Volume One: Awakening of the Dragon Soul Chapter 11: End of Lessons Before the Exam

“How do you activate the skill?” Mo Xing took the staff and gave it a shake.

“You’ll have to figure it out yourself in real combat.” Teacher Apocalypse patted Mo Xing’s shoulder. “Clear some space!”

The classmates quickly retreated and formed a large circle, leaving Mo Xing and Teacher Apocalypse standing in the center. Teacher Apocalypse drew a variety of weapons from his storage ring and placed them on the ground. Since the freshmen had not officially chosen their professions yet, each practical lesson required the teacher to bring weapons for the students.

“Who’s first?” Teacher Apocalypse asked.

The classmates glanced at each other. After a moment, a chubby student stepped forward.

“Me!” he shouted.

“What weapon do you need?” Teacher Apocalypse asked.

“A greatsword,” he replied.

“Catch!” Teacher Apocalypse selected a greatsword from the pile and, controlling its weight, sent it gently toward the student.

The chubby student took the sword and swung it experimentally.

Mo Xing raised his staff and met his gaze.

“Let’s begin then!”

At Teacher Apocalypse’s signal, the chubby student charged at Mo Xing, swinging his sword fiercely. Mo Xing blocked with his staff.

“A staff isn’t a shield!” Teacher Apocalypse shouted.

Mo Xing channeled power into the staff and unleashed a stream of water to put distance between himself and his opponent.

“Flank attack!” Teacher Apocalypse called.

The chubby student spun and surged toward Mo Xing’s side.

“Earth Ascension Slash!”

He roared, swinging his greatsword upward, sending a wave of fiery energy that knocked Mo Xing into the air.

“Damn! They already know skills?” Mo Xing quickly regained his footing after landing.

“Charge Combo!”

The opponent immediately rushed forward, stabbing at Mo Xing with a series of attacks. Mo Xing dodged again and again, each time narrowly avoiding the flames.

I can’t keep reacting passively!

Mo Xing gathered power in his staff; blue-white light flickered in his palm as he released multiple jets of water, freezing the chubby student in place.

“What’s going on?” The chubby student found his body stiff, just as he tried to swing his sword, Mo Xing struck him with the staff, sending him flying five meters back.

Mo Xing wiped the sweat from his brow, thinking to himself that it felt oddly like a baseball game.

“Next!” Teacher Apocalypse called.

The next opponent was a girl with a bow, shy-faced but fierce in battle.

Still, she was a girl; Mo Xing dared not strike too hard. Catching her at the moment she drew her bow, Mo Xing unleashed a row of water jets, knocking her aside.

“Next!” Teacher Apocalypse called.

This one was interesting—a fellow elemental mage. The duel between two mages drew cheers from the crowd.

The opponent waved her staff and released a large fireball. Mo Xing spun to avoid it and, using the same trick, released a large water sphere.

His opponent dodged skillfully, then waved her staff, a faint red light flickering in her palm.

“Flame Burst!”

A barrage of fireballs, like artillery shells, rained down on Mo Xing. He hurriedly released a stream of water, forming an umbrella-shaped shield that blocked the fireballs. Then he quickly darted to the mage’s side, unleashing a row of water-element spikes to drive her back.

“Next!” Teacher Apocalypse called, glancing at Mo Xing, who was wiping sweat from his brow, and smiling.

And so, Mo Xing sparred continuously with various opponents, one after another. Finally, after defeating a berserker wielding an axe, Mo Xing collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.

“Next!” Teacher Apocalypse continued to call.

“Wait! Are we still going? I can barely get up!” Mo Xing said, exhausted.

“All right, then. Congratulations to everyone for teaming up to defeat Mo Xing!” Teacher Apocalypse shouted.

The classmates cheered.

“Feels like I’m some kind of demon king,” Mo Xing said helplessly.

“At the same time, let’s congratulate Mo Xing for successfully defending the ring eleven times in a row!” Teacher Apocalypse applauded.

The classmates burst into louder cheers and applause.

“Mo Xing, well done!”

“Amazing!”

“So lucky to know you!”

Mo Xing looked at them in astonishment; it was the first time he had received so much recognition. At that moment, a strong hand reached out, and Teacher Apocalypse appeared above him.

“Why are you still lying there? Get up—I still have to give the end-of-class summary!” Teacher Apocalypse smiled.

Mo Xing was dazed for a moment, then took Teacher Apocalypse’s hand and got up.

“Look at the sky!” a classmate shouted.

Everyone looked upward, Mo Xing included.

“Teacher Dragonforge!”

Under everyone’s gaze, Teacher Dragonforge descended before Mo Xing, flying on the wings of the Dragon God, and exchanged greetings with Teacher Apocalypse.

“Your review materials.” Teacher Dragonforge handed Mo Xing a thick, bound stack of notes.

“Review materials?” Mo Xing asked.

“The freshmen exam also includes a theory test.” Teacher Dragonforge paused. “This morning, I handed out review materials to all the students except you.”

