Chapter 126: I’ll Take the Field [Shouting for Monthly Votes]

At the start of winter each year, the Babylon Magic and Martial Arts Academy traditionally holds an inter-departmental tournament. The winners receive generous prizes, intended to motivate students to strive harder in their studies.

This time of year is always the most bustling period at the Babylon Academy. The duels between the various departments are no longer just about the prizes; they involve the reputation of the department and the prestige of the teachers. Even the future career prospects of the instructors are tightly linked to these matches. Consequently, every department sends its strongest students to participate, both for the students' own benefit and to uphold their teachers' dignity and standing within the academy.

For a long time, the Dark Department and the Light Department have been bitter rivals, locked in a struggle for superiority for years. This particular match was intended to decide who would hold the title of the "First Department," which is why it attracted so many onlookers.

A massive magical barrier enveloped the entire plaza. Under the premise of fighting to one's heart's content without causing fatalities, five participants from each side were currently putting on a grand show within the arena.

Han Shuo’s gaze wandered until he finally spotted Fanny sitting in a corner at the back of the teacher's podium. The viewing platform was elevated, and all the department heads—including the Dean—were seated there, appearing to pay close attention to this competition.

"Does anyone from our Necromancy Department participate in this?" Han Shuo asked Lisa after she had explained the situation to him.

Lisa shook her head. "Our Necromancy Department is a branch of the Dark Department. The teachers and students of the main Dark Department fear that we will only hold them back. They didn't include us in the calculations for this tournament at all. From beginning to end, it’s always the students from the Dark Department who compete; it’s as if the Necromancy Department doesn't even exist."

"So that’s how it is," Han Shuo said, looking at the two sides in the center of the plaza. "Which side do you think will win?"

"I don't know. The Dark and Light Departments have always been the strongest in the academy. For many years, they have alternated holding the title of the top department; neither has been able to maintain a permanent lead. The Dark Department won last year, but their team captain has since graduated and left. The Light Department’s captain is still here, so I think the Dark Department is in trouble this time," Lisa explained as she watched the situation unfold.

"Sigh. It’s a pity we aren't involved. Every year, the Dark Department excludes us. Even though Fanny and Jean work very hard, their status in the academy continues to decline because of this. Look at Fanny, she can only sit in the last row. Jean was so afraid of being mocked that he didn't even dare to show up. Our Necromancy Department is truly a failure," Amy said with a dejected, mournful face.

"There’s nothing we can do. The dark creatures we summon are naturally countered by light magic. Without their help, a necromancer can hardly gain the upper hand against the Light Department. It’s no wonder Fanny has to accept their arrangements and not let us fight—it would only be asking for trouble," Athena added, equally disheartened.

The plaza was not flat or unobstructed. Instead, it was filled with artificial rockeries, trees, and uneven trenches. The terrain was designed to be complex to help students adapt to real-world environments. At this moment, the five members of the Dark and Light departments were using the rocks and trees to conceal themselves, occasionally launching surprise attacks before retreating or regrouping. Inside the magical barrier, the light was dim—a deliberate effect intended to facilitate team coordination.

The two sides were testing each other, not yet engaged in a full-scale clash, when suddenly one of the Dark Department members clutched his stomach and collapsed, his face deathly pale and cold sweat beading on his forehead.

Seeing this, Dio, the Dark Department’s Magus on the podium, turned pale. He immediately addressed Dean Emma, "Dean, it seems Fred is suffering from a sudden illness. I request to pause the match to check on his condition."

Emma, a Grand Magus of the Space Department, looked at the collapsed Fred in surprise. Finding it odd that he would fall ill before the battle had even begun, she nodded. "Pause it for a moment and see what’s going on, Dio."

Emma waved her hand, and the massive magical barrier brightened. The other Dark Department students brought the suffering Fred to Dio. After examining him, Dio turned dark, and said to Emma with a gloomy face, "Dean, Fred has eaten something he shouldn't have. I’m afraid he cannot continue the competition."

