Chapter 106: Class Representative Assessment [2]
"Since there are no more questions, let’s start with the individual assessment."
The moment Sylas spoke those words, the classroom began to change.
The walls shimmered, the runes pulsing brighter as the pale marble seemed to melt and reform. The desks folded into the floor, disappearing as if they had never existed. The crystalline screen at the front dissolved into particles of light, scattering into the air.
The floor expanded, the obsidian surface stretching outward, the silver veins within it glowing like rivers of molten light. The ceiling rose higher, the floating crystal orbs ascending with it, their golden light intensifying.
Within moments, the classroom had transformed.
They now stood in a vast training ground. The walls were now made of reinforced stone, etched with defensive runes that pulsed with protective energy. The floor was smooth and open, marked with glowing lines that formed a large circular arena at the center. Elevated platforms surrounded the arena, providing a clear view for spectators.
Above them, the ceiling had become an open dome, revealing a sky filled with swirling clouds of Originat. A faint, shimmering barrier covered the dome, preventing attacks from escaping and protecting the building from damage.
Around the edges of the room, racks of training Armaments lined the walls, swords, spears, bows, and other armaments, each one enchanted for practice. Runes embedded in the floor marked designated zones for combat and observation.
Sylas stood at the center of the arena, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning the students who had just witnessed the transformation.
"Welcome to the Ashen Coliseum," he said, his voice echoing through the vast space. "This is where your individual assessment will take place."
The students glanced around, their expressions a mix of awe and anticipation.
"Wow, this is fantastic," a boy near the front muttered, his eyes wide as he took in the transformed space.
His friend nodded, equally impressed. "I’ve never seen anything like it. The classroom just changed."
Another student, a girl with sharp eyes, crossed her arms. "This is what the academy can do? No wonder they’re the best."
A boy near the back let out a low whistle. "I heard about the Ashen Coliseum, but I thought it was just a rumor. Turns out it’s real."
One of the girls tilted her head, her gaze sweeping across the arena. "It’s beautiful. And terrifying at the same time."
Her friend nodded. "I feel like I’m stepping into a completely different world."
The murmurs continued, spreading like wildfire through the group.
"This is going to be intense."
"I can’t wait to test my skills here."
"Look at the weapons. They’re enchanted with runes."
"Did you see the barrier? Nothing’s getting out of here."
Lucien observed the reactions around him. The students were excited, but also cautious. They understood the gravity of the situation.
Sylas raised his hand, silencing the murmurs. "Ok, one house everyone."
Hearing his words, they all turned and focused on him.
Seeing their focused gaze, he nodded.
"Ok, first, all of you will fight at the weakest cultivation of the person amongst you, which is the 1st level of the Spirit Realm. This is to advocate fairness and to tell you that this isn’t only about how high your cultivation is but how you will apply your talent, skills, and techniques into winning."
Everyone nodded. Those who had high cultivation were clearly disappointed, expecting they would have an advantage. But it seemed they were all on the same level ground.
"As for the winning criteria, you have to force your opponent to admit defeat, to lose consciousness, or cause them to leave the arena."
The students exchanged glances. Some already began sizing up their potential opponents, their eyes scanning the room with sharp calculation. Others were whispering among themselves, discussing strategies.
"Oh, also for the armaments at the side. They are all at the same rank but they have no special skills or assistance. So you can choose any of the Armament you want," Sylas said.
"Now, let me explain how the assessment will work."
The room fell silent.
"With fifty-two students in this class, you will be divided into thirteen groups of four. Each student will fight every other member of their group once. That means each of you will have a minimum of three matches."
The students listened intently.
"For each win, you will earn 3 points. If the match ends in a draw, both participants will receive 1 point. There is no point for a loss. At the end of the group stage, the top two students from each group, those with the highest points, will advance to the knockout round."
A few students nodded, already calculating their strategies.
"That means twenty-six students will move on to the knockout stage," Sylas continued. "From there, it will be a single-elimination bracket until we have a winner. The final winner will be the class representative."
The students exchanged glances, the weight of the competition settling on them.
"Each match will have a maximum time limit of ten minutes," Sylas added. "If neither participant can force a win within that time, the judges will decide based on who controlled the fight, inflicted more damage, and demonstrated better strategy."
A few students looked relieved, knowing that even if they couldn’t finish their opponent, they could still win through performance.
"You will observe the other matches from the observation platform," Sylas continued. "This is to help you understand your potential opponents’ fighting styles and adapt your strategies accordingly."
"So..." He continued, "Is there any question?"
A student near the front raised his hand. "Instructor, if our own armament is bound to us through a blood contract, can we still use it, or must we use the training ones?"
Sylas shook his head. "If your armament is bound by blood, you may use it. But it will be restricted to the same level as the training armaments. No special abilities will be active."
The student nodded, looking satisfied.
Another student, a girl with sharp eyes, raised her hand. "What about defensive items? Talismans, enchanted accessories, are they allowed?"
Sylas’s gaze was firm. "No external items are allowed. This assessment is about your own strength, talent, and skill. Not your gear."
A boy near the back leaned forward. "And if someone uses forbidden techniques?"
Sylas smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Then they will be disqualified immediately. And they will face disciplinary action."
The students fell silent, understanding the weight of his words.
Another student raised his hand, his voice curious. "What about healing during the match? Are we allowed to use healing skills if we have them?"
Sylas nodded. "Healing skills are allowed. But they consume Originat, so use them wisely."
A girl near the front tilted her head. "And if we accidentally go too far? If we seriously injure our opponent?"
Sylas’s expression softened slightly. "The arena is enchanted to prevent fatal injuries. If a participant is in danger of being seriously harmed, the match will be stopped automatically. Your safety is the priority."
The students exchanged glances, some looking relieved.
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