The Veiled Man
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Martial Arts Vs Magic - Chapter 79
🕑 Added 2025-01-24 16:00:20 +0000 UTCChapter 79: The Midterm Exams
That Sunday morning changed everything. Lilian's cool contrasted with Nebula's warm touch, which was an odd feeling during such an intimate moment, but they didn't want to stop using their mana. Their competitive nature turned even intimacy into a contest.
What started as a tense confrontation evolved into something I never expected, though perhaps I should have seen it coming given how determined both women were. It was one hell of a day, and even weeks later, it was vivid in my memories.
The following weeks blurred together in a haze of preparation for the midterms. At first, I planned to go on a leveling spree, but all these studies made that impossible. After much consideration, I decided to just focus on this for now.
Professor Katheran had warned us that the exams would test every aspect of our abilities, from theoretical knowledge to practical application, and my siblings said the same.
Speaking of siblings, Iaskin was back, but I didn’t have the time to confront him about it. I felt like this situation was being repeatedly pushed back, making it hard to do as I pleased. Pressure mounted as we approached the deadline, and I juggled multiple responsibilities.
My mornings began with cultivation sessions with Solara. We had to move the night sessions to daytime due to our schedule. We met before dawn in my room, her phoenix fire mixing with my stellar qi as we refined our energies.
Although the process yielded minimal results in extending my lifespan, each session strengthened us. Her control over fire grew more precise, while my own energy reserves expanded steadily.
Afternoons belonged to study sessions in the library or my room.
Nebula excelled in theoretical magic. A prodigy in that field from a young age, she earned an edge in understanding complex formulas. Studying with her was helpful for both Solara and me. When Lilian showed her interest in studying theoretical magic out of a pure competitive spirit, she was soon humbled when she failed to grasp difficult concepts. It was funny.
I wasn’t the only one who found it funny, for it earned a heartfelt laugh from Nebula, who was usually cold and annoyed at Lilian. I felt their hostility gradually softening as the days passed. I watched them debate magical theory, and while Lilian's theoretical knowledge was embarrassing, her practical experience made up for it.
Physical training proved most challenging for Nebula. Despite her vampire strength, she struggled with endurance since she was still a [Mage] in the end. So, I spent extra hours helping her build stamina and teaching her more breathing techniques so that her mana would strengthen her bones.
Lilian would join these sessions to make up for her embarrassing show in theoretical studies, demonstrating proper form and barely concealing her pride in her athletic abilities.
While I spotted her from below, Solara focused on mastering her wings and practicing aerial maneuvers above the academy grounds. The armor Durnan crafted for her proved invaluable even for flight, allowing her to perform like a bird seamlessly. She'd often stay airborne for hours, pushing her limits until exhaustion forced her to land.
Between training sessions, I continued my own studies.
My Myth Slayer class was a very niche thing that wasn’t that useful against most enemies, so I had to understand various creature types and their weaknesses on my own to make my arsenal as useful as possible. The more I knew, the better I’d perform.
I went through the more dangerous monsters first. My notebook was filled with detailed observations about demons, vampires, werewolves, sirens, nephilims, and other beings. Sometimes I'd catch Nebula or Lilian peering over my shoulder, frowning or shrugging by my clinical analysis of their respective races.
“Are you creating a list of the women you want in the future, young bastard?”
“What? You’re crazy.”
…The pressure of upcoming exams weighed heavily on all of us. Late nights became common, with all four of us crowded around my room's study table, surrounded by open books and empty tea cups. Solara would occasionally doze off, her head resting on her arms while her wings twitched in her sleep.
Lilian's tail would wrap around my ankle under the table, smiling and humming to herself as we studied to death while she just enjoyed her time. Nebula remained focused, her perfect posture never wavering as she methodically worked through practice problems, something sending glares at Lilian when the wolf got too touchy.
“Shouldn’t you go train your body or cultivate? Useless maidservant.” Nebula said, and Lilian scoffed at her. The competition between them remained, but it had evolved into something more productive, for Lilian did indeed get up and leave. They pushed each other to improve and grow stronger, just as they should have been.
