Volume 10 - CH 2

Chapter 2: Tranquility?

Location: Atlantis  Time: 3:54 PM

The ceremony continued to be held until afternoon.

Although there was lunch in between, almost all of my time was spent standing in the middle of the field listening to other people’s declarations, reflections, and various ending performances. When the whole thing ended, I only had one thought…

Next time someone tells me to participate in a competition again, I’ll give him the death penalty!

“Yang~your legs are shaking!” The five-colored rooster head, who had been standing for the whole day and yet was completely fine, very annoyingly swept past in front of me, making me really want to raise my foot to kick his ass. But because I had been standing for the whole day, my feet were already numb and sore. I couldn’t even raise them even if I wanted to…I wonder if I can get some ZeXo* or something similar from the assistant later.

[T/N: 肌樂 ZeXo=Zero. The X is there for copyright reasons or something. It’s a Taiwanese brand for muscle soreness]

That’s why I said that people who participate in the competition aren’t human, because it seems that, apart from me, everyone didn’t even have the slightest problem.

Nearly four o’clock in the afternoon, after the ceremony ended, all the teams and audience disbanded. I was originally intending to go straight back to the Black Dorm to sleep till the end of time, however, there just had to be someone who broke my wishful thinking, stubbornly dragging me to the campus restaurant to gather.

“Eat an invigorating rice ball and they won’t shake anymore.” The culprit who dragged me over there opened his exclusive rice ball box, then took out a greenish-blue rice ball that was emitting a mysterious swirling gas, and handed it to me.

It’d be weird if I actually dared to eat it!

“No need, thank you.” I immediately turned down Ryan’s good intentions, because I didn’t want to have diarrhea nor get poisoned.

Ryan shrugged and ate that horrifying rice ball right in front of me.

Staring at him, I considered whether or not to count down how many seconds it would take for him to be poisoned to death.

“The things are here!” Following a few “excuse me” voices, I saw a high stack of food, each stack higher than the other, being sent to the table, with infinite superhuman strength, by both Chifuyu and Miao Miao.

Let me explain the current situation: after the General Assembly ended, when everyone was originally going to go their separate ways, the ever quick-thinking Chifuyu stopped the members of both teams, saying that we should have a eating get together after the end of the General Assembly’s meet. So apart from us, everyone from both Atlantis Academy representative teams has arrived, along with a butler, Nile, who came to accompany his master, and someone from the medical team, Miao Miao, who came to join in the fun.

Everyone in the restaurant was focused on our table.

“Here’s to our team members who received awards.” Geng picked up a very strange mug that was emitting white smoke, and proudly held it up high.

“Cheers!”

The sound of the cup rims colliding rang out. When I put down the cup that I got in the middle of the confusion, I suddenly felt a bit regretful—there was a green seaweed floating in the cup…It looks like it should be seaweed. Then I wasn’t sure if this was drinkable or if it grew grass because the cup hadn’t been washed in a long time.

“This is a drink. Drinking it won’t kill you.” Sitting beside me, Senior was holding a transparent goblet. The blue drink inside was continuously bubbling; it felt like it was also something that would kill you if you drink it.

I want to drink something normal, honestly!

With a “kou,” a mug filled with transparent plain water was thrown in front of me, “Is this normal enough?” Drinking the drink that looked like it would kill you, Senior coldly snorted.

Looking at the plain water, I nodded hard. It’s better than seaweed water at least.

Picking up the cup, it was colorless and tasteless. Looks like it really is plain water. But, in our school plain water definitely wouldn’t be as simple as just plain water. In particular, the more normal something looks, the more careful you have to be. I started to suspect. This should be real plain water, right…

“But it’s such a pity. We only got second place. I thought that we’d still be firmly sitting on the throne this time.” Geng swirled the wide-mouthed cup of green liquid in her hand, letting out a sound, “With only a few points in difference, I didn’t expect that Seven Hills Academy, which has reserved its strength for many years, would become more and more powerful.”

Reserved its strength?

