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Chapter 45: Shadow World: Inferno Passage Academy
Chapter 45: Shadow World: Inferno Passage Academy
As his surroundings brightened once more, Cardinal Lanchi's vision slowly came into focus. He found himself seated at the back of a classroom that resembled a spacious theater.
In the dim space, the only source of light came from a few oil lamps hanging on the walls, emitting a dim, almost tangible golden glow. Their flickering lights, like the pulse of life, provided just enough visibility while adding a touch of mysterious drama to the place. In the lamplight's amber hue, the shadows of the desks and chairs distorted and elongated, mingling with swaying dark silhouettes in the silence.
Despite the apparent resemblance to a classroom—with its long tables covered in red cloth, neatly arranged, and a sleek blackboard made of black gold standing at the distant front end of the room, resembling a stage—an eerie feeling permeated the air. The estimated three-hundred-square-meter space should have felt spacious, but instead, it felt confining. An unpleasantly thick scent of blood hung in the air, accompanied by an indescribable sense of strangeness.
For a moment, Lanchi wondered if he had stumbled into the underworld.
He lowered his gaze and noticed a rough, ancient-looking piece of parchment laid out on the red tablecloth, alongside an inkwell and a feather quill. Strange, mysterious symbols, unlike any human language, were imprinted on the parchment. However, thanks to the built-in translation spell of the Shadow World, Lanchi could discern that it was a devilish magic exam paper with questions.
Another school? Lanchi's mind reeled in shock.
He thought he had finally escaped the confines of school, only to find himself in yet another educational institution! And to make matters worse, it seemed that instead of just attending lectures at the Ekelith Academy, he was now about to take an exam in this devilish school!
With a sense of dread, Lanchi cautiously raised his head to survey his surroundings. The sudden sense of detachment permeated the air. The students in the classroom were diverse, each stranger than the last. Each possessed indescribable features, most with sharp horns, their skin bearing odd patterns and exoskeletons, and some even had long, slender black tails.
In the aisle of the classroom, two figures resembling examiners wandered with calm efficiency. They were dressed in classical suits, their attire neat and solemn. However, enveloped in the pungent scent of blood and the oppressive aura of evil, they appeared all the more sinister and terrifying.
Things did not bode well.
Compared to the previously experienced artificial Shadow Worlds—'Hidden Flame in Winter' and 'Infinite Mirage Canyon', which had relatively milder themes—this genuine Shadow World was undoubtedly a heavyweight challenge! Soon, information about the Shadow World appeared before Lanchi's eyes.
This was a set of prompts that only a Shadow World challenger could see:
Shadow World: Inferno Passage Academy
Level: Fourth Tier
Number of Challengers: 6
Historical Background: This was once a dark era for humanity. Humans could only claim the day as their own, as the nights belonged to the blood clan. However, there were those who, for the sake of their race's dignity, were willing to shatter their own pride. To reclaim the south, shrouded by the blood moon, they needed the power of demons to forge a miracle. Thus, a mad plan was conceived—a group of humans underwent forbidden surgeries in the imperial experimental fields, disguising themselves as demons. They braved the harsh northern icy wastes to enter the demon realm, seeking to integrate into demon society and learn their magic...
Mission Overview: You are currently infiltrating a fantastical demon academy, gathering intelligence. Tonight will be the most dangerous night of your mission, and you must strive to survive through it.
】
【Time Remaining: 11 hours, 59 minutes】
【Mission Objectives: 1. Explore over 60% of the academy, currently at 3%】
【2. Investigate the source of tonight's danger】
【3. Keep at least 1 person alive until the time limit, currently 6/6 alive】
【Challengers Lanchi & Cybele start at the exam scene, exam duration: 2 hours, subject: Demonic Magic Text】
【Cheating in any form during the exam, if discovered by the invigilator, will result in the immediate disqualification and eradication of the candidate】
【Candidates scoring below 50 at the end of the exam will be deemed disqualified, and the invigilator will execute eradication】
【Early submission is permitted. Raise your hand if you have any requests or require assistance from the invigilators】
【Exam time remaining: 1 hour, 59 minutes】
With Lanchi's thoughts, the information panel, similar to the one in the artificial Shadow World, could be hidden or displayed again.
However, after comprehending the content of his first genuine Shadow World, he furrowed his brows.
Fourth Tier? What nonsense is this?
Lanchi decided to put aside the nightmarish "exam" scenario for now.
He was a second-tier challenger, and Cybele was third-tier. Regardless of their mathematical abilities, they shouldn't have been matched with a fourth-tier Shadow World. But what concerned Lanchi more was that, according to the Shadow World's prompt, he should currently be disguised as a demon by the mechanism of the Shadow World.
Wouldn't that damage his image?
Lanchi looked down at himself. Besides wearing the deep black uniform of the Inferno Passage Academy, he noticed what appeared to be white crystalline exoskeletons at his joints, emitting a faint glow.
He touched his head and indeed found two small horns. From the faint reflection in the ink bottle, his features seemed unchanged—black hair and green eyes. However, the horns and the patterns on his face were pure white.
...
Meanwhile, within the campus of Ekelith.
At 5 p.m., a deep quietness enveloped the academy as the sun slowly descended towards the western horizon, casting its last golden-red rays into every corner of the campus.
Not far from the entrance, in the Gera Memorial Square, a group of passing students had begun to enjoy their after-class time, discussing dinner options, while others sat on the steps of the square, watching the outdoor giant screen that projected campus news.
This giant screen often broadcasted live footage of students currently challenging the Shadow World.
Since the Shadow World was a projection of history, the live footage of the challenges was often no less exciting and unique than a movie.
Students often gathered here to watch these live broadcasts.
It was both a form of entertainment and a way to learn.
Of course, many students also sat on the steps in front of the giant screen, casually chatting with friends about the classes they had just finished or quietly reading books, immersed in their own worlds.
"Hmm? Is that a new fourth-tier Shadow World?"
"It's a rarely seen magic-race historical Shadow World..."
A student on the steps murmured to himself, causing several others to look up at the screen.
As it was the first day of school, there weren't many students challenging the Shadow World, so a new challenge immediately caught their attention.
Moreover, it had a distinctively dark theme.
"Wait, aren't those the two newcomers?"
Soon, a student noticed the challenger information displayed below the live footage and exclaimed!!
(End of Chapter)
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