Chapter 403: Players Mixed into the Trial

At the same time, in an observation room responsible for monitoring subspace fluctuations on the high floor of the Great Sage's Tower, red light was flashing.

A young mage was staring intently at a crystal flashing with abnormal red light in front of him, his expression extremely nervous.

Dare not be negligent!

He walked quickly to his superior, looking at the mage who was leisurely tasting tea, and reported in a panicked tone.

"Senior! A dense subspace fluctuation came from the area about one hundred kilometers north of the tower; do we need to send someone to confirm it?"

Due to the fact that the teleportation formation consumes magic crystals that are relatively scarce on the surface, and the teleportation formation needs to withstand a certain degree of subspace backlash, this way of travel is not the first choice for most people on the Os Continent.

In contrast, Hell and Chaos, where teleportation formation technology is more developed, prefer this way of travel that can quickly cross large areas of impassable terrain.

It is precisely because of this that subspace fluctuations are often regarded as a sign of the spread of Hell or Chaos corruption, especially large-scale transfers!

And it was in a place like the Northern Wasteland where no one visited...

However, after listening to his subordinate's report, that senior mage just lazily raised his eyelids, waved his hand indifferently.

"No need to make a fuss."

While saying this, he slowly opened the registration book at hand, pointing to a line of records and continuing to say.

"That is Mentor Moke's labyrinth trial site... look here, it's written in the log! He applied for the temporary usage permission of the teleportation formation, and the crystal you've been staring at has been flashing since yesterday."

The young mage was still a bit uneasy, asking tentatively.

"But... what kind of materials need such a high-power teleportation formation? The fluctuation of this subspace energy is too dense!"

"Who knows."

That superior was a bit impatient with the questioning, so he opened another thick budget approval book, found the entry and the signatory according to the application number.

"... Oh, found it."

Seeing the specific content on it, a knowing, wicked smile instantly appeared on his face.

"It's written on the budget proposal as 'undead creatures for trial'. Heh, I guess they probably got a batch of wild ones from the Luo De Kingdom side."

"Undead?!"

The young mage was first startled, then looking at the senior mage's gloating smile, a wicked smile also appeared on his face.

"... Ha, Mentor Moke really dares to play; the mages challenging the labyrinth trial this year are in for it!"

"I've long heard that Mentor Moke is very strict, but I didn't expect him to be so forceful in this kind of celebratory activity... but that's fine."

The senior mage blew lightly on the tea leaves floating in the teacup, continuing slowly.

"Aren't those kids always complaining that the mage tower doesn't teach real stuff? I hope they don't regret their complaints back then."

Although skeleton soldiers are just cannon fodder, cannon fodder is not that easy to deal with.

Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many experienced adventurers falling into the labyrinth...

On the day of the All Souls Festival, the Great Sage's Tower was decorated with lanterns and colored streamers, and the snowfield outside the tower was even more bustling with noise and excitement, sweeping away the dead silence of the past.

Stone gates pieced together from giant stones were located beside a huge high platform, teaching assistants holding double-handed magic staves stood beside the stone gates, their expressions solemn and dignified while difficult to hide the excitement in their eyes, waiting for the start of this grand trial activity!

Colorful magic flags were hunting in the cold wind, and light chains made of glowing crystals were crisscrossing above the crowd, decorating the entire venue like a festive celebration site!

A large number of magic apprentices who had reached the mage level gathered here in twos and threes, wearing robes of various schools, excitedly showing off their new equipment prepared for this trial, discussing tactics, the atmosphere extremely warm!

"... I bet the championship reward this year is definitely a Silver-tier magic item!"

"Stop dreaming, with Mentor Moke here, it's good enough if we can walk out upright..."

"Do you think the reward could be Gold-tier magic equipment?!"

"Laugh to death, Moke doesn't use it himself, but gives it to you?"

"Hey... I only hope my performance can attract the attention of Prince Kelin; he hasn't recruited apprentices into his laboratory on a large scale for a long time."

In this noise, Ilana seemed a bit out of place.

She wore a simple preparatory student robe, following Anjie uneasily, being pulled by her through the crowded crowd.

"Senior Sister Anjie, most of the people here are mages, will it be a bit inappropriate for me, a preparatory student? Wouldn't it be better if..." seeing the gazes frequently cast around, Ilana's heart started to shrink again.