To be honest, Seven Hills’ players had their faces covered from the start till now, causing me to be very curious about their appearances.

That’s right, speaking of Seven Hills Academy, I seemed to have not seen Ran in quite a while. I wonder where he ran off to. After the competition, I’ve always wanted to thank him, but when I arrived at Seven Hills Academy’s players’ lounge thinking of asking someone, I found out that Seven Hills’ players had already left at some point, directly grabbing at empty air. I kept feeling a bit regretful.

“Aih…I really want to find them for a fight.” The five-colored rooster head’s remark was directly ignored by everyone.

A blood-red streak crossed my sight. Likewise swirling his cup, Randall didn’t say anything, but he had a thoughtful expression. Then the terrifying thing wasn’t that he was in a daze but that cup of something in his hand. I kept feeling that there seemed to be a round eyeball-like thing floating vaguely inside—

It’d be better if I don’t randomly guess.

“However, the most surprising one should still be Chu.” I heard someone mention my name. Turning my head, I saw senior Gasai smiling as he looked at me, “When Icy Flame said that he wanted you to be a backup, I was really startled and wanted to say that you’d probably be quickly sec-killed and replaced. I didn’t expect that Chu’s vitality would be rather strong. It’s out of my expectations.”

…Are you sure you’re praising me!?

Why does it sound like you’re talking about something else?

“Agree!” A bunch of voices sounded one after another.

You people shouldn’t agree so casually!

“Miao Miao thought that I would be able to see Yang Yang very quickly in the medical team, causing my expectance to fall through.” Miao Miao said with an expression full of pity.

May I ask what you were expecting!? Please don’t casually look forward to other people’s deaths, alright!

[T/N: Look forward to and expect have the same characters]

“But this competition really was dangerous. Good thing there weren’t many people seriously injured.” She continued to speak, and everyone sitting there quieted down a little, “Whether it’s the people at Black Willow Ridge or Lake Town, fortunately everyone came back safe and sound.”

I saw that everyone had silently raised their cups.

“Here’s to our safety.”

***

I had a feeling that they would fool around for a long time.

I watched the table full of people discussing both sides of the competition, most of which were about magic terms etc., that I didn’t really understand; they even found a pen and paper and were writing and drawing. After sitting for a while, Senior and senior Gasai had something to do and left first. Chasing after them, I hurriedly made an excuse about going to the bathroom and escaped too.

Leaving the restaurant, the sky was already pretty dark. My watch showed that it was past six.

Probably because today was a holiday and was also the last day of the competition, as soon as I left the restaurant, I saw that many beautiful little lights were lit up in the school. The entire school was bright as if it was daytime. I could see many people meeting everywhere, and some were even students from other schools. Everyone was planning to stay up all night.

I was standing in a sea of light, and for a moment, I didn’t know where I should go from here.

“Very beautiful, right?” A gentle voice rang out beside me, and I tilted my head over to look. At some point, the dorm administrator Restua was already sitting on the garden stone next to me. He beckoned to me, and standing on the other side was the administrative staff, Andy. In between both of them was a small stone table, and placed on it were drinks and desserts. It looks like they’d been sitting here for some time.

Looking around, I realized that I’d unknowingly walked into the garden area, but there weren’t that many people here. It’s a lot more quiet than the other places.

I unconsciously walked over to the stone table, and by the time I realized, I was already standing beside it.

“An Elf’s invitation has always been very difficult to refuse, especially under a beautiful night scene.” Andy smiled at me, and then he patted the still-empty stone chair beside him, “Rest for a bit. Sometimes you’ll only be able to see the way ahead after sitting down.”

That’s why I said that they’re very godly; even when I’m at a loss, they could still be so clear about it. I sat down on that empty seat, and a new empty cup immediately appeared on the table. A drink started rising from the bottom of the cup. It was the Elven drink that I drank before.

“It wasn’t easy to get special approval to temporarily put down those chores and rest tonight, so why not properly enjoy the scenery and slow down?” Restua smiled at me, then I unconsciously smiled back at him. “Student Chu, is what you’re seeing the scenery, or is it not the scenery?”

