''It's a terrible tale…''
However, before the Principal could finish his sentence, a sharp pain suddenly shot through his head… and he yelled in pain and stumbled for a while, then finally passed out right away.
…
Silence and confusion fell over the entire arena. All of them didn't understand what kind of weird situation was happying.
''Principal? Sir? Are you okay?''
A nearby professor quickly rushed in to support him, checking his condition. After some minutes, he could just let out a subtle sigh of relief—the Principal was fine, just worn out and unconscious… at least, based on his judgment. Still, the Principal needed treatment immediately.
But then… What about the three Gates of God?
The old-looking professor stepped forward and began to command for others.
''You guys, take him to the treatment room. I'll handle the rest for now.''
Yet again, another surprise came.
The three Gates of God began showing signs of fading, as if they couldn't wait any longer. The old-looking professor stared at them, tense but not far too rushed. He knew very few students were truly ready for this challenge.
He clapped his hands to draw attention and tried to calm everyone about the Principal's sudden collapse.
''I'll be taking the Principal's place for now. He's just… having a bit of a health issue. You know? He's quite old and has pushed himself too hard for this ritual.''
He cleared his throat and shifted their attention toward the three Gates of God. If he did that, they would quickly forget the earlier incident for a moment and focus on the main event of today.
"Now! Anyone who desires to become stronger, step up here and choose your Gate of God, then begin your challenge!"
He frowned as he glanced at the gates, warning them:
"Decide quickly. These gates won't remain for too long."
As time passed, a wave of hesitation spread throughout the arena. Most students were intimidated by the Principal's warning, while the rest seemed downright thrilled. Of course, they were all students who had just summoned their Ascendant Potential creatures.
This was a huge opportunity—one they might never encounter again. A once-in-a-lifetime chance.
If they stepped through the gate, they would either grow stronger… or die.
If they stayed, they would remain safe.
For those with high potential, the decision was easy… they didn't need to gamble their lives just to enhance their summoned creature. And there were also those confident enough to challenge the gods—like the children of legendary Clans. Trained since childhood, they probably had a solid chance to succeed like their parents.
However, for anyone with low potential, the decision was painfully difficult. This could completely change their life. Even those who couldn't summon anything yet—this was like a card laid before them, a second chance.
If the challenge could boost the potential of summoned creatures… that meant even a so-called weakling might finally gain one.
B-but… the problem was, they could never pass this challenge. Even three students who had Ascendant Potential creatures had died in there, so it was clearly not meant for them—certainly not for weaklings.
Non-Summoners had only two choices: accept the destined death from Mana Circulation Disorder in the future… or take this one shot in life.
Yeah, most of them sighed and gave up that second chance—except for one person.
The nameless slave stared at the Gates of God with burning eyes. His usually exhausted gaze now brimmed with more energy than ever.
"This is my second chance."
Even knowing he had almost zero possibility—no, not even the tiniest spark—but if he didn't try, he would never know.
For some reason, he believed that if he let this opportunity slip… he would regret it for the rest of his life.
"But… my issue is this damn guy…"
The nameless slave grimaced as he glanced at his master. Tyler would definitely never accept the challenge—he was basically a coward. More than that, Tyler would never allow a slave to step into the gate anyway. A slave was expensive. If the nameless slave died in there, it would be a huge loss for a stingy noble like him… Or more correctly, a slave should only die when its owner wanted and ordered it.
The slave spoke up, carefully testing his master's intention:
"My lord, do you intend to attend the challenge? I'm sure you're capable of passing it and receiving the highest reward from God."
Tyler chuckled. His expression shifted from excitement to slight discomfort—making the slave feel a bad premonition creep up inside him.
"Are you thinking I'm stupid? Are you? ...Surely I'm strong, and I also know my limits. If I accept the challenge, death will be unavoidable."
The nameless slave frowned, then quickly adjusted his tone.
"No... How dare I think such a disrespectful thing about you. I'm just speaking the truth sincerely, not mere flattery."
Tyler grinned.
"You have a good tongue—that's why you're my favorite slave."
At that moment his expression turned colder than amused. He added,
"Don't be wishful. I know your ambition. But it won't change a thing. Moreover, I'd rather kill you here than let you die in the challenge. You die when I want—remember that. Carve it deep in your mind. Accept your fate…I'll let you live the rest of your life happily before you die of illness."
The nameless slave forced a weak smile and went back to massaging his master's shoulders from behind.
"You're overthinking... I don't have any big ambitions... I just want one thing."
"I desire to crush a coward like you."
"Good. You should be." Tyler chuckled, but his expression shifted. He wasn't sure what he'd just heard.
"What did you—"
Bang!
"You scum!" The nameless slave spat in disgust and threw the blood-covered brick aside, his vicious action partly made students surprised, but the most their expression was excited and interesting. Yeah, a slave attacked his own master. It was quite interesting.
He then quickly jumped out of the stands and hastily headed for the center of the arena where the gate was dissipating.
He had to get there as fast as he could — not only was the final gate disappearing, but his owner would take back his consciousness. The slave knew clearly that Tyler had formed a mana core thanks to summon; a sneak, a mere blow could never kill Tyler, yet it was enough to buy some time for the slave.
"YOU FUCKING SLAVE! I'LL KILL YOU."
The nameless slave grimaced and took a short look back, seeing only Tyler's distorted, blood-streaked face raging between the students in the arena rows. And then he saw a grey wolf sprinting toward him… Damn, at this rate he would sooner or later be caught by Tyler's pet.
"Damn it!"