When the outcome was publicly announced, a wave of commotion swept through the crowd of students, sparking a flurry of discussions. The combat test was even temporarily halted due to the uproar. Meanwhile, James was escorted by the Dean to an office on the second floor. Only after he had calmed down a bit did they begin to inquire in detail about what had happened.
James recounted the events intermittently, leaving the instructors in a moment of silence. "So, Mike, as a wind element mage, prefers close combat. You were caught off guard and lost the initiative, leading to your defeat," the Dean summarized the battle, looking around at the other instructors for their input.
"Cough, indeed, wind element mages can adopt such a combat style, and there are even Battle Lords known for it," a bespectacled instructor added. "Due to their high mobility and skills like Wind Blade and Wind Bind, they can indeed have an advantage in close combat. However, this style is unconventional and tends to lose effectiveness in the later stages, often forcing a change in tactics. James, you lost due to a lack of combat experience and underestimating your opponent."
James hung his head as he listened to the instructor's lessons. "However, I do have a question," a vice dean spoke up, "Mike is also a mage, so why is his close combat so formidable?"
"He had excellent physical conditioning even before entering the Tower of Truth," someone responded.
"Yes, but that doesn't explain how he could break through gear defenses with brute strength. I've asked students who fought Mike before, and he also won those fights by getting up close."
The instructors nodded in agreement; as a mage, Mike's Strength attribute shouldn't be high enough to break through defenses without at least a Strength of eighty to ninety.
"I might know the answer to that," another vice dean, Robert, stepped forward. He had been involved in Jessica's class transfer and had good relations with the Morrow family. "Previously, Mike's friend Cain found some cooked beef in the depths of Thunder Valley that could significantly increase one's Strength attribute. He shared at least half of it with Mike, and Jessica can attest to this."
Robert continued, "Cain is also a D-level talent, a Warrior Class. After boosting his Strength, he performed very well in this combat test, even better than many B-level talents."
"That makes sense," the instructors murmured, and James nodded slightly. He was aware that Cain had ventured deep into Thunder Valley and had indeed gained quite a bit from there, including beef and skill book.
"Alright, James, don't dwell on this too much. It's just a minor setback. Go home and rest," the Dean instructed two instructors to escort James home and keep an eye on his mental state.
After James left, the gathered instructors' expressions shifted instantly. Vice Dean David was the first to express skepticism, "I don't believe the increased Strength attribute alone could let Mike defeat James so easily!"
"Agreed, there must be some detail we're overlooking," another added. The analysis just now was only said for James to hear, merely to comfort him and make him feel better. That spiel might work on a child like James, but they are not so easily convinced.
David asserted, "With Mike's talent, level, and even Class being inferior to James, his victory suggests there was cheating involved!"
Robert countered sharply, "Then why don't we call them back and have them fight again until James wins, how about that?"
"Robert, what are you implying? Are you accusing me of favoring James?" David retorted.
"I'm just saying, let's not dwell on what's already decided," Robert replied coolly.
"Enough, quiet!" the Dean slammed his hand on the table, silencing the room, including the vice deans. "This is getting out of hand," he rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
He was due to retire this year, and the selection of the new dean was between Robert and David, based on the ACT scores of their students. If James became Florida's Rising Star, the dean's position would likely go to David. Conversely, if James performed poorly, Robert would likely become the dean.
"To prevent endless disputes," the Dean concluded, "let's just accept that James wasn't up to par. If he had won, none of this would matter. Or if he hadn't been so arrogant from the start, it wouldn't have come to this."
"Dean, I'm not being unreasonable, I just have one question," David insisted. "James said he used Flame Burst just before losing consciousness. At such close range, Flame Burst should have destroyed both their gear defenses, resulting in a draw, not a win for Mike."
This argument gained some traction among the instructors. Everyone knew the power of Flame Burst; it was unlikely that any gear could retain 25% integrity after such an attack.
Even Robert remained silent, not countering the claim.