My own power continued to develop through these intense preparations. After a long time, the Demonic Sphere's range expanded far more than usual, allowing me to sense presence more precisely. I must have crossed a threshold of some kind.
The Phantom Hand technique became more natural, and by now, I mostly forgot that I didn’t have a hand. It was useful for both combat practice and managing multiple books during study sessions.
Even my Demonic Affinity, and therefore my Star and Destruction Affinity, also showed improvement, though I kept that progress carefully hidden from most.
If I wanted, I could tap into the Heavenly Demon Body’s 4th Stage, but I wasn’t sure if I should or not.
[Stage 4, Dark Qi Fusion Stage: The practitioner begins fusing dark qi with their body's cells, turning their flesh into a substance resistant to both magical and spiritual attacks.]
It wouldn’t reveal my demonic allegiance more than what it did right now, but I should probably do that outside the school grounds, meaning not before the midterms ended. Perhaps in the Fenixia mansion or somewhere else entirely. I planned to visit the Shan Gui Highlands in the east anyway, so I could just do it there.
The academy buzzed with nervous energy as midterms loomed even closer. Students crowded the library until late hours, their faces illuminated by magical lights as they pored over dusty tomes and practice problems. Even the usually boisterous dining hall, which I rarely attended since Lilian always cooked for me, grew quieter. It was filled with whispered discussions about test preparations and worried comparisons of study progress.
That brought us to today.
Professor Katheran had posted the exam structure on the notice board this morning. The comprehensive evaluation would span four days, testing every aspect of our abilities. I stood amid the crowd of students, and my eyes scanned the schedule again.
Day 1: Written examinations covering magical theory, history, and practical applications
Day 2: Physical assessments including endurance trials and obstacle courses
Day 3: Mana manipulation tests and spell casting evaluation
Day 4: Combat trials against senior students
The last entry made many first-years pale. Fighting upperclassmen wasn't just about power or levels, for it meant facing opponents with years of combat experience and refined techniques. I watched a group of students huddle around the board, and their voices tinged with anxiety as they discussed potential matchups.
"No way, they're bringing in students from the third year for the sparring matches," a boy whispered to his friend, clutching his books tighter.
"The third years? But they're monsters! Argh, couldn’t they just bring 2nd years here? I heard more than a few third years have already reached the 6th Ascension..."
I understood their fear. The gap between years represented fundamental differences in skill and control, along with higher Ascensions. Since I couldn’t use my Demonic Qi in front of people, I also couldn't underestimate the experience these seniors possessed.
In Class S, the atmosphere felt particularly worried. Prince Orion spent hours practicing his sword forms in the training yard, his movements growing sharper daily. Even Alaric and Raydar could be found studying late into the night.
All that made Nebula bury herself deeper in advanced magical texts, determined to earn the first seat as she had during the orientation test.
The written portion worried me less than it should have. Between my memories of playing Arcane Crown and the knowledge package from the Heavenly Demon, I somehow thought I had a solid theoretical foundation. Spoilers, I was humbled.
The physical tests presented a different challenge. While my body had grown stronger through cultivation and training, I needed to control my performance carefully. Showing too much power would raise unwanted questions, but appearing too weak might disappoint those who expected excellence from Class S.
Mana manipulation wouldn’t be hard. I likely had the greatest Mana Control among all the students of all years, for I even had a skill for that after I forged my double cores.
Still, I must rely primarily on my Star Affinity, keeping my Demonic Qi carefully suppressed. The thought of channeling pure mana under the scrutiny of the professors made me nervous since one slip could reveal my true nature, but I knew I’d be alright.
Truth be told, it was the combat trials that truly caught my attention. I was curious about who I’d get to fight again, and that’d allow me to observe different fighting styles and techniques that’d inspire my own style further. I was only copying Chun Ma’s style all this time, but I needed something new of my own.
Such as [Photon Ring].
I had no idea how to get that working. I tried and failed to form even one spark of light on my back. Regardless, all of that was thought for another time. After I’m done with these annoying exams.
Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait for long after the exam topic was revealed.
