Chapter 99: Chapter 99: Refusing to Stay Low-Key!

At this point, in Dean Bruce’s understanding, the Nine Provinces Alliance seemed to consist of two factions. These two factions didn’t share information with one another, which explained why one group wanted him dead, while the other treated him like one of their own, showing him kindness and care.

Since they were from different factions, each certainly had its own motives. But seeing how much Biber Parson cared about the Nine Provinces Alliance made Dean Bruce uneasy.

If Biber Parson found out that Dean was being hunted by the Nine Provinces Alliance, would he turn on him?

After all, Biber was a headmaster with considerable power. If he decided to ambush Dean, it could be quite a headache.

As the thunderous voice continued to echo through the air, Biber Parson withdrew his magic and turned his gaze toward Dean Bruce, speaking in a serious tone: “Originally, I intended to personally escort you to Saint Laurent City and secure a spot for you to enter the Secret Realm. But it seems now that I can only write you a letter of recommendation.”

“A recommendation letter? How are you going to write one here?” André Maxwell snapped irritably. “If you’re so busy, let’s wait for the results to come in. Then, Dean can leave quickly, and you can give him one of your precious items. Leave your imprint on it, and that will earn him the trust of headquarters.”

Upon hearing this, Dean Bruce’s eyes lit up.

André Maxwell was clearly thinking of him!

If Biber Parson gave him a valuable item, that meant it would be his to keep!

Someone of Biber Parson’s status wouldn’t dare ask for it back.

Even though ordinary treasures didn’t hold much use for Dean Bruce anymore, why reject something that could still enhance his abilities?

And if it wasn’t useful, he could always sell it for money!

With more funds, he could buy unclaimed magic scrolls, learn more spells, and be prepared to handle any situation that came his way!

After a moment of silence, Biber Parson pulled a jade pendant from his pocket and handed it to Dean Bruce, speaking calmly: “This is a treasure I acquired in my youth from within the Relics. When activated, it releases an intense cold that can freeze your enemies in place.”

Pausing briefly, Biber Parson added, “If you use it on yourself, it can encase you in ice, rendering you immune to all attacks for a short period—about ten seconds.”

Dean Bruce’s smile grew even wider. He quickly said, “Thank you, Headmaster Biber!”

He never would have guessed that Biber Parson would give him such a precious item.

Any treasure that provided life-saving effects was always highly valued!

Biber Parson spoke softly, “No need to thank me. You’ve contributed a significant amount of herbs, and I’ve heard your parents went missing because of their involvement with the Nine Provinces Alliance. This treasure is rightfully yours. I’ve already left a mark on it.

Once you get close to the headquarters of the Nine Provinces Alliance, that mark will activate, and you won’t be short of the benefits promised to you.”

“Put it away before anyone else sees.”

Dean Bruce understood the importance of keeping valuable things hidden, so he immediately stored the treasure and found a spot to sit down, waiting others return.

And giving Biber Parson and André Maxwell space to talk.

It wasn’t long before Alita Miller arrived, clearly not having ventured too far from the group.

As time passed, one by one, the other instructors returned. Although they all looked exhausted, their faces showed excitement. After greeting Headmasters André and Biber, they handed over the materials they had gathered.

According to protocol, each group would typically have their collected herbs and minerals evaluated, with the exact points announced publicly. However, everyone already knew that the first place would go to Dean Bruce and Alita Miller’s group. Plus, with the evident stir within the Nine Provinces Alliance, this step was hastily skipped.

As a result, many of the instructors were left bewildered. Even when some tried to ask about their group’s points, they were met with stern, almost intimidating glares from Biber Parson, causing them to retreat immediately.

The instructors exchanged puzzled glances but didn’t dare to discuss it further, anxiously waiting for everyone to return.

It must be said that Biber Parson’s commanding shout earlier had worked wonders. Within half an hour, all groups had returned, except for the team of Barnis George, whom Dean Bruce had eliminated.

After waiting a bit longer, Biber Parson and André Maxwell finally made the announcement: “In this trial, the first-place group is Dean Bruce and Alita Miller. Second place goes to Nos Taylor’s group…”

As soon as he finished speaking, the four instructors whose names were called couldn’t hide their excitement and smiled brightly. However, the other instructors furrowed their brows.

