In the final month leading up to the exam, the atmosphere within the academy grew increasingly charged. Every acolyte from the 120 halls felt the pressure mounting, particularly the third years who were facing their final exam before graduation. The stakes were higher than ever, and the academy buzzed with a mixture of anxiety and determination.
Emery, fully aware of the gravity of the situation, intensified his efforts. He provided personal coaching to each of his students, tailoring his guidance to their individual strengths and weaknesses. Weekly evaluations became a cornerstone of his training regimen, ensuring that every acolyte in Hall 60 was progressing steadily. His dedication did not go unnoticed; the acolytes pushed themselves to their limits, driven by his encouragement and the looming challenge ahead.
Finally, the day of reckoning arrived. Emery stood before his students, a commanding presence that filled them with both confidence and resolve. His eyes swept over the group, taking in the faces of those who had trained under him, each one a testament to their hard work and perseverance.
"Don't leave room for regret. Do your very best!" he urged them, his voice firm and supportive.
"Yes, Master!" the acolytes responded in unison, their voices echoing with determination.With the command given, the virtual tournaments commenced, spanning over four intense days. Each acolyte was scheduled to fight twice a day. The system was unforgiving; only those who secured two victories in the first two days would move on to the third and fourth days of the competition. From there, the top five hundred would be selected by the system, marking them as the best of the unranked participants.
For Hall 60, the stakes were especially high, but against all odds, eight acolytes managed to push through this grueling stage: Ha Ron, KingRig, Ullong, Bellana, Titus, Armenius, and two senior acolytes. Their success meant that more than half of Hall 60's members would be competing for a coveted spot among the top 1,000 ranked acolytes.
The days that followed were a blur of relentless training. Every moment was dedicated to preparation, as the remaining acolytes understood that the next phase would be even more demanding.
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The final day arrived, and the arena was abuzz with anticipation and tension. With the prestigious academy rankings on the line, the atmosphere was electric. Emery watched intently from the sidelines as Damo and Dillion prepared to face their formidable opponents.
On the opposite side of the arena, Lucius stood alongside six acolytes, including the top 5 and Emery; 's own daughter Shinta. The stage was set for a high-stakes and climactic showdown, with every participant ready to demonstrate their prowess.
">IndexThe first three days of the competition focused on determining the strongest among the top 1,000 acolytes—500 bronze insignia holders and 500 of the highest-ranking unranked acolytes. The pressure was immense; those who couldn't secure at least two victories within the first two days would face elimination, losing their bronze insignia and any chance at advancing.
Hall 60's senior acolytes, along with Bellana, found themselves eliminated in this fiercely competitive group. This meant that Ha Ron, KingRig, Ullong, Titus, and Armenius had the opportunity to earn their bronze insignias, while Kat and Blaine fought to defend theirs.
The initial rounds were grueling. Each match tested the acolytes' limits, pushing them to draw on every ounce of skill and strategy they had honed over the years. Ha Ron and KingRig proved their mettle, securing their bronze insignias, while Kat and Blaine managed to retain theirs. However, the third day brought a new level of intensity. The competition grew fiercer as they faced off against the elite acolytes, those who had already proven themselves to be among the best.
Despite their best efforts, Ullong and the two Romans, Titus and Armenius, were ultimately eliminated. The disappointment was palpable, but they had fought valiantly.
Emerging victorious, Ha Ron, KingRig, Kat, and Blaine were selected among the top 100 bronze insignia holders. Their success granted them entry into the next stage of the competition, where they would face off against the 400 silver insignia acolytes, including Damo, for a coveted spot in the top 100 rankings.
As the battles progressed to the next stage, the intensity in the arena reached a fever pitch. The acolytes who had made it this far were the elite of the elite, most already at the peak of rank 9. Every match was a test of not just skill but of willpower and endurance, as each acolyte had to compete in four grueling bouts.
For Blaine, the ant half-blood, the competition proved to be too much. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to secure a single victory, just as he had struggled in the mid-exam. The sting of disappointment was evident in his eyes, as once again, he found himself falling short of his aspirations.
Among the remaining Hall 60 acolytes, the results were mixed. Kat and KingRig each managed to clinch one victory, but it wasn't enough to advance them further.
Kat, a third-year acolyte, knew this was her last chance to break into the top 100. The realization hit her hard, but she kept her composure, offering her support to her fellow acolyte.
Ha Ron extensive experience and mastery of Khaos made him a formidable fighter, and even though he had only formed six pillars as a rank 9 acolyte, he demonstrated the capability to challenge peak rank 9 geniuses. Unfortunately, he fell short, losing two out of four matches and thus missing the chance to advance to the final stage.
"You must succeed, Damo! You must!" Kat shouted, her voice filled with hope and encouragement as she wished Damo the best.
Damo, the young monk, had made significant progress over the past five months. He had honed his skills and learned new formation techniques. His peak rank 9 abilities, combined with his martial arts prowess, allowed him to secure three victories. This performance earned him a coveted spot in the final stage of the competition, where he would face the best of the best in a bid to secure his place among the top contenders.
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