****
The afternoon sun beat down on the sparring grounds, casting long shadows across the packed dirt arena. The colosseum walls loomed over us, and many students from different years watched us stand. A light breeze carried the scent of crushed grass and anticipation.
Today was day 4 of the midterms, meaning combat trials against senior students.
I stood among the other students, watching the professors settle behind their tables. The arena was huge, so the professors didn’t need to sit in some gallery in the seats above; rather, they put their table in one part of the arena, whispering to themselves as they observed us.
Weathered wood creaked under the weight of their assessment scrolls and various magical measuring devices, and their presence alone made the air feel heavier.
Professor Lysandra Thorne sat in the middle, her silver-white hair shimmering with an almost ethereal quality. Her elven features remained serene as she sorted through the student roster. To her right, Professor Katheran lounged in his chair, managing to look both bored and alert simultaneously. His ever-present sunglasses reflected the afternoon light.
Professor Oran Valmyre occupied the left seat. His face, scarred from his fight against Vrakrith the Troll, was set in its usual stern expression. His massive arms crossed over his chest as he surveyed the gathered students. The man hadn't spoken a word since arriving, but his presence alone made several first-years shuffle nervously.
"Iskandaar Romani," Professor Thorne's melodic voice carried across the field. I looked up to meet her gentle gaze. "Step forward. We should start this with you."
I approached the center of the arena, facing the judges' table, conscious of the other students' eyes on my back. Friends and foes alike looked at me, and amid them all, I noticed some special gazes evaluating me from the colosseum. My Demonic Sphere let me know it was the New Hero Assembly. That dark elf must have yapped to them.
The smell of healing herbs grew stronger when I looked at Professor Thorne, even from this distance. She always carried that scent, as if broadcasting her healing and restoration magic expertise.
"Remember," she said, her voice pitched low enough that only I could hear, "the purpose of these trials isn't simply to win. After all, winning against a third year in a pure confrontation is unlikely. We want to see how you apply your skills and think on your feet." Her eyes, ancient and knowing despite her youthful appearance, studied my face. "Show us your understanding, not just your power."
I nodded, appreciating the hint. Of course, they weren't looking for raw strength. This was an academic evaluation, not a tournament fight. "I understand, Professor."
Katheran adjusted his sunglasses, the ghost of a smile playing at his lips. “Don’t make me lose face in front of other homeroom teachers, boy,” he said, and he'd seen enough of my capabilities to know I wouldn’t.
Professor Valmyre's eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed me, but he remained silent. His reputation for being hard to impress was well-earned, and I could feel his scrutiny like a physical weight. Not that I care. He lost to Vrakrith, while I made him flee.
The afternoon sun grew stronger as I waited for my opponent. Katheran clapped his hands, encouraging whoever would fight me to come to the arena, but I hadn't expected what came next.
A black-haired girl with striking eastern features walked onto the field from a large gate, her modified academy uniform drawing immediate attention. My classmates whispered while I observed her. The blue top and black skirt switched colors and were in a hanbok style, setting her apart from the standard uniforms. Her long, curly black hair was tied in an elegant knot and adorned with a simple jade pin, and she had a similar-styled sword on her back. Alongside that eastern dress, she still wore the academy’s blue tie.
"First Princess of the Goryeo Peninsula, Jin Ha-Yun," Professor Thorne announced. "The face of the third-year students."
The face of the third year? I knew the academy tested students against those with more experience, but this seemed extreme. Also, this meant they considered me as the face of the first year. It made sense, it wasn’t a surprise, but I still smiled like a goofball.
Jin Ha-Yun walked closer, and the level floating above her head became clear. It was a high number, true, but it wasn't as intimidating as I'd feared.
[Jin Ha-Yun, Level 86]
"Iskandaar Romani," she smiled warmly, her dark eyes twinkling with kindness that took me aback. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Only good things, I hope," I said, earning a melodious laugh that brightened the atmosphere around us.
"Trust me, they are." She adjusted her sleeve with practiced grace. "I'm unsure how this match will end up, given you fought that Zephyr boy in the Winter Festival and won. He's my classmate, you know?"
