Chapter 25: The Five Great Academies Arrive!
The June sun hung high in the sky, a blazing orb casting a searing, brilliant light over Riverdale High. The campus, usually filled with the drone of lectures, was today bathed in a golden glow, vibrating with an atmosphere of uncontrollable excitement and anticipation.
It wasn't just a school day; it was a festival of potential.
Above the main gate, a massive, crimson banner fluttered in the warm breeze, the gold lettering striking to the eye: "Warm Welcome to the Representatives of the Five Great Awakener Academies!"
Principal Arthur Higgins, dressed in his most impeccable formal suit, stood at the forefront of the school's leadership team. He adjusted his tie for the tenth time, sweat beading on his forehead not just from the heat, but from the sheer weight of the occasion.
Flanking the entrance were hundreds of curious students, craning their necks like meerkats.
"We really hit the jackpot this year thanks to Alex and Elara," the Class 2 homeroom teacher whispered to a colleague, unable to hide the pride in his voice. "To have the Five Great Academies come personally for early recruitment... it's unprecedented for Riverdale."
"Exactly," another teacher agreed, fanning herself with a file folder. "Heaven is blessing our school. Last year we had zero S-Rank Awakeners. This year, we have two! And both are Elemental types, the strongest category among S-Ranks!"
Principal Higgins beamed, his face glowing with a smile that threatened to split his face.
This year, Riverdale High—and indeed, the entire city—had received commendations from the state government because of Alex and Elara.
Just as the faculty exchanged self-congratulatory remarks, a low, rhythmic rumble echoed from the distance.
Vroom... Vroom...
The sound grew louder, vibrating in the chests of the onlookers. Five heavy-duty military off-road vehicles, painted in matte black and camouflage, slowly rolled into view.
Principal Higgins hurriedly straightened his jacket one last time, his expression shifting from joyous to solemn respect.
The five vehicles came to a smooth halt in front of the gate. The doors opened in unison.
Three men and two women stepped out. The moment their feet touched the pavement, the air seemed to grow heavier, charged with the sheer pressure of their presence.
"Hiss... isn't that Gideon Lance?" A student in the crowd gasped, his voice trembling. "The Dean of the Spear Department at Arcane Martial Academy? They call him the Next Generation Spear Saint!"
"And look there! That's Commander Drax from the Legion Military Academy! The man who slew a Tier 7 King-Class Beast with his bare hands while only at Tier 7 himself!"
"Holy crap... these are all legends. Big shots among big shots. I'm so jealous of Alex and Elara right now. Imagine being fought over by them!"
"Look! Even Seraphina Frost from Capital Warrior Academy is here! She's my idol!"
The students' eyes shined with a mix of worship and envy. These representatives weren't just teachers; they were powerful Awakeners, heroes of the Federation.
Principal Higgins rushed forward, bowing slightly. "Welcome, distinguished representatives, to Riverdale High. Your presence brings light to our humble school!"
"You are too kind, Principal Higgins. It is your excellent guidance that has produced such talent," said Professor Alaric, the representative from the Expanse War Academy, adjusting his glasses with a gentle smile.
"Alright, save the pleasantries," interrupted Gideon Lance of Arcane Martial. He was a tall man with sharp eyebrows and a restless energy. "Where are Alex Whitefield and Elara Vance?"
"Gideon, still as impatient as ever, I see," Seraphina Frost of the Capital Academy chuckled softly. She wore a pristine white uniform, her demeanor cool and elegant.
"What? Did the Capital Academy run out of staff? They sent you to recruit freshmen?" Gideon shot back, his tone laced with provocation.
Arcane Martial Academy and Capital Warrior Academy had been arch-rivals for a century. This rivalry extended from the students up to the deans and directors, resulting in constant friction.
"Why are you two arguing already?" Matron Valerius from the Northern Bastion Academy frowned, her voice stern. "We are here to recruit talent, not to listen to you bicker like children."
Gideon and Seraphina snorted in unison, turning their heads away from each other.
Principal Higgins stood in the middle, maintaining an awkward smile. Caught between these titans, he couldn't afford to offend anyone.
"Distinguished Representatives," Higgins interjected smoothly. "I assume you've heard that Alex and Elara are scheduled for a duel today? Why don't we head to the Arena first? We can proceed with the recruitment discussions after their match concludes."
