Emperor's Reckoning



As the battle against Class One came to an end, a rush of emotions washed over Reinhard, Rayus, and Noah. The taste of victory was sweet, and they felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. The once underestimated Class Six had proven themselves, not just to others but also to themselves.

Relief flooded through their veins as they realized that all their hard work, determination, and sacrifices had paid off. They had faced formidable challenges, endured grueling training, and overcame countless obstacles, but they had emerged victorious. They had proven that they were worthy of recognition and respect, and that they could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the best.

Old Gu's voice resonated throughout the courtyard as he announced the winner between Class Six and Class One. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and everyone held their breath, eager to hear the outcome.

"And the winner of the battle between Class Six and Class One is..." Old Gu paused for a moment, building the suspense. "Class Six!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, celebrating the victory of the underdog. Class Six had defied all expectations and proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with. They had outwitted and outmaneuvered their opponents, displaying exceptional teamwork and skill.

Lyon's face broke into a wide grin as he heard the announcement.

As Nyi watched Class Six emerge victorious against Class One, a mix of emotions surged within him. He felt a tinge of jealousy as he saw his fellow young masters celebrating and rejoicing in their success. He couldn't help but wish that it was his own class standing there, basking in the glory of victory.

Nyi also felt a sense of respect for Lyon, their teacher. He recognized that Lyon's guidance and mentorship had played a significant role in shaping Class Six into the formidable force they were now. He couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have such a teacher, one who believed in his potential and pushed him to be the best version of himself.

Reinhard, Noah, and Rayus returned to their seat where they grinned at their teacher upon arriving. 

"Well, congrats, but it's not over yet, remember, I want that win," said Lyon as he raised his head.

"Absolutely," said Reinhard as he gave a thumbs up.

"I-I think we can do it, teacher," said Noah as the excitement rushed through their hairs. 

"Looks like you use your archery talent to a good use," said Lyon, "Not bad, a combination of arrow and magic is quite deadly if you can combine it."

"That's true," said Cecile nodding, "There was once a great cultivator that I know, he too used a bow and an arrow with extra seasoning of magic."

"Woah really?!" asked Noah as he was excited about what he could become.

"Yeah," said Kesya. "But that person is really strong... even master once lost in a competition against him."

"What?" Lyon frowned.

"It was the Elven Emperor, darling," said Selena. "Your good friend, though, your friendship stems from your rivalry of lusting toward a certain elf woman."

The three students had black lines across their heads. 

"Well well, let's not bring up the past on this joyous occasion," said Lyon as he held his head high. 

"A wise choice," said Cecile with a playful smile on her face.

Selena rolled her eyes and averted her gaze toward the three students. "You all should take a break for now, use the time wisely."

"Yes, madam!" said the three of them at the same time.

"Hahaha," Kesya laughed.

"Assid, can you aid them to prepare for the next battle," said Cecile.

Lyon intervened, "Is the next battle going to be held on the same day?"

Rayus nodded, "Yes, teacher, everything will be settled today."

"Nice," said Lyon. 

"But after that, a banquet," said Noah. "All students, teachers, and young masters, and also the seer, will be invited there, and select guests."

"I see," said Lyon.

"Oh no," Kyoko and Karina uttered the same thing.

"W... what's wrong?" Noah asked.

Cecile smiled, "My husband and banquet, is like a pair of words that shouldn't be used in the same sentence, in other words, things have never gone well whenever he is in a banquet."

"That's not true," said Lyon as he shook his head.

"Hubby, you did destroy a balcony once," said Ryona.

"It was one time," said Lyon before he sighed, "Alright, alright, I will try not to go overboard."

Cecile made a clever cough, "I thought you would be lowkey in Second Heaven, and now I've heard that even the next baby born is named after you."

Lyon shrugged, "That's not my fault, they just force me to be highkey."

Selena nodded, "You don't know the situation, War Maiden."

Cecile furrowed her brows and the two glances met with a fierce showdown of silence. Then Cecile broke out a smile, "I suppose."

The atmosphere in the courtyard shifted once again as Old Gu stepped forward, announcing the next battle. The crowd hushed, waiting in anticipation for the clash of the next contenders. The tension was palpable as the two classes prepared to face each other, their eyes locked in determination and resolve.

The battle was intense, with both sides refusing to back down. Spells were exchanged, and weapons clashed, filling the air with the sound of metal against metal. Each student fought with a fervent passion, knowing that victory would bring them one step closer to becoming the champions of the graduation event.

Lyon asked his students as he watched the boring battle on the stage, "So, my talented young cultivators," Lyon began with a warm smile, "now that you've completed your training here at Nirvana School, what do you plan to do next?"

The three students furrowed their brows at first. His question was a bit off, but after a quick two seconds, they realized what he implied. Their teacher already believed that they would triumph as the winner, thus graduating them with the highest honor. But then, the question finally struck, At one point before they met him, they had already given up hope, but now that hope engulfed them, the path was too bright to look at.

All heads hung down. They had finished off Ferece and fulfilled their vengeance, and the epilogue of their drama in Nirvana School was approaching. 

The desire to follow in Lyon's footsteps burned brightly in the hearts of Reinhard, Rayus, and Noah. They yearned to embark on adventures alongside their beloved teacher, but they were well aware of their current limitations. The path Lyon walked was one of danger and challenges.

With determination etched on their faces, the three students shared their aspirations with Lyon. "Teacher," Reinhard began, "we want to be by your side, to grow stronger and experience the world as you do. But we know we're not ready yet. We want to reach Third Heaven first, to become worthy companions on your journey."

Rayus nodded in agreement. "We understand the risks and dangers you face, and we want to stand alongside you as equals, not as mere followers," he said. "So, we've decided to focus on our cultivation and training. Third Heaven will be our next milestone."

Noah's voice was soft but determined. "We'll work hard and push ourselves to become strong," he said. "We want to be part of your team, Teacher, and we'll do whatever it takes to get there."

Lyon looked at his students with a mixture of pride and affection. "I'm glad to see such resolve in you all," he said. "Your dedication to becoming stronger is commendable. I know that with your determination, you will reach Third Heaven and beyond, but I'm sorry, I didn't teach you anything useful such as arts or magic."

All three of them shook their heads before Rayus stepped up, "What you give us is worth more than just arts and magic, a mediocre teacher tells, a good teacher explains, a superior teacher demonstrates, but you, you inspire us!"

A proud smirk formed on his face as he snorted the smile, "Well, where did you read that?"

Rayus smirked at him before turning around and saw Old Gu ready to announce the final round.

Lyon stood up with a deliberate movement before slapping all three backs of his students at the same time, "Finish up!"

"Yes!" said all three altogether.

The tension in the air was palpable as the final round was about to commence. The entire courtyard was filled with anticipation, and all eyes were on Class Six – Reinhard, Rayus, and Noah. The crowd knew that this battle would be unlike any other, as it was a three-way showdown between Class Six and the other two classes.

The atmosphere crackled with energy as Old Gu stepped forward to announce the rules of the final round. "In this battle, anything goes," he declared. "You can use all your skills, weapons, and techniques. The last class standing will be declared the winner."

With a nod from Old Gu, the battle began with three warcries encomapssing the stage. Reinhard, Rayus, and Noah immediately leaped into action, their movements swift and precise. It was a dance of power, each of them displaying their unique fighting styles and techniques.