Chapter 415 The Competition ( 5 )
As soon as the pattern glowed with a bright blue light, it also immediately dimmed.
It was probably because he lacked enough aura to activate whatever pattern it was, or perhaps it was really just like that… The pattern was just meant to glow for a brief second.
Nevertheless, it was still a sight to behold.
After all, the pattern or the magic circle he created covered the whole stage. Everyone could tell that even higher-year students or spellcasters wouldn't be capable of activating such a huge Magic Circle.
Anyway, after Claude's awe-inspiring display of his combat skills and little of his aura-based magic circle, a student from the Alchemy Arts took the stage.
Using a concoction of colorful potions, he showcased a mesmerizing experiment that delighted the spectators with its vibrant and enchanting effects.
Following the Alchemy Arts performance, it was the turn of the students from the Transformation Arts Academy. He astounded the crowd by seamlessly transforming into various forms—a majestic peacock, a graceful bat, a whimsical fairy, and even a floating sword. Each transformation was executed with precision and skill, leaving the audience in awe of the students' mastery of their craft.
For a fourth-year student, this was very impressive. Vale and the others could tell that they had certainly sent their best student for this event.
Next in the lineup was supposed to be the Psychic Arts Academy, but it appeared that they did not have any participants from their fourth-year and fifth-year batches for this event.
However, the audience was informed that they would have the opportunity to participate in the sixth-year event, where they typically showcased their talents through puppetry.
Finally, it was time for the Dark Arts Academy's representative, Vale Chambers, to take the stage.
While the initial excitement had diminished among the audience, who were already contemplating the exceptional performances of Ceres, Serena, and Amelia, Vale was undeterred.
Of course, the fact that he hailed from the Dark Arts Academy added. It seemed to have cast a shadow over the reception he received, resulting in a relatively subdued applause.
"Good luck, Vale!"
"You can do it!"
"Just do your best!"
The students from the Vermont Academy started cheering for Vale. They expected him to be very nervous now since the Dark Arts don't have the advantage for this event.
After all, just from the name of their path, it would be difficult for them to recall any beautiful or mesmerizing spell. Even the higher years could only entertain the crowd with some Darkness Manipulation Spell or some Ghost Hands and Spirits swarming around…
Even that type of performance was still scary, so they couldn't place highly in this event.
Furthermore, the Academy doesn't allow them to use their summons, whether spirits or undead, to entertain the crowd by ordering them to dance due to the policies of the Faction.
"I just need to do what I planned ahead. Everything should be fine…" Vale muttered to himself.
To be honest, he got to participate in this event because he lost to the others on a coin toss. What he really wanted to participate in exchange for this event was the Mirage of Wonders or the Illusion Maze Challenge.
Anyway, Vale had no choice but to come up with a plan for this event. At the very least, the Headmaster doesn't really care about this event as well, so there was no pressure. What he really needed to take seriously was the Tower Ascension.
As he stepped onto the stage, he felt the gaze coming from the umpire about 20 meters away from him.
"Are you ready?" The umpire spoke softly, but he could hear it clearly even with their distance.
Vale nodded at this as he stood at the center of the stage.
It didn't take long before he heard the man's voice once again, signaling the start of his 5-minute performance.
"Alright…"
With a wave of his hands, he initiated his performance by casting the Light Absorption Spell.
Whom~
As the spell took effect, the entire arena was engulfed in darkness, causing alarm among the audience, panel of experts, Royal Mage Odessa, and the students and professors from each Academy.
"Ahh!"
"W-what's going on?!"
"I can't see!"
"I'm blind!"
"Fools! This is Magic!"
"Ah! This is Dark Arts!"
"Indeed! He summoned the night with his magic!"
"What kind of power is this?!"
The sudden transformation from bright morning to pitch black left everyone scared, in awe, or confused.
Even Headmaster Jean was stunned, realizing that Vale had reached the Advanced Realm without his knowledge, showcasing a mastery over the Light Absorption Spell that was beyond expectations.
'I was told that his mastery was only at the peak of Elementary Realm… This kid is really hiding his skills.' Headmaster Jean silently thought.
As the darkness enveloped the arena, the audience then became aware of a clacking noise that sent shivers down their spines.
It seemed to be the sound of metal chains grazing on the ground. However, they couldn't be sure.
Clink… Clink… Clink…
The source of the sound remained a mystery until Vale released a fraction of the absorbed light, creating a spotlight that illuminated only himself.
All eyes were now fixed on Vale as he stood amidst the darkness, a solitary figure bathed in the spotlight.
Headmaster Jean smiled at the method Vale used to get everyone's attention. The panel of experts also appreciated this as they looked at Vale curiously.
Gradually, Vale allowed a dim light to fill the arena, revealing chains that stretched across the stage and its surroundings. The chains, known as Corrupted Chains, seemed to extend for kilometers, leaving the audience astounded and bewildered by the sheer scale of Vale's spellcasting.
"No way… Is this illusion?"
"How come he could produce so much chain!"
"He can tie up a whole town with this!"
"This must be from a Mystical Artifact or a Ritual he prepared in advance."
Amidst the gasps and whispers from the audience, various speculations arose.
The sheer complexity of the chains defied explanation, leaving the spectators in awe of Vale's immense energy and skill.
Undeterred by the audience's reactions, Vale continued his performance, showcasing his abilities further.
Since he still had plenty of time, he continued to unleash his Moonlight Curse, allowing its special moonlight effects to mesmerize and enthrall the onlookers.
The darkness brought about by the Light Absorption Spell enhanced the beauty and impact of the Moonlight Curse, leaving the audience spellbound.
Of course, he made sure that the curse wouldn't affect the audience.
Finally, Vale concluded his performance by offering a glimpse of his Planar Spell, Aurora's Embrace.
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