"Ah, Theron?" I rubbed the back of my neck. "That was just luck, really. Plus, you’re far stronger than him."
"Such modesty and flattery," she chuckled. "Though I suppose that's better than some of the arrogant nobles we get here." Her eyes flickered briefly toward where Prince Orion sat watching, making the young man scowl in confusion. "But enough small talk. Shall we take this seriously?"
“Begin!” Katheran’s voice boomed.
Before I could respond, she took a deep breath, her posture shifting subtly. With a gentle wave of her hand, pink petals began materializing around her, swirling in an ethereal dance. My eyes widened. The air filled with the sweet scent of sakura flowers as more and more appeared, creating a storm of sakura blossoms that moved rapidly.
The Mage of Rosy Death, I recalled her title. While the sword scabbard on her back gave the impression that she was a swordswoman, the opposite was true. It's just that her family was a swordsmen-oriented family, so she carried a scabbard just for show.
But it worked mainly as a wand, earning her the reputation of Rosy Death.
"I saw that Plum Blossom attack you used during the festival," she said, her kind smile never wavering even as the petals around her took on razor-sharp edges. "I was surprised, truly. It's rare to see someone use a technique so similar to mine, especially in a land so distant. It reminded me of home. If it’s not too much to ask, can you use it against me?”
Pink petals swirled around Jin Ha-Yun like a deadly storm, their edges gleaming with murderous intent. The sweet scent filled my nostrils as I gripped my sword tighter, the fine hilt resonating with my Qi, my eyes studying her movements. “Sure thing,” I said.
“Thank you,” her first attack came without warning, a wave of petals shooting toward me like arrows. I swept my sword in an arc, deflecting the initial barrage, but more followed immediately.
The petals danced through the air with unnatural precision, each one a potential killing blow if this hadn't been a supervised match.
I jumped back, drawing my sword back. The Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms exploded from the tip of my blade, creating a defensive pattern. Our similar techniques clashed in the air – her sakura petals against my plum blossom ones – creating a beautiful yet deadly display.
"Impressive," she said, her smile never wavering as she sent another wave of attacks. "But you're holding back. Please, don’t. I can withstand it."
She wasn't wrong. Even without tapping into my Demonic Qi, I had other abilities I could use. But I wanted to test myself against her with pure swordsmanship first. The sharp metal sword felt light in my hands as I wove through her attacks, each movement following the precise forms I'd practiced countless times.
A petal sliced past my cheek, drawing blood. She's not playing around, eh? More cuts appeared on my uniform as her attacks grew more intense. The princess maintained her graceful stance, but her eyes had taken on a predatory gleam. It was a sight to behold; movements so graceful that it looked like a dance, her hand waving through the air.
"Never mind, junior, I've seen though. You won't win with just that, use your other techniques," she called out, her petals forming complex patterns in the air. "Show me what else you can do, Iskandaar!"
She was right again. The Plum Blossom technique alone wouldn't be enough, and at this rate, this fight would drag on for no reason. With a deep breath, I reached for my Stellar Affinity instead, letting golden energy flow through my body.
The world seemed to scream as sunlight met Sakura petals, giving birth to a dazzling display of sword light and glimmering petals. Explosions filled the air, and students' cheers cut through my thoughts.
The petals danced around me like deadly razors, each one carrying enough force to slice through steel. Watching her technique was impressive, an almost hypnotic pattern of burning pink destruction.
Even as I admired the display, my mind was already calculating counters. The petals might be beautiful, but they weren't unstoppable. My Phantom Hand twitched, ready to deflect any that came too close.
Our energies clashed repeatedly – her pink storm against my golden rays. The training ground crackled with power as we pushed each other to our limits. Sweat dripped down my face as I maintained the output, careful not to let any Demonic Qi leak through.
Fighting without my full powers felt like boxing with one arm tied behind my back, and it didn’t help that Jin Ha-Yun wasn’t a weak person. She proved why she was a third-year student, her control over her abilities nearly perfect. For every attack I launched, she had a counter ready.
So, I tapped into something she couldn't handle so easily.