"Don't be nervous, Ilana!" Anjie turned her head, giving Ilana, whose heart was uneasy, a bright smile, saying carelessly, "Everyone is very friendly, not to mention I'm covering you!"

Pausing, she added a sentence at the end.

"And since we're here, you can't spoil everyone's fun at this time, right?"

Ilana was silent.

Strictly speaking, she was not a person with a weak personality, and she also had her own ideas. However, when facing a kind invitation, she really didn't know how to refuse.

And...

This was just a trial, seeing the world while following along wasn't bad, especially since there were patrolling teaching assistants in the labyrinth to ensure the safety of the apprentices.

She found ten thousand reasons to persuade herself, but didn't know that the dear Senior Sister was also thinking the same way.

Anjie took in her expression, the corner of her mouth curling into a sinister smile, her mouth still saying sweet things as if smeared with honey.

"It's okay, dear, I bet you will definitely leave behind a beautiful All Souls Festival memory... we're almost there!"

Saying this, she finally pulled Ilana to a relatively quiet corner. There, three girls also wearing blue mage robes had been waiting for a long time, the leader being the high-bridged Miss Lastina, that pair of golden ponytails shaking like straight drills.

"Lastina, I've invited Ilana here!" Anjie enthusiastically pushed Ilana in front of everyone, introducing her diligently as if showing off a trophy, "She is the most proud student of Mentor Kelin; with her here, our tactical analysis will definitely be no problem!"

Ilana, who was pushed to the front, was at a loss; she bowed to everyone cautiously, asking for greetings in a low voice: "Hello everyone, I am Ilana... for this trial, I still ask for your guidance, seniors."

Lastina didn't respond immediately, just crossed her arms, using a scrutinizing gaze, for the first time at such a close distance, sizing up this legendary "love rival."

She had imagined the ugly face of this enemy countless times in her mind, thinking it would be a vixen who was good at calculating and knew how to use her own beauty to bewitch men... However, the Ilana in front of her was completely different from her imagination.

She wore a simple apprentice robe, with no extra accessories on her body. That thin figure exuded a cold aura, and also carried a hint of aloofness that didn't know the world.

Especially those eyes, clear as the lake under the glacier, not seeing a trace of impurities, let alone evoking men's desires, instead making people who saw her involuntarily become pure-hearted and few-desiring.

This... is the woman who snatched all of Prince Kelin's attention?

A hint of subtle wavering appeared in Lastina's heart for the first time; this was clearly just a bookworm who only knew how to bury her head in books.

Is there any point in me bullying such a person?

However, this hint of wavering only appeared for an instant, soon replaced by a much stronger jealousy—

Who knows if that wasn't pretended to hook men?

Especially since some men just eat this set!

Lastina's molars were grinding.

She was a noble after all; although her character wasn't great, she still had upbringing. Bullying the weak was not a righteous act, and even if she won, it couldn't make her feel physically and mentally happy; the other party must be a "deserving person" to fit her bullying aesthetics.

Simply put, she had to find an excuse to make herself stand on the side of justice, even if it was an extremely far-fetched reason.

Lastina's expression was gloomy at times, conflicted at times, so much so that Ilana couldn't help but worry if she was too weak and had caused trouble for Anjie.

Anjie winked wildly at Lastina, worried that her attitude would scare away the cooked duck, and hurriedly turned back to look at the uneasy Ilana, saying.

"Ilana... haha, Miss Lastina just talks less, she is actually a very good person, you don't have to mind, haha."

Lastina also reacted quickly, squeezing a barely friendly smile from her face to try to make up for it, and extended her right hand.

"Welcome, Ilana, I've heard your name... with you joining, our team is truly like adding wings to a tiger."

If it were usual, she would never allow a commoner to touch her body, even if the other party came from the Empire's mainland.

Ilana held her cold hand, nodding politely and humbly, saying.

"I dare not accept... magic and combat experience are my weaknesses, it is I who must learn more from you, who are seniors."

"Alright, let's stop being polite, the trial is about to begin."

Lastina let go of her hand, shook the ponytail hanging on her shoulder, and then looked at the other two followers behind her.

"Are you all ready?"

The two mage girls grinned, one whistled, one played with the magic wand in her hand, and moved her shoulders stiff under the mage robe.