Without announcing the point totals, many of the other instructors were clearly dissatisfied. They didn’t believe they were any weaker than the top-ranking groups! Searᴄh the ηovёlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

But a quick glance at the stern faces of Biber Parson and André Maxwell made it clear—despite their frustration, none of them dared to speak up.

Biber Parson looked over at Dean Bruce and said, “Since your group is in the top three for points, you qualify to attend Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy. I will send your names and information by carrier pigeon. Make sure to arrive within half a month, or your spot will be forfeited.”

At this point, one of the instructors finally voiced a concern. “Headmaster Biber, this ranking seems too casual. You didn’t even announce our scores!”

He continued, “That kid looks so weak; he probably couldn’t even survive in the Black Dragon Mountains. How could he possibly rank first?”

Feeling several gazes on him, Dean Bruce couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

He understood their doubts. He was too young, and with his relatively low mana reserves, he likely didn’t appear very powerful in their eyes.

As a result, the instructors targeted Dean Bruce for their complaints.

Upon hearing these comments, Biber Parson’s face darkened. After all, Dean Bruce’s parents had died for the Nine Provinces Alliance, which made Dean’s position in his heart very high.

However, before Biber Parson could speak, Dean Bruce laughed and said, “You think I’m weak?”

“Well, I won’t waste time. If anyone here thinks I don’t deserve it, step forward. If any of you can defeat me, you can have my spot.”

As his words fell, many instructors looked stunned. Aside from a few who knew Dean Bruce’s true background, the rest were in complete disbelief.

They couldn’t fathom that someone as young as Dean Bruce would have the audacity to say such things.

“What an arrogant kid!”

One instructor couldn’t help but mutter.

Dean Bruce smirked and looked in the direction of the voice. He calmly replied, “Once you’ve beaten me, then you can say that.”

“All I see are a bunch of losers who can’t admit defeat.”

“Anyone who’s unhappy with this, come at me. I’ll take you all on at once.”

Dean Bruce recalled an old saying from the East: To return home in wealth without flaunting it is like wearing fine clothes in the dark of night.

To him, this meant that if you had great strength and didn’t show it, you weren’t being humble—you were being foolish.

Only by demonstrating his power could he avoid unnecessary trouble.

“Fine, fine, fine!”

Someone shouted. “Since you dare to challenge us all, let’s see what you’ve got!”

“I’m curious to see what kind of strength you really possess!”

The enraged instructors, disregarding any sense of honor or decorum, drew their wands and began chanting.

A heavy, rhythmic hum filled the air as immense magical energy rapidly converged, causing the surrounding space to warp and ripple.

André Maxwell furrowed his brows, his gaze locked on Dean Bruce, ready to intervene at any moment.

Biber Parson, too, watched with a curious expression, intrigued by what kind of strength Dean Bruce truly possessed.

Buzz–

Countless streams of mana, glowing in various colors, gathered and began to take shape into spells.

Dean Bruce took a deep breath. He quickly cast Thousand Mountains Fortress and Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain, while also triggering his Blood for Blood magic.

In an instant, his skin hardened, taking on the appearance and toughness of solid rock.

A faint reddish glow surrounded his body.

Boom!

The instructors launched their spells simultaneously. The barrage of magic ripped through the air, crashing toward Dean Bruce with incredible force.

Then, something astonishing happened.

No matter what spells hit him, they all seemed to collide against a stone wall, erupting with explosive sounds.

But rather than dissipating, the magical energy was absorbed into the faint red glow surrounding Dean Bruce, causing the light to grow more vibrant and shift into a spectrum of colors.

Boom, boom, boom—

As wave after wave of magic rained down on him, Dean Bruce didn’t retreat an inch. He simply floated in the air, his skin now completely resembling stone.

“What… what kind of magic is this? Did he actually turn his body into stone?”

“Impossible! Even if it’s that kind of magic, the stone’s defense should have limits. How could it withstand the attacks of so many of us?”

“What… what kind of trickery is this?”

The instructors were left dumbfounded, staring at each other in shock, frozen in place.

But that wasn’t the end!

When the barrage ceased, Dean Bruce suddenly opened his eyes. Blood for Blood, having absorbed the energy from so many spells, activated with a violent surge.

Buzz—

A deep, crimson light exploded from within Dean Bruce, radiating outwards in all directions. Before anyone could react, the wave of red energy slammed into every instructor who had just attacked him!