"Oh, heavens, how did this happen? Fred is about to graduate and is one of the most powerful students in the Dark Department. He was the captain and the strongest of them all. If he can't compete, the Dark Department has no hope at all," Athena said, watching the pale Fred from afar with worry.

Lisa nodded. "Indeed. Their opponent, Kiron from the Light Department, was their captain last year. It is said he has already reached the level of a high-level mage but intentionally delayed his advancement for this tournament. If Fred were here, they could still fight, but with this happening, the Dark Department looks finished."

Han Shuo, with his sharp hearing, watched Emma and the others from afar and could clearly overhear their conversation. Dio tried to persuade Emma to delay the match by a few days, but Emma refused, citing the academy’s rules. She only agreed to let Dio replace Fred with another student.

An enraged Dio argued shrilly with Emma, claiming it was a conspiracy and demanding she change the rules. Unfortunately, a Magus was no match for the Dean. Unable to convince her, Dio said furiously, "If that’s the case, we won't compete! Let people say what they want!"

"Teacher Dio, mind your status. Despite this accident, do not attempt to alter the traditions of this academy. Please find a replacement and finish the match," Emma, usually gentle, said with a stern and annoyed expression.

As a Grand Magus of the Space Department, Emma possessed an unquestionable authority. Her stern warning left Dio speechless. After a moment of dark contemplation, he turned to look at Fanny in the corner. "Teacher Fanny, the Necromancy Department has never participated in these years. I think it’s time you sent someone to take Fred’s place and continue this match."

Fanny, who had been sitting in the back row with an expressionless face, was stunned. She then flushed with anger. "Teacher Dio, what is the meaning of this?"

Anyone could see that Dio was only saying this to Fanny because he knew he couldn't win without Fred and was venting his frustration on her after failing to move the Dean. Even if they lost, people would see that Dio was just acting out of spite. The weakness of the Necromancy Department was well-known; if Dio truly wanted to win, he wouldn't choose them. This was clearly an insult.

"Teacher Fanny, the Necromancy Department is a part of the Dark Department. Shouldn't you contribute occasionally?" another Dark Department teacher chimed in, clearly aware of Dio’s intent.

The teachers around Fanny watched with varying expressions—some with malicious glee, others with pity. But because of the department's poor reputation, most just watched as if it were a show.

"When things are normal, you never think of us. Now that you need a scapegoat, you remember us? I refuse!" Fanny had already felt humiliated by the lack of participation; she had only hoped for the match to end quickly to avoid scorn. Being insulted by Dio like this triggered her temper.

Fanny was soft on the outside but firm on the inside. Han Shuo knew this well; she was usually gentle, but she wouldn't stand for being pushed past her limits.

Han Shuo’s anger could no longer be suppressed. He pushed through the crowd, ignoring their curses, and walked toward the podium. "Teacher Fanny, I wish to take Fred’s place. I hope you will allow it."

His voice was loud and clear, carrying across the entire plaza. Silence fell, followed by a massive uproar. Every eye turned to him, filled with curiosity and excitement.

"Who is this guy? He’s got guts!"
"Hmph, what a fool. If even Fred knew he couldn't win, who is this to throw himself into the fire?"
"Wait, isn't that Bryan from our department? When did he get back?"

Fanny looked at him, her eyes brightening. A beautiful, soft smile broke across her angry face. "Forget it. Can't you see they are just using us as a shield?"

Han Shuo nodded, looking coldly at Dio. "I know. But I still want to try. The Necromancy Department has been silent for too long; it’s time we appeared in the public eye."

Han Shuo’s firm gaze seemed to convey a message. After staring at him for a few seconds, Fanny finally nodded and said to Dio, "Very well. I accept your request. Let him take Fred’s place."

Within moments, word spread about Han Shuo’s identity—from his life as a handyman to his experiences in the Dark Forest. Rumors, particularly those started by the old hag Camilla about Han Shuo and Fanny spending the night together, made the crowd even more excited.

"It’s settled then. He replaces Fred. Let the match begin immediately," Dio said, nodding at Fanny. "Just go up there and make a show of it; it won't take long to finish."