The Golem Mage

584: Line Up 584: Line Up The cheers from the crowd echoed throughout the arena as the match between the Onyx Academy and the Gates Academy finally came to an end, after a long and intense battle, the Onyx Academy emerged as the victorious team.

The clash between the two academies was referred to as a war due to the sheer number of summons the captains of other academy had under their command.

What was meant to be a one-on-one match was escalated into a grand group battle by both captains, as their summons fought all over the battle ring turning it into a royal rumble match.

In the final moments, the captain of the Onyx Academy employed a shrewd strategy.

By using his ability to meld into the shadows, he stealthily approached the captain of the Gates Academy from behind, taking advantage of the distraction his undead caused the guardian beast of the Gate academy captain.

With no protection left, the captain of the Gates Academy found himself at the mercy of the Onyx captain, who pressed his dagger against his opponent’s neck, forcing him to surrender.

“Where the hell is Alec now?, the second match is about to start, and they’ll be calling for us soon,” Selene exclaimed, pacing anxiously in the changing room.

“I’ve devised the line-up for the next match and the order in which they’ll compete, Sophia Gordons will be going first, not only has she reached the Tier 4 Mage realm, but her ability is also unique, I have a specific task for her,” Jasper stated, his voice filled with determination.

“Her sole objective is to redirect the attacks of whoever the Vajra Academy selects, just focus on draining the Mana of whoever they choose, I don’t expect her to win the match outright; instead, her aim should be to prolong the battle as much as possible until she runs out of Mana.”

“After Sophia, it’s Lucas, our first low Tier 5 Mage for the day, he’ll take over, capitalizing on the weakened state of Sophia’s opponent, With a fatigued Mage to face, disposing of him should pose no problem, move swiftly to eliminate him,” Jasper instructed Lucas, as he continued to outline the plan for the upcoming match.

“After that, you should still have enough left in the tank for the second round, so following Lucas, would be Pale, then Beatrice, and ultimately Alec.”

“ Alec will hold the fort as our last line of defence, no matter the circumstances we find ourselves, he will either save the team or lead it to its ruins,” Jasper explained his tactic with such fervour that the entire team felt he wasn’t planning for their victory, but actually ensuring that when they lose they wouldn’t lose too much.

This motivation from their instructor, however, dampened their morale.

Yet, for the first time, Selene found herself in agreement with one of Jasper’s decision and that was the fact that Alec came in last.

With Alec still nowhere to be found, she held out hope that he would appear before the final match, giving him the chance to fight.

“We’re being called out, let’s move, everyone, Arthur, go find Alec,” Selene commanded, as the team already dressed in their new black and red fighting uniforms as they exited the changing room, but jasper had left earlier as he went to submit the list of those participating.

While Arthur parted ways with the team, making his way back to their residential area, but he encountered Alec who was on his way to the changing rooms himself, with a wide smile.

“It seems whatever kept you cooped up in your room turned out positively, huh?

If that’s the case, hurry up and change into your uniform quickly, or Selene won’t be too pleased with you,” Arthur said to Alec, whose expression changed as they both began jogging toward the changing room.

“I wasn’t aware that the matches were about to begin,” Alec admitted, realizing his absence during the team’s preparations.

“I hope you all enjoyed the first match of the day?” the referee asked, as he was met with a resounding cheer of “yes” from the crowd.

Their energy was so intense it almost felt like they were creating an earthquake.

The atmosphere in the arena was electric, reflecting the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming battle.

Thanks to the Grand Arena’s anti-shock runes, the intense energies generated during the match would be contained within the Grand Arena battle ring, ensuring no impact on the outside world.

“Well, I can assure you that you’re in for an exhilarating fight between the Vajra Academy and the War God Academy, now, let’s welcome the teams representing both academies,” the new referee declared, trying his best to match the charisma of the red-haired referee who had captivated the crowds with his commentary talent.

“On the right side, we have the esteemed Vajra Academy—holders of the ancient Shaolin style, practitioners of the Buddhist path, the embodiment of holiness!” the new referee introduced them, striving to channel the spirit of his predecessor.

As the Vajra Academy team marched out from the right side, eleven male individuals dressed in monk-like robes.

While their captain led the way, waving his hands in acknowledgement of the cheers from the crowd.

Amidst the chant of his name by the dedicated Vajra Academy fans in the stands, as the referee continued to introduce the team

“Led by their captain, Arin Yama, a peak Tier 5 Mage, followed by the vice-captain, Omar Khan, a High Tier 5 Mage, Victor Steele, a mid Tier 5 Mage, Bodhi Reed, a low Tier 5 Mage, and lastly Maximus Knight, also a low Tier 5 Mage.” Each player took their place and settled into their seats, ready for the ensuing confrontations.

“And now, from the left side, let’s give a warm welcome to the War God Mage Academy, a force that has proven themselves to be among the top academies again, as they strive to reclaim the lost glory of their academy’s forgotten days!” The referee’s words were met with a mixture of cheers and boos from the crowd.

The stark disparity in support between the Vajra Academy and the War God Mage Academy was immediately apparent.

As even those who cheered for the War God Academy came from different disqualified academies, highlighting the overwhelming backing for the Vajra Academy in comparison.

While the War God Academy team received less support compared to the resounding boos from the Vajra Academy fans, they didn’t let it affect their spirits as they walked out onto the field.

“Leading the line-up is their vice-captain, Beatrice Marionette, a low Tier 5 Mage, followed by Lucas Blade, another low Tier 5 Mage, Pale Zero, a Peak Tier 4 Mage, Sophia Gordons, a low Tier 4 Mage, and lastly, their captain, Alec Gordons, a Peak Tier 4 Mage,” the referee announced.

However, it was made known that the captain was delayed due to an emergency and would be joining them shortly.

As the War God Academy team took their places and sat in their designated seats, they could sense that the cheers and support from the crowd diminished as soon as Alec’s absence was revealed.

Unsurprisingly, Alec had garnered most of their newfound fans’ attention, and the main reason they attended the match was in the hope of witnessing his extraordinary abilities continue to unfold.

The majority of them wished for Alec to prevail, hence their support for the unexpected dark horse of the competition.

However, among the spectators, there were students from the Royal Mage Academy and the Bandit Academy who specifically came with the intention of witnessing the downfall of the War God Academy.

They firmly believed that the team stood no chance against another member from the last years “Great 8.”

They shared a common belief that given the format of the second round matches, coupled with the heightened caution of the opposing teams against Alec, he would inevitably face elimination and succumb to a fumble that would ultimately result in his team’s defeat.

“Do you see?

Even their captain is absent, I told you it was the correct decision to bet on the Vajra Academy, no dark horse would be allowed to challenge the dignity of the Great Eight Academies for too long,” one of the spectators in the crowd, who had placed a bet against the War God Mage Academy, remarked confidently to his friend.

His smile conveyed a sense of vindication, as discussions of this nature circulated throughout the Grand Arena.

There was an overwhelming assurance among them that the War God Academy team’s journey had finally reached its inevitable conclusion.