CHAPTER 126: I Want To Fight

According to tradition, every winter, the Academy would hold a competition between all the majors. The winner would receive rich rewards, and this was used to encourage the students to study even harder.

This was the busiest time in the academy, as the majors competed not only for rewards, but also for the face of their major and their teachers. Even the future of their teachers was closely tied to these battles.

Therefore, every year at this time, all majors would send their strongest students to take part in the fights. This was both for the benefit of the students and for the face and future status of the teachers within the Academy.

The Dark Major and the Light Major had always been hated rivals. Overt conflicts and covert battles between the two had gone on for many years. The battle between the Dark and Light Majors was to determine who would win the title of the strongest Major. That's why it had attracted so many observers.

A huge magical shield had surrounded the entire square, allowing the combatants to fight to their hearts' content without causing injury to anyone. There were five participants from both the dark and light majors, and a fine show was being put on.

Han Shuo's gaze wandered around, finally settling on Fanny, who was sitting in the back corner of the row of teachers at the front of the stage. Her section was raised and the teachers of all majors were sitting there. The Dean was also sitting there, looking very distinguished. It looked like everyone was putting a lot of emphasis on this demonstration.

"Is anyone from our necromancy major part of the team?" Han Shuo started after Lisa had explained the situation to him and opened his mouth to ask her.

Lisa shook her head and said, "Our Necromancy Major is an offshoot of the Dark Major. The teachers and students of the Dark Major were terribly afraid that we would be a burden to them, so they didn't even include us in the demonstration this time. That's why, from start to finish, it's only students from the Dark School that are involved, and it has nothing to do with our Necromancy School."

"So that's the case. Who do you think will win between the light and dark majors this time?" Han Shuo stared at the two groups in the square and asked carelessly.

"I am not sure. The Dark and Light Majors have always been the two strongest majors within the Academy. After all these years, the two majors have been trading the title of the strongest major back and forth. No major has been able to win in a row. The dark major won last year, but the captain who led the team last year has already graduated, while the light major's captain is still here. I think the Dark Major is in trouble this time". Lisa fixed her gaze on the situation in the square and explained for Han Shuo.

"Ai, it's a pity that it has nothing to do with our necromancy major. After all these years, the Dark Major has always counted us out directly. Despite Master Fanny and Gene's best efforts, their standing in the Academy continues to decline. You see, Master Fanny can only sit in the back row, and Master Gene doesn't even dare show his face for fear of being laughed at. Our necromancy major really is a failure. Amy shook her head and spoke with a dejected expression.

"It can't be helped. The creatures our necromancy students can summon are naturally weak against light magic. Without the help of our summoned creatures, it's very difficult for necromancy to gain the upper hand against light magic attacks. For this reason, Master Fanny can only resign herself to accepting the Dark Major's arrangements and not letting us join the battle. If we did, we'd only be making life more difficult for ourselves. Athena was similarly dejected as she followed Amy's words.

The square wasn't flat and unobstructed, but all sorts of artificial mountains and fake trees had been placed, as well as numerous moats that were jagged and uneven. The school authorities wanted the students to get used to real-life environmental situations, so they had made the battlefield quite complicated.

At that moment, the five students from their respective majors were using the fake trees and grotesque rocks to hide their bodies in the square. They would emerge and attack each other from time to time, then use the terrain to retreat or regroup with their teammates. The huge magical shield protecting the square also made the light hazy and dim. It looked as if this effect had been deliberately created to make it easier for the teams to work together.

The two sides were probing each other when one of the members of the Dark Major suddenly clutched his stomach and fell to the ground. Cold sweat ran down his forehead as his face was drained of all colour.

Dark Major Archmage Deo's expression changed drastically as he saw the situation unfold, and he immediately spoke to Dean Emma, "Dean, Phillide seems to be feeling unwell. I'd like to stop the fight and see what's going on.

Space Grand Magus Emma also looked at the fallen Phillide with some surprise. She seemed puzzled as to why he'd suddenly fallen when the real battle hadn't even started yet. When she heard Deo's words, she nodded and said, "Wait, let's see what's wrong with Phillide?"

Then Emma waved her hand and the giant magic shield suddenly lit up. The other Dark Major students helped the terrified Phillide to Deo. Dark Major Archmage Deo and several other Dark Major teachers examined Phillide, with Deo finally speaking to Emma with a darkened face, "Dean, Phillide has eaten some food that he shouldn't have. I don't think he'll be able to attend this time."

"Oh my God, what's going on? Phillide is about to graduate, and he's someone who's about to become an Adept Mage within the Dark Major. He's also the current team leader and the strongest. If he suddenly can't participate, then the Dark Major has even less of a chance this time". Athena spoke with some concern as she looked at the pale Phillide.

Sara nodded and said, "Indeed. Keelung from the Light Major on the other side was captain of the Light Major team last year. It's said that he already has the strength of an adept Mage , but he deliberately delayed his promotion because of this year's competition. With Phillide present, they would have been evenly matched, but now that this has happened, it looks like the Dark Major is completely without hope.

Han Shuo, with his sensitive hearing, could clearly hear Emma and Deo's conversation. Because of Phllide's health problems, Deo tried to convince Emma to postpone this year's battle for a few days, but Emma refused Deo's request, citing the Academy's rules. She would only agree to allow Deo to switch with another Dark Major student on Phillide's behalf.

