Read Novel Full Chapter 1225: The Condition
Chapter 1225: The Condition
The crowd was silent as they confirmed that the battle had finally ended.
Eryn stood tall, his treant form was scarred but unbroken. The leaves that clung to his shoulders rustled faintly as he exhaled…
Soon, his green eyes dimmed back to their human calmness.
He looked at the three kneeling prodigies, Amaya, Vin, and Brannic, with their sweat still dripping as their demon forms dissolved into smoke.
He had fought many battles in his life, but this was the first time he had faced demons, or rather, students who had transformed into demons. Though weaker than true fiends, their strikes had some corruption in them, their coordination was ruthless, and their presence was also unsettling. Yet instead of fear, Eryn felt a strange admiration.
'It's impressive since they're all too young, too fragile to hold such power. But they fought really well. They also gave me a glimpse of how demons move, how they strike, how they coordinate. Even if they are only twelve or thirteen, they taught me something today.'
He smiled faintly, though his expression remained stern.
"You three… I like your spirit. It is a pity you lack the energy to show your full strength. But remember this, you will become strong, so you have to learn how to control this demonic power. I hope you all find a good teacher. You gave me a good fight."
The crowd erupted in murmurs again, but this time not in chaos. Awe, envy, and curiosity rippled through the Transformation Arts students.
As Amaya, Vin, and Brannic staggered to their feet, dozens of classmates surrounded them.
"How did you do that?" one asked eagerly.
"Where did you get Demon Blood?" another pressed.
"Was it from the black market? Or ruins?"
"Tell us! Tell us how you obtained Demon Essence!"
The three prodigies exchanged weary glances. Their bodies were drained, their minds were also exhausted. They had no strength left to explain, nor did they wish to reveal their secrets.
Amaya shook her head. "Not now. We're tired."
Vin also waved his hands. "We can't tell you."
Brannic also ignored them and spoke in a stern voice. "Enough. Let us rest."
The students backed away reluctantly, though their eyes burned with questions.
In the Transformation Arts that they had shown, everyone knew that Demon Blood alone was not enough. To truly transform into a demon on that level, one needed Demon Essence as well. Blood carried the raw power, but Essence carried the soul, the instincts, the corruption that made the form complete.
Without Essence, transformations like that were unstable, shallow copies.
But in the human realm, obtaining the Essence of any high-level beings or creatures was nearly impossible.
Most students relied on connections, elders, or patrons who had access to other realms where powerful beasts roamed. Only the peak of the factions could cross those boundaries, and they guarded their treasures jealously.
For ordinary students, there were only two paths… The ancient ruins, where remnants of beasts and demons sometimes lingered, or the black market, where blood and essence were sold at exorbitant prices. Both were dangerous. Ruins were often guarded by traps or curses, and the black market was filled with frauds, thieves, and killers.
That Amaya, Vin, and Brannic had obtained both Demon Blood and Demon Essence was nothing short of miraculous. It was no wonder their classmates were desperate to know how.
Just like that, the day finally ended as the Professor ended the class… Still, he couldn't help but think of the performance of his students.
"I hope Lord Vale can give us the Blood and Essence that we need soon." Professor Paterson muttered.
***
The next day, the three prodigies awoke to a flood of invitations.
Messengers arrived from noble houses, bearing gilded letters. Envoys from large organizations came with promises of wealth, training, and prestige.
Each invitation was the same…
Join us.
Serve us.
Become our disciples.
It was all along these lines. Amaya read another letter aloud with her voice tinged with disbelief. "The House of Varis offers us estates and servants if we pledge ourselves."
Vin tossed another scroll aside. "The Crimson Serpent Guild promises rare beast blood and essence."
Brannic snorted, crushing a parchment in his fist. "The Iron Legion wants me to be their future champion. What in the world are they thinking?! I'm only twelve?!"
"Well… We will be considered adults in three more years." Vin chuckled.
Nonetheless, they ignored them all.
"We're still too young," Amaya said firmly. "And we already know who we want to follow."
Vin nodded. "Vale. The Shadow Immortal. He is the only patron worthy of us."
Brannic's molten eyes gleamed. "We'll be his disciples. No one else. But if I'm the only one accepted, you shouldn't get jealous. I will not forget the two of you."
"Dream on…" Amaya muttered.
Vale was a legend, a figure whispered about in every faction. The Shadow Immortal was the strongest Arcanist and had powers beyond comprehension. He was basically the patron of prodigies.
To be his disciple was to step into greatness.
***
Three more days later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Professor Paterson summoned them.
"Ahem..."
His expression showed excitement, though he tried to control it
"You three have caused quite a stir," he said. "I heard that various nobles, guilds, and factions came forward… they all want you. But you ignored them."
Amaya nodded. "Yes."
"Professor, you know who we wanted to follow." Vin added.
Brannic nodded.
Paterson studied them for a long moment, then nodded.
"Very well. I have spoken with Vale's Avatar. He has actually thought of accepting all three of you. It's something he hasn't done with any other Arcane Path."
The three froze, their hearts pounding.
"Vale will accept you as disciples," Paterson continued slowly, "but only under one condition."
The air grew heavy. The crowd of students nearby leaned in, straining to hear.
"What condition?" Amaya asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.
The two also looked intently at the professor. They were all willing to do anything in order to be accepted by Vale!