Longiseus's arrival brought a battalion of guards who swiftly began to gather up the unconscious minions, escorting them through the stairway. As a guard reached for Aurelia and Lyco, Armis intervened, demanding him to stop.
"Hey!!! What are you doing to them? Let—" Armis's protest was cut short by Longiseus's authoritative voice, his gaze exerting immense pressure.
"Don't worry, they are just being taken to the infirmary," Longiseus reassured them. Alan wasted no time; he scooped up Relecta, and without exchanging a word, he and Armis followed Longiseus off the roof. And thus, the unexpected disaster that befell the founding festival came to a close.
"Out of 250 students and teachers at the academy, 168 fell victim to the mind-washing potion concocted from Tractator herb by Master Venata Venatus, leading to the devastating events of the Founding Festival. Two weeks have passed since that tragedy, and we continue to mourn the loss of 20 ambitious students and two esteemed teachers, along with many others left gravely injured in the chaos. As we collectively strive to support and assist the victims, a decision has been reached after serious deliberation between the academy's elites, our benevolent holy emperor, Armateus Pope the 50th, and the council of King Raiders.
It has been agreed to pause the ongoing courses and as you all already have been provided with sufficient material and classes over the past two weeks to cover what remained of your course before the festival. Now, as six of you remaining in the new generation of Raiders, you will undergo final exams to earn your place as the Raiders you aspire to become."
Longiseus, clad in his official Raider attire adorned with shiny white armor and crimson tights, stood with a serious and stern expression as he addressed the crowd and students in the arena. The space was filled with civilians and students alike, all hushed in reverence in the presence of the governing elites and the esteemed Pope. Below them, six individuals, two female and four male, including Longiseus himself, stood in the center of the arena facing the remaining members of the Solis and Luna group - Alan, Armis, Aurelia, Lyco, Felix, and Cesar. They faced forward with unwavering attention.
As Longiseus stepped back, the announcer stepped forward, his voice booming throughout the arena.
"Students of the academy and citizens of Pompeii, please rise from your seats and show respect as our benevolent ruler addresses the examinees!"
After his resounding departure, Pope Armateus ascended from his throne positioned at the pinnacle of the arena. His silhouette was bathed in sunlight, casting an aura of divinity around him. With regal grace, he advanced, his magnificent attire captivating the attention of all present. Addressing the six students standing below him, he began with solemnity in his voice.
"My children... it pains me deeply to mourn the loss of life within these hallowed grounds. But fear not, for I shall not allow any obstacle to hinder your ambitions. Though the course may have been interrupted, I command the academy's elites to provide the victors of these final trials with 1000 gold coins, along with all necessary information and a proper sendoff to the blessed Relic Castle.
Furthermore, I decree that the academy shall swiftly rebuild its defenses and continue its unwavering service to the students. Let us rise from this tragedy with renewed determination and unity." With these words of benevolence, the Pope resumed his seat upon the throne, a beacon of hope amidst the somber atmosphere.
As Alan and his companions awaited with bated breath, Longiseus stepped forward once more, his voice commanding and authoritative.
"Listen closely, students! In the esteemed presence of our holy Pope, you are to undergo trials bestowed upon you by the pinnacle of Raiders, my own elite party, the Crimson Army. Each of you will face a challenge of varying nature, presented by each of us. Upon satisfactory completion,
judged by us, you shall pass the exam and be rewarded with the esteemed rank of Rook."
Longiseus advanced, his voice resonating with increased intensity as he addressed the students directly. "UNDERSTOOD?!!"
In unison, the students responded with equal fervor, their voices echoing in the arena. "UNDERSTOOD!! SIR!!" With this synchronized affirmation, the final trials commenced, marking the beginning of a rigorous test of skill and determination.
After meticulous preparations lasting 30 minutes, the arena was set. Six small wooden platforms stood proudly in the center, arranged in two rows, totaling twelve in all. Nestled between them was a slightly larger platform, commanding attention.
The announcer's voice thundered through the arena, accompanied by the uproar of excitement from the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for the Final Trials! On the left side platforms, we have the ambitious students striving to become the future generation of raiders! And on the right, none other than the pinnacle of raider excellence, the elite members of the Crimson Party. Each student will face a challenge presented by a member of the Crimson Party!"
