As the trio exited the arena after the sim ended, they found the Teachers and Headmistress Lilith waiting for them.
"Well done! I thoroughly enjoyed watching your raw chaos as you blew off steam. I can't wait until you've mastered all combat forms and Teacher Moros has had his chance to put you through the wringer. You three will become the absolute nightmares of all Tain Dao and Heavenly Clans foes!" Headmistress Lilith squealed in delight, clapping her hands in time with her words.
"Now then, I'll leave you in the capable, albeit shaken, hands of your Teachers so you can have lunch. I'll have Teacher Moros break down the replay of the combat sim and your fighting styles to present to the Elders and Councils."
"You—and they—should be happy to hear that the arena and shields had no issues handling everything you unleashed today. So you don't have to worry about your training for a while!" With these words, she vanished.
All of the Teachers—except Azazel and Seraphina—were visibly shaken by what the trio had unleashed, while Azazel was pouting as Seraphina tried consoling him.
"Kids, you did great! Tell me, was the sim I designed boring for you?" Teacher Azazel asked.
The trio exchanged looks. Yi replied, "A little bit, but the mountainous snowfield was a nice touch!"
Azazel pouted harder, muttering under his breath about Moros. Seraphina just shook her head, determined to stay out of it.
"We actually survived that?!" Beelzebub suddenly exclaimed, startling everyone but Zera.
He and Zera looked completely shell-shocked, pale and trembling.
Bane, Yi, and Er scratched the backs of their necks sheepishly, realising they might have gone a little overboard during the sim.
Selene herded them all toward the cafeteria for lunch, saving the trio from further embarrassment.
—
Ava (age 13): Headmistress Lilith was SO hype! She's basically their biggest fan. Wish my Headmaster was like that, lol.
Liam (age 17): I can't believe Azazel asked if his sim was boring—bold move! And they really just said it was, haha.
Sana (age 15): Did anyone else feel bad for Beelzebub and Zera? They looked like they'd seen a ghost.
Aaron (age 21): It's kind of wild that the Teachers were so shaken. Makes me wonder what they usually teach in class!
Maya (age 10): I loved the snowfield part! We never get anything that cool at my Academy sims.
Jonas (age 23): Props to Selene for rescuing everyone with lunch. That's what you need after a crazy fight.
Atif (age 19): Do you think Moros will go easier on them next time? Or much, much harder?
Ava: Honestly, I'd probably just panic and hope for lunch, too.
Jonas: Go big or go home! They set the new standard.
Moderator: Thanks for the excellent discussion—keep it friendly in the chat!
—
By the time the group reached the cafeteria, all the Teachers were back to normal. Bane, Yi, and Er secured a table as the Teachers got their Academy lunches. As they sat and started eating, Beelzebub asked Bane if they were happy to let loose finally.
"Definitely. Normally, in the Elementary Academy, we try to hold back as much as we can. We know the facilities can't handle us going all out—although sometimes we slip up, like during the last combat sim at the Elementary Academy," Bane replied honestly.
The Teachers nodded in understanding as the group continued to eat in peaceful silence, each lost in their own musings. Once everyone finished lunch and tea, they headed back to the arena for the next stage of the trio's training.
At the arena, Teacher Azazel explained the next stage: "Alright, you've blown off steam and are now calm enough to begin the next session—basic combat drills in your first Battle Form! As usual, make sure each form is perfect for the arena to count the rep. Once you reach mastery, you'll progress to advanced drills. Understood?"
He received confirmation from the trio.
"Now, get in there and let's see how fast you can master this!" he said, ushering them into the arena. The door closed behind them, and the Teachers headed to the control room to monitor their progress.
"Gravity field engaging, magnifier set to two hundred, matching interference waves are being generated—START!" Azazel counted the trio in. They began a new round of drills, slowly at first, then picking up speed as they adapted.
—
Holo-conference, Academy crest shimmering in projection, participants in sharp focus.
Lilith (brisk, upbeat): Thank you all for joining. The livestreamed training with Chaos and Bane was once again extraordinary—perhaps our most-watched yet! Let's review the positives and our next steps.
Moros (measured, thoughtful): It was a technical tour de force. Chaos and Bane demonstrated exceptionally advanced Mana manipulation, peak Junior Academy level—blending free-form offence, defensive improvisation, and even creative terrain adaptation with those Mana skis.
Yi's command during the simulated avalanche was textbook innovation. Significantly, even at full intensity, the arena and shields performed flawlessly. Pandemonium, yes, but not a single fault in containment. We have rock-solid foundations.
Soleil (gentle, pleased): The Celestials in the Nursery were riveted. Such pioneering Mana use inspires our youngest, but let's also reassure them regarding safety—their confidence in our barriers has never been higher.
Lucius (calm): Among the Immortals, this is being called a defining moment—proof that mastery is possible and sustainable with discipline. Our messaging can channel that energy into focused training, not reckless emulation.
Kyle (upbeat, practical): Mortal students' morale and inspirations are through the roof! Requests for advanced clinics are pouring in. If we keep clear protocols, we can turn this enthusiasm into real achievement.
Varkos (firm): For the Infernal cohort, the spectacle was exhilarating. They respect power with skill—and appreciate that the safety measures weren't even thoroughly tested. That inspires confident risk-taking.
Caelis (Council Rep, approving): The Council is heartened by the response—and relieved by the evidence of Academy safety. Continue to lead with clarity. Your next steps and communication plans will be welcomed.
Lilith: Thank you all. Moros, please prepare notes on Chaos and Bane's technique and a summary for training staff.
