Volume 3 Chapter 182

Volume 3 + Chapter 182: Laurel Tree

Biden led the students of Laurel Tree Academy in a desperate breakout and finally reached the Northern Magic Array.

Fortunately, amidst all the misfortune, the Northern Magic Array had not yet been destroyed by the forces of Calamity—it was still operating normally.

The Laurel Tree provided magic power to the Infinite Rainbow Magic Array, which then distributed magic to the four directional arrays for defense.

Currently, the Northern Magic Array was firing beams of magical light outward, bombarding the approaching monsters.

“Ugh…!”

With a muffled groan, Biden collapsed to the ground.

“Teacher Biden!!”

The other teachers and students of Laurel Tree Academy panicked at the sight.

In this uncontrollable situation, Biden was their backbone—he absolutely could not fall.

It was because they believed in his words, thinking there was still a chance to survive, that they fought so hard to get here.

“Hurry! Wake Teacher Biden up!”

A teacher from the Alchemy Department rushed forward, pulling out several bottles of potions and pouring them down Biden’s throat.

These alchemical potions were effective for healing injuries and restoring magic, but they could not be consumed in large quantities at once—otherwise, the body would be overwhelmed, leading to side effects.

But right now, no one cares about that. They treated Biden like a cauldron, forcing the potions down his throat—they had to wake him up somehow.

“Stop… stop feeding me… or else… I’ll really die! Cough, cough…!”

Biden opened his eyes, pushing the alchemical potions away as he coughed violently—his weak voice sounded as though he was about to ascend to heaven.

Thanks to the replenishment of magic, the symptoms of magical exhaustion eased, and Biden regained some consciousness.

“Teacher Biden, you’re finally awake!?”

“Mm…”

Biden knew they had reached the Northern Magic Array, but he had no optimism in his heart.

“Teacher Biden, now that we’ve reached the Northern Magic Array, does that mean we have a chance to survive?”

Biden heard a familiar voice.

Looking up, he saw the one who asked was the student model of Laurel Tree Academy—the Student Council President, Alistair Thomas.

He had survived the calamity, hadn’t died, and had even calmed the other students and teachers—doing an admirable job.

But when faced with the student’s question, Biden’s eyes were still gloomy. How could he bear to tell everyone that, from now on, they were all just waiting to die here?

“Lord Sword Saint!!”

“It’s Lord Sword Saint, he’s back!!”

“He’s safe!!”

The crowd suddenly erupted in commotion.

“Mr. Biden, I’ve returned safely.”

The Sword Saint sheathed his holy sword as he walked back into the Northern Magic Array.

He didn’t seem to be seriously injured—still safe and sound.

At that moment, everyone present looked at him with admiration and awe.

Because, in their moment of peril, the Sword Saint had lured the monsters away on his own, sharing the burden of escape for others, and even after facing such terrifying creatures, he returned unharmed.

That was truly extraordinary—anyone else would have died without a trace.

“Lord Sword Saint, what’s your current condition?” Biden asked.

“I’m fine.”

The Sword Saint shook his head.

“There were almost three Calamity Beasts chasing me. I couldn’t destroy them immediately, but I managed to delay them while looking for an opening, then escaped safely.”

“That’s good.”

Biden nodded.

“Hm? Why are there so few people? Don’t tell me…?”

The Sword Saint scanned the surroundings and frowned.

Many faces that had left with Biden earlier were now missing.

He could vaguely guess the truth.

From the frontline to now, Biden had lost countless Laurel Tree Academy members on the way—they had all died in the calamity.

“Teacher Biden, we… we’ve made it too!”

They suddenly heard another teacher’s voice, and everyone turned toward the sound.

They saw Hill arriving with a large group of people, including civilians and the injured.

Everyone wore an expression of shock.

Because, in such extreme danger, Hill had managed to bring so many people from the infirmary to here—even some wounded who could barely walk.

“Teacher Hill… how did you get here safely?” Biden asked in confusion.

“I’m not entirely sure…” Hill paused. “When we left the infirmary and headed here, we should have been chased by the eastern Calamity Legion—after all, the Eastern Magic Array had already been destroyed long ago, leaving no obstacles. But for some reason, the monsters never appeared, as if something was holding them back.”

“Could it be that someone stepped in to help?!” the Student Council President exclaimed.

No one could answer that question.

No one could imagine who in Laurel Tree Academy still had such extraordinary power to hold off calamity.

Only Hill felt conflicted.

She thought of her teacher.

After all, Xia Yi hadn’t caught up yet—she was still in the rear, doing who knows what…

Could it be that the teacher had really changed her mind?

She couldn’t be sure.

“Teacher Biden, where’s Teacher Kyle?” The Student Council President noticed the absence of the senior combat instructor. “I remember he was with you, right?”

“Teacher Kyle… he was killed by the monsters…”

The students of the Combat Department were heartbroken at the mention of Kyle’s name—the tears they had dried up began flowing again.

