Chapter 31: Decision

Under the immense temptation of the Crown Princess Sophia and the earnest expectations of Governor Temiso, most of the representatives from the Almexis Academy’s Psionics Department were unwilling to sacrifice their department’s dignity merely for the sake of appearances, especially when they had a solid chance of winning the competition.

However, even if the Psionics Department representatives were willing to sacrifice their pride, the proposal from Temis Academy was logically sound. Or rather, it was Almexis Academy that had been caught in a compromising situation regarding city security in Casares. They had brought up the noble topic of “student safety,” leaving Almexis Academy no choice but to accept their proposal.

Sighing deeply, Linoah looked around at her silent colleagues and lifted her head to speak loudly, “Well then, what else is there to discuss? No matter what tricks Temis Academy has up their sleeve, we have no choice but to accept. Otherwise, could we really allow them to withdraw from the competition? Governor, there’s no need to hesitate further. We accept their proposal.”

“But are we really going to enter the Sandra Forest with them like this? Linoah, you should know, our performance in survival competitions over the years at Almexis Academy…” One middle-aged teacher, who appeared to be quite prudent, shook his head in hesitation.

As the middle-aged teacher’s words settled, the expressions on the faces of the Almexis Academy representatives immediately turned more awkward. A few of the more sensitive students even turned red in the face. Soon after, the representatives from Almexis Academy’s Psionics Department began to argue in hushed tones. Almost half supported Linoah, while the other half supported the middle-aged teacher, and neither side could convince the other.

Seeing their reactions, Zhang Wen, who was attending the “Academy Exchange” for the first time, was somewhat puzzled.

To be honest, although Zhang Wen had done considerable research before officially becoming a representative of the Physical Arts Department, even going so far as to thoroughly study the past six or seven years of wins and losses between the two academies and the conditions of their leading teachers, he knew absolutely nothing about the Sandra Forest. This wasn’t due to any negligence on Zhang Wen’s part, but rather because the Almexis Academy’s archives contained very little information about the survival competition.

Moreover, in previous years, the survival competition had always been treated as a dessert after the main event, with neither Almexis Academy nor Temis Academy placing much importance on winning or losing. It wouldn’t even be an exaggeration to say that both academies applied the slogan “friendship first, competition second” to it.

When Zhang Wen took over as the representative of the Physical Arts Department, he had very little time to prepare. Naturally, he wouldn’t waste his precious energy on a “friendly match.”

“What’s going on?” By this point, Zhang Wen could only quietly ask Carlet, who was sitting beside him.

“Huh? Teacher Zhang, you don’t know?” Carlet, who was already one of the blushing students, turned even redder when Zhang Wen asked. In addition, she unconsciously displayed a look of nervousness and annoyance, her shy demeanor being extremely endearing.

“Come on, tell me what’s going on, Student Council President Carlet.” Seeing Carlet’s embarrassment, Zhang Wen deliberately winked and asked again with a smile.

“Oh…” Perhaps it was the title “Student Council President” that Zhang Wen had spoken that suddenly reminded Carlet of her position. She nodded, took several deep breaths, and gradually calmed down.

“It’s like this, Teacher Zhang. You should know the rules of the survival competition, right?”

“I know a little. Basically, we and Temis Academy each organize three teams to enter the Sandra Forest. Each team consists of four students and two teachers. Then, every student and teacher entering the forest must carry a badge with a special psionic fluctuation. Once inside the forest, the students and teachers from the Psionics Department must try to sense the location of other badges. Within ten days, they have to steal other people’s badges while protecting their own. At the end of the competition, whoever has more badges wins. Am I right?”

“Yes, the basic rules are indeed like that. However…” Carlet hesitated, looking at Zhang Wen with both embarrassment and concern before continuing hesitantly, “Teacher Zhang, you might not know that actually… the survival competition isn’t just between us and Temis Academy. Any academy on the Casares planet with even a little reputation will receive an invitation. Each time, there are about thirty to forty teams participating in the survival competition.”

