Chapter 136 The Incoming Freshman Competition
As the new students’ first competition approached, those eager freshers, who were already captivated by the Extraordinary, became even more restless.
After about a week, the new students gradually became accustomed to life at the Extraordinary Academy.
Though there were many side stories during this time, they added a touch of interest to the otherwise mundane start of the school year.
Most of the excitement stemmed from a group of abducted individuals, and with the spread of such tales, many began to realize that such peculiar groups existed within the academy.
One was a group led by seniors who abducted new students from other academies; most had only heard about it before, but experiencing it themselves revealed just how prevalent such occurrences were.
Additionally, there were the “boys” within the Witch Academy, who had now taken on physiological characteristics similar to those of girls, yet their contrasting behaviors still piqued the curiosity of many female students.
Of course, some girls were more resistant, especially regarding housing arrangements.
It was akin to a game of werewolf; the girls never knew which of their friends had once been boys, and despite the absence of any tools for wrongdoing, the inherent mindset attributed to boys, coupled with the fear of being exposed, could make some feel uncomfortable.
However, there were also those who were more excited by the situation.
The Extraordinary Academy certainly would not adjust its teaching philosophy based on the opinions of these individuals, nor would it advocate for anything in particular; everything progressed in a systematic manner.
For the new students’ first competition, although only one representative from each class would participate, it would involve hundreds of competitors.
This competition would not only attract the attention of the freshers but also seniors coming to join in the fun.
Many clubs would also host various activities at this event, so rather than being seen as a competition among class leaders, it could be described as the annual “celebration” of the Witch Academy.
As a crucial highlight, the competition had begun to seem like one of the key programs to warm up for this stage.
Consequently, various student-initiated support and betting activities would emerge in abundance.
Furthermore, new student rankings of various kinds would be established.
These rankings included, but were not limited to, beauty rankings, popularity rankings, combat power rankings, and so on.
There would also be many informal rankings, such as laughter rankings.
After all, as new students, their command of extraordinary abilities was limited; some offensive capabilities even relied on permanently solidified spells from their badges to compete.
Generally speaking, since they were class leaders, instructors or teachers would typically bestow them with spellbooks, magic sources, and other resources, as they were indeed bringing glory to their classes.
As newcomers who had just grasped extraordinary powers, they would often create many blunders, such as not being able to activate their spellbooks or inadvertently causing spells to backfire.
Thus, it was often more entertaining to inadvertently explode oneself with a spell than to engage in dull spell exchanges.
Being infamous was still better than being obscure; at least you gained fame, because if you remained unknown, even if you won several matches, you would still be just an ordinary person with no discussions about you — such middling individuals were the biggest losers of this competition.
Regardless, people would remember those who succeeded, particularly the very top one.
The most embarrassing and laughable would also be remembered.
The academy’s current relaxed atmosphere perpetually emphasizes the importance of an individual’s reputation; mediocrity is the greatest enemy in the vast world of the extraordinary. Only by being remembered, whether for good or bad, does a name hold value.
The academy would never engage in meaningless activities; was this competition merely about fighting?
What was the point of freshmen fighting? In previous years, there had even been instances of girls pulling each other’s hair — was that fun?
Not at all.
Every activity fosters a leap for an ordinary person or elevates a renowned individual further. A person’s name is the most ordinary thing, as trivial as a sheet of paper that can be printed with countless names.
However, “titles” are different. Titles carry the weight of dissemination; they are synonymous with a person’s reputation and achievements. Many spend their entire lives striving, yet their lives often seem like mere dust under the wheels of history, overshadowed by a clown.
However, this is not to say that the extraordinary should be regarded as superficial idols, as that would be too narrow-minded. Moreover, the world of the extraordinary doesn’t thrive on such frivolities.
Ordinary singing, dancing, acting, and composing are incredibly mundane activities.
If a person sings and causes the sun and moon to shine together, resonating with all beings; if a person dances and makes the stars revolve, creating ripples in the galaxy; if a person acts and makes the world turn, evoking empathy from all living souls; if a person composes and creates a picturesque history while the future sings…
This is the extraordinary world transcending races and barriers, a being admired and appreciated by all. Only such existences are qualified to step onto the extraordinary stage and humbly say, “I apologize for showing my flaws.”
Yet, that remains a rarity — a unique form of artistry representative of the extraordinary.
Returning to titles, many newcomers in this competition would naturally have their own titles, not self-bestowed but rather recognized by everyone.
For instance, this year’s perfect score newcomer abducted to the Witch Academy, Tan Han, is now the class leader and a frontrunner on the combat power ranking!
