Chapter 81: The Forest of Trials

“Combat class, same rules as always!”

As Harold’s words fell, every student in the class instantly surged toward the arena, except for Wang Luo, who rose from his seat with an air of indifference. No one was surprised by this; in fact, some even looked at Wang Luo with a trace of pity.

Without sparing Harold on the podium a glance, Wang Luo strolled unhurriedly out of the classroom, muttering inwardly: Just because I said you like men, is that really something to be so petty about? You pick on me every combat class, but it was you who suddenly showed up and stared at me back then, and I just made an offhand remark...

“What are you thinking about? Hurry up and catch up!”

The sudden voice in his ear left Wang Luo speechless, but he obediently picked up his pace and ran forward. When under another’s roof, one must bow their head.

“You’ve all been at Tianxuan Academy for half a year now, and you should already be familiar with the basics. I’m sure you understand why you’re not allowed to take elixirs or refine magic crystals early in your training, and instead must cultivate on your own!”

“Wang Luo, you explain!”

Glancing at Wang Luo, who was dozing in a corner, Harold’s lips curled in a faint smile as he called out, a hint of irritation in his heart. The more he looked at Wang Luo, the more he found him disagreeable, and yet he couldn’t help but let his eyes drift back to him.

“Yes, Teacher Harold!”

Wang Luo snapped awake in an instant, adjusted his posture, and bowed slightly before launching into his explanation. Every now and then, he would shoot a smug glance at Xilili and Fimi, unaware that these little gestures had already been noticed by Harold.

“At the start of our cultivation, relying on our own efforts not only helps us better understand the elements and the process itself, but also teaches us perseverance, tempers our character, and lays a solid foundation for our future progress!”

“Wang Luo has explained it well. That’s exactly right. From today onward, you’ll have the chance to take elixirs and refine magic crystals. However, before that, you must pass a test. Only those who pass may use elixirs and refine crystals. You all know the consequences if you violate this rule!”

“Yes!”

Everyone shouted in unison. They had been waiting for this day for a long time. Elixirs and magic crystals could accelerate their cultivation tremendously. If it weren’t for the academy’s restrictions, and the fact that most people didn’t have their own supply, many would have already stolen a taste of forbidden fruit.

“Now, look behind you. Beyond that door is the Trial Forest. Your task is to hunt down a magical beast of the same level as yourself and retrieve its magic crystal. You may set out now. Wang Luo, you stay behind!”

Wang Luo, who had been ready to slip away, stopped in his tracks with a helpless sigh as he watched Xilili and Fimi walk past with triumphant looks, and Lisa, who cast him a reassuring glance.

“Teacher Harold!”

Once everyone else had entered the Trial Forest, Wang Luo turned to Harold and asked respectfully.

“Hmph!”

Harold snorted coldly, reaching for Wang Luo with a hand sheathed in blue battle energy, sealing off any route of escape.

“Are you finished yet?”

Wang Luo, receiving no reply, dropped all pretense. Relying on the strength of his body, he engaged Harold in combat. The sound of their blows echoed loudly across the arena.

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In the midst of the Trial Forest, towering trees rose from the earth, and the roars of wild beasts rang out from time to time, mingling with the youthful shouts of the students. Waves of elemental energy rippled from the direction of the cries.

Awoo...

Within the forest, a two-meter-tall azure wolf was locked in fierce battle with two figures—one clad in blue, the other in red. The three exchanged blows, none gaining the upper hand.

Bang—

Suddenly, a fiery red serpent materialized out of thin air, slamming into the wolf with a resounding thud. The wolf’s fur was instantly scorched in a patch.

Awoo...

The wolf howled in agony, eyes flashing with ferocity, and lunged at a slender figure it had previously ignored.

“Hmph!”

Unfazed by the charging wolf, Xilili snorted coldly, her expression unchanged as she began chanting the incantation for the spell she had been preparing.

“Pillar of Flame!”

Her staff pointed sharply at the wolf, Xilili uttered the final words. A rune flashed briefly, and a column of fire burst forth, instantly engulfing the wolf, who had no time to dodge.

Awoo...

The wolf shrieked in pain, thrashing desperately within the flames, but unable to escape. The scent of roasting meat soon filled the air, the beast’s struggles growing weaker until at last, its cries faded away.

Thud—

Xilili plopped down onto the ground, her face a little pale but her eyes shining with excitement as she gazed at the charred corpse not far away. She shot a triumphant look at Lisa and Fimi and immediately sat cross-legged to recover her spent magic.

“Mages really are formidable!”

Fimi glanced at the blackened carcass, then at Xilili seated on the ground, and smiled as she spoke to Lisa beside her.

“Yes, but they still need warriors to buy them enough time. You should rest a bit now. I’ll stand guard so we’re ready for the final battle.”

“Alright!”

Hearing Lisa’s words, Fimi also sat cross-legged to recover her battle energy. She and Xilili had only just reached the third level, and could not compare to Lisa, who was already at the peak of level three.

With a soft squelch, Lisa walked over to the wolf’s body and plunged her sword into its skull. Suppressing her queasiness, she extracted a fist-sized azure magic crystal from within.

The lower the level of a mage or warrior, the less elemental energy they held, which meant they depleted quickly but also recovered quickly. Thus, it wasn’t long before both Xilili and Fimi awoke, once again full of vigor—especially Xilili, who had just helped kill two third-level magical beasts. Her excitement was plain in her eyes.

“Lisa, Fimi, let’s keep going deeper! After all, Teacher Harold said there are no fourth-level beasts in the Trial Forest.”

Grabbing Lisa and Fimi by the arms, Xilili chattered excitedly as she led the two further into the woods.

“Let’s go. The more beasts we kill, the less likely Wang Luo will surpass us!”

“Yes, let’s make sure Wang Luo gets shown up this time!”

...

Lisa gave Xilili and Fimi an exasperated look, then followed them into the depths of the forest, silently thinking: As far as I know, Wang Luo never agreed to compete with the three of us...

Azure Dragon of Another World 81 - Chapter 81: The Trial Forest, complete!