“What?” Zhang Wen had to admit that what Carlet said was completely unexpected. He raised his eyebrows in surprise, looking at Carlet in confusion.

“Well… the survival competition initially did only involve us and Temis Academy. However, it was later discovered that the Sandra Forest was simply too vast. With only the two schools participating, many times ten days would pass without either side even catching a glimpse of each other. So, in the end, Principal Jackfrit suggested giving other academies from nearby star systems the opportunity to participate. And thus, the survival competition gradually evolved into what it is today.”

“I see. That makes sense. But then, why did everyone’s expression suddenly change like that?” Zhang Wen nodded slightly.

“Huh? Teacher Zhang, you didn’t even know that? Our Almexis Academy has been at the bottom of the survival competition for three consecutive years!” Carlet exclaimed, then lowered her voice and explained to Zhang Wen with a red face.

“What? At the bottom?” Zhang Wen was once again shocked, looking at Carlet in disbelief. “Impossible?”

Indeed, in Zhang Wen’s view, although the Physical Arts Department of Almexis Academy wasn’t particularly impressive, that was only when compared to prestigious schools like Temis Academy. Almexis Academy, which had a place on the Empire’s list of renowned schools, surely couldn’t be worse than those obscure little academies around!

Moreover, according to the rules of the survival competition, it was actually a comprehensive test of the strength of both the Psionics and Physical Arts departments of each school. Because the side with powerful psionic users could obtain more accurate information about their opponents’ movements, and could also interfere with their opponents’ information through various means, leading them to false conclusions. On the other hand, the side with strong physical fighters naturally had a significant advantage in the battles for the badges.

Although the Physical Arts Department of Almexis Academy was weak, it was supported by a powerful Psionics Department. Zhang Wen couldn’t figure out how they could possibly be at the bottom year after year.

“Well… it’s indeed at the bottom. The main reason is… that…” Carlet kept stealing glances at Zhang Wen’s expression while speaking hesitantly. Obviously, she wanted to say that the reason Almexis Academy was at the bottom was mainly because the Physical Arts Department was too weak. However, the girl hesitated to say it outright, considering Zhang Wen’s face.

“I understand. In the past, the Physical Arts Department has always dragged everyone down.” Zhang Wen, understanding Carlet’s meaning, was quite composed. After all, the historical performance of Almexis Academy had nothing to do with him, and Zhang Wen had no reason to cover up for the previous instructors.

“No, it’s not really like that either.” Carlet shook her head, speaking softly after Zhang Wen admitted it so readily. “If we’re just talking about strength, our school’s Physical Arts Department isn’t that far behind those schools outside of Temis Academy. It’s just that our school’s Physical Arts Department participants have never been able to gather all six members. Moreover, as soon as they enter the forest, they always gang up on us. Like last year, my group had only been in the forest for half a day when we encountered several teams attacking us together…”

“Hehe, when you’re weak but famous, trouble naturally finds you.” Zhang Wen smiled slightly and waved his hand at Carlet.

As Zhang Wen and Carlet whispered to each other, the debate among the representatives of the Psionics Department heated up. Five representatives from the Psionics Department were now divided into two factions. Three male teachers formed one faction, firmly opposing Temis Academy’s demands. According to their argument, rather than agreeing to Temis Academy’s request and entering the Sandra Forest only to be humiliated, it would be better to simply tell them that this year’s exchange competition would not take place!

As for the presence or absence of Crown Princess Sophia, they could always send someone to visit Temis Academy in two months and perhaps have a chance to compete then.

Undoubtedly, the male teachers’ argument sounded quite reasonable and mature. Governor Temiso nodded approvingly at them.

However, the two female teachers led by Linoah suddenly spoke out with the following words.

“If we can’t even guarantee a win on our home turf, what chance will we have when we’re on Governor Karlan’s territory? Could they possibly reenact the events that took place in Casares today? Our Casares planet has the ‘Terror Forest,’ and their Fira planet has the Demon Wastes.”