First, I studied Jin Ha-Yun's movements, calculating my next attack. Her petals were beautiful but predictable, perhaps intentionally so. They followed patterns to increase the show's beauty, like a dance choreographed in advance.
Perfect for what I had in mind.
I activated [Void Step] and the world blurred around me. I vanished and reappeared behind her in an instant. Her eyes widened slightly, the first crack in her serene expression I'd seen since our fight began. "You-"
"Too slow," I whispered, channeling my Stellar Qi into my blade. Golden light wrapped around the steel like a second skin as I prepared a technique I hadn't used on anyone yet.
[True Demon Sword Art, Fifth Form: Midnight Serenade of the Phantom Locust]
It was a technique originally made for Demonic Qi, so Stellar Qi wouldn't be as impactful, but it should be enough. The air shimmered as waves of light burst from my blade. In Chun Ma's memories, there would have been shadows here, but now streams of golden energy coalesced into the forms of uncountable ethereal locusts. They hummed with solar power, their translucent wings catching and reflecting the afternoon sun like countless tiny mirrors.
The swarm spread outward in a brilliant display, each locust trailing streams of starlight.
Their wings created a harmonious chorus that seemed to resonate with the very air itself. The sound wasn't menacing like their demonic counterparts would have been, but rather a song of dawn breaking over the horizon.
My golden locusts surrounded Jin Ha-Yun, releasing pulses of stellar energy that interfered with her mana control, injuring her. Her petals began to waver, their deadly dance disrupted by the overwhelming presence of my technique.
"I- Impressive," she called out, her smile finally returning but with strain. She withdrew her sword scabbard from her back, her wand, and faced it toward me. "But not enough! [Thousand Petal Storm: Crimson Garden Devastation]!"
Her voice rang across the arena as she thrust both hands forward.
The scattered petals around her suddenly multiplied exponentially, turning the air into a sea of burning pink. The crowd screamed cheers at us. The sweet scent of Sakura became almost overwhelming as her power surged to match mine.
Our techniques clashed in the center of the arena – golden locusts weaving through storms of deadly petals, neither giving ground...
We ended up locked in a standstill, both breathing heavily, her petals pressed, showering toward me like a wave of waterfall, while my arms moved like striking snakes, clashing my sword against the petals. The entire arena was wreathed in golden and pink, and the princess’ smile widened in pure excitement. I was surprised to see how excited she was.
Neither of us was willing to back down, despite the exhaustion evident on our faces, our attacks exploding against one another, our uniforms torn.
“Enough.”
A single clap cut through the tension.
"Iskandaar Romani, pass," Professor Katheran's voice rang out across the field.
The princess immediately withdrew her petals, and they shattered like bubbles. She let out a deep breath and wiped sweat from her forehead. Despite the intensity of our battle, her warm smile returned as she looked at me. "Good fight," she said. “Really good fight.”
"Thank you," I replied, breathing heavily, and finally letting my shoulders relax as the golden energy faded. I turned my head to glance over at Nebula and Solara, both of whom mouthed ‘congratulations’ as I nodded at them.
The midterms were over, and somehow, I'd made it through.
Comments
hawkshe .
Jin Ha-Yun seems interesting, I wonder if she'll be a recurring character?
CkLance
Goddamn. NGL her eyes are intense af, but I'm a hardcore Amelia advocate.
The Hand Behind the Veil
It's 5 AM, usually my sleep time lately. But today I just woke up right now. 5 AM has never felt this cold before, specially this I've come to the countryside for a bit 😂 the universe punishing me for making you feel all that
Ron1990
"...but rather a song of dawn breaking over the horizon...". Hmm, is Iskandaar achieving the powers of Apollo? His star affinity shows impressing results. Perhaps he has to open his third dantian to really comprehend, what he will really develop into. Why, oh why, are you describing nice spring blossoms, a sunny afternoon and the scent of Sakura? I haven't seen the sun for what feels like weeks, high fog every day, temperature around freezing point, going to work in the dark, coming from work in the dark. Depressing, I say. 😄
James Faulkner
Tftc!
