C65 The Competition of the Academy Began

"Ding! Challenge time is up. Challenge failed!"

Just as Black Treasure was about to unleash his full power and thrash the red dragon, the five-minute mark passed, and the Stadium reset to its original state.

Black Treasure's front claws remained suspended in the air, his mouth agape, showcasing his razor-sharp teeth.

Victory was within his grasp, but time ran out at the crucial moment.

Black Treasure couldn't help feeling somewhat deflated.

"Alright, we'll battle again tomorrow. You've already won!"

Zhang Xing called out with a smile.

Black Treasure shifted back into his human form and descended beside Zhang Xing.

"Tomorrow, I'll shred him to pieces!"

Zhang Xing settled into a meditative pose.

The following morning, representatives from the six academies converged at the royal training grounds in Heavenly Star City to commence the battle for rankings.

The competition adhered to the usual rules: primaries faced off against primaries, and high-level combatants squared off against their equals.

For the individual rankings, first place would be awarded a million gold coins and an attack magic weapon suitable for their level.

Second place would receive half a million gold coins.

Third place would take home three hundred thousand gold coins.

In the ten-person team rankings, the top team would be rewarded with a million gold coins, averaging a hundred thousand per member.

Second and third place teams would receive the same monetary rewards as the individual competitors.

The individual challenge didn't discriminate by level or Devil Martial specialization.

The top prize was a hefty five million gold coins, along with an attack, defense, and amplification magic weapon each, appropriate to the winner's level.

Second place would secure three million gold coins and one attack and one defense magic weapon.

Third place would be rewarded with a million gold coins and a single attack magic weapon.

These prizes were coveted by instructors and students alike.

The magic weapons bestowed by the Empire were particularly alluring.

Magic tools were a rarity for mages, hard to come by in the market, and when available, exorbitantly priced.

Moreover, they required the services of a master weaponsmith to forge these magic tools, incurring a significant expense in gold coins.

Thus, many magic instructors wielded staffs that were merely of a high-level mage's standard.

Those high-level mages had to make do with the most affordable magic tools, which, while often ornate and beautiful, served more as status symbols than practical implements.

The Empire's prize was a top-tier magical artifact, crafted from the finest materials, its worth surpassing even that of the gold coin rewards.

A total of 360 contestants from six academies were competing.

Imperial Emperor Ogukis himself delivered an impassioned opening address, his enthusiasm palpable. The students, invigorated by the Emperor's stirring words, felt a surge of strength course through them.

Each one believed they were a cornerstone of the Empire, with wealth, renown, and status within easy reach.

The Empire had flung open the gates to a political career, and for many, this moment marked the beginning of their tenure as officials.

Naturally, there were numerous aristocratic heirs whose titles were secured by birthright, their futures meticulously mapped out, success awaiting only the right moment.

For the handful of students from humble beginnings, the excitement was unparalleled. Ascending to the upper echelons of society was their dream, a dream that could very well be realized today.

Zhang Xing, however, was struggling to stay awake amidst the proceedings. He had no aspirations for office; his heart was set on dragon-rearing.

Tending to Black Treasure was time-consuming enough; he had no spare moments for distractions.

Moreover, he was eagerly anticipating the system's release of a second dragon egg.

His gaze settled on Emperor Keith, the venerable ruler adorned in a resplendent robe and crown. Zhang Xing was well aware of the Emperor's dual identity as one of the six Martial Emperors.

Legend had it that in his youth, Keith possessed remarkable magical aptitude, achieving the rank of magic instructor by the tender age of fifteen.

But his path took a drastic turn when a courtly conspiracy left him crippled by an assassin's blade, stripping him of his magical prowess.

Undeterred, Keith turned to the martial path, and through sheer determination, ascended to the realm of Martial Emperor at forty-five, ultimately claiming the throne.