As Linoah’s words settled, Governor Temiso, who had almost agreed with the three male teachers, immediately hesitated again, stroking his chin. The three male teachers exchanged glances, but their eyes unconsciously turned to Zhang Wen.

In the eyes of the three male teachers, Linoah’s insistence on competing against Temis Academy on Casares was practically suicidal! How many years had Almexis Academy been at the bottom of the survival competition? Eight years? Or even ten?

Even if this year, under Zhang Wen’s leadership, the Physical Arts Department could perform better, after last night, who couldn’t see it? The students of the Physical Arts Department could only perform well when directly led by Zhang Wen! If it hadn’t been for Zhang Wen’s personal guidance yesterday, could Amelie have defeated the student from Temis Academy? Probably, she would have been beaten down in just a few punches.

Moreover, the biggest problem currently facing the Physical Arts Department wasn’t just the students’ lack of ability. More critically, the Physical Arts Department simply didn’t have enough students to participate in the competition!

In fact, apart from the reasons Carlet had just told Zhang Wen, there was another crucial issue that caused Almexis Academy to consistently rank at the bottom in the survival competition: in recent years, Almexis Academy’s Physical Arts Department had never managed to field a full team for the competition!

The survival competition required each academy to provide three teams. In other words, Almexis Academy’s Physical Arts Department needed to provide a total of six students and three Physical Arts Department teachers to participate in the competition. However, everyone already knew that Almexis Academy’s Physical Arts Department had never been as talented as their Psionics Department.

Both teachers and students from the Physical Arts Department were forced into their roles. It was already difficult enough for them to gather one leading teacher and five official team members for the exchange competition! Where could they possibly find more people to participate? Moreover, this year’s situation for the Physical Arts Department was even more severe—they hadn’t even managed to gather five official team members!

Even if Governor Temiso, because of Crown Princess Sophia, had ordered Almexis Academy to somehow scrape together enough people to participate, could they really win this survival competition? After all, in the survival competition, teachers were also required to participate! In fact, one could say bluntly that in the survival competition, the teachers were actually the real core and main force of each team!

Someone might say that Almexis Academy also had a teacher like Xin, who had already broken through to the eleventh stage of the Saint Tier. With such a powerful expert participating, who would they have to fear?

Indeed, Teacher Xin had broken through to the eleventh stage of the Saint Tier, that was correct. Unfortunately, according to the tradition of the survival competition, all leading teachers from the Physical Arts Department had to be young people under the age of thirty! Teachers like Xin had no qualification to even participate in the competition! As for the strength of the younger generation of teachers in Almexis Academy’s Physical Arts Department, even the academy’s Principal Jackfrit would probably scratch his head in frustration when thinking about it.

In fact, among most of the academies in the Empire, the majority of teachers were former outstanding students who stayed on at the school—Almexis Academy was no exception. Looking at Almexis Academy’s performance in the Physical Arts Department over the past decade or so, one could easily understand the level of their young teachers.

Even this current Zhang Wen, who had been promoted from below, most of the teachers in the Psionics Department present could “see through” his martial arts skills at a glance—just about seventh stage with a bit more, not quite eighth stage. Even among the third-rate academies on Casares, this was merely an average level!

Then, how about Temis Academy? Although this time they had not come to Casares with their strongest lineup, their Physical Arts Department still had six fifth-stage students and two sixth-stage students! Their leading teachers were all young instructors who had reached the peak of the eighth stage, including someone like Douglas, a well-known young expert! Moreover, in addition to their significant advantage in the Physical Arts Department, Temis Academy also had a super ace this year—Seline!

It is imaginable that the teachers of Themis Academy would undoubtedly not hesitate to assign the strongest members of the physical arts department to team up with Celine, forming a “hunting squad” with absolute strength. With Celine’s terrifyingly advanced skills in mental arts, far surpassing those of ordinary students, they could dominate the Sandra Forest. Any group they targeted would be doomed! In this way, as long as the other two teams from Themis Academy carefully protected themselves, they would almost be in an invincible position. What could Almythius Academy possibly use to compete against them?