Even before this lively competition has started, she has already subtly acquired her title.
From being the “universally recognized academic genius,” evolving to the “naturally gifted witch” after a night of meditation, and now the “witch of myriad spells” proficient in dozens of abilities, Tan Han could well be the biggest boss of this competition. Anyone who faces her is destined for early elimination.
Such titles and references may no longer refer to a specific individual but instead to a group of witches.
The academy has seen its fair share of peculiar clubs.
For example, clubs like the “Thunderous Witch Tea Party,” “Explosive Witch Den,” and “Clumsy Witch Support Group” mostly consist of preparatory witches sharing titles.
Among these, the existence of the “Explosive Witch Den” is a miracle.
From the name, it’s clear that explosive witches tend to be more boisterous and lively. It’s indeed a marvel that they can coexist under the same title; it depends heavily on the capabilities of the club’s most skilled president.
I am greatly looking forward to this competition and have even started to roll up my sleeves.
During this time, Sister Bai approached me to explain the competition and expressed her unwavering support, and I certainly wouldn’t let her down.
With Teacher Ji’s help, the number of magic sources I possessed has reached 56, although my spells haven’t changed much.
After all, I understand that biting off more than I can chew is unwise. Teacher Ji has asked if I need other spells, but I haven’t immediately requested them because I know that continuing to analyze my spellbooks will naturally yield more spells.
At this stage, I haven’t fully mastered the spellbooks for Fireball and Protection spells, leaving me room for further improvement, so I haven’t moved on.
As of now, although I only have two spells, my application of the spellbooks has allowed me to discover a multitude of usage methods — in comparison, it’s as if I already possess dozens of spellbooks.
This is the method of magical modification and derivation.
The more I study the spellbooks, the more I feel that their existence is not merely limiting; they are more like a platform! A platform where one can derive infinitely, as long as they possess the capability!
The key lies in how one develops this treasure trove. With my mastery of floating world-level spirit vision, it feels as if I have the key to unlocking this infinite trove.
Initially, when I began to understand the spellbooks, I limited their function by how I perceived them; indeed, the higher my understanding, the fewer boundaries could hinder me, and I came to understand the significance behind those boundaries.
It’s akin to a person being born into this world who can do anything until they recognize the existence of laws. At first, naïve individuals may think that laws restrict too much, but through continuous exploration of those boundaries, they eventually grasp the deeper meanings.
Spellbooks are somewhat similar; at first glance, they may seem to limit the development and utilization of spells, yet they offer a platform for deeper development and derivation — establishing a system to delve into the composition and the unknowns of spells.
They outline the path, indicate the direction, and blueprint the road ahead — that is what a spellbook does.
It is not merely a physical book, yet it is called a book because books are originally vessels for past wisdom and paths; spellbooks are likewise.
At this moment, I am recording the effects of a spell before me within 8401.
This was once my protective spell of the energy shield.
Originally, this spell encapsulated my whole body in a spherical form with numerous limitations, such as a shield shape being a sphere and that it could only be used on oneself.
However, now it has become so responsive in my hands, capable of local protection, long-distance shielding, or interception, etc. It is no longer a mere self-protection spherical shield; it possesses many more applications.
“It seems you have spontaneously explored many possibilities. Are you sure you do not wish to research anything else? The derivations of your current two spells have already reached a certain depth; if you continue to deepen them, the rewards will be more abstract effects. There are limits to spellbooks, and in your words, you need a larger platform.”
Teacher Ji approached, observing the energy shield before me that bore no resemblance to the original spell, a hint of envy crossing her eyes, yet she spoke nonetheless.
“A larger platform…” I naturally understood what that meant.
Spellbooks also have advantages and disadvantages.
Without mentioning the so-called minor spells or those that distinguish spellbooks, the ones I am analyzing now contain rituals within.
But spells also have their strengths and weaknesses.
For example, Fireball is a spell with normal power consuming a standard unit of magic, hence there would also be spells consuming ten units of magic, a hundred, a thousand…
The starting point varies; naturally, the platforms differ, possessing more complex internal rituals and higher energy consumption limits, thus yielding more terrifying power.
Of course, their value would also be significantly higher. If Teacher Ji were to give me such spells unconditionally again, I would surely suspect if she had ulterior motives. Otherwise, I wouldn’t feel at ease!
The 56 magic sources within me, weren’t they all given by Teacher Ji?
No one would treat me kindly without reason; this situation, where she’s silent and I dare not ask, is the most tormenting of all.
