Chapter 25: Strategies Unveiled

Chapter 25: Strategies Unveiled

"With my name, Siley, I invoke the Will of Battle that roams the wilderness and activate the glorious and deadly Flight of Stairs…"

The three chairmen chanted in unison, simultaneously tearing their scrolls apart.

Bang! * Crimson lightning continuously thundered down, creating a vast rift in the void where the three crimson scrolls were torn.

Whoosh! * Countless thunder and lightning emerged from within, accompanied by explosions and whistling noises.

After several dozen seconds, the void calmed down.

"This secret plane was once an abandoned resource point. We've already scavenged it of any valuable organisms and resources. Now, it's your battlefield," Chairman Siley declared, addressing Leylin and the group of acolytes.

"You are the finest students of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, having faced death and bloodshed. You're not delicate hothouse flowers but fierce young lions. Hunt your prey, stalk them, and finally, tear them apart!"

With those words, Chairman Siley's eyes turned crimson, radiating a blood-red light, giving his face a contorted appearance.

Leylin's expression remained solemn. Following the chairman's speech, many rewards were promised, including precious resources and advanced information awarded for each opposing acolyte slain, fueling the greed in the eyes of the participating acolytes.

The two opposing factions' chairmen delivered their own speeches. Their acolytes cheered and nodded vigorously, but Leylin remained calm. He only aimed to gather enough contribution points to exchange for Grine Water, a facade for his advancement.

The price for Grine Water was 50 contribution points, equivalent to killing five level 3 acolytes from the opposing faction or even more level 2 acolytes.

Leylin surveyed the opposing acolytes and identified level 3 acolytes with low energy waves. He knew they would be his prime targets.

The secret plane would last for three days, and the participating acolytes were transported to different locations within it. Chairman Siley's warning about the chest badges as proof of contributions and containing information on the return route echoed in their ears.

Chairman Siley waved his hand, and Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolytes formed a line to enter the secret plane. Lighthouse of the Night had secured the advantage of entering the plane first.

But Leylin knew that, despite this minor advantage, Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was at a disadvantage in terms of elite forces. Their enemies possessed far more level 3 acolytes.

Once inside the secret plane, Leylin's surroundings turned pitch black. When he regained his senses, he stood on unfamiliar ground.

He felt a bit disoriented but quickly composed himself.

[A negative effect has been detected in the host. Symptoms include dizziness and vomiting, likely a side effect of spatial travel.]

The A.I. Chip's analysis and information helped Leylin recover his composure. He splashed cold water on his face to alleviate his discomfort and dizziness.

Observing his surroundings, he saw small trees, shrubs, and unknown fruit trees with purple-red, slightly hairy fruits.

"A.I. Chip, scan the surroundings."

A 3D image was projected in front of Leylin's eyes, confirming no immediate danger. He nodded, relieved.

"Shapeshifting spell (Modified)!"

Leylin used a rank 0 spell, changing his appearance entirely, including his energy waves, to that of a level 1 acolyte. He became an unrecognizable blonde male acolyte.

He vanished into the shrubbery, ensuring no traces remained. Leylin aimed to lay low while advancing toward his goal.

In other parts of the secret plane, acolytes had already begun skirmishes and short-lived battles. Level 3 acolytes from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had the upper hand in one-on-one combat, while level 1 and 2 acolytes stood little chance.

One black-haired acolyte, cloaked in black, wielded lightning to obliterate an Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolyte.

Elsewhere, Jayden, with his vines, immobilized an acolyte from Whitewoods Castle, watching blood trickle through the vines.

Frequent battles raged, reflecting the inherent danger of the secret plane.

A pockmarked brown-haired acolyte in a Sage Gotham's Hut uniform, his eyes filled with anxiety, lamented, "I can't believe I ended up here, so far from the academy gathering point."

He quickened his pace, cursing his predicament.

Suddenly, Leylin appeared behind him and struck the back of his head, reducing it to a pulpy mess.

He retrieved a red badge from the dead acolyte's chest, containing 3 contribution points.

Leylin kept the badge, each academy having a distinct badge, different for each level of acolyte.

With his disguise complete, Leylin resumed his mission, ensuring he left no trace behind.

Meanwhile, the remaining acolytes continued to clash throughout the secret plane. The level 3 acolytes from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy held an advantage in one-on-one combat, thanks to their brutal training. But the balance of power seemed precarious, given the formidable enemy forces.

Leylin's strategy was clear: gather enough contribution points for the Grine Water, advance to the next level, and remain cautious as he navigated this perilous battlefield.