Everyone recalled the fiery figure who had protected them.

“To protect our retreat, Teacher Kyle stayed behind to block the monsters and buy time,” Biden said painfully. “He sacrificed himself and used the forbidden combat art…”

“Teacher Kyle… truly an admirable warrior…!”

The Student Council President lowered his head in deep regret.

Hill also felt a little dazed.

Just half a day ago, she had spoken with Kyle—and now, she would never see him again…

The calamity had left an indelible mark on everyone’s heart, making them truly understand its terror.

“What should we do next, Teacher Biden?” the Student Council President asked again.

Everyone’s eyes focused on Biden.

At this point, he could not afford to falter, or chaos would break out.

Because earlier, he had said that as long as they reached this place, there would be hope.

Biden fully understood the situation. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to speak with spirit:

“Everyone, the Northern Magic Array hasn’t fallen yet—it can still launch defensive magic against the monsters! As long as the light cannons fire, we can repel them! We are not powerless!”

“Teacher Biden, what we’re facing next is all the forces of calamity. Can this position really hold?” The Student Council President voiced everyone’s concern. “If we keep defending, will there be any turnaround?”

“Yes!”

Biden nodded, almost convincing himself, his voice full of passion.

“We’ve already contacted the outside—the Templar Knights have agreed to reinforce us! It won’t be long before they arrive in Laurel City, and then we’ll be saved!”

“So… Is there still hope for us?!”

“Yes!! And we’ve also received news!! The Templar Knights will dispatch their strongest elite force to handle this—among them is the Knight Princess!”

“The Knight Princess?!”

The teachers and students of Laurel Tree Academy cheered.

Hearing the name of the Knight Princess, their previously low morale surged with new energy.

“And Lord Sword Saint is here too! Everyone must not give up!!” Biden looked at the Sword Saint. “Am I right, Lord Sword Saint?!”

“Mm.”

The Sword Saint nodded and raised his hand—the holy sword’s engraving glowed with radiance.

“I will fight to the very last moment, to protect everyone!”

This was the role of a hero—

to inspire the hopeless in their darkest hour.

“As long as we hold this place, there will be hope!! Everyone, never give up! Let the world see the spirit of Laurel Tree Academy!”

Biden raised his staff high.

“We must defend this place and drive back the calamity!!”

“Teacher Biden, the monsters are coming!” someone shouted.

“Everyone, obey my orders!” Biden began to command. “Lord Sword Saint, please lead everyone back into battle!”

“Understood!”

The Sword Saint summoned his holy sword and stepped forward to lead.

The teachers and students of Laurel Tree Academy were filled with fighting spirit.

Most were swept up by the atmosphere—the light of hope returned to their eyes.

Except for a few.

Hill knew the truth—these were lies.

Because if the Templar Knights were really on their way, it would take a long time for them to arrive. And they had not dispatched their strongest elite, let alone the Knight Princess…

These were words Biden fabricated, just to help everyone survive a little longer.

With only one magic array, they could never stop the Calamity Legion. Once the monsters from other directions converged here, it would be everyone’s end.

…

“Ugh… my magic power…”

Xia Yi could clearly feel the magic in her body burning away at an alarming speed.

The drain came entirely from her summoned creature—the Black Knight.

She lifted her head and looked eastward.

Boom!!

In the distance, a black pillar of light shot skyward, unleashing a terrifying explosion of energy, with mangled monster limbs flying through the air.

The Black Knight was locked in a fierce battle against the Calamity Legion.

There was no denying the Black Knight’s overwhelming combat power. But this brutal fighting style, recklessly burning magic to unleash devastating force, completely ignored whether its summoner’s magic could sustain it.

If an ordinary mage had summoned the Black Knight, they would have been drained dry in no time. And the Black Knight was not the obedient kind of summon—whether it returned or not depended entirely on its mood.

When the magic ran out, it would even drain its summoner’s life away.

Luckily, Xia Yi was of the dragon race, blessed with an immense magic pool—even of the Silver Dragon royal bloodline. She could endure for a while longer.

“Black Knight, buy me more time!” Xia Yi thought silently.

Then, without looking back, she began sprinting through the rain, pushing her body technique to increase speed.

The central area of Laurel Tree Academy was already in sight—she had to get inside, beneath the Laurel Tree.

Because of the calamity’s invasion, there were no ordinary people wandering the academy anymore—those who still sought life had mostly gathered at the Northern Magic Array.

The academy was now a scene of utter devastation.

Ruins of destroyed buildings were everywhere, bearing the scars of battle.

Mutated magical beasts occasionally leapt out, seeking life to prey upon—but they were mere trash before Xia Yi. Without even drawing a weapon, a single fireball incinerated them to ash.

Nothing could stop her advance.

Soon, she reached the academy’s central area.

