1. Oasis from Mossy Hollow - 378 points (60 mystic beasts killed: 40 F-rank, 19 E-rank, 1 D-rank; 30 E-rank retreated)
2. Prince Aelric Evergreen - 289 points (57 mystic beasts killed: 45 F-rank, 12 E-rank; 25 retreated)
3. Yota from the Ironclad Clan - 280 points (77 mystic beasts killed: 67 F-rank, 10 E-rank; 19 retreated)
4. Agni Ignis - 265 points
5. Azalea Riverwind - 250 points
6.Amilia Frostveil - 240 points
7. Bazel Emberclan - 230 points
8. Zane Bluemoon - 220 points
9. Amiliana Frostveil - 210 points
10. Jorin Shadowfen - 200 points
"I hereby declare that all participants who passed shall start attending the Academy in three months' time. Those who failed may try again next year."
"The Whispering Exams are the entrance exams to our esteemed academy," Elder Aric announced, his voice resonating through the arena.
"The rewards for all who passed will be prepared and sent to each participant within a week, along with the academy rules and passes."
"Special merits for the top 10 will also be sent."
The arena buzzed with excitement and whispers as the results were displayed.
"Who is Oasis?" one participant asked, confusion evident in their voice.
"He was also in the top ten in the preliminaries, remember?" another participant replied. "He was the one who was transported."
"And who is Yota?" someone else wondered aloud. "I heard the Ironclad Clan is just a third-rate family."
"Yota must be exceptional then," another participant commented.
"To come from a third-rate family and rank third overall—impressive."
"Did you see how many beasts he killed? Seventy-seven!" an astonished voice added.
"Looks like the competition at the academy will be fierce," a participant mused, eyes scanning the names on the screen.
The conversations continued, filled with awe, curiosity, and excitement.
The results had revealed new stars and hinted at intense rivalries that would soon unfold at the academy.
As the crowd slowly began to disperse, the murmurs of anticipation lingered in the air.
Everyone looked forward to the new challenges and opportunities that awaited them at the academy.
Their minds already imagining the battles and friendships that would shape their futures.
As the day turned into night, the city of Verdantia was still alive with vibrant energy.
The Whispering Exam had concluded, and the results had sparked celebrations throughout the city.
Every street and corner buzzed with excitement as people gathered to revel in the festivities.
The inns were filled to capacity, their common rooms echoing with laughter and cheers.
Patrons clinked mugs of ale, toasting to the bravery and prowess of the young participants.
Stories of the exam spread like wildfire, with each retelling becoming more dramatic and exaggerated.
Adventurers, merchants, and townsfolk alike shared in the communal joy, their faces flushed with drink and delight.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, the more affluent and extravagant brothels were equally animated.
The rich and the powerful had gathered to indulge in the pleasures offered by these establishments, their laughter and music spilling out into the streets.
Inside, the courtesans entertained their guests with charm and grace, their performances a mix of dance, music, and whispered secrets.
Chapter 37: Origin
** In the Manor of the Bluemoon Family **
The hallway of the Bluemoon manor was dimly lit, with the flickering flames of the wall sconces casting shadows on the intricately carved wooden walls.
The air was thick with tension and concern as two figures conversed in hushed tones.
"How is his condition now, Duncan?" Conri Bluemoon, the patriarch of the Bluemoon family, asked, his voice low and anxious.
"He is still burning and unconscious," responded Duncan, the great alchemist from the Bluemoon family, his face etched with worry.
"It's already been a week, and the kid has not woken up." Conri's expression darkened.
Just then, Zane entered the hallway, his face pale with concern. "I just came from his room. He is still the same, Father," he reported.
"Is his master still around?" Conri inquired.
"No, Father," Zane replied, shaking his head. "He went back to Mossy Hollow and said he would pick up Oasis's sister."
Conri sighed deeply. "Oh well, let's wait and see how your friend does."
"But Master Bluemoon," Duncan interjected, "there is something unusual about the boy's constitution. I think it is a special one, but I'm not sure which."
"Oh, you say?" Conri's interest was piqued. "Just keep looking after the boy, Duncan. The Bluemoon family might benefit from this."
"Yes, Master Bluemoon," Duncan responded, bowing slightly.
Meanwhile, in Oasis's Room
Oasis lay unconscious on the bed, facing the ceiling and drenched in sweat.
His body was burning with an intense heat that radiated from him like a furnace.
The room was filled with an eerie stillness, punctuated only by the sound of his labored breathing.
In a place unknown to him, Oasis found himself standing amidst breathtaking mountain peaks.
The scenery was serene and beautiful, with lush greenery and a waterfall cascading down from one of the peaks, its waters sparkling in the sunlight.
In the heart of this tranquil paradise, a large blue fire burned continuously, its flames dancing and nourishing the land around it.
"What is this place?" Oasis wondered aloud, feeling both awe and confusion. "Am I dead? Is this heaven?"
