Cultivation Through Artifacts

Before Moon Academy's main building where the first Announcement Day took place, hundreds of Cultivators with different Cultivation Stages were standing, whispering amongst each other loudly.

On the sides, all the teachers and experts from different Job Departments were standing motionlessly too, waiting for the Announcement to begin.

"Why are there so many experts? Did something major just happen?"

"I don't have a single clue. My Master told me to come here without hesitance or he will cripple me if I'm late for even a second! I had to leave during my Mission because of this!"

"I hope coming here was worth it because if not..."

Moon Academy students mumbled between each other with mixtures of emotions, all of them trying to figure out the cause of their purpose to come here.

Some even had to run several miles away from far away cities all the way back to here just to attend this Announcement, so if they had to return for something completely meaningless then they will definitely throw a tantrum without a question!

"Where is Khal? I can't see him at all. Wait... Don't tell me he overslept?" Liza was spying the crowd around her with prying eyes, hoping to find Khal's figure among the sea of Cultivators.

"I can't see him either," exclaimed Nate from the side, turning his head here and there from time to time.

Alia who was no further than the two, looked around the crowd, she too wishing to find Khal's figure among the huge crowd.

"Eh? Who are you looking for? Don't tell me it's him again, hmm~" Izara glanced at her friend with a slight smile on her face.

"Ah? Oh, no. Not at all..." mumbled Alia quietly but even after that her eyes never stopped scouting the area around her, making Izara smile even more.

"Hmm..."

Even Asur, Merlyn, and Marx were among the group, but because everyone feared them because of the crazy reputation no one really wanted to approach them. Only those above them in Cultivation Stage would stand close to them because in their eyes they were nothing but mere jokes.

Minutes have passed in loud buzzing, when suddenly out of thin air Jas', Logan's and Khal's figure emerged before the crowd, silencing every Cultivator there right away.

"Welcome everyone. I am deeply sorry for disturbing your precious Cultivation time with something like this announcement, but today's occasion holds great importance."

Jas's dialogue made the crowd feel quite disturbed, not understanding what could be so important that had to be proclaimed by the Academy's Principal.

"Did Khal get into trouble? Why is he up there with the principal?" Nate's question made Liza's face turn into a frown while Alia's complexion behind him became worried.

"Junior Brother? What is he doing there?" Marx and Merlyn looked surprised while Asur remained indifferent as always.

On the other hand, Alde's face showed a smug grin, while his friend stood on his side with a bald head.

Looking at the number of Cultivators before him, Jas nodded and said, "As I can see everyone successfully arrived then let's start the announcement."

Straight after that, Jas began to explain everything that was told to Khal a few days ago by Logan. In the beginning, Every Cultivator's present seemed stunned and enlightened by the reason why Khal had a different uniform than them, but as Jas continued to talk that emotion gradually changed into shock, then into dead gravity.

At the end of his declaration his every Cultivator present held a solemn expression, while deep in their eyes a tingle of anxiety and fear was present.

A Tournament that was held every half decade? Killing others just to earn merit for oneself and the Academy? Was this a kind of joke? They were not murderers but Cultivators! Even if they had to kill others, it was when their life was at stake! But this was clear daylight slaughtering before the whole world for no fucking reason!

As this weight descended upon the crowd, filling the air with solemnity, Jas remained unfazed and turned toward Khal.

"Now then, as I mentioned it previously, it's time for Khal to decide. Will you keep the robe or will you pass it onto someone?" the question was directed toward Khal, making all the Cultivators present lower their heads in an instant.

No one was stupid enough to replace Khal just to be slain in the end before millions of people! Khal had such misfortune not them, so he can keep it to himself gladly!

But unfortunately, this wasn't how it worked and now if Khal wanted to, he could easily pass the right to hold the Moon Robe onto any of them without any objection. That is why even those on the Fifth Cultivation Stage remained silent, some even lowering their Cultivation Presence on purpose!

"Tsk... How shameless! A bunch of chickens!" naturally the experts noticed this and the disdain on their faces was as clear as day.

On the other hand, Jas just simply smiled at them and waited for Khal to decide.

Khal stepped forward and stared at each individual before him with a nonchalant expression, hence making those Cultivators shrink their heads in fear of being chosen by him.

However, there were a few who didn't get fazed by Khal's gaze and even straightened their backs to show dominance, but alas, their eyes told otherwise; it was apparent that not even they wanted to be chosen by Khal no matter what.

Khal swept his gaze over all individuals, including his friends and Liza, but in the end, he just closed his eyes and sighed, "I choose..."

"No one."

"!?"

When Khal stayed silent after his first two words, everyone felt anxious for some reason, but the moment he told his answer it was as though a heavy mountain fell off their shoulders whilst shock replaced their worry.

"What? Did I hear it right? Did he just say he won't pass the robe onto anyone?"

"Are you deaf or what? Yes, he clearly stated that but why? Does he want to die that much?"

"He must not know what death is that's why. He is crazy!"

People began to mutter among each other in the lowest tone they could talk with, but the relief and joy never ceased to leave their eyes.

"Truly a bunch of cowards. And they call themselves as Cultivators...Tsk, the worst of the worst." this time Raffin couldn't hide his disgust anymore and his voice filled the surroundings. 

Even though he made sure to keep his voice down, what he just said sounded in every person's, experts' and teachers' ears like thunder, muting the crowd in a flash!

"Elder Raffin, please control your manners," said Jas calmly, but deep inside his heart, even he knew Raffin had a point.

Turning his head toward Khal then at the crowd, Jas crossed his arms behind his back and began to speak, "Then it has been decided. The Moon Robe won't be passed onto anyone, or at least not until one of you wants it. Anyone who wishes to obtain the robe must raise their hands now and challenge him for the right. Anybody?"

The silent crowd began to murmur between each other once again, but so far no one raised their hands.

Fight for the 'privilege' to attend a tournament where people slaughter each other? Where their lives were at stake? No, but thanks!

"Haha, what a ridiculous question even is that? Who in their right mind would take that robe away from him? Only those with the desire to throw themselves right into their demise would choose such a foolish decision!" snorted Alde with ridicule, his eyes holding happiness.

However, it was right at this moment, as the unexpected happened and a voice among the silent crowd sounded.

"Me! I want to challenge him for the Moon Robe's right!"

Khal who was about to step back believing no one was bold enough to challenge him just to have the chance to die, looked at the owner of the hand; however when he did, his complexion paled lightning fast.

"Oh? Are you sure about it?" asked Jas as he never would have belived that the one raising her hand would be her.

"Yes. Without a shadow of a doubt!" replied Liza, causing everyone to snap their heads in her direction right away.