Having a powerful "Thunder Cultivator" was the impression everyone now had of Lucian.
To the crowd, they were all just rookie lords.
If Thunder spells could be this strong, it would surely come at the cost of weak physical stats.
After all, the balance of power dictated that newbie lords couldn't summon heroes beyond levels 30 or 40.
If Lucian's hero exceeded the usual levels, then evenly distributed stats wouldn't allow for such terrifying damage output.
Thus, when Mason Carter approached Lucian, most people held their breath, nervous for him.
However...
Reality had its surprises!
Mason, using his strongest close-combat power, was easily countered by Lucian.
He was blocked.
Lucian, seemingly unperturbed, stood firm, his cold expression unchanging as he delivered a series of decisive blows.
With lightning speed and precision, Mason Carter was smashed to the ground, unable to resist.
Quick, precise, and ruthless!
No chance for escape.
Mason didn't even have time to use his substitute dolls.
Naturally, this outcome left the audience stunned.
Clouds rolled in, enveloping both participants, and they were returned to their seats.
At the same time, their appearances reverted to their original forms.
Nearby, among a gathering of wealthy students, Mason reappeared.
He immediately fumbled to retrieve his substitute dolls, clutching them tightly.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he chuckled dryly and said to those around him, "Apologies, I lost."
Yet, his pupils contracted slightly, and a trace of cold malice flickered in his eyes.
On the surface, though, he maintained his usual gentle smile, a calm demeanor belying his youthful age.
"Brother Mason, no need to blame yourself. The opponent was too strong!"
"Yeah, no one expected his lightning technique to be six-fold! And then he's unstoppable in close combat!"
"Just how absurd is his talent?"
"Maybe he cheated with some items! It's against the rules!"
Voices erupted among the students.
Some were comforting, while others muttered suspicion.
In the simulated battles, items were indeed permitted, but they had to originate from the lord's territory.
For example, Mason's alchemy-crafted substitute dolls were legal.
But if items came from external sources, that would constitute a violation.
"Regardless, Mason, you fought well. Don't dwell on it!"
Mason gave Lucian a respectful nod, forcing a smile. "Congratulations on your victory."
Lucian returned the nod indifferently.
While he couldn't explain why, Mason's presence irritated him deeply. Yet, beating him thoroughly had been oddly satisfying.
Beside him, Alex was practically bouncing with excitement, grabbing Lucian's shoulders.
"Holy crap, Lucian! You're incredible!"
"That was insane!"
"Your lord ranking is probably perfect, right?"
"Man, are you even human?!"
"If we teamed up, we wouldn't even be able to touch you!"
Everyone marveled at Lucian's overwhelming strength, chattering excitedly around him.
Lucian smiled wryly but said nothing more.
Suddenly, a cold voice echoed in his ears.
"Well done."
That sweet yet commanding voice was unmistakably Lady Mistdream's.
Lucian looked up, spotting her seated in the clouds above, exuding an icy yet enchanting presence.
Mistdream's delicate fingers tapped her cloud throne.
Boom!
"Quiet."
Her soft command silenced the previously boisterous crowd.
All eyes turned to her.
The beauty, as cold and aloof as a crescent moon, spoke plainly:
"The personal battles are over. Now we proceed to the main event: the Territory War."
With her gesture, two teachers stood up.
One held a golden disc that shone like the blazing sun.
The other held a silver crescent-shaped plate, glowing softly like moonlight.
The two plates merged.
Below, clouds roiled violently.
The platform crumbled, and nine dragon statues came to life, diving into the mist below.
Boom!
With a deafening roar, the sea of clouds twisted and churned.
Moments later, a vast plain emerged below.
This was the venue for the second event of the simulation battle: an independent battlefield.
Here, rules were bent to ensure the safety of participants while allowing lords to unleash their full power.
"The second battle begins now!"
Excitement rippled through the students.
Over the past month, alliances had been forged in anticipation of this moment.
Unlike the first round, which tested individual strength, this phase relied heavily on the lords' territories.
Teams readied themselves, preparing to showcase their heroes, soldiers, and tactics.
But just as anticipation reached its peak...
Lady Mistdream's voice rang out again:
"There's a change to the rules."
"???"
Both teachers and students froze, confused by the sudden announcement.
Mistdream continued with a faint smile, glancing briefly at Lucian.
"The original rules no longer apply for this match. Here are the new ones:
"Everyone, except Lucian, will form a united force."
"And your goal is simple—work together to take him down."
Silence.
The teachers were stunned.
One elderly instructor immediately protested, his voice heavy with disapproval.
"Principal, this is absurd!"
"To pit hundreds of students against one—this is bullying, not a test!"
"Exactly! We've always allowed students to form their own groups to test organizational skills. Forcing everyone to gang up on a single person is outright unfair!"
"This—this isn't right!"
Mistdream's icy expression grew colder.
A suffocating pressure enveloped the room, as if the entire world was on the verge of collapse.
In an instant, fear gripped every heart.
Students trembled.
Most teachers paled, their resistance crumbling as they reluctantly agreed.
But one stood firm: Instructor Strong.
With a fierce aura radiating from his body, he clenched his fists, black and white energy flickering around him.
A divine presence seemed to stir within him as he said resolutely, "Principal, this isn't fair to Lucian!"