"Everything is ready, Miss."

"I'm ready too!"

It could be seen that their status was slightly higher than Anjie's; they should be the type who would usually order the latter to buy scrolls at the Artisan Street.

"Very good."

The corner of Lastina's mouth curled into a smile, then she cast her gaze toward Mentor Moke, who was climbing the high platform in the distance, saying in a happy voice.

"I can't wait for the upcoming trial!"

With three long bell rings echoing on the noisy snowfield, the originally noisy crowd at the assembly point gradually quieted down.

Everyone's gaze converged toward the high platform temporarily built at the entrance, and Mentor Moke's figure had already appeared there.

He wore a meticulous Source Magic school mentor robe, his expression cold, his gaze scanning every young and innocent face below like a hawk.

A hint of softness appeared in that sharp gaze.

Once upon a time, he was just like these young apprentices, with a pure mind, his eyes filled with ideals for exploring the essence of power and truth.

Hey, youth is really good.

He cleared his throat, drove away the distracting thoughts in his mind, and opened his mouth to say.

"Young mages, welcome to the annual All Souls Festival labyrinth trial. I am the person in charge of this trial, Moke."

"You may have heard my name, or you may not have heard it, but none of that matters. You only need to remember one thing—"

"The labyrinth in front of you will be the stage for testing the results of your studies over the past year! At the same time, it is also an excellent opportunity for you to prove that you are qualified to stay in the Academy before the real trial!"

"Back then, it was in this very trial that I took the championship, which is why I was spotted in the crowd at a single glance by the respected Professor Alistair Thorne..."

Moke inadvertently raised Professor Alister; that adult had suddenly become very interested in empty fame recently, anyway, it was a matter of speaking for him.

A burst of excited whispering spread on the snowfield, and excited and enthusiastic expressions filled every young and passionate face.

Including Lastina.

Although she had no interest in staying in the Academy to study magic, a blush of red floated on her cheeks at the thought of Prince Kelin also watching her.

If it were that Prince, staying in the mage tower wouldn't be impossible.

As for Kurs, who was standing in the crowd, he clenched his fists, secretly making a vow in his heart that he must seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a name for himself!

There is no future in doing odd jobs in winter recruitment; he still has to rely on his strength to attract the attention of scholars with real power.

Those big shots value strength more!

Kurs swore that he must make a name for himself, let Ilana, who "abandoned him" and "turned to Prince Kelin's embrace," regret the stupid choice of giving up a boy who was honest and had a bright future.

Presumably at that time, he would be standing in a place higher than Mentor Moke, overlooking the sentient beings with a light and breezy gaze, just like overlooking the ants on the ground...

Just when everyone was lost in thought.

Mentor Moke's emotionless voice continued to come, using concise and serious words to conclude the opening remarks of the trial.

"The rules of the trial are very simple—survive, and go as deep into the labyrinth as possible to get a higher score!"

"Your final goal is to destroy the 'artificial core' located in the deepest part of the labyrinth; that will determine who the champion is, and which school the final honor is born in!"

"Go! Young boys and girls! Chase your dreams, there won't be such a good opportunity in the future!"

"Your trial has begun!"

As the words fell, he didn't say another half sentence, just waved his hand.

Not far from the high platform, under the stone gate, rows of small teleportation gates that had long been prepared were instantly activated, the deep blue mirror surface like a lake surface with rippling water.

The enthusiasm of the apprentices was completely ignited, the crowd surging toward those teleportation gates flickering with faint light like a tide, batch after batch, fearing to be a little slow!

After passing through the teleportation array, they would be randomly teleported to different positions on the first floor of the labyrinth according to the order of entry!

A carnival mixed with opportunity and crisis thus opened its curtain, and what awaited them in the labyrinth would also be a test that neither apprentices nor mentors of previous years had ever seen—

"It's our turn! Let's go, Ilana!"

Anjie affectionately linked arms with Ilana and pulled her from the crowd toward one of the portals.

Facing that teleportation gate like an unknown abyss, Ilana's heart was full of tension, as if the Demon King was waiting for her in front.

She was just a preparatory student, could she really keep up with the pace of these mage seniors?

Until yesterday, she had just mastered the techniques of fast spellcasting and releasing multiple fireballs simultaneously under Orphia's guidance.

