Chapter 142 Exams Final.

As Elysia emerged victorious from the Nightmare Gate, the representatives of the combat academies engaged in a fervent discussion that echoed with a mix of astonishment and strategic contemplation.

Representative A from the Grand Citadel Combat Academy, a prestigious institution known for its emphasis on martial arts mastery, leaned forward with a discerning gaze. "Her performance was beyond exceptional. The finesse in her combat style, the synergy with her weapon—it's as if she's transcended the virtual boundaries."

Representative B, hailing from the Arcane Collegium of Combat Arts, known for nurturing mages with combat prowess, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, she showcased a level of synchronization with her weapon that goes beyond conventional combat skills. It's almost as if the virtual realm itself recognized her as a master."

In contrast, Representative C, a seasoned observer from the Etherblade Knight's Guild, expressed a more measured perspective. "While her performance is undeniably impressive, let's not forget the inherent risks of such unconventional methods. The Nightmare Gate is a digital realm, and prowess within it might not directly correlate to real-world combat situations."

Representative D, an advocate for strategic brilliance from the Celestial Battlemasters Academy, offered a thoughtful perspective. "Regardless of the debate on virtual versus real-world combat, her adaptability and strategic acumen are commendable. We should consider the broader implications of her potential contribution to our academy's diverse skill set."

As the discourse unfolded, opinions diverged, each representative championing their academy's unique approach to combat education. The virtual screens, broadcasting the conversation to the waiting students, sparked a ripple of anticipation among those aspiring to join these prestigious institutions.

Representative E, a veteran from the Sentinel Blades Institute, noted with a shrewd expression, "Let's not overlook the fact that her unique combat style could be an asset. In an era of evolving combat techniques, having a virtuoso like her might open new avenues for our academy."

Representative F, known for promoting unorthodox talents from the Astral Prowess Guild, interjected, "We've seen countless warriors, but she brings an artistic flair to combat. It's a fusion of elegance and lethality. Our guild thrives on diversity—perhaps she could be the avant-garde exponent we've been seeking."

The discourse continued, fueled by a mix of curiosity, strategic foresight, and the undeniable allure of Elysia's unique combat artistry.

The virtual realm, a stage for their deliberations, witnessed the convergence of differing ideologies, each representative vying to secure the virtuoso for their respective academies.

As Elysia emerged from the Nightmare Gate, the courtyard buzzed with an electrifying energy. Students whispered in hushed tones, their eyes reflecting a mixture of awe and disbelief at the spectacle they had witnessed.

Stacy, a spirited mage-in-training, gushed to her friend, "Did you see Elysia in there? It was like watching a living painting, every stroke of her scythe perfectly calculated. I've never seen anything like it!"

Across the courtyard, Tom, a burly warrior hopeful, scratched his head in amazement. "I thought warriors were all about brute strength, but Elysia... she's like an artist with that scythe. It's beautiful and deadly."

As rumors spread like wildfire, groups of students clustered to share their thoughts on Elysia's unorthodox combat style.

Lisa, a talented archer with aspirations to join the Artemis Archers Academy, chimed in, "I was skeptical at first, but she moved like a dancer in there. Precision, elegance, and a touch of the extraordinary. If that's what it takes to be a top warrior, count me in!"

Mike, an aspiring swordsman, shook his head in disbelief. "I always thought raw power was the key, but Elysia showed finesse can be just as deadly. Maybe even more so. I need to rethink my approach to combat."

In a corner, a group of aspiring mages engaged in a heated debate about the compatibility of magic with such an artistic combat style.

Sarah, an adept illusionist, opined, "Her control over that scythe was like a symphony of magic. It makes me wonder if incorporating artistic elements into our spells could enhance their impact."

John, a budding pyromancer, was more skeptical. "Sure, it looked cool, but can she handle the raw force of magic? Artistry won't save you from a fireball."

Elysia's performance became a focal point of discussions, forging new perspectives and challenging conventional notions of combat. The courtyard echoed with a vibrant exchange of ideas, as students contemplated the potential evolution of combat arts in a world where elegance met lethality.

Amidst the lively debates, Elysia herself, having exited the Nightmare Gate, navigated through the curious crowds with an air of mysterious composure.