“This should be the place, right?”

Xia Yi lifted her head.

Ahead stood layers of magical barriers. It was said these barriers were connected to the ley lines beneath the academy, guarding the Laurel Tree from intruders.

From the runes etched on the barrier, she could tell it even concealed vision—those outside could not peer within.

Xia Yi was puzzled. What was the origin of this Laurel Tree? Could there be some enormous secret hidden here, warranting such protection?

It was an academy named after the Laurel Tree, yet no one was allowed to even see the tree itself.

“Today, I’ll find out the truth.”

Thanks to her outstanding performance in the monthly exam, she had earned a special reward—the token given by the academy.

She drew the token and raised it toward the barrier, injecting magic to activate it.

Buzz!

The token resonated with the magical barrier—one layer vanished, opening a passage just wide enough for one person.

Xia Yi quickly stored the token and passed through.

After a moment of darkness, dazzling light filled her vision—the scene ahead transformed.

She was stunned.

The central area was a completely different world.

Green mountains and clear waters, birdsong and flowers, warm sunlight.

A realm of tranquility and peace.

In stark contrast to the catastrophe ravaging the academy outside—it was like stepping from hell into paradise.

“Laurel Tree Academy… actually has something like this?!”

Xia Yi’s eyes widened.

Before her stood a colossal Laurel Tree, hundreds of meters wide, towering into the sky like a giant that reached the heavens.

And it was a single tree—not a cluster of trees.

Ordinary trees could never grow to such a scale.

Xia Yi had seen similar trees in the elven royal palace—one was enough to build their magnificent halls.

The elves, a high race, called their great trees the Sacred Trees.

The Laurel Tree before her was a little smaller than those Sacred Trees—but clearly of the same tier.

“How can such a thing exist in a human academy?” Xia Yi was shaken.

She didn’t believe the Laurel Tree held no secrets—yet why did those who entered and returned to the outside claim they saw nothing?

Too strange.

“Hiss—pain!”

A sharp sting came from her hand.

It was the Holy Sword’s mark.

At that moment, the holy sword pulsed with an inexplicable rhythm—not as if it wanted to communicate with her, but as if resonating with something.

Without being summoned, the Holy Sword Gram appeared in her hand, trembling violently and pointing toward a certain direction.

Her expression changed drastically.

She had seen this once before.

Back in the Great Tree Sea of the Dragon Kingdom—

when the holy sword appeared on its own, guiding her to the ancestral temple, where she witnessed the history of the Mythic Era.

Could it be…

“Gram, take me there!!” Xia Yi said to the sword.

The holy sword gleamed and led her forward.

With the sword’s guidance, she drew ever closer to the Laurel Tree—there truly was something beneath it?

Was it the gift left by Xia Lulu?

Or some other secret?

She didn’t know—but soon, the truth would be revealed.

Xia Lulu had once sent Lucia to infiltrate the Laurel Tree Academy. Something must have happened then—otherwise, Xia Lulu wouldn’t have insisted on sending her here.

But the moment Xia Yi stepped into the shadow of the Laurel Tree, she felt danger.

A swordsman’s instinct.

Without thinking, though no one seemed present, she sensed hostile intent—someone striking at her with a weapon.

She swung the holy sword to parry.

Turning sharply, she blocked the attack and prepared to counter—

but several more sword shadows fell in succession, forcing her back several steps.

She was shocked.

Her swordsmanship… was being suppressed?!

The opponent’s technique was incredibly refined—beyond any swordsman she had ever met!

Who… is this?!

Steel clashed in rapid flurries. Unable to see clearly, she had to fight seriously to force the opponent to reveal themselves.

“Fourfold Flash Slash!”

She unleashed her Fourfold Flash Slash—four sword auras striking at once.

Clang, clang, clang, clang!

An unbelievable sight—

the opponent, as if predicting her move, accelerated their blade, countering with four strikes to deflect hers.

Impossible.

A human couldn’t do that—Threefold Flash Slash was the human limit.

Who was this opponent, effortlessly parrying her attack?

But her strike created an opening—the clash of sword auras pushed them apart, letting her see the foe.

“What… impossible!?”

Xia Yi’s face froze in disbelief.

It wasn’t a human.

Not a monster either.

It was… a treant!

Its entire body formed of green branches and vines, like a guardian standing watch before the Laurel Tree.

“How can a treant wield swordsmanship like this… huh?”

Her vision blurred suddenly—pain stabbing her head, as if fragmented memories were forcing their way in, showing her incomprehensible images.

The holy sword flared violently.

Her gaze shifted to the opponent’s weapon—

its design was identical to the Holy Sword Gram—

Exactly the same.

And the treant’s form—encased in full armor, a unique spear slung across its back—

A memory resurfaced from the ancestral temple—

the history of the Mythic Era—

and, without thinking, the silver-haired girl whispered that name:

“…Human King?”