I froze, and for an instant I didn’t know how I should answer his question, “Uh…Should be both?” Secretly glancing at that Elf who should be speaking in riddles, I didn’t know if I answered correctly or incorrectly.

Restua and Andy exchanged glances. Both of them had a faint smile, “In the starting record of the world, God gave us the scenery that we are able to see and the scenery that we aren’t able to see. What you can see before you is not necessarily what you can see in your heart. But what you see in your heart can influence what you see before you, so God want us to cleanse our soul, examine the scenery that you want to see, and also cleanse the deceiving darkness.”

Andy spoke very vaguely, a bit like the words of a preacher. Hearing it made me feel a little muddled.

“In the unknown time, the Elven King taught us that we must strive to the best of our ability and be diligent in our confrontation; experience what significance the breeze that blew here has, listen to the message brought by the sound of flowing water, and you’ll know how important the sounds that fill the space are. In the future when you’re faced with difficulties, let your soul settle down, and you will be able to open a new path through all that you’ve gained.” As if they were exchanging what they’ve learned and also as if they were saying it for me to hear, Restua looked at the sky full of stars and said.

Perhaps because my ability to understand wasn’t enough, I kept feeling that the two of them should be trying to convey something, but it was said so vaguely, paradoxically.

“Chu, do you want to know why Seven Hills Academy obtained first place?” Green eyes looked at me, and Restua gently smiled as he asked.

I nodded. To be honest, I’ve always felt that Seven Hills Academy’s students didn’t seem to be that active, but contrary to everyone’s expectations, they just won the General Assembly’s championship. Of course, I believe that there definitely weren’t any biased assessments. After all, the rules of this world aren’t the same as that world of ours; if someone was caught cheating, then that person would probably die a horrible death.

Under these circumstances, I really am very curious about the reason why Seven Hills Academy would win the championship.

“They were similarly in Lake Town, and similarly in the group going up against the Ghost King’s expert, so why is it that after Seven Hills Academy’s players broke the barrier and then fought, they didn’t have any obvious injuries?” Holding up his drink and swaying the cup, Andy asked a question.

Oh right, I seemed to have never seen them suffer serious injuries before. At most, they were small wounds and the like.

“The Seven Hills Academy that doesn’t have any robe levels was able to successfully participate in the competition, and even enter the finals and win the championship. I really don’t know if they were the top experts of their school or just a few out of numerous experts.” Hearing Andy’s words, I started to carefully think back; Seven Hills Academy’s players really were highly skilled. Even Ran, whom I met by chance, was just as unfathomable.

But then again, aren’t they the whatchamacallit legendary sacrificial incantation school, and those who come from there are all mages and the like? Based on common sense, the general mage should be the kind that’s very weak, and have to stand far away, and then if they’re accidentally hit, they’d die, right!?

Why do they rarely get hurt?

Can’t understand at all.

“If you want to know about the matter regarding how Seven Hills Academy was able to win, I believe the answer at the next garden’s corner can resolve some of your doubts.” Restua stretched out his hand, pointing to the corner of a covered corridor at the very end of the garden.

Answer?

There was not a single person in the covered corridor.

“Excuse me, then I’ll take my leave first.” I believe Restua probably wouldn’t trick me for no reason. If it was someone else, then forget it. However, because the person who said it was him, I believe that place should have the answer that they mentioned.

“Go ahead.”

***

What’s around the corner?

To be honest, I have no idea at all.

After walking through the long garden corridor, the surrounding lights grew increasingly dark. There was no one else here, and the whole place felt a lot gloomier. If something suddenly rushes out, it should be considered very normal.

But right now there’s only me, so please all of you bosses…don’t play around with me!

I walked as the hair on my skin started rising. Then I pressed my bracelet to prepare to give a fatal blow if something suddenly rushes out. There’s not even a shadow of a person here…

“Do you understand the reason why the teams this time lost to Seven Hills Academy?” Past the corner, I suddenly heard a small voice, as if someone was talking. I immediately stopped in my tracks. Not far from the corner, I actually saw Senior, who used the excuse of having a job to leave first, and Director Jing, who was sitting on the corridor railing beside him. Then there was also a long shadow on the ground, but from my angle, I couldn’t see who that person was.