"You are far from being dead, kid," a voice responded from behind him.
Turning around, Oasis saw a man standing there.
He had the appearance of a seasoned warrior, his presence exuding a calm yet formidable aura.
His skin was a rich brown, and he bore a resemblance to the legendary swordsman only heard in stories and myth, though with features distinct to his own lineage.
"Who are you?" Oasis asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I am Azura, known as the Sword God in the east or at least, I used to be, until our phoenix clan made an eternity pact with your family," the man replied.
"But now, I am a phoenix's divine spirit remnant. I lived about 10,000 years ago and became a divine spirit for your family. I was the phoenix spirit of your grandfather."
"Hey, hey, can you stop talking already? What are you talking about my grandfather, my family?"
Oasis interrupted, overwhelmed by the flood of information.
"Ha ha ha, you are just like him," Azura chuckled. "I see you also inherited the True Yang Body constitution."
Azura's face grew serious.
"This is just my spirit remnant, and it will disappear soon, so I will be brief."
"You are the youngest master of the Volacris family from the Avaloria kingdom. Your clan is situated at the Phoenix's Peaks, also known as the Phoenix's Nest, in Avaloria."
"There are three great families in Phoenix's Peaks: the Volacris family, the Aureleo family, and the Cineris family."
"You have two older brothers, and whenever a baby is born at Phoenix's Peak, they receive a phoenix egg which will hatch and become their phoenix's divine spirit."
"Your phoenix's spirit egg is still at Phoenix's Peak. A phoenix's spirit dies when their contracted owner dies, like in my case."
"I am just a remnant spirit. Among your siblings, only you inherited the True Yang Body that your grandfather possessed, even your father didn't have it."
"It was dormant until you started cultivating Phoenix's Heart cultivation."
"Hence, your blue flames are a mutated fire magic, and your phoenix's spirit will be blue, unlike a normal phoenix."
"This was the case with your grandfather, and thus, I am also a blue phoenix in my original form."
"It seems you are in the Verdantia kingdom. That's good. Do not return to Avaloria until you get stronger."
"I was only able to enter your conscious realm because you used your grandfather's sword, Igniferus."
"Your conscious realm is very important, and you strengthen it by strengthening your spiritual energy."
"Before I completely disappear, I will merge my remnant with your conscious realm, strengthening it and allowing you to learn some spiritual attacks and techniques."
"I have already done that before, and hence you can read ancient languages and perform spells you don't remember learning."
"Igniferus will disappear with me, but don't worry, I will leave you with the knowledge of what is needed to forge your own sword, and you will have to find a refiner."
Azura continued imparting crucial information for Oasis's survival before his form began to fade.
As Azura's presence dissipated, the intense heat in Oasis's body began to subside.
His temperature dropped, and he slowly regained consciousness.
"This place where is this place?" Oasis murmured.
Suddenly, his stomach growled loudly, Grrr.
"Damn it, I'm hungry," Oasis muttered as he woke up and sat up on the bed.
Thump-thump, thump-thump —the sound of his heartbeat echoed in his ears, heavy and strong.
"What's this sound? My mana heart I can feel it. It's fully developed," he said, surprised.
"But I'm not at the 3rd layer of the Newborn stage. My mana is dried up now. Azura was right when he said he used a lot of my energy to maintain his remnant ," Oasis thought to himself.
"I have always been relying on my five senses to scan my surroundings ever since I reached the Newborn stage," he mused.
"Let me try my sixth sense."
"Divine Peak," Oasis whispered as he channeled his spiritual energy for the first time.
Conri Bluemoon suddenly stiffened, his senses heightened.
"What was that? Someone just scanned us with their Divine Peak, and that was a powerful one ," he thought, his eyes widening. "I swear it came from Oasis's room. "
Conri and Duncan exchanged glances, both clearly aware of the sudden surge in spiritual energy.
Chapter 38: Sworn Brothers
Oasis sat on the bed, feeling the aftershocks of his newfound abilities.
"That is Zane's aura ," he thought, sensing his friend's presence.
"Oh, he is at the Fourth Layer of the Foetal Stage. And most of the guards here are at the peak of the Tabula-Rasa Stage." Oasis continued in his thoughts .
" And there are normal people I think there are maids, "
After a few minutes, the wooden sliding doors to his room opened, and Conri Bluemoon entered.
"So, you are awake," Conri said, his voice carrying a mixture of relief and curiosity.
Oasis quickly stood up and bowed slightly. "Oh, greetings, Master Bluemoon," he said respectfully.
"My senses did not pick up his presence. It means he is stronger or he can hide his level ," Oasis thought, feeling both awe and unease.
"This kid can use Divine Peak. It means he is already at the Newborn Stage. Amazing ," Conri thought, impressed.
"You are at the Bluemoon manor in the inner city," Conri explained, recounting what had happened after the exams.