Under such circumstances, the male teachers, who found it difficult to refute Linoya, naturally turned their attention to Zhang Wen. In their view, Linoya, being the instructor of the mental arts department, might not fully grasp the situation, which was understandable. However, Zhang Wen, from the physical arts department, should know the ins and outs of his own field!

“Teacher Zhang, what do you think? Should we accept Themis Academy’s proposal?” At this moment, Governor Termiso also remembered Zhang Wen, the sole representative teacher from Almythius Academy’s physical arts department. He coughed and slowly waved his hand at him.

“Haha. Is there even anything to consider?” Zhang Wen smiled faintly. “Of course, we should accept it.”

As Zhang Wen uttered the word “accept,” the male representatives from the mental arts department present were all dumbfounded, and the two female teachers also showed expressions of surprise.

“Teacher Zhang! Are you out of your mind? To compete with Themis Academy in a survival contest? Why don’t you just say we should surrender outright?” Moments later, Instructor Robert, who had made a fool of himself the previous night, immediately jumped up, his face flushed red.

Although Robert, in his urgency, even mentioned the word “surrender,” no one present felt that what he said was wrong. Instead, they all looked at Zhang Wen with incredulous eyes. To be honest, even Linoya hadn’t expected Zhang Wen to stand by her side!

“Surrender? Instructor Robert, even if you like to surrender before the competition starts, I don’t have such a habit.” Zhang Wen shook his head, his calm words almost making Robert explode with rage on the spot.

“Bastard! Do you think our Almythius Academy lost in previous years because of someone else?” The furious Robert, losing his composure again, couldn’t help but roar at Zhang Wen beside Governor Termiso.

“Previous years are previous years, and this year is this year. Besides, Teacher Robert, there’s no need to get so worked up. I’m just agreeing with Teacher Linoya’s point. Your Excellency, Governor, if we agree to Themis Academy’s request now, the chances of us winning against them are indeed limited, but at least our fate is still in our own hands. I don’t think you would want to let the opponent decide our fate, would you?” Zhang Wen waved his hand at Robert and then smiled at Governor Termiso before falling silent, as if he had no intention of continuing the argument with everyone.

Now, all the teachers participating in this exchange had expressed their stance. Three against three, the final decision fell into the hands of Governor Termiso. Slowly scanning the different expressions of those present, Governor Termiso, with an uncertain expression, suddenly slammed his fist heavily on the desk.

“Teacher Linoya is right, everyone. We have no way back. We can only engage with those guys from Karayan and Themis to the end. Cassares Star is our home ground, and I don’t believe they can play any tricks here!” Governor Termiso said resolutely. His tone left no doubt that this governor, known for his iron will, had made up his mind.

“Alright, I have other matters to attend to. You can discuss how to handle the survival competition here.” Governor Termiso’s gaze swept over the silent teachers of Almythius Academy once more before he hurriedly left the study. Besides the survival competition of Almythius Academy, he had a pile of other headaches to deal with.

With Governor Termiso’s decisive words, the teachers of the mental arts department naturally had no more worries. Soon, a middle-aged teacher from the mental arts department stood up: “Then what we need to consider next is not whether to accept Themis Academy’s proposal, but how to arrange the teams entering the Sandra Forest.”

As soon as the middle-aged teacher finished speaking, everyone’s eyes in the study immediately focused on Zhang Wen again.

In previous years, the survival competition had always been nothing more than a dessert after the grand battle between Almythius Academy and Themis Academy. No one had ever taken its outcome seriously. Even the unimaginable issue of Almythius’s physical arts department not being able to gather enough participants had never been questioned.

But this year, the physical arts department obviously could no longer muddle through.

“Ahem… Teacher Zhang Wen, the physical arts department has only produced three students to participate in the competition this year. This time, Themis Academy has caught us off guard. Our situation is very unfavorable. To win the competition, everyone needs to work together sincerely. … How do you think we should divide the groups entering the Sandra Forest?” After a long while, it was the middle-aged teacher who had spoken earlier who coughed and brought up the topic.

