Chapter 678: Looking Like Clowns
Silence!
A deathly silence filled the hall!
Everyone stared wide-eyed at the scene before them, mouths agape as if witnessing the most shocking sight in the world.
Even the beautiful Dean Bai Yuechan and the instructors on the ceremonial stage stared blankly at the departing figure on the screen.
"My God..."
"An instant kill!"
"I never dreamed a level-100 non-specialist could instantly kill a level-121 advanced demonic soldier!"
Although the leaderboard displayed a time of 1 minute and 34 seconds.
That included the time calculated from entering the secret realm until clearing it!
If calculated strictly.
The non-specialist's time to kill the advanced demonic soldier was less than ten seconds!
If this scene hadn't unfolded right before their eyes, no one would have believed a non-specialist could achieve such a feat!
"So that means..."
"His first-place rank is well-deserved."
At that moment, an instructor sincerely remarked.
As those words fell.
Many students immediately lowered their heads in embarrassment.
Especially those who had previously accused Ling Zhan of cheating. Faced with such undeniable truth, even they couldn't argue further!
Of course...
Most people on the scene now saw this non-specialist in a new light.
Their gazes shifted from initial skepticism, disdain, and scorn...
To shock, admiration, and reverence.
In this world, strength rules above all.
When you showcase strength far beyond others, what follows is worship and adoration.
"Look! Orpheviel and Xili are blushing like monkeys' behinds now..."
"Haha, they must be thinking about how proud they were earlier."
"If I were them, I'd want to crawl into a hole to hide! Who would've thought this non-specialist's power was so terrifying?"
"This non-specialist is a legend! Unprecedented! At least, I've never heard of anyone reaching level 100 without a class!"
The crowd kept whispering as they watched Ling Zhan's calm demeanor.
At this moment.
On the ceremonial stage.
Bai Yuechan, seeing the previous dissent finally quelled, stood up, scanned the crowd, and said in a firm voice:
"Now that everyone has watched the non-specialist's battle recording, if anyone still has objections or doubts, speak up!"
"After all, I, Bai Yuechan, cannot bear the accusation of favoritism as the dean!"
As her words fell.
Everyone lowered their heads again, not daring to meet the sharp gaze of the beautiful dean.
Clowns...
Those who had shouted the loudest now looked the most ridiculous.
"Alright! Since no one objects to the rankings, we'll proceed with the free challenge match as per tradition!"
"If anyone still disagrees with the rankings, you may challenge the ranked individuals directly on the stage!"
"The challenged party cannot refuse!"
"You have three minutes to prepare!"
Bai Yuechan's voice was cold and commanding.
With a wave of her jade-like hand, the vast hall was instantly divided into five large arenas.
This seemed to be a long-standing academy tradition.
After fighting monsters, it was time for Professionals to duel.
However.
This time...
What shocked all the instructors was...
Three full minutes passed, and not a single person raised their hand to challenge!
The non-specialist, who should have been the most contested as the first-place rank, didn't receive a single challenge.
After witnessing the battle recording of the non-specialist instantly killing the advanced demonic soldier.
Everyone's gaze toward Ling Zhan became cautious and full of dread!
Clearly...
They fully acknowledged his first-place rank.
Even second-place Orpheviel and third-place Xili remained silent under the crowd's watchful eyes.
What a joke!
They weren't stupid!!
If they hadn't seen the battle recording, they would have definitely challenged him.
But after witnessing such an absurd battle, challenging him now would be sheer stupidity!
"Damn it..."
"This is the first time I've seen someone so powerful without a class."
Many couldn't help but mutter quietly.
The so-called free challenge match ended without a single challenge.
Resulting in a non-specialist, who had just entered the academy, taking the crown.
If word of this got out, it would surely shock countless people.
After all, in the eyes of Holy Continent's Professionals, external Professionals were generally seen as inferior.
Yet, one of these "transfer students" had just secured first place, slapping the local students in the face!
Even Bai Yuechan, the beautiful dean, cast a few more glances at Ling Zhan's indifferent expression, not expecting such a result from the assessment.
However...
The rewards still needed to be distributed.
As the top White-Rank student, he was entitled to a luxurious magic villa.
He would also receive three SS-grade resources every month.
Additionally, the academic credits for first place would be granted.
"Dude, I'm so envious of you! You just entered Assar Academy and already took the White-Rank top spot, enjoying premium benefits!"
One of the external students couldn't help but express admiration.
Others with flattering smiles also approached.
It was obvious...
They might as well have had "cling to the strong" written on their faces.
After all, Ling Zhan, as the top White-Rank student, had already showcased unparalleled strength, making him a prime candidate for admiration.
However.
Ling Zhan merely nodded indifferently at these sycophants, uttered no unnecessary words, and decisively turned to leave.
Watching Ling Zhan's lonely yet proud back, those whose attempts to curry favor failed revealed faint malicious expressions.
"Tch! He's just the White-Rank top scorer! Look at him act all high and mighty!"
"Exactly! Above White-Rank, there's still Blue-Rank and Purple-Rank! Someone will put him in his place eventually!"
"Let's see how long he can keep up this act!"
Although Ling Zhan hadn't offended them, their failed flattery alone was enough for them to mock him with venomous words.
The most ridiculous part was...
They didn't dare say such things in front of Ling Zhan, only whispering like rats in a gutter.