Seeming to see through her unease, Anjie turned her head quickly, urging her with that round, jade-like face and a smile like a flower.

"Don't be afraid, Ilana, just follow me closely in a while! With Miss Lastina here, we will definitely win! She is one of the best powerhouses among her peers!"

Lastina wound her bangs with her index finger, her slightly raised chin carrying a hint of pride, which was considered a default to this point.

Those whose soul level was stronger than hers weren't as hardworking as her, and those whose soul level was weaker than hers had no chance to compare with her; at least at the mage level, she, who had already reached the peak of Bronze, couldn't find a few opponents.

That unquestionable enthusiasm finally dispelled the last hint of concern in Ilana's heart, making her feel slightly at ease.

Taking a deep breath, she pressed all her unease to the bottom of her heart, summoned her courage, and nodded.

"Hmm... I will try my best to keep up."

After saying this, she, surrounded by Anjie, stepped into that rippling light curtain together with Lastina's team, disappearing without a trace...

In the crowd not far away, Orphia's spirited gaze had been locked on "Lastina's team," watching them disappear into the teleportation array.

Although they would be teleported to different positions in the labyrinth, she wasn't very worried.

Lastina wouldn't choose to make a move on the first floor of the labyrinth; there were the most patrolling teaching assistants there, and there were other magic apprentices passing by.

If the Ilana they deliberately abandoned was saved by others, their carefully woven conspiracy would lose its meaning.

So they would definitely make a move in the depths of the labyrinth!

"Miss Castellion, when do we act?" Bain reminded in a low voice beside her, his eyes flashing with anticipation for the new weapon about to be tested.

The secret weapon they had spent more than a month preparing was currently in Miss Castellion's space ring, and he couldn't wait to see the power of the "Explosive Thermobaric Bomb"!

Har-de was also looking forward to it, but there was still a hint of caution and worry on that restrained face, afraid of causing trouble.

The labyrinth trial does not prohibit the use of magic devices and magic scrolls, but the premise is that one must not destroy the labyrinth walls with the power of props, let alone endanger the lives of other apprentices...

This is the game rule.

Orphia nodded, her confident face currently overflowing with excited light, just like a captain preparing to set sail for Demon Island to rescue a princess.

The descendants of the Castellion family are all natural explorers, and she was naturally no exception. It was just that the interests of the Holy City and the nobility suppressed her nature, and it wasn't until she stepped onto this snowfield recently that that restless heart was released.

All along, she could only satisfy her craving for such exciting things in novels, and now she could finally experience it personally!

She waved her hand at Bain and Har-de beside her, issuing the order to set sail with heroic spirit.

"Set off!"

Just when the apprentice army was surging toward the labyrinth, inside the labyrinth, a "descent" that no one knew about was also happening.

Skeletons that were used as decorations and placed randomly in the corners of the passage suddenly lit up with ghostly green soul fire without any warning.

At the same time, the energy mirror image monsters generated by the labyrinth core also began to refresh one after another. Among them were slimes, goblins, and all kinds of strange things like little demons.

They had no interest in these "living" companions beside them, just wandering in the corridors of the labyrinth according to the established program, waiting for the first batch of "challengers" to break into the hunting zone.

These monsters were not monsters manufactured by the real labyrinth core, but counterfeits manufactured by the Holy Energy school's spells, naturally impossible to be full of spirituality like the labyrinth of the Great Graveyard.

However, having said that, they were still very realistic when they made a move, and they wouldn't show any mercy just because the other party was an apprentice.

And some "skeletons" that were startled took the initiative to send PK invitations to them, and they would also hit back without hesitation...

On the first floor of the labyrinth, in a dark and damp corner, the consciousness of 【Knowledge Explosion】 awakened in a brand-new skeleton soldier body.

He first moved his creaking skeleton frame, then closed his eyes and sank his consciousness into his "sea of consciousness," confirming through the player's unique system interface that he was in the long-awaited Academy new map, participating in a special activity called "All Souls Festival Labyrinth Trial."

His original game character currently belonged to a frozen state, and he was currently operating a mirror character, and everything would return to normal after the activity ended.

Or, the "mirror character" died in the activity.

Perhaps it was because of the server upgrade, the game had updated many functions during this period, and he couldn't help but look forward to it in his heart; perhaps a sub-character creation would be opened one day in the future.

