A throng of people surged into the arena of the academy, where student duels and battles occurred daily, serving as a nexus for resolving student disputes.
As long as fatalities were avoided, it was deemed acceptable. Moreover, there were dedicated instructors in the arena to ensure student safety during combat, minimizing the likelihood of mishaps.
"Hey, have you heard? Niya, the top waste of the academy, is going to duel with Aksei from the third year!" Gossipmongers hurried towards the arena, eagerly pulling their friends along.
"What's so interesting about that? The outcome seems quite obvious. It's just unfortunate that the academy's top beauty will be leaving."
The gossiper clicked their tongue. "What do you know? Niya now has an incredibly powerful magical pet. She defeated Sherman with just one move! The outcome of this match is truly unpredictable!"
"Really? That sounds intriguing. I must go see it for myself!"
Such incidents were rampant among first and second-year students, spreading like a highly contagious disease.
In the arena, Riley had already joined Aksei and the others at the stands, while Aksei stood alone in the arena. How could the challenger not show up?
Challenging lower-grade students from higher grades is truly reprehensible, but the sheer influence of individuals like Aksei and Riley makes it happen. Even though everyone knows it's wrong, no one dares to voice opposition.
Even the instructor responsible for the safety of the arena merely furrowed his brow at Aksei, silently resolving to take care of the female student later, ensuring she wouldn't come to harm.
"Aksei, give me a kiss." Riley wrapped her arms around Aksei's neck and kissed him publicly. If Riley's ex-boyfriend saw her like this, he would definitely be furious to the point of spitting blood.
However, Riley's ex had long known what kind of person she was, so he didn't bother coming this time.
Coming over was just a sign of anger, after all!
"My darling, rest assured, I'll help you vent your anger." Aksei reached out and groped Riley's ample bosom, a lecherous smile on his face.
Riley pouted coquettishly.
The students watching from the stands murmured disapprovingly at the couple's behavior.
"Niya's here, Niya's here..." Someone in the stands shouted.
Soon, everyone's attention was drawn to Niya.
With her milk-white hair, Niya, clad in a washed-out school uniform, followed behind a tall undead warrior, looking cautious and avoiding eye contact with the onlookers in the stands.
Thousands of spectators sighed inwardly at Niya's appearance, lamenting the fact that such a lovely girl would be expelled today.
Though rumors circulated about the formidable new magical pet Niya had acquired, its authenticity remained uncertain. After all, defeating a first-tier level six like Sherman wasn't a challenge for anyone above second level.
Aksei was a third-tier level three warrior, after all!
Yann, standing protectively in front of Niya, ascended the platform. His emotionless crimson eyes fixed on Aksei.
"She's here, my love," Riley said to Aksei.
"Yeah, just in time!" Aksei drew the spear slung across his back, provocatively eyeing Yann.
"Aksei, a third-year student, challenges Niya, a first-year student!" The match instructor stood at one side of the platform, raising his hand high.
All eyes of the spectators fixed on the raised hand, waiting for it to fall and signal the start of the battle!
Clearly, this match was not about Niya. Everyone knew it was about Aksei and Niya's magical pet.
"Begin!!" The instructor shouted.
"Ah!" Aksei shouted as he thrust his spear forward, "Victory Charge!"
Aksei's aura gathered at the spear's tip, forming a visible whirlwind resembling a chrysanthemum.
"A Rasengan?" Yann quipped internally, "No, it's a chrysanthemum!"
Seeing Aksei's attack, Yann stood still.
The spectators on the viewing platform assumed Yann was unable to dismantle the move and was at a loss. They sighed in unison.
Third-tier warriors were indeed extraordinary. It seemed even the undead warrior who had defeated Sherman at first sight might be no match for him.
Even a smile appeared on Aksei's lips.
This move, Victory Charge, was something he had practiced for years, the most familiar technique to him. He could unleash it effortlessly with a mere gesture, demonstrating his mastery.
With Victory Charge, Aksei defeated one enemy after another.
Finally, when the tip of the spear was less than a meter away from himself, the undead warrior clad in heavy plate armor took a big step forward.
"Swish!" The longsword at his waist was swiftly unsheathed, emitting a flash of white light in front of Aksei.
Immediately, the longsword was sheathed back into its scabbard.
"Clang!" The spear, previously charging forward with unstoppable momentum, suddenly stopped in its tracks before anyone could react.
The connection between the spearhead and the shaft had been cleanly severed mid-air! The clang just now was the sound of the spearhead hitting the ground!
"Hiss..." Everyone present gasped in shock.
The turn of events was beyond everyone's expectations, including the teacher responsible for safety.
Just a moment ago, the situation seemed dire, but in the next second, there was a dramatic reversal. A flash of cold light sliced Aksei's weapon in half.
This undead warrior was truly terrifying! That was everyone's unanimous thought.
Those who had previously underestimated Niya now began to take her seriously. Regardless of her past, Niya, with her magical pet, had officially declared to the world that she was no longer the same person!
It was foreseeable that when the outcome of this match spread, Niya's status would undergo a drastic change compared to now. Whoever dared to say Niya was at the bottom of the ladder should seriously consider whether they could defeat an undead warrior.
"No... this can't be..." Aksei had not yet recovered from the sudden turn of events, standing dumbfounded and staring at the spearhead on the ground.
What followed was a scene that left everyone astonished.
The undead warrior unexpectedly stepped forward, grabbed Aksei by the neck, and delivered a resounding slap!
Even the teacher responsible for safety was too stunned to react!