The representatives nodded in agreement.
They had indeed heard of the duel. It was the perfect opportunity. Seeing the students in actual combat was far better than reading data on a sheet. They could adjust their scholarship offers based on the performance.
"We will follow your arrangement, Principal," Professor Alaric said kindly. "Lead the way."
"Please, follow me."
Higgins gestured and led the five representatives toward the school's massive Arena.
Inside the VIP box of the Arena, Higgins handed five detailed dossiers to the representatives.
"These are the files for Alex and Elara, as well as data on other promising students from our school and neighboring high schools."
The five representatives took the files, flipping through them while discussing in low tones.
"A commoner awakening an S-Rank Ability is truly rare," Matron Valerius commented, tapping a finger on Alex's file. "However, he is fighting Elara Vance today. An Ice Elementalist backed by a powerful clan. This will be difficult for him."
"Indeed," Professor Alaric agreed. "Darkness affinities... they are tricky. They lack the explosive direct damage of Fire or Lightning, and the crowd control of Ice. Without high-level combat skills and resources, Darkness users often struggle in early-stage duels. Alex is at a disadvantage."
"Resources dictate the early game," Commander Drax grunted. "The Vance girl has likely been fed pills and given high-tier weapons. The boy is an orphan. The gap is widened by money."
Principal Higgins listened, maintaining his smile but saying nothing. He excused himself, "Please excuse me for a moment, I need to check on the security at the gate."
He hurried back to the school entrance.
Just as he arrived, a luxury sedan pulled up. A middle-aged man with a commanding aura stepped out.
"City Lord Cyrus?" Higgins asked in surprise. "What brings you to Riverdale High today?"
Cyrus Xander usually kept a low profile. Why would he suddenly come to a high school duel?
It must be because of the Five Great Academies, Higgins thought.
"I naturally have to come and watch my future son-in-law's match," Cyrus said calmly.
Higgins froze.
Future son-in-law?
His brain raced, filtering through the students. Alex's name flashed like a neon sign. Could it be...?
He asked, shocked, "City Lord... you're here for Alex?"
"That's right. Can I not go in?" Cyrus raised an eyebrow.
"Of course! Of course, you can! Please, City Lord!"
Higgins hurriedly gestured for him to enter, his heart pounding with shock.
I didn't expect Alex to be the City Lord's future son-in-law!
It's only been three days since the Awakening!
Three days to conquer a City Lord? The kid's name should be Alex "The Charmer" Whitefield!
Cyrus nodded and walked into the campus, heading for the Arena.
Following him, a stream of luxury cars arrived. Various big shots and leaders of minor factions in Riverdale City poured in.
Higgins watched this procession and sighed.
Most likely, the Vance family was behind this publicity. They wanted to use today's victory to showcase their daughter to the Academies and simultaneously raise their clan's prestige by crushing an S-Rank rival in public.
He felt a pang of pity for Alex. The power of one person against an entire clan... it was a heavy burden.
Outside the School Gate.
Alex stood by a food stall, holding a savory crepe stuffed with sausage and egg. He took a large bite, chewing contentedly as he watched the luxury cars roll in.
"Tsk, tsk," Alex muttered, wiping crumbs from his mouth. "Good lord, did they really need such a big production?"
"Boss Alex! You're finally here!"
Benny Lane ran over, panting heavily, his face flushed with anxiety.
"What's wrong, Benny?" Alex paused mid-bite.
"Alex... I'm going to tell you something, but promise me you won't lose your cool," Benny said hesitantly.
A bad premonition rose in Alex's heart. "Spit it out."
"I just saw... the Vance family brought your Uncle James into the Arena to watch the match!"
Hearing this, Alex's face went cold instantly. The air around him seemed to drop a few degrees. He clenched his fist, crumbling the wrapper of his crepe.
Good. Very good, Vance Clan!
Bringing his uncle here wasn't out of kindness. It was psychological warfare.
They wanted him to lose in front of the person he cared about most. They wanted him to be trampled under Elara's feet while his uncle watched, helpless and heartbroken. They wanted to humiliate him completely, stripping away his dignity in front of his only family.
If he didn't have the System, if he was just a regular newly awakened S-Rank without resources, he would indeed become the object of their mockery today.
Thinking of this, a fire of rage ignited in Alex's eyes.