The voice that spoke wasn’t Senior or Director Jing. It should be that stranger.

“I know.” Senior was half-leaning on the railing and looked like he was in a relaxed state; it could be seen that person should also be his acquaintance, “Seven Hills Academy’s players are too united, even giving up their qualifications was done together. In a way, their ability, judgment, thinking, unity, etc., are indeed top-notch. I think it was only natural for them to get first place.”

…Turns out he’s having a post-game review. I suddenly felt that I shouldn’t be eavesdropping.

However, my feet were tightly stuck to the ground, and I subconsciously wanted to hear the difference in strengths and weaknesses in this competition.

“Seven Hills Academy’s purpose for coming this time wasn’t to get first place, but under these circumstances, they still managed to stand out. They are indeed a rarely seen team in recent years…Nn, it should be said that fortunately Seven Hills Academy is not our enemy.” Director Jing propped up her chin, her childlike face curving into a smile, “To be able to ally with them should count as a very lucky thing. After all, Seven Hills Academy has never dealt with outsiders in hundreds of years, so it’s rare for them to take the initiative to form an alliance with our school. Little Icy Flame, you have to be a good mediator oh.”

Senior frowned, “Can you remove that word “little”? I’m not little anymore.”

Although I’d heard this several times already, every time I hear Senior using honorifics to talk with others, I feel very weird. How should I describe that feeling… it’s just like having a sea cucumber drop on your head, completely uncomfortable.

Director Jing stood up, with both hands on her hips. In some respects, it’s still considered a very cute action, “Hmph hmph, compared to the three of us, you’re so little that you can’t be any littler, Little~Icy Flame!” She even deliberately emphasized the word “little.”

To be honest, I rarely see Senior suffer a loss, but right in front of me was one.

“Stop fooling around, Jing. Our purpose for coming here this time is only to supervise the progress of the competition. After our return to the Temple of Nothingness, we still need to discuss related matters.” That stranger spoke, very calmly, in a voice that almost caused one to unknowingly settle down, “Except for Yelu, the other two Ghost Kings have already started having movements. This means that the task you bear will be even more critical.”

Looking at the other person, Senior nodded, “Other than that, Ghost King Shunaleon…”

“You don’t need to worry about this. As of now, Shunaleon is still in seclusion, and you probably also understand that based on his personality, he definitely wouldn’t get involved. Therefore you guys can rest assured when dealing with Jing Lothian and Bishen. We will tell you the follow-up procedure later.” The stranger’s voice was very light, and sometimes I had to listen very carefully to be able to hear his voice, “Shunaleon is different from the other Ghost Kings. You don’t need to especially guard against him.”

“I understand.” Senior nodded, no longer asking any related questions.

“That’s right, how is your compatibility with Fiery Cloud Felling Spear? We received fluctuations from the secondary changes of Fiery Cloud Felling Spear and Wintry Feather Whip, but you should have remembered that Fiery Cloud and Wintry Feather are different. If you are too anxious when using it, it will only bring unnecessary trouble early.” A faint voice sounded again, and this time it became a weapon inquiry.

“To deal with Andellar, if I don’t lift Fiery Cloud Felling Spear to the secondary change, it’d be difficult to fight him to a draw.” Looking at that person, Senior’s expression became a bit serious, “But even though so many people had joined hands, he still got away…”

“This is because your teamwork isn’t enough. When you faced Andellar, did you guys fight separately or all together? Think back carefully and you’ll know.” The indifferent voice still didn’t fluctuate, but when I heard it, I felt a small chill. “Is Andellar’s strength really that strong? As far as we’re concerned, whether it’s Jing, Shan, or me, we don’t even need to work together to deal with him. And you, were directly taught by the three of us. Although you did not formally take Jing and Shan as your masters, you still learned a lot from them. After this, think back to the moment that you confronted the Ghost King’s first expert. Was he really as strong as you imagined him to be?”