Her reputation, already adorned with the mystique of her arts works, now carried the weight of her virtuoso combat style.

Little did the students know that the academies' representatives were silently watching, their decisions poised to shape the destiny of the enigmatic warrior-painter.

Elysia looked at the pyromancer and said, "Why don't you go into the Nightmare Gate?"

As Elysia's words hung in the air, the pyromancer, John, hesitated for a moment, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Determined to prove himself, he squared his shoulders and approached the foreboding Nightmare Gate.

The students exchanged curious glances, stifling chuckles as they anticipated John's fiery encounter within the gate. Stacy, who had earlier admired Elysia's combat finesse, smirked and whispered to her friend, "Let's see if his fire can match the nightmares in there."

The portal swallowed John, transporting him into the ethereal realm of shadows and monsters. The crowd awaited in anticipation, their eyes fixed on the gate as seconds turned into minutes.

However, the atmosphere soon shifted from amusement to concern as an unexpected silence enveloped the courtyard. The pyromancer's absence dragged on, prompting uneasy murmurs among the students.

Mike, the aspiring swordsman, scratched his head and remarked, "Maybe we underestimated the Nightmare Gate. It's no joke, even for someone wielding fire."

Meanwhile, Lisa, the archer, shrugged, "Guess not everyone can handle the challenges in there. It's not just about firepower; it's about skill and adaptability."

As the minutes stretched, a ripple of laughter spread through the crowd. Elysia, her expression unchanged, calmly observed the unfolding scenario. She turned to a nearby mage and remarked, "Seems like nightmares aren't so easily tamed with flames."

The pyromancer, defeated and humbled, emerged from the gate, his once-confident demeanor replaced by a sheepish expression.

The courtyard erupted into a mix of sympathy and amusement. Stacy, unable to resist a jab, quipped, "Looks like nightmares prefer a cool breeze over a fiery blast."

John, nursing his wounded pride, joined the students once more, the experience etched on his face. The incident became a cautionary tale, a reminder that bravado alone couldn't conquer the challenges within the Nightmare Gate.

Elysia, ever enigmatic, cast a fleeting glance at John. "Perhaps artistry has its place, even in the face of nightmares," she murmured, her words carrying a subtle hint of wisdom that lingered in the air, leaving the students pondering the intricate dance between strength and finesse.

The Military Man, Captain Rodriguez, eyed the humbled pyromancer with a stern expression. "Consider yourself fortunate, young man," he stated, his tone carrying a weight of authority. "In the real Gates, death is permanent. It's not a game; it's survival."

John, still recovering from the embarrassment, nodded solemnly. The reality of the situation sank in, and the students exchanged hushed whispers about the gravity of the challenges that awaited them beyond the artificial gates.

As the commotion settled, Captain Rodriguez addressed the assembly, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "These gates are a glimpse into the dangers you may face in the outside world. They are not to be taken lightly. Now, let's proceed with the evaluation."

The students, their mirth replaced by a sober awareness, refocused on the task at hand. The representatives from the big universities, watching keenly, exchanged glances. Elysia's bold venture into the Nightmare Gate had already set her apart, leaving an indelible impression on their discerning minds.

Mike, the aspiring swordsman, leaned over to Lisa, the archer, and whispered, "Real or not, those gates are no joke. Imagine facing actual death."

Lisa nodded, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "It's a harsh reminder that beyond the glamour of combat lies a stark reality. We need to be prepared for the worst."

As the Military Man prepared to announce the next phase of the evaluation, the courtyard buzzed with a subdued energy. The students, now cognizant of the risks involved, awaited their fate with a newfound respect for the challenges that lay ahead.

The pyromancer looked down ashamed of himself as he said, "I understand."

However it was clear that the pyromancer had already lost his chance to go to a university due to his arrogance of trying to take on a Nightmare Gate filled with Nightmare monsters.

Elysia, her inscrutable gaze lingering on the Nightmare Gate, seemed to grasp the deeper significance of the trials. In this realm where strength and finesse intertwined, she stood as an enigmatic figure, embodying the delicate balance between power and artistry.