Caelis (commanding): Soleil and Varkos, coordinate a campaign to celebrate the achievement and reinforce confidence. Lucius and Kyle guide both ambition and caution in student messaging.
Moros: Absolutely. The displayed skills were masterful, but the true triumph is that our systems held perfectly. We have every reason to be proud, and can build even safer, bolder future sessions.
Soleil: Agreed. We'll encourage excitement while reinforcing that our safety net is real.
Lucius: I'll emphasise mentorship and the value of patience for mastery.
Kyle: Advanced clinics are in development, set up with safety steps from the start.
Varkos: Peer demonstrations with live safety commentary can help everyone learn—safely.
Caelis: I look forward to your report. Well done.
Lilith (closing): Together, we can keep pushing boundaries—with shared confidence and care.
The meeting fades out, optimism grounded by discipline and preparedness.
—
The trio powered through the basic drills as if they were second nature, soon reaching mastery. Once they received confirmation, they switched to the advanced drills and started anew.
Meanwhile, the Teachers discussed the trio's progress in the control room.
Teacher Belial (leaning forward, eyes wide): "I'll admit it—I didn't expect them to breeze through the basics like that. They didn't just perform the drills—it's as if their forms were etched into muscle memory. We've barely started, and they've already progressed far enough for Moros to approve!"
Demon Selene (smiling slyly): "Bane, Yi, and Er have always been quick to adapt—but this is on another level. The way they moved—there wasn't even a hint of hesitation. It's almost boring to watch, if it weren't so impressive. Have you ever seen anyone master the basics this fast?"
Teacher Azazel (pouting, arms folded): "Never with my drills! I put them through everything: gravity fields, interference waves—you name it, and nothing slowed them down. They weren't just ready—they were eager for a bigger challenge. I'm torn between pride and feeling obsolete, honestly."
Demon Seraphina (reassuringly): "Azazel, don't underestimate yourself. Your sims push everyone past their limits, but those three thrive under pressure. Their teamwork was seamless, almost telepathic. Watching Er adjust on the fly when interference kicked in? Brilliant."
Teacher Beelzebub (shaking head in disbelief): "It was uncanny. Zera and I looked like novices in comparison! The trio moved as one—as if they'd mapped out the drills beforehand. Not a single form was out of alignment. Are we sure they haven't been practising in secret?"
Demon Zera (half-joking, half-awed): "If they did, someone should check for echoes in the training wing at midnight! But seriously, it was both inspiring and a little intimidating. Sparks flew from the training dummies, but their focus never broke. It's like the drills awakened something in them."
Demon Selene (nodding): "This sets a new standard for the Academy. We'll have to reconsider how quickly we push advanced sessions for groups like this. What's to stop them from blazing through those, too?"
Teacher Belial (decisive): "We keep pushing. Adapt the curriculum. If this trio can master the basics so intuitively, maybe it's time to introduce material we usually save for Seniors."
Seraphina: "Just be sure we keep the safety barriers powered up. No surprises, right?"
—
Ava (age 14): Whoa, did you guys see how fast Bane, Yi, and Er got through those drills? I blinked, and they were already done!
Leo (age 16): Seriously. The Teachers looked stunned—Azazel was literally pouting after all the obstacles he had set.
Mei (age 11): I want to be that good! Maybe if I watch the replay, I'll pick up some tips. Er's move when the interference wave hit was perfect.
Khalid (age 17): It almost seems unfair. Did they practice in secret? Zera joked about echoes in the training wing at midnight, but… what if it's true?
Ruby (age 15): Selene was right—their teamwork made it look easy. Not even a hint of hesitation. Do you think they talk telepathically?
Jasper (age 12): Even Beelzebub was blown away—and he's seen it all! I'm just a beginner; are we supposed to go that fast?
Elena (age 22): The Teachers will need new lesson plans. Advanced drills for everyone?
Liam (age 23): If the arena can survive it, LOL. Remember what happened last time the shields overloaded?
Maya (age 10): This is both inspiring and scary. Someday, I want my drills to look like that!
Ava: I'm just glad Seraphina was there hyping everyone up. Poor Azazel looked like he needed a hug!
Moderator: Don't worry! Remember—practice, teamwork, and safety barriers. Keep it friendly and positive.
—
After another round, the trio once again reached mastery. After receiving approval, they moved on to free-form drills. Here, they slowed down, eyes closed, letting their bodies move as they wished. Soon, they began to pick up speed, moving faster and faster until they started channelling Mana along with their drills.
Explosions, shields, stealth, and spells traced their every movement. Drill after drill, the counter climbed higher, the Teachers shaking their heads in disbelief as chaotic Mana whipped around the trio—each move executed with practised ease.
By day's end, the trio had achieved mastery in the free-form drills for their first Battle forms.
They thanked the Teachers and headed home to relax, happy to move as freely as their bodies demanded during free-form drills.
When they got home, Morgana scanned them and sent them to the bath and shower before cultivation, since their Mana reserves were down by a third. They were to cultivate until dinnertime.
As usual, the drone patrolled the Dorm—except for the off-limits top floor—while Chaos and Bane showered and soaked together in the bathing pool, letting their bodies and minds decompress before cultivating.
After a half-hour soak, they dried off, donned sleeping robes, and brushed their hair before heading downstairs to the cultivation floor.
There, each one sat comfortably on a futon and began cultivating, focusing on replenishing their Mana reserves until Morgranna called them for dinner.
They went upstairs to eat and afterwards snuggled on a sofa in the sitting area balcony to sip hot chocolate as they watched the view of the Academy grounds at night before heading to bed at ten.