"They want a show?" Alex whispered, his voice dangerously low. "I'll give them a show."
Today's battle wasn't just about winning. It was about making Victor Vance kneel and apologize!
"Alex, don't get angry. Stay calm. I believe you can win!" Benny comforted him, seeing the terrifying expression on his friend's face.
Alex chuckled, but the sound held no warmth.
"Win? Oh, I'm not just going to win, Benny."
He tossed the rest of his breakfast into a trash can, his eyes burning with dark intent.
"I'm going to absolutely crush them."
"They wanted to humiliate me? I will return the favor a hundredfold!"
Inside the Arena.
The massive stadium was packed to the brim. Students from all three grades filled the stands, their chatter creating a deafening buzz.
In the VIP section, the five Academy representatives sat in the front row, observing the field. Cyrus Xander sat slightly to the side, maintaining a neutral expression, though his eyes scanned the entrance repeatedly.
On the other side of the VIP box sat the Vance family entourage. Victor Vance looked smug, conversing confidently with the minor faction leaders surrounding him.
In a corner of the stands, isolated from the VIPs, sat a middle-aged man in worn hunting gear. James Whitefield looked uncomfortable, wringing his hands. He looked at the vast arena, worry etched deep into his weathered face.
Alex... please be safe, he prayed silently.
Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd.
From the northern entrance, a figure emerged.
Elara Vance walked out. She wore a custom-fitted white combat suit that highlighted her slender figure. Her long hair was tied back in a high ponytail, and her expression was as cold as a glacier. In her hand, she held a longsword that emitted a faint, chilling mist—the A-Rank Frost Sword.
"She's here! The Ice Goddess!"
"Look at that sword! That's an A-Rank weapon! The Vances really went all out!"
"She looks so confident. Alex is in trouble."
The students whispered excitedly.
A moment later, from the southern entrance, another figure stepped into the light.
Alex walked in. He wore simple black sportswear, his hands in his pockets. He looked relaxed, almost bored, but those close to him could feel the suffocating pressure radiating from him.
He didn't look at the crowd. He didn't look at the representatives.
His eyes locked onto Victor Vance in the VIP box, and then shifted to James in the corner.
When he saw his uncle, Alex's expression softened for a brief second before hardening into steel.
He walked to the center of the arena, standing ten meters away from Elara.
Elara looked at him, her eyes complicated. "You came."
"I said I would," Alex replied calmly.
"You should have run," Elara said softly, so only he could hear. "My father... he made me bring this sword. I don't want to hurt you, but I have to win."
"Is that so?" Alex smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "You assume you can hurt me."
Elara frowned. "Arrogance won't save you, Alex. Just give up. I'll ask my father to let you go."
"Save your pity," Alex said, his voice amplifying so the whole arena could hear. "And save your breath."
Principal Higgins stepped onto the referee platform, raising his hand.
"The duel between Alex Whitefield and Elara Vance is about to begin!"
"Rules: No killing. No crippling blows. The match ends when one side surrenders or is incapacitated."
"Are both sides ready?"
Elara raised her Frost Sword, ice crystals forming in the air around her. "Ready."
Alex didn't summon a weapon. He simply pulled his hands out of his pockets and stood there. "Ready."
"Begin!"
Boom!
The moment the word left Higgins's mouth, Elara moved.
"Glacial Path!"
She stomped her foot, and a trail of jagged ice spikes shot across the ground toward Alex at breakneck speed.
The crowd gasped. It was a fast, lethal opening move.
Alex didn't move. He watched the ice approaching.
Just as the spikes were about to impale him, his figure blurred.
"Phantom Flash."
Whoosh.
Alex vanished.
Elara's eyes widened. She sensed movement behind her and spun around, slashing horizontally with the Frost Sword.
"Too slow," a voice whispered in her ear.
Alex was standing on her sword blade, balancing effortlessly on one foot.
The entire arena went dead silent.
The Five Academy Representatives leaned forward in unison, their eyes widening.
"That speed..." Gideon Lance muttered. "That wasn't just speed. That was a movement technique. A high-level one."
Alex looked down at the shocked Elara.
"Is this the full strength of the Vance family?" he asked coldly. "Disappointing."
He raised his right hand. Dark energy coalesced, forming a massive, terrifying claw above Elara's head.
"Shadow Claw."
He slammed his hand down.
Bang!