Deo had a face full of rage as he argued shrilly with Emma, saying that this was a conspiracy and demanding that Emma change the day of the demonstration.

It was a pity that Archmage Deo was, after all, just a Dark Major teacher, and of course not more important than the rules of the Academy.

Unable to convince Emma, Deo said angrily, "Since that's the case, we won't compete. Let others say what they want this time!"

"Master Deo, please remember your status. Although an accident has occurred, I hope you won't think of changing the traditions of the Academy. Please find a replacement for this year's demonstration and let's go through with it." Emma, usually benevolent and kind, was obviously a little annoyed as she spoke to Deo gravely.

Apart from being a Grand Magus of Space, Emma also had a sense of unquestionable authority, having established her position as Dean of the Academy. When such a stern warning came from her mouth, Deo was immediately stunned.

After a moment of thought with a darkened face, Deo turned to Fanny, who was sitting in the corner, and said, "Master Fanny, the Necromancy Major has never been part of the battle after so many years. I think it's high time the Necromancy Major sent someone. Please find someone to take Phillide's place so that the battle can continue."

Fanny, who had been sitting in the back row, watching expressionlessly, suddenly started when she heard Deo's words. She immediately remembered herself as anger filled her face, "Master Deo, what do you mean?"

Everyone could see that Deo had deliberately spoken to Fanny when he knew he had no chance of winning after Phillide's withdrawal.

Even if they lost, those in the know could see that Deo's actions were entirely the result of his bad temper. After all, the Necromancy Major was known to be weak. Deo could've asked anyone other than the Necromancy Major to take his place. His actions were a clear jab at the Necromancy Major, and could even be interpreted as a humiliation for the Major.

"Master Fanny, as a member of the Dark Major, you still have to make an effort sometimes, don't you think?" Another Dark Major teacher to the side understood Deo's intentions, of course, and spoke up after thinking for a moment.

The teachers next to Fanny watched her with an expression of pleasure at her misery, some of them even showing an expression of pity. However, the Necromancy Major was known to be weak, and no one said anything. Expressions of watching a good show prevailed.

"When do you usually think of our Necromancy Major? You think of us when you need a scapegoat, I think not!" Fanny had already lost face with the lack of necromancy students, and she'd only hoped that the battle would be over as soon as possible, so that she wouldn't have to suffer the ridicule and pitying looks of others. Who could have known that she would be so humiliated by Deo at the very end? This immediately aroused her anger.

Fanny was someone who was soft on the outside and tough on the inside, something Han Shou was well aware of. Under normal circumstances, Fanny would always greet others with a smile and wouldn't cause conflict with others, but as soon as someone crossed her line, Fanny would fight back with all her might. It was obvious that Deo had crossed Fanny's line this time.

The conversations of the teachers on stage couldn't make it over here, so Lisa and the others stood there with confused looks, not knowing why Fanny had suddenly stood up. When Han Shuo told them what had happened with a dark face, they were all incredibly angry as they cursed at Deo's despicable behaviour.

A strong body was useful at moments like this. He pushed aside all those blocking his way and walked towards the main stage amidst the curses of the students. He suddenly raised his voice, "Master Fanny, I would like to fight in the name of Phillide. I hope you agree."

Han Shuo could no longer contain his anger as he saw Fanny being humiliated. He shouted loudly with a serious look on his face, his voice ringing clear as a bell, and travelled a long distance to the stage.

There was an instantaneous silence in the square as a great commotion erupted. Everyone's eyes were focused on Han Shuo, all full of excitement and curiosity, all wanting to know what was going on.

"Who is this kid? He's got some guts!"

"Huh, such overconfidence. Even Phillide knew he was no match for our Major, so he feigned illness and withdrew. To think that there are those who invite humiliation!"

"Ah, isn't that our Major Bryan? When did he get back?"

The scene was immediately filled with excitement as all the students and teachers cast curious glances at Han Shuo's body. They even began to ask those around them what Han Shuo's background was.

Fanny was stunned to see Han Shuo appear. Her clear eyes sparkled as a hint of a sweet smile blossomed on her angry face. She spoke softly to Han Shuo, "Forget it... can't you see that someone is deliberately using us as a scapegoat?"

Nodding his head, Han Shuo looked at Deo who was busy pretending that nothing was out of the ordinary. He spoke to Fanny, "I know, but I still want to try. Our necromancy major has been quiet for so long, it's time we took our place in the spotlight again.

This demonstration would affect the standing of all teachers in the future. As a necromancy teacher, Fanny was being set up by someone like Deo. Han Shuo would obviously not allow this to continue.

Some kind of message seemed to be conveyed by Han Shuo's determined gaze. Fanny stared at him dumbly for a few seconds before finally nodding. She spoke to Deo, "Alright, I agree to your request. He will act as a substitute for Phillide."

Han Shuo's identity was quickly revealed by the necromancy students. His life as an errand slave and his experiences in the Dark Forest quickly found their way to the ears of all the teachers and students present.

When the tidbit came out that the old witch Camilla had seen Fanny and Han Shuo spending the night together and Han Shuo on Fanny's bed, it filled the minds of everyone present with endless imagination. This caused the voices of discussion to grow louder and louder as people's gazes sharpened and grew with enthusiasm.

"Then it's settled, he'll replace Phillide and immediately join the battle against the Light Major. Hm, he's only on stage for show. It'll be over quickly and won't take much time." Deo nodded and said to Fanny.