With the announcer's proclamation, all six members of the Crimson Party, led by Longiseus Holdhearth, ascended their platforms. Across from them, Alan, Armis, Aurelia, Lyco, Cesar, and Felix stood poised, ready to meet their trials head-on.
The announcer stepped into the spotlight, wasting no time as he boomed across the arena.
"Brace yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, as the first trial begins! Prepare to witness the clash against the beautiful beast of the Crimson Party, Roartad Arisha!"
As the announcer's words echoed, all eyes turned to the woman standing proudly on the first platform. Clad in a white robe over her armor and crimson tights, her determined gaze and short hair exuded an air of confidence. With a smile directed at her opponent, she awaited the challenge.
"And facing her is none other than the beast with calm Felix Orberto! Let the trial commence!"
After the announcer stepped back, Roardat fixed Felix with a stern gaze, a faint grin playing on her lips as she aimed to intimidate him. In a commanding voice, she called out, "Felix! Your challenge is simple."
With a determined grunt, she unfastened the belt of her shin guard, revealing a long flail with a short handle and a large mace, crafted from a solid crystal-like material. As the weapons glimmered with a cerulean glow, she began spinning them with expertise.
"You must dodge three strikes from this without being injured. Let's begin!"
Before Felix could fully process the challenge, Roardat hurled the flail at him with ferocity. Reacting swiftly, Felix summoned his circular iron shield with a grunt, bracing himself for the impact. The force of the blow sent him hurtling several feet backward.
As Felix staggered to his feet, he found Roartad leaping toward him, delivering a powerful kick that sent him back. Anticipating the incoming flail, Felix braced himself and, upon contact, used the momentum to launch the flail into the air. Without hesitation, Roartad swiftly yanked the flail back with its chain, preparing for another attack. Thinking fast, Felix hurled his shield directly at the mace of the flail swinging in Roartad's hand.
The shield struck the mace forcefully, propelling it back towards Felix while the flail fell to the ground. With agile reflexes, Felix caught his shield and declared triumphantly, "And that's three!"
Roartad, impressed by his skill and confidence, smiled with respect as she raised her hand in the air and exclaimed, "PASS!"
Following her declaration, the announcer proclaimed, "With quick thinking and even quicker agility, Felix Orberto passes Lady Roartad's exam with flying colors!"
After Roartad and Felix concluded their trial, they gracefully stepped off the platform, making way for the next challengers. The announcer's voice rang out once more:
"Next up, let's welcome the Raw Power of Crimson Force, Bretren Aimara! He'll be facing off against the hound of the Oreus Church, the formidable giant, Cesar Oreus!"
As the announcement reverberated throughout the arena, all eyes turned to the center platform where Ceaser stood, exuding strength and determination. Standing opposite him was Bretren, clad in the same white armor and red tights, his scarred face mirroring the emotionless gaze of Cesar.
Bretren's deep voice rumbled through the arena as he raised his hand, extending his index finger. With a sudden motion, he gestured towards his own face.
"One punch from you to me. One punch from me to you. Stay standing and you pass," Bretren declared, his tone carrying both a childlike simplicity and an underlying, monstrous rumble.
With a slight nod from Cesar, acknowledging the terms of the challenge, both combatants summoned their weapons with a grunt. Cesar extended his fearsome claws, ready for battle, while Bretren adorned himself with a gauntlet made of solid, heavy gold, its surface studded with menacing spikes.
Cesar tensed as Bretren's hand twitched, signaling the impending strike. In a flash, Bretren unleashed a punch with blinding speed and immense force, landing squarely on the side of Cesar's face. The impact echoed throughout the arena, drowning out the cheering crowd.
For a moment, Cesar felt as though he had been transported out of his body, the sheer intensity of the blow leaving him reeling on his feet. Blood trickled from his ear, and his lip was punctured and swollen from the force of the impact.
Cesar approached the platform where Bretren stood, his demeanor resolute despite the pounding in his head. With a deep breath and closed eyes, Cesar prepared himself for the exchange. The anticipation in the silent arena was palpable as everyone awaited Cesar's retaliatory strike.
