"Your father has already arrived, hasn't he, Xia Yuan?"

A deafening explosion erupted at the academy gates. Behind Dishi, a colossal crimson beast materialized—a monstrous red ox writhing violently against chains binding its limbs and neck.

"Not bad for a contract mage. Truly terrifying. What’s the matter? Can’t wait to make your move, Headmaster Dishi?"

Xia Feina’s expression turned grave as she faced the roaring horror before her.

"I’m sorry about your mother. But I must stop your father. If you want to stop me—come try! —First Seal, Release!"

As Dishi’s command echoed, the chains around the ox’s neck shattered. Crimson energy swirled into its maw, coalescing into a blazing sphere before rocketing toward Xia Feina like a cannonball.

"Too slow~"

Xia Feina dodged effortlessly, soaring into the sky. The headmaster’s office crumbled beneath Dishi’s misfired blast.

"..."

Dishi shot after her. The two faced off midair.

Meanwhile, on another battlefield within the academy grounds, student council members Elucia, Wilkor, and Aisha intercepted Xia Yuan and the Ten Attendants at the ruined site.

"Ahhh—! Now *this* is getting interesting."

Xia Yuan’s dull eyes locked onto Elucia.

"Get out of this academy while you still can!!"

Murderous intent flooded Elucia’s veins. Her great sword gleamed as the killer’s instinct she’d suppressed for years roared back to life—a life drenched in endless crimson before she ever set foot here.

Blue magic circles flared beneath Xia Yuan and his attendants. Above, colossal meteorites tore through the clouds, plummeting like falling stars.

"Truly worthy of Celestial Carving Academy’s famed S-rank apprentices! But such tricks won’t touch me—not yet."

Xia Yuan flicked his middle finger. The First Attendant stepped forward, a massive sigil blooming at his fingertips. Just as the meteor struck, a monstrous head burst from the magic circle, shattering the rock between its jaws.

"These ultimate death servants took me ten years to perfect. Relax—we have all the time in the world."

After neutralizing Elucia’s assault, the First Attendant began chanting anew.

"Earth’s Fury: Lion!"

The ground trembled violently. A giant stone lion, forged from bedrock, charged Elucia.

Her great sword flashed. The lion shattered into rubble. Amidst the flying debris, Elucia’s obsidian eyes fixed on Xia Yuan. Her voice cut through the chaos, ice-cold:

"I will kill you."

"Heaven’s Detonation! Tiger Burial, Dragon Interment!"

Black energy coiled around Wilkor’s arms, morphing into a dragon that wrapped around his fists—tiger heads blazing with dark light at his knuckles.

"Sigh of the Flame Queen."

Fiery meteors rained from magic circles in the sky, each engulfed in roaring flames as they slammed toward Xia Yuan and his attendants.

"I *love* this glorious spectacle!!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!"

Arms spread wide, Xia Yuan threw his head back in maniacal laughter. The Ten Attendants formed an impenetrable shield around him, deflecting every devastating spell.

After the perfect defense, the attendants surged forward, launching their counterattack.

The Second, Third, Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth Attendants swarmed Elucia—her skill couldn’t break their encirclement. The Fourth pinned down Wilkor, who strained against the monstrous foe. The Ninth overwhelmed Aisha completely.

"What a magnificent body... You three—capture Elucia alive!"

Three attendants shielded Xia Yuan as he watched Elucia duel five opponents at once.

"Is *this* your precious Ten Attendants? Disgusting!!!"

Flames erupted beneath the Tenth Attendant as he tried to flank Elucia. His body ignited instantly. The three guarding Xia Yuan tensed, eyes darting nervously.

Frost then crept up the other attendants’ legs. The First Attendant chanted a purging spell, shattering the ice at his feet.

"WHO’S RESPONSIBLE?! WHO KILLED MY BELOVED TENTH ATTENDANT?! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH EFFORT HE TOOK, YOU BASTARDS?!"

Xia Yuan’s face twisted in rage as he watched the Tenth Attendant char to ash. He tore at his hair, screaming in utter despair.

Feeling the pressure ease, Elucia turned toward the source of the flames—and saw three figures standing tall.

Situ Sheng, Difang, and Nokiyak of the Five Dragon Kings.

"I won’t forgive a single soul who dares threaten the Five Dragon Kings!"

Rage burned in Situ Sheng’s eyes as memories flashed—Haruhi Makoto and Minghai Wei, bleeding in the dust.

"You annihilated my Tenth Attendant in seconds! ...Though he *was* the weakest. So—you three are the rest of the Five Dragon Kings."

Xia Yuan’s excitement reignited at their arrival.

"PERFECT—! A stage shines brightest with more players!!!!"

Like a fisherman reeling in an unexpected prize, Xia Yuan pointed wildly at the trio, roaring with madness:

"You three! Attack! Give them a proper welcome!"

The First Attendant and his two comrades charged Situ Sheng’s group.

Wilkor slammed his fist into the Fourth Attendant’s chest mid-clash—and froze. The monster’s movements had slowed drastically.

"Temporal Domain!"

Emperor Feng’s domain unfolded!

Though too weak to fully freeze such a powerful foe, it crippled their speed and incantations to the maximum.

The Five Dragon Kings and the student council trio now stood united against the Ten Attendants.

---

Above Celestial Carving Academy, the battle between Dishi and Xia Feina raged through the storm clouds.

Dishi had already released his contract beast to its Third Seal. Xia Feina faltered under the crimson ox’s relentless assault.

"Forcing me to the Third Seal... You’re strong, Xia Feina. Surrender."

Dishi stroked his chin, calm as he watched the gasping girl.

*(Cough... Is this... the power of a Grand Magus...?)*

Battered and bleeding, Xia Feina glared at the monstrous beast.

*(If I fall... Father’s plan fails!!)*

She pulled a crystal vial from her pocket—filled with emerald liquid—and plunged it into her chest without hesitation.

"AAAAAAAGH—!!!!!!!!!!"

Excruciating agony ripped through her body. Her form began to warp violently.

Her short black hair lengthened to her waist, bleaching bone-white. Six colossal white wings unfurled from her back. Gleaming armor materialized across her skin. A great sword manifested in her grip.

"What is this—?!"

Dishi recoiled hundreds of meters, sensing the surge of power.

"War God Arth—! Fifth Seal, Release!"

A wave of ominous energy slammed into Dishi. He tore off Arth’s final restraints.

*If I hold back now... I’ll be erased in the next second!!*

The instinct of a Grand Magus screamed in his veins.

As the transformation completed, blinding light bathed Xia Feina’s armor. Her golden eyes fixed on the raging Arth. She raised her great sword—and swung.

Dishi and his contract beast were cleaved from the sky, swallowed whole by the earth.

Every fighter across the academy froze, staring up at the figure silhouetted in golden light.

"HAHAHAHA!!!! YOU’VE LOST!!!! THIS IS MY ULTIMATE TEST SUBJECT!!"

Xia Yuan’s maniacal laughter split the air as he beheld Xia Feina at the heart of the radiance.

"Xia Feina?!"

Elucia forced back four attendants with a single slash, her gaze locked on the distant glow.

"What... is that—?"

Situ Sheng crushed another attendant underfoot, whispering as he looked skyward.

—Amidst the blinding light, Xia Feina’s white hair streamed in the wind. An ancient great sword rested in her grasp. Six wings spread in majestic splendor behind her. Her armor blazed like a fallen star.

A tidal wave of magical pressure crashed over Celestial Carving Academy.