“I believe that if we put in our utmost effort, we should be able to overcome him. However, every time we confronted him, it was always under poor conditions. It felt like he deliberately picked the timing.” Senior supported his chin with his hand, as if he just thought of something.

Suddenly, Director Jing clapped her hands, “Little Icy Flame, you got to the main point. Ghost King Yelu’s first expert Andellar was once in the medical team. It’d be normal for him to deliberately pick the timing to deal with you guys. Think about it, have you ever been attacked when you were in your best condition?”

Senior shook his head.

Wait a minute, Ghost King Yelu’s first expert? If I remember correctly, I remember that the face-changing person should be the first expert of Ghost King Bishen, right?

Did I mishear it or did they say it wrong? Why is it that I seemed to have heard them say he’s a certain person’s first expert several times?

“Regardless of whether or not you’re in your best condition, as long as you lose, there’s no other excuse. You should have long since learned how to judge an enemy’s power and how to combine strength to deal with him, so after this school competition, I hope you can review this well.”

“Yes.” Senior lowered his head, and made a slight Traditional Fist Wrapping, “Thank you for Director Jing and Master’s advice.”

Master?

Senior’s Master!?

I’m super curious about who he is!

***

Just when I was about to peek out a bit to find out, a hand suddenly appeared from behind, covering my mouth and dragging me back.

It appeared!

The school’s specialty XXXX!

I wanted to pull out Minas, but a hand from behind immediately held down my wrist where the illusionary soybean was placed, “Student Chu…you can’t randomly fire your gun.”

A familiar voice?

It was only after I was dragged some distance away that the other person let go. As soon as I turned my head, sure enough, I saw the person who was commonly known as the accounting department’s cheapskate that you should stay as far away as possible from, Mr. Zachary. “If you randomly fire your gun in the school and break something, tut tut tut, that amount might suck you dry.” He revealed a strange smile and started counting his fingers.

I instantly hid my bracelet behind my back.

Speaking of which, why is it that no matter where I went tonight, I always ran into the school’s working staff?

“That…Is something the matter?” I didn’t really understand his action of suddenly dragging me away, he wanted to play a ghostly murder game, right…

“No, but when I was passing by just now, someone told me to take you away in the meantime, because eavesdropping for too long over there isn’t exactly a good thing for you. After all, for some things, as long as you know what you should know, it’s enough. The rest of it can be given back to the master and student as a quiet space.” Shrugging, the legendary cheapskate, whom you should stay as far away as possible from, told me.

Once he said that, I thought of something tragic.

I’m finished. Just now I was eavesdropping while thinking, so Senior has definitely found out about my eavesdropping a long time ago.

Can I still go back to the Black Dorm now? Will I be killed…

“That’s right, you said someone told you to take me away?” There shouldn’t be a lot of people who knew that I went there to eavesdrop, especially since this place is pretty remote.

“Oh, an Elf and an Angel were drinking tea at a roadside garden. Let’s head there later. They said if you knew the answer, it just so happens that you can go back and enjoy the freshly baked cake. When accompanied by Elven tea, it’s the most delicious thing.” Zachary shrugged and told me, “Also, the ending fireworks show is about to begin soon. If you continue to waste time here, you’ll miss it.”

Speaking of which, other than knowing the answer, right now I have even more of something called questions. But another thing caught my attention first, “Fireworks show?” The fireworks that were set off today are still not enough?

“Yeah, the traditional fireworks to celebrate the sports competition’s successful ending.”

Just as Zachary’s words fell, as if to confirm his words, a stream of fire drew across the dark sky. Then with a huge “boom,” I saw countless lights spreading throughout the sky, like stars spilling out.

“It started! Hurry up and run!”

“Aah—!”

And so, that night, the sky over the school was especially brilliant. The booming sound of the fireworks show didn’t stop until midnight, so spectacular that it causes one to gasp in admiration.

The sports competition, has ended.

Everything, all of everything…including those unpleasant…