Duncan, who had entered the room with Conri, was equally amazed.
"What is this kid? His body was really burning, but now it's like nothing happened. He is fine, but his mana is very low, " Duncan thought.
"Kid, here, take these and process them. This is the Spirit Nourishing Pill and the Mana Replenishing Pill," Duncan said, handing the pills to Oasis.
Conri called Zane over, and as he arrived in the room, his face lit up with excitement.
"You are well, Oasis! That's great," Zane said, his voice full of relief.
"Sir Elias went to Mossy Hollow to take your sister. Don't worry, Lancelot and a few others went with him."
Zane and Oasis caught up, exchanging smiles and laughter.
"You owe me one. I was the one bathing you and taking care of you while you were not awake," Zane teased.
"And say, Oasis, how is that python of yours so big?" he added, glancing at Oasis's pants. "Share the secret with me."
Oasis chuckled, shaking his head.
"Some things are better left a mystery, Zane. Besides, it's probably not something you can just replicate," he replied with a playful wink.
"Replenish and process the pills, Oasis. After you're done, come downstairs so you can eat something," Zane instructed.
"And here," he handed Oasis a wooden box, "this is for completing the exams. It came early in the morning."
Oasis sat back down and began processing the pills. He swallowed the Spirit Nourishing Pill first, feeling a gentle warmth spread in conscious realm.
Next, he took the Mana Replenishing Pill, focusing on circulating the energy through his mana heart.
He closed his eyes, entering a cultivation state. The pills dissolved, releasing their potent energy into his system.
His body absorbed the energy hungrily, revitalizing his depleted reserves.
"I've regained most of my strength, but I feel like I can store more energy. Is this due to the mana heart?" Oasis wondered, feeling a newfound capacity within him.
Oasis opened the wooden box he received for completing the exams. Inside, he found a silver pass token engraved with the word "Elite," a scroll, and a storage bracelet.
He picked up the scroll and read it for some time.
"Oh, these are the rules and instructions," Oasis said after reading. "Now, what's inside here?" he wondered, taking the bracelet.
As he examined the bracelet, he discovered another scroll inside it, this time a golden scroll, along with some high-grade mana stones and a jade token inscribed with "Verdantial Academy."
He tried to open the golden scroll, but it wouldn't budge. He channeled his mana into it, and the scroll started to shine.
"Oh, this is not just a simple scroll; it's an artifact," Oasis realized.
Oasis spent a few minutes refining the scroll. He focused his energy on it, feeling the scroll's resistance gradually give way.
As he refined it, the scroll began to merge with his consciousness, its knowledge and power seeping into him.
Once the process was complete, the scroll vanished, leaving Oasis with a strange sensation.
"What happened? I don't know what the scroll was for. I don't feel different, " he thought, puzzled. "I will figure it out at some point."
Oasis made his way downstairs, directed by a maid to the dining hall.
As he entered, he found a feast prepared.
The table was laden with roasted meats, fresh bread, vibrant vegetables, and an array of fruits. The delicious aroma made his stomach grumble loudly.
"Dammit, I've been waiting for you for some time. I'm starving," Zane said, sitting alone at the table. "Sit down, let's eat."
"Is it only us?" Oasis asked, surprised.
"Stop talking and eat," Zane replied, already digging into the food.
The two friends began eating, the atmosphere filled with the clinking of cutlery and the occasional laughter.
They talked about the recent events, their training, and their plans for the future.
"This food is amazing," Oasis said between bites, savoring the flavors.
"You know, Oasis, the kingdom is very big," Zane said thoughtfully. "Soon, we will be entering the academy in a few months."
Oasis nodded, listening intently.
"I'm sure you're asking yourself why Sir Elias went to take your sister instead of you and him going back to Mossy Hollow" Zane continued.
"The thing is, you are a special , Oasis. Other nobles and great families are looking at you some in praise, some in envy, and some with ill intentions."
Oasis remained silent, his eyes fixed on Zane.
"Sir Elias realized this and asked my father before he left to ensure that until you go to the academy, the Bluemoon family would protect you," Zane explained.
"But even if Sir Elias didn't say it, I was going to ask my father, and I think my father was already considering it," Zane added with a reassuring smile.
"Even among the great families, not all are friends."
"Some are enemies, and we cannot just fight because it would ruin the balance of power, not just in this kingdom but in the entire realm. That's what Father said,"
Zane explained further, his expression serious.
As he spoke, Zane took a knife and sliced his palm. Oasis's eyes widened in surprise, but he sensed the gravity of the moment.
"Oasis, I want us to be sworn brothers," Zane declared before Oasis could respond.
Decisive and without hesitation, Oasis did the same, slicing his palm.
They clasped their bloody hands together in a firm handshake.
A mana circle sparkled around their joined hands, signifying the seriousness of their pact.