None of the mental arts teachers present were fools. They all knew very well how much importance Governor Termiso attached to the outcome of this survival competition. The teams that performed well in this competition would surely be richly rewarded if they won, and even if they unfortunately lost, they could at least avoid the governor’s wrath.

To achieve good results, the most basic condition, of course, was to have the support of good teammates—so, the mental arts teachers who decided to participate probably didn’t want Zhang Wen to join their teams!

Although Zhang Wen’s students could display astonishing strength when they were with him, one must not forget that in the survival competition, the most important combat power of a team was not the students, but the teacher! Zhang Wen, having just passed the seventh rank and not yet reaching the eighth, was indeed too weak—even in Almythius Academy, known for its weak physical arts department, there were quite a few young teachers who had broken through to the elite level of the eighth rank.

Zhang Wen knew very well what the middle-aged teacher’s question implied. However, he smiled indifferently and complained, “Teacher Riley, why are you still making things difficult for me? I’ve only been in Almythius Academy for a few months, and my time in the physical arts department is even shorter. Look, for this competition, I’ve brought out all three of my students. Other matters, even if you discuss them with me, it’s still up to Instructor Xin to make the decision, isn’t it?”

“That’s true, but the governor has asked us to finalize the personnel now. Instructor Xin isn’t here, so what do you think…” As Zhang Wen’s words fell, the middle-aged teacher also frowned in distress.

“Well… Since Instructor Xin isn’t here, let the seniors make the decision. I have no objections. According to the tradition of our Almythius Academy, the decisions made by the seniors should not be opposed by Instructor Xin, right.”

“Hmm.” Zhang Wen’s words were fair and impartial, which made most of the mental arts teachers present nod repeatedly, increasing their favor towards him. As for Zhang Wen himself, after speaking, he simply walked aside, leaving most of the study for the mental arts teachers to discuss their strategies.

Before Zhang Wen could even steady himself, he saw Carlett rushing towards him.

In this situation, the male teachers who were reluctant to openly oppose Linoah naturally turned their gazes toward Zhang Wen. In their eyes, Linoah was a Mind Arts instructor, so it was understandable that she might be unaware of the full situation. But Zhang Wen, being from the Physical Arts Department, should know better!

“Mr. Zhang, what do you think?” At this moment, Governor Temiso also remembered Zhang Wen, the sole representative of Almexis Academy’s Physical Arts Department. He coughed lightly and calmly gestured toward him.

“Hehe. What is there to think about?” Zhang Wen smiled faintly. “Of course we should accept.”

As soon as the word “accept” left Zhang Wen’s mouth, the male Mind Arts instructors present couldn’t help but gape in shock, while the two female instructors also showed expressions of surprise.

“Mr. Zhang! Have you lost your mind? Competing against Themis Academy in the Survival Competition? Why don’t you just suggest we surrender now?” Moments later, Robert, the instructor who had made a fool of himself the previous night, immediately jumped up, his face flushed red.

Although Robert had impulsively used words like “surrender,” no one in the room felt anything was wrong with what he had said. Instead, they all looked at Zhang Wen in disbelief. Frankly speaking, even Linoah hadn’t expected Zhang Wen to actually side with her!

“Surrender? Instructor Robert, even if you like to surrender before the competition starts, I certainly don’t have such a habit.” Zhang Wen shook his head, and with this simple sentence, nearly drove Robert to a fit of rage on the spot.

“You bastard! Don’t you know why our Almexis Academy has lost in previous years?” Losing his temper and his senses, Robert shouted furiously at Zhang Wen right beside Governor Temiso.

“Previous years were previous years; this year is this year. Besides, Mr. Robert, there’s no need to get so worked up. I’m simply agreeing with Instructor Linoah’s opinion.” Zhang Wen waved his hand dismissively at Robert, then smiled as he addressed Governor Temiso. “Your Excellency, if we agree to Themis Academy’s request now, our chances of winning are indeed slim. But at least we’ll still hold our own fate in our hands. I believe you wouldn’t want to let our opponents decide our destiny.”