If that were the case, it would be amazing!

Just then, Luo Yan's majestic voice sounded in his mind, echoing in his sea of consciousness just like the bell ringing on the snowfield.

"Awaken, my servants!"

"The magic apprentices of the Academy are making final preparations for invading our labyrinth; I need you to stop the crisis in the cradle at all costs!"

【System Prompt: Limited-time activity 'All Souls Festival Labyrinth Trial' officially opened! Main quest: Stop magic apprentices from entering the lower levels of the labyrinth at all costs!】

At the same time, the quest interface also updated the detailed point rules—

Players participating in the activity can not only earn points by stunning or capturing magic apprentices, but also earn extra rewards by searching for treasure chests hidden in the labyrinth.

It is especially important to note that this activity is just an exercise.

Although this is the enemy's exercise, the bright and upright Demon King is different from the despicable and cunning humans, and disdains to make a move on students who have not prepared for a life-and-death struggle.

All undead need to restrain themselves, sparring should stop at the point of contact, and it is strictly forbidden to cause loss of life.

+1 or -1 won't work!

"Despicable and cunning humans is okay... isn't this guy a human himself." Looking at this line of outrageous text explanation, Hu Wan, who had just awakened not long ago, couldn't help but complain.

Pig-headed Knight: "No problem, he didn't say he wasn't despicable and cunning."

Minotaur Warrior: "Then what about bright and upright?"

Pig-headed Knight: "Naturally, it's the bright and upright yet despicable and cunning Demon King! No problem!"

Minotaur Warrior: "Grass... what kind of thing."

Unlike Hu Wan, Ye Zhiqiu's expression was also a bit subtle, but the subtle point was mainly concentrated on the last line.

They were skeletons, not goblins.

How do you +1?

On the other side, 【Knowledge Explosion】, who had also just awakened, was extremely excited looking at the announcement.

He had been looking forward to the Academy map for a long time, only it was a pity that it had always been the Demon King experiencing it for them before, and they, these cattle and horses of the Great Graveyard, really couldn't even smell a bit of the fragrance.

Although this place seemed to be just the "sewer" of the Academy, rounding it up, it could be considered that he himself had come to the Academy for advanced studies!

And the activity rewards this time were unusually generous, and the dropped rewards could be brought outside the dungeon, which could be said to be very "humanized"!

It was just that not being able to cause loss of life was a bit unkind; he had always felt that their Demon King seemed to be a bit too benevolent to the enemy when he was in the Great Graveyard before.

【Knowledge Explosion】 excitedly looked at the two teammates beside him—【Gotham Good Citizen】 and 【Go to the Pier for Some Seagulls】.

He opened his jawbone, emitting a "Ga-ga-ga" sound of bone friction.

"Brothers! Get to work! Get to work! Give the little guys of the Academy a lesson!"

"Damn... what kind of broken bone frame is this? It's not as good as a root of my Armored Dragon Warrior!" 【Gotham Good Citizen】 was the first to complain, "Level reset, no skills, can't even wear my favorite plate armor, this activity is really outrageous!"

At least give him a Lizardman skeleton soldier!

It's not like the Great Graveyard doesn't have similar ones...

"Don't complain," 【Knowledge Explosion】 smiled and said, "Didn't the announcement say so? This is a temporary body prepared for us by the Demon King, everyone is the same! Exactly, those big shots are also pulled to the same level as us. This is the time to test technology, isn't it?"

"Snow Leopard is right!" 【Go to the Pier for Some Seagulls】 also inserted himself, and immediately agreed upon hearing this, "I support the dog planner!"

【Gotham Good Citizen】 complained helplessly: "Save it, even if you lick the dog planner, he can't hear what you're saying."

【Go to the Pier for Some Seagulls】 was not righteous but his spirit was strong as he retorted: "How do you know he can't hear if you don't lick?!"

【Gotham Good Citizen】 was speechless for a time, silent for half a long time, before pointing a middle finger with osteoporosis at this dog thing.

"You are this!"

【Go to the Pier for Some Seagulls】 was not ashamed but proud, shamelessly he-he'd.

"Thanks for the compliment, I really have one this long."

【Gotham Good Citizen】: "..."

【Knowledge Explosion】: "............ Is this tm long?" ===== CHAPTER 404 =====