"So you see," the Harbinger boomed, its voice echoing off the damp walls of the chamber, "you can't escape what's coming. Why don't you just surrender yourself to me? You possess something I desperately need." Its crimson eyes glowed with an insatiable greed.Atticus gritted his teeth, the pain from the ordeal with the spectral demons a dull throb in his muscles. His dantian, the wellspring of his power, felt like a parched desert. He had nothing left to fuel his spirit qi or demonic energy techniques. All he had was his sword and his unwavering will."There's no reason for me to believe you blindly," he retorted, his voice hoarse but defiant. "And even if I did, you give off some serious bad vibes, dude."The Harbinger's rage crackled in the air. With a flicker, its form shifted, solidifying into a hulking monstrosity with obsidian skin and horns that curved back from its brow. Its eyes, once two points of crimson light, now burned like miniature suns in its shadowed face."Fool!" it

Before the group could delve deeper into the labyrinthine ruins, a blur streaked through the air towards them."Look! It's Master Wei!" Li Wei exclaimed, her voice tinged with relief. The emerald glow emanating from the approaching figure confirmed her words. Master Wei landed gracefully in front of them, his expression grave. In his arms, he cradled two students, their faces pale and bodies limp.A collective gasp rippled through the group as their classmates were gently deposited on the ground. Relief washed over them as their teammates rushed forward, offering words of comfort and checking for injuries. Despite the weariness etched on their faces, a glimmer of pride shone in their eyes. They had faced a trial by fire and emerged victorious.Master Wei, his emerald aura pulsing faintly, addressed the group. "You have all done exceptionally well," he said, his voice gruff but laced with admiration. "I scouted the entire ruin and eliminated the remaining demonic remnants. Consider thi

A sharp clap echoed through the arena, shattering the moment that had formed between Xu Hua and Atticus. All eyes turned towards the source of the interruption - Ling Yue"Splendid," Ling Yue purred, her voice dripping with mock sincerity. "Atticus darling. Time's up!" Her crimson robes billowed dramatically as she sashayed across the training ground, her entourage of admirers trailing behind like a gaggle of sycophantic geese.A scowl darkened Atticus's features. He had completely forgotten about Ling Yue's advances, and her presence now served as an unwelcome reminder of the unwanted attention he'd received earlier. He had hoped to avoid this encounter. The last time they crossed paths, Ling Yue had declared him her "property," sending shivers of unease down his spine. He'd managed to brush her off then, but her presence here now was a stark reminder of her unwelcome interest. Her position as a senior and the leader of the prestigious Phoenix Division, known for their brutal fire-

A few days when by and the day of the blood fest finally reached. Atticus went towards the venue and so did other students. The entire academy was looking forward to this twisted yearly event.The anticipation hung heavy in the air as students from all corners of the academy converged upon the Blood Coliseum. Whispers of excitement and nervous energy crackled like static electricity, a palpable buzz that set the atmosphere alive. Atticus navigated through the throngs of eager participant's, his mind a whirlwind of anticipation and strategy.An oppressive blood-red sun hung low in the twilight sky, casting an ominous glow over the colossal Blood Coliseum. Gleaming obsidian spires pierced the heavens, their tips converging to form a jagged maw at the arena's apex. The air crackled with a morbid energy, a cacophony of nervous murmurs and bloodthirsty roars emanating from the stands that snaked their way around the coliseum's inner rim.Atticus, along with the other participants, stood hu

In a different part of the forest was one of the twisted criminals known as the Blood dragon. Xue Long's crimson eyes scanned the forest, his grin widening as he spotted a group of students huddled together. Pathetic. A weak alliance formed in the desperate hope of survival. He saw the coward in the group, a tremor in his hand as he nervously licked the edge of his dagger. Perfect. Time for a little bloodshed.A cruel amusement flickered in Xue Long's eyes. With a silent chuckle, he activated his devil fruit power. The air shimmered for a brief moment, then Xue Long was gone, his form dissolving into invisibility. He became a phantom, a predator stalking its prey.The devil fruit was one of the power ups one could get from the forest just like the enchanted weapon. Of course it was much more rare and Xue Long had been lucky to come across one and even more lucky to get one that gave him a useful skill.He crept closer, his movements silent and fluid. He watched them, savoring their