With that, Zhang Wen seemed to lose interest in further argument and fell silent.

Now, all the teachers participating in this exchange had expressed their positions. Three to three. The final decision rested in Governor Temiso’s hands. Slowly scanning the various expressions around the room, Governor Temiso, his face shifting between dark and bright, suddenly slammed his fist heavily onto the desk.

“Instructor Linoah is right, everyone. We’ve run out of options. We must fight Themis and Kallan to the bitter end. Kashar Star is our home ground—I refuse to believe they can pull any tricks here!” Governor Temiso declared decisively. His unquestionable tone clearly showed that this governor, known for his iron-fisted rule, had already made up his mind.

“Alright, I have other matters to attend to. You all can stay here and discuss how to handle the Survival Competition.” After sweeping his gaze over the silent Almexis Academy teachers, Governor Temiso strode out of the study. Besides the Almexis Survival Competition, he had a pile of other headache-inducing problems to deal with.

With Governor Temiso’s final decision made, the Mind Arts instructors naturally no longer had any concerns. Soon, a middle-aged Mind Arts instructor stood up. “Then what we need to consider now is not whether to accept Themis Academy’s proposal, but how to arrange the teams entering Sandra Forest.”

As soon as the middle-aged teacher finished speaking, all eyes in the study once again focused on Zhang Wen.

In previous years, the Survival Competition had merely been a dessert after the main battle between Almexis and Themis Academies. No one had ever taken its victories or defeats seriously. Even the Physical Arts Department of Almexis failing to field enough participants had never been questioned.

But this year, the Physical Arts Department could no longer get away with it.

“Ahem… Mr. Zhang, this year the Physical Arts Department only produced three students for the competition. This time, Themis Academy has caught us off guard. Our situation is unfavorable. To win the competition, we must cooperate wholeheartedly. … Regarding the team divisions for entering Sandra Forest, what’s your opinion?” After a long pause, the same middle-aged teacher finally spoke up with a dry cough.

None of the Mind Arts instructors present were fools. They all clearly understood how important the outcome of this Survival Competition was to Governor Temiso. For the teams participating, if they won, the rewards would be generous; even if they lost, at least they could avoid the governor’s wrath.

To achieve good results, the most basic condition was naturally strong teammates—so naturally, every Mind Arts instructor planning to participate probably didn’t want Zhang Wen joining their team!

Although the strength displayed by Zhang Wen’s students when they were with him was astonishing, one mustn’t forget that in the Survival Competition, the most crucial combat power in a team wasn’t the students, but the instructor himself! Zhang Wen’s strength, barely past the seventh tier and not yet reaching the eighth, was far too weak—even in the notoriously weak Physical Arts Department of Almexis Academy, there were quite a few young instructors who had surpassed the eighth tier.

Zhang Wen fully understood the middle-aged teacher’s intentions. However, he merely smiled nonchalantly and, in a tone of mock complaint, said, “Teacher Riley, why must you make things difficult for me? I’ve only been at Almexis Academy for a few months, and even less time in the Physical Arts Department. Look, for this competition, I’ve even brought out my only three students. What else can I do? You might as well consult Instructor Xin.”

“That may be true, but the governor wants us to finalize the team assignments right now. Instructor Xin isn’t here, so what do you think…” The middle-aged teacher frowned with a troubled expression as Zhang Wen’s words faded.

“Hmm… Since Instructor Xin isn’t here, then let the seniors decide. I have no objections. According to Almexis Academy’s tradition, Instructor Xin shouldn’t oppose whatever decision the seniors make.”

“Hmm.” Zhang Wen’s words, balanced and fair, earned nods from most of the Mind Arts instructors present, and many of them began to view him more favorably. As for Zhang Wen himself, after speaking, he walked aside decisively, leaving most of the study space for the Mind Arts instructors to discuss their strategies.

Before Zhang Wen had even had time to steady his footing, he saw Jaryt rushing toward him.