Then, in a sudden explosion of force and speed, Cesar unleashed a massive punch directly at Bretren's face, mirroring the intensity of the earlier blow. The sound reverberated through the hushed arena, echoing the determination in Cesar's strike.
However, Bretren remained unfazed, a mere trickle of blood visible from his temple. Without a word, he descended from the platform and returned to his original position. As he passed Longiseus, he uttered a single word - "Pass."
Longiseus signaled to the announcer, conveying the outcome of Cesar's trial to both him and the audience. "What an astounding display of raw strength," he declared. "Upon Master Bretren's satisfaction, Cesar Oreus passes the trial!"
"Now, onto the next challenge," the announcer proclaimed. "We welcome to the platform the voluptuous serpentine of the Crimson Party, Artireia Crimit! Facing her is none other than the lady with the snake in her arm, Aurelia Scortch!"
A woman glided onto the platform, her allure eclipsing Aurelia's charm. Clad in snug red tights that accentuated every curve, she wore a short chest plate that barely contained her ample bosom, the fabric straining against her detailed contours. As she ascended the stage, her chest heaved with each step, drawing attention to her mesmerizing figure.
Ignoring Aurelia's presence, she turned to the announcer with a coy smile, her movements as graceful as a dancer's. "Oh dear announcer," she purred, her voice dripping with suggestion. "Be a darling and start counting to ten on my gesture..."
The announcer, captivated by her beauty, nodded eagerly, his eyes fixed on her like a lovesick puppy. With a flick of her wrist, she commanded his attention before turning to face Aurelia.
"And you," she said with a soft grunt, summoning a water sphere above her hand. "Dodge the drops until the countdown is over and... pass, whatever."
Enraged by the challenge and Artireia's nonchalant tone, Aurelia's fury ignited. With a fierce grunt, drowned out by the roaring cheers for Artireia, Aurelia summoned her whip into her hand without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Artireia stood with an air of indifference, casually conjuring drops of water that cascaded like rain upon Aurelia. As the drops fell, the announcer initiated the countdown at Artireia's signal, adding to the tension in the arena.
Aurelia swiftly evaded the deluge of water, leaping away from the onslaught and maneuvering around Artireia. But Artireia was cunning; using her second hand, she unleashed another torrent of water from a different angle, catching Aurelia off guard. Despite the countdown only reaching 3, Aurelia found herself trapped between the dual assault.
Thinking on her feet, Aurelia seized a nearby stone and used it as a shield against the barrage from both directions. However, Artireia wasn't relenting. As the countdown neared 6, she intensified her attack, unleashing water from every angle.
Feeling cornered and panicked as the drops closed in, Aurelia glanced towards Armis, who cheered for her relentlessly from his platform. Drawing strength from his encouragement, Aurelia unleashed a whirlwind of movement, spinning her whip with lightning speed. As she moved, she became a blur, deflecting the water droplets effortlessly with each revolution of her whip.
As the countdown reached its end, Artireia halted her attack, and Aurelia, her energy spent, ceased spinning her whip. Collapsing to her knees, she panted heavily, her wrists showing bruises from the vigorous spinning.
In a burst of excitement, Artireia rushed towards Aurelia, enveloping her in a tight embrace. Without hesitation, she pressed her lips against Aurelia's, kissing her passionately. The crowd looked on in shock and discomfort, murmurs spreading through the arena.
Armis moved to intervene, but hesitated, struck by the intensity of Artireia's kiss. His attempt to speak was stifled by his embarrassment, leaving him speechless in the midst of the unexpected display of affection.
The announcer hurried forward, urging Artireia to stop the indecency, reminding her of the dignified presence of the Pope. Longiseus, with authority in his voice, commanded Artireia to return to her position.
Reluctantly, Artireia pulled away from Aurelia, who blushed deeply, still trying to recover from the intense kiss. With a mischievous wink at Aurelia and a defiant glare at Longiseus, Artireia muttered, "Bunch of hardasses!" before announcing Aurelia's pass and returning to her original place.
"With an overly passionate declaration, Lady Artereia has passed Aurelia Scortch in her Trial!" the announcer proclaimed, eliciting a mix of embarrassment, anger, and cheers from the audience.
As the crowd settled, the announcer proceeded to introduce the next trial.