According to David, the only explanation was that Blaze, who was watching, intervened to shield Mike from the Flame Burst's damage, effectively helping Mike cheat.
"Dean, resolving this issue is simple. We just need to review the footage..." David began, but the Dean cut him off.
"That's the most troublesome part," the Dean sighed, pulling out his phone to show a message to everyone, "Ten minutes ago, Blaze Battle Chief announced a donation to our school, including a whole set of new surveillance equipment."
"As for the old set, he accidentally burned it while lighting a cigarette, and he'll compensate the school double the original price."
The room fell silent again. The explanation was too cursory.
Even Robert couldn't help but curse, "Holy fuck!"
Everyone turned to look at him, surprised by his strong reaction.
"That old guy, he doesn't even smoke," Robert said grimly.
Everyone was stunned. The renowned Blaze Battle Chief using such a poor excuse? Either his brain or his attitude had issues—clearly, it was the latter.
After all, it is well known that the Battle Chief's brain would never fail.
"Regardless, let's leave it at that," the Dean decided. "James has talent, but growth involves setbacks. If he can learn from this and come back stronger, it's for the best. If not, that's on him."
"As for your concerns about the fairness of the fight, I will officially inquire with Blaze through proper channels before my term ends, asking for a sworn statement. If it was a draw, we'll amend the results and announce it school-wide to give James justice. If it was indeed a fair loss, there's nothing more to say."
"Any objections?" the Dean looked around. Everyone shook their heads; this was the best course of action, even if it risked offending Blaze.
"If there are no objections, let's proceed with today's test results and publish the summer camp recommendations."
"Meeting adjourned."
...
Outside the gym, at the notice board, Cain dragged Mike to check the summer camp list. "We can see the electronic version later, why bother?" Mike was too lazy to push through the crowd, letting Cain go ahead to check the list.
A few minutes later, Cain came back excitedly, "We made it! Mike, we made it!"
"Calm down, don't get too excited," Mike responded as they walked home. Cain couldn't stop talking, "Mike, it's just us two with D-level talent, everyone else is B-level or even rarer A-level."
"Oh, and Jessica made it too. I heard from a classmate that she has a mysterious canary that can take on a level 10 Warrior..."
A canary? Mike remembered the trembling little bird. With its attributes, if it went into full combat mode, it could roast half the students at the magic high school.
Sprinkle some sesame seeds, chili powder, and cumin on that—sizzling delicious.
"How about barbecue for dinner to celebrate?" Mike suggested.
"Sure, I'll treat, and don't forget about the $100,000 prize money!"
As night fell, after enjoying their barbecue, Mike and Cain parted ways, each heading home.
At the apartment building, Mike ran into a stooped old figure—Instructor Blaze!
"Well, young man, what a coincidence to see you here again."
"Instructor Blaze, it's late, shouldn't you be resting? Be careful, the stairs are steep."
"Old age, can't sleep, just taking a walk..." Blaze Morrow's excuses, Mike didn't believe a punctuation mark of them.
This old fox was clearly waiting for Mike to return.
"Young man, I hear our Magic High School had quite the day?"
"Yes, I'll tell you a secret, it seems a Battle Chief-level big shot was involved! I heard it from a classmate whose friend's aunt's uncle's brother works in the dean's office, 100% true!"
"Wow, that's cool—a Battle Chief-level presence, that's no small matter. Only those with exceptional talent and resilience can become a Battle Chief. You should aspire to that too, young man!"
"I don't have the talent or the ability; I've decided to just live an ordinary life like you."
"That won't do, humanity's future depends on you young people!"
...
High-level encounters are full of details, a tug of war with no leaks! Old fox, young fox, each to their own home. Mike hadn't even sat down when his Lone Wolf badge vibrated slightly.
"Message from Maxen Stoneheart?" Mike checked the message, his expression suddenly changing.
"What? They found Terenas Bloodscribe's whereabouts?!"
Terenas Bloodscribe, the fourth demon cult leader, currently active near Florida!