Time flew like an arrow, and immersed in a sea of knowledge, with each day spent in training and exercise, time quietly slipped by, and November gradually approached. This month, there would be a showdown between Edith Academy and Lelysia Academy, specifically between Edith Academy's 'Death Rose Society' and Lelysia Academy's 'Heavenly Consort Choir'.
Although the 'Death Rose Society' has always had a limited membership, it can be said that it is the most famous society beyond Edith Academy, solely because it is secretive and rare. Among the top six academies in the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain, Edith Academy is one of the few that specializes in the Withering Sequence, and the 'Death Rose Society' is also the most coveted by young people studying the Withering Sequence within the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain.
Every year, students from outside the Academy also purchase black robes imitating the society's uniform, as well as skull pendants, bone blade daggers, and Necromancy's Scythe, among others.
"How are the preparations this year?" Tilan asked the familiar figure in a black robe beside her, also known as Tringle, the president of the 'Death Rose Society'.
"Exceptionally well-prepared," he replied.
He took off the hood over his head, revealing his deep grey short hair. Upon closer inspection of his face, one would notice a resemblance to the previous president, Shelinge, and indeed, the two were related by blood.
"Come with me, President Tilan." The president of the 'Death Rose Society' led Tilan to the society's activity room. Now around the dark marble round table were seated eleven members, with an empty spot for Tringle. They were arranged like moments on a clock, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
As Tilan entered the room, the group first stood up and then bowed, but the entire process was silent.
'Those who are in frequent contact with death must keep silence.' — Words of wisdom from ancient Necromancers.
After the simple and unique welcoming ceremony was over, Tringle picked up the small and exquisite Black Jade Staff in his hand, tapped the black marble round table, which then slowly descended, revealing a passage below.
A line of black-robed Wizards walked inside, the one in front carrying a dim lamp. The black iron lantern occasionally collided with the walls, making a slight noise, which was especially clear underground.
Descending hundreds of meters, the procession halted before an ancient black iron door. Six members then pressed their hands onto the door, and gradually, light purple lines began to glow on it.
Slowly, the glowing patterns spread across the entire door, sketching an ancient scene depicting a Necromancer army holding aloft banners of wisteria and a crescent moon. Among them were skeletons wielding swords, heavy-footed stitched corpses, dark knights on skeletal horses, death hags fluttering through the sky, and the head of a dragon of the undead peeking through the mist.
The door slowly opened, revealing the chilly air inside along with the scent of disinfectant.
Entering within, they could see various skeletal models accompanied by text descriptions, many of which were ancient treasures collected by previous members, such as notes from ancient Necromancers from ten-thousand years ago, small bone daggers, and pieces of tattered shroud, among other things.
Tringle led the way and explained to Tilan.
"Although the Withering Sequence seldom deals with secrets and skills involving corpses nowadays, considering that the Withering Sequence evolved from the Necromancer Sequence, many of the principles behind the spells are incomprehensible without engaging with corpses. Therefore, we keep some here, all of which is legitimate, of course."
Smelling the scent of disinfectant at the tip of her nose, Tilan shook her head. She wasn't surprised and knew the other party was afraid of being misunderstood.
"I understand. In fact, many Transcendent practitioners of the Withering Sequence are doctors, especially in forensic medicine, where almost all practitioners follow the Withering Sequence."
Regarding medicine, three major Sequences of professional Transcendents have different perspectives and inclinations. The Radiant Feather Sequence believes that by thoroughly removing the pathogens and then stimulating the body's natural recovery, one can heal; the Natural Sequence considers the human body a complex and chaotic system that requires a certain balance and harmony for health. In contrast, the Necromancer Sequence views the body as a precise instrument, where knowledge of each part's function allows for easy problem-solving.
The Transcendents of the three major Sequences also lean towards different medical fields. The Radiant Feather Sequence can easily handle viral and bacterial infections, the Natural Sequence is well-suited for chronic illnesses and general physical weakness, while the Withering Sequence excels at trauma surgery and internal organ operations.
The extensive anatomical experience and knowledge of human bodies accumulated by the Necromancer Sequence over the years, transmitted through a system of mentorship, have greatly benefited the Withering Sequence. Although the Withering Sequence no longer commands armies of corpses, the related knowledge has been retained and applied to medicine.
Arriving at a spacious underground hall, the group stopped, and Tringle paused to invite Tilan to take a seat in the center before discussing their 'trump card' preparations.
"Lelysia Academy's 'Heavenly Consort Choir,' how much do you know about them, President Tilan?" he began by mentioning their opponent.
"Since the Angel Sequence, which is now the Radiant Feather Sequence, has always been a strong counter to us, our society has also focused on learning relevant knowledge."
"Among the top six academies of the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain, Lelysia Academy specializes in the Radiant Feather Sequence, and the 'Heavenly Consort Choir' is its most representative and almost the strongest society."
Dressed in nun's habits with black hemlines, these devout girls prayed with their eyes closed. Their pure bodies and spirits resonated with the angelic spirits sleeping in the Aijieka Sea, seeking a response. If born with an exceptionally high synchronization rate, they could even achieve Angel Possession or summon an angel to descend.