Ascension of the Nephilim

It was around four minutes later that the battle was over.

The students were all slumping down in pain, and the entire fire energy conversion circle was now a healing circle, and everyone was resting in it while groaning in pain.

They were no match for Emeros and Serena. Even when the class of mages went on the offensive with spells and attacks, they lost due to the quick movements of the pair and their coordination.

This was because both Serena and Emeros moved so fast! His steps were like massive leaps, and they zigged and zagged unpredictably and had various abilities that made them cross the distance.

As mages, they tried to move far away from Emeros and Serena to channel their spell.

But Emeros was just too fast for them and crossed the distance again.

"...This is a Quick Blade?!" One of the Battle Mages, who was also a Knight, exclaimed as he saw it.

"A Blitzer... He is using a large blade." Another battle mage sat up and corrected.

"No. They were both using a mix of all three... The speed of a Quick Blade even though he carried a large sword like a Blitzer, but when he grounded his foot, his attack increased like a Ravager attack..." Chevik corrected.

"Correct. I used all of them. Tell me, are these three classes considered weak and useless in the kingdom, as useless as it seems?" Emeros asked.

"...This! It is useless. The problem was that we were too weak. In the realms of Champions, a Quick Blade would not be able to do anything against a mage."

"Really? I am weaker in terms of levels towards you. Yet I could outpace not just one mage but an entire mage class. On the last battle, I didn't bother to drain your magic. Sure, you were all injured. But there were twenty of you and just two of us. My vine didn't even move."

Everyone fell silent.

"Is it possible... that what we were taught... was wrong?" The first battle mage asked.

Emeros smiled.

"Yes. This world values mages over any other jobs. Knights are generally only used for defenses and require magical equipment. But in reality, both paths can ultimately challenge each other equally. A knight could train to have the same destructive capabilities as a Mage. Their blades could cut mountains and even worlds! The ability I showed you now will reach the Champion level when I reach the Champion. I could charge through a rank of mages before they could cast a spell. A few of you love the sword more than the staff. But this world teaches you to pick up the staff... A pity."

"The sword... is as strong as the staff?" Chevik asked.

"It could even be stronger. And I could teach you. Not just the sword! But the shield, the bow, the axe, everything!" Emeros smiled.

"Even the paths of Barbarians?" One of the students asked.

"Oh? You mock the barbarians, correct? This class only appears in the mortal realms and is used by the weak ones. But their foundations are wrong. Their force energy does not have any legacy. A true barbarian would have a body as hard as a Knight in his full armor."

"Impossible!"

"...I could show you. But for now... let the healing begin." Emeros tapped on the ground, and the energy conversion circle revealed a warm light.

"Huh? Regeneration?!" Mackerel was amazed.

A strange light began to heal them.

The healing circle was another unnatural power. How was this circle able to spur regenerative probabilities?

The circle was Dark Dependent. Black Magic spurred the Death Energy in a person's body to force healing. The result was that the body was healing itself like a dark dependent like a vampire would do. It drained the death energy of another to feed the group.

Vivindel had drunk the blood of many beasts, using that energy to feed the group.

But to the limited knowledge of the students, they only saw amazing healing.

The emotions of the team were different now. They did not draw any forms of hatred or fear towards Emeros.

In the entire progression of the battle, Emeros showed them things that they were unconsciously desiring to learn.

Emeros could see that the student's impression of him was changing as the students started looking at him with revered eyes.

"Now... This was a test, as I said. And so far, four people have stood out. Battle Mage Quin. Excellent battle instincts. You seem to be a genius using the sword. My advice is to abandon the staff. Follow me, and I will show you the blade's true power."

The battle mage was startled at the offer of Emeros.

"M...me?"

"You managed to counter me despite me overpowering you in speed. I tell you, not many can do that at your level." Serena spoke.

"Next, Fire Mage Anna Brummer."

The woman with a very swollen face was startled.

"Despite being a mage whose internal affinity lies in Water, you wield the fire quite well. But sadly, this place does not offer much for your abilities. Your flames manifest like water. That last desperate attack you made caused cinders to splash on me as if it were water. Very unique." Emeros praised.

"Cinders? But... the power of my flames diminish!"

"Yes. The problem is that you have little stored energy. If we amplify it, we can increase it. And I'll explain later what we can do. Next. Chevic Hartrock. Well, you would be the one."

The class turned to Chevik. He had always been the strongest one among them.

"But people misinterpret your strength. And I believe you do, too. Tell me, what do you think is your strongest trait?"

"Magic level?" Chevik guessed.

"Magic level? My, how poor you guys are. Anyone can increase their magic levels. You've had better foundations, which makes your magic capacity two-fold greater. But that's nothing. I can give Battle Mage Quin that in two days." Emeros laughed.

Chevik was surprised. He couldn't believe that Emeros saw magic level and capacity as nothing!

"Bodily strength?"

"No!"

"Magic affinity?"

"Try again."

"...Courage?"

"Charisma."

"What?!" Chevik was surprised and a little offended.

"You managed to convince everyone to try and kill me, and in the battle earlier, you managed to reform the group and get them in order. Everyone naturally followed you. And let me tell you, it isn't because you are the strongest here. You have a knack for charisma."

"Is... that even a strength?"

"Oh, you have no idea." Emeros chuckled as he recalled how Kyros used charisma to deceive, trick, win over, and lead.

"In truth, your power is one I desperately need. Most of my current companions do not have this. So it's good to finally have one." Emeros laughed.

"And finally, Mackerel Silvos. Eyes that can see the flow of magic... and a mind of great discernment. I think it's fairly evident what you are capable of. And so, you, Mackerel, will be the first to receive a gift..." Emeros then held his hand out.

Vivindel rose, and it was as if it was trying to regurgitate something.

"Made from Captain-level beasts. It's not much, but it will get you going. A Poor-Grade Elemental Fire Core." Emeros offered to Mackerel.

At that moment, all the students froze at what they saw.

"Wha-What?!" Mackerel trembled.

"I'll teach you the method of assimilating it like I did. I didn't graft the core but absorbed it in my soul, as you can see."

The Fire Core emerged from Emeros's hand and caused everyone to marvel.

"And for the rest, prove yourself and strive harder. Commit to my teachings, and when you are all ready, you will get a Core of your choosing."

BASH!

Chevik's head smashed on the ground as he bowed.

"I will follow the teachings of Teacher!" Chevik vowed.

The rest instantly followed and kowtowed at him.

Emeros felt a strange surge of power in him. It was as if his very spirit was pleased.

Emeros was surprised but kept his thoughts to himself.

"Good. We have one week. We need to kill a lot of beasts in this place. I need as many Captain-level beasts as possible. And if you are willing, Champions. If you can offer me a Champion-level beast, I could create an Elemental Core of superior form." Emeros smiled.

Everyone couldn't believe what they heard and lay there as they all answered in a chorus.

"Yes, Teacher!"