“I see!” Mo Xing nodded in realization. “Thank you for going out of your way to bring them.”

“No need to thank me. I’m here for the end-of-class summary and brought your materials along.” Teacher Dragonforge smiled.

“Everyone, gather up.” Teacher Apocalypse clapped his hands. “Let’s begin the summary.”

After a moment.

The students stood in neat rows, facing Teacher Apocalypse and Teacher Dragonforge.

“First, thank you all for your diligent study and training these past few days,” said Teacher Dragonforge. “Both Teacher Apocalypse and I have seen your hard work and dedication.”

“However, reality is harsh. In two days, the freshmen exam will eliminate nearly half the students,” Teacher Apocalypse added, his expression grave.

“What? Half will be eliminated!” The students were stunned, and Mo Xing was taken aback.

“It’s not quite so dire. Sixty percent of freshmen will stay,” Teacher Dragonforge hastily explained, shooting Teacher Apocalypse a glare to stop him from scaring the students.

“That’s still a high elimination rate.” Some students sighed.

“The Holy Void Royal Academy is the strongest institution in Aslant—not everyone gets to stay! Whether the pass rate is half or sixty percent, I hope you all show your spirit and face the exam with determination!” Teacher Apocalypse said.

“Of course, Teacher Apocalypse and I hope you all pass smoothly,” said Teacher Dragonforge.

“This is a small gift from us to you. This is a storage ring—a product of the fusion of elemental magic and technology. You can use it to store your belongings.”

Teacher Apocalypse took out a bag filled with glittering, dragon-patterned rings.

“Wow!” the students exclaimed.

“It must have a good name, right?” Mo Xing asked.

“The Titan Ring!” Teacher Dragonforge replied. “It adjusts itself to fit your finger comfortably, or you can thread it on a cord and wear it around your neck.”

“Oh, I see,” Mo Xing said.

“And, each of you should collect a weapon and store it in your Titan Ring.” Teacher Apocalypse pointed to the pile of weapons nearby.

“Once you’ve received your ring and weapon, class is dismissed,” Teacher Dragonforge said.

Mo Xing thought everyone would rush up as on the first day of school, but the scene before him surprised him greatly:

The classmates lined up in order; after receiving their Titan Rings and weapons, each hugged the teachers and exchanged blessings, evoking the atmosphere of a military graduation parting with the instructors.

During his days in the hospital, not only had everyone learned new skills and mastered weapon use, but they had also become much more courteous.

What was that saying—

After three days apart, one must see others with new eyes!

“Mo Xing! Your turn!”

Mo Xing snapped out of it to find Teacher Dragonforge calling his name.

“This is your storage ring,” Teacher Dragonforge said, handing over the Titan Ring. “Remember to review the theory materials carefully; these are all key points!”

“Mm.”

Mo Xing took the Titan Ring and mused how familiar those words sounded; it seemed his previous teachers often said the same, but it was always for the students’ sake.

“Mo Xing, your grasp of elements needs improvement.” Teacher Apocalypse patted Mo Xing’s shoulder. “Use these next two days to practice and explore.”

“I will!” Mo Xing’s eyes shone.

After bidding the teachers farewell, Mo Xing placed the staff and review materials in the Titan Ring and walked alone toward the exit of the Hades Training Grounds.

“Mo Xing!”

He turned toward the voice and saw Shi Yan waving at him, descending from the stands, followed by Chen Anye and several unfamiliar senior students.

“Shi... Shi Yan, what brings you here?” Mo Xing asked as they approached.

“I have no classes this afternoon, so I came to check on the freshmen training,” Shi Yan said. “These are all members of the student council.”

“Hello!” Mo Xing greeted them, and they replied politely.

“Oh, isn’t this the student council? So eager to recruit freshmen?” Mo Xing turned to see a tall upperclassman standing behind him.

“Li Qingchi! What’s your problem?” Chen Anye frowned.

“Oh, isn’t this the famous Mo Xing?” Li Qingchi said. “I’ve heard about you. Interested in joining our singers’ squad? We make music together—don’t go to the student council and become a drudge.”

“Li Qingchi, the student council has no grudge with you. Do you have to slander us like this?” Shi Yan retorted angrily.

“How many of your council members are at the Azure Rank? I’m just pointing him toward a promising path.” Li Qingchi laughed.

“You’re too much!” The council members shouted.

“Hmph, come at me then!” Li Qingchi laughed. “Worst case, tomorrow we’re both on the news—let’s see who loses more!”

“You!” Shi Yan growled.

Faced with this scene, Mo Xing didn’t know what to do. He wanted to mediate, but the tension was too strong.

“Please make way.”

A clear voice sounded, and everyone turned. A girl with golden curls stood there. Beneath her long lashes were bright, expressive eyes. Her refined yet understated attire exuded a quiet elegance.

In that moment, time seemed to freeze. Mo Xing gazed at her, feeling a strange sense of familiarity.