Chapter 157 Surprise Test.

*Desert Serenity:**

The journey later led through vast desert landscapes, where the undulating sands painted a scene of serene desolation. Endless dunes sculpted by the wind created a sense of both emptiness and tranquility. Elysia contemplated the resilience required to thrive in such harsh environments, drawing parallels to the tenacity she herself possessed.

**Coastal Resonance:**

Approaching the coastline, the limousine hugged the edges of cliffs that overlooked the vast expanse of the ocean. Waves crashed against rugged shores, a constant reminder of nature's relentless ebb and flow. Elysia gazed upon the boundless horizon, the vastness of the sea mirroring the infinite possibilities that lay ahead.

Throughout this visual odyssey, Elysia's keen eyes absorbed the myriad details, capturing moments that transcended the mundane. The sights became fragments of a larger narrative, each scene a brushstroke in the evolving painting of her journey.

As the limousine continued its passage through diverse landscapes, Elysia's contemplative gaze hinted at the depths of her introspection, a traveler attuned to the stories whispered by the ever-changing scenery.

Elysia's senses tingled with alertness as she observed the military man extending the wine glass, a veneer of hospitality masking an underlying threat.

The aroma of the high-quality wine wafted through the air, but beneath its rich fragrance lingered the faint scent of a foreign substance — a poison carefully concealed.

With a measured grace, Elysia accepted the glass, her eyes meeting the military man's with a subtle intensity. "A gesture of welcome, I presume?" she remarked, her voice maintaining a polite cadence.

The military man's smile seemed affable, yet there was a glint in his eyes that betrayed a hidden agenda. "Indeed, my lady. A toast to your arrival at Warhaven University," he replied, his tone laced with a calculated charm.

Elysia brought the glass to her lips, her fingers delicately holding the stem. As the rim of the glass neared her mouth, she hesitated, her instincts urging caution. "A toast," she echoed, her gaze never leaving the military man's eyes.

A fraction of a second before the glass touched her lips, she discreetly applied a thin layer of her Qi to form a protective barrier, a subtle defense against potential harm.

The military man observed Elysia with an unreadable expression, seemingly satisfied with the prospect of the poisoned wine fulfilling its insidious purpose. "To your success at Warhaven," he proposed, raising his own glass in a mirrored gesture.

As the two glasses clinked together, Elysia skillfully manipulated her Qi barrier, preventing the poison from infiltrating the wine she intended to consume.

She took a small sip, the liquid touching her lips but never making contact with her tongue. "To success," she replied, her eyes maintaining a polite glimmer.

The military man, unaware of Elysia's precautionary measures, indulged in a hearty gulp of his own wine. A subtle smirk played on his lips, a silent satisfaction masking the ulterior motives behind his orchestrated welcome.

Engaging in small talk, Elysia steered the conversation towards innocuous topics, all while keeping a watchful eye on the military man's demeanor. "Your dedication to ensuring my comfort is duly noted," she remarked, casting a casual glance at the picturesque surroundings of the Warhaven University.

The military man chuckled, a hint of veiled amusement in his response. "It's our duty to make esteemed guests feel at home, Lady Elysia. Your stay at Warhaven will undoubtedly be an unforgettable one."

As the limousine approached the entrance of the university, Elysia continued to navigate the conversational terrain with finesse, concealing her vigilance beneath the facade of a gracious guest.

The subtle dance between host and guest unfolded, each move calculated, every word weighed with hidden intent. Warhaven University awaited, and the enigma surrounding Elysia's arrival deepened with every passing moment.

In the lavishly adorned principal's room of Warhaven University, a group of teachers gathered, their eyes focused on the surveillance screens displaying the unfolding drama at the bottom of the hill.

The atmosphere carried an air of anticipation, a mix of curiosity and reservation as the teachers observed the procession of new students, each partaking in the ceremonious toast.

Principal Harrington, a seasoned figure with an imposing presence, peered at the screens with an analytical gaze. "The annual initiation toast," he remarked, a tone of indifference laced with a hint of skepticism. "It seems the military men has a peculiar sense of tradition."

Next to him, Professor Marigold, an astute academic with a penchant for deciphering hidden motives, adjusted her glasses as she observed the students imbibing the seemingly innocuous wine. "Rituals can be quite revealing, Principal Harrington," she noted, her gaze flitting between the screens. "They unveil the dynamics at play, the undercurrents beneath the surface."

As the students sipped from their glasses, the disappointment among the watching teachers deepened. Dr. Whitestone, a stern instructor known for his no-nonsense approach, grunted disapprovingly. "None of them resisted the toast. They're all falling in line like obedient recruits."

Principal Harrington raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing with a contemplative expression. "Except one," he observed, his attention drawn to the lone figure of Elysia, who, unbeknownst to the others, had deftly avoided the effects of the poisoned wine.

Professor Marigold leaned in, her interest piqued. "The girl with the Death's Scythe. Elysia, wasn't it? She seems to possess a certain discernment."

The room fell into a hushed discussion, the teachers exchanging observations and opinions on the unfolding events. Meanwhile, Elysia, outside the scope of their awareness, maintained her composed facade, ready to navigate the challenges that lay ahead.

Back in the principal's room, Professor Ellsworth, a magical studies expert, spoke up with a wry smile. "Perhaps this year's initiation won't be as predictable as we thought."

Principal Harrington's steely gaze returned to the screens, a glint of intrigue sparking in his eyes. "Elysia might just add an unexpected twist to Warhaven's time-honored traditions. Let's see how this unfolds."

As the new students continued their ascent up the hill, the teachers in the principal's room remained on alert, their eyes fixed on the screens, eager to witness the dynamics that would shape the beginning of the academic year at Warhaven University.

As soon as the military man took out a combat stick and was about to strike Elysia, Elysia immediately manifested her Death Scythe and killed the Military Man by stabbing him through his heart.

In the immediate aftermath of Elysia's swift counteraction, the principal's room at Warhaven University fell into a stunned silence.

The teachers, who had been avidly observing the initiation ceremony, were now confronted with an unforeseen turn of events. The air in the room hung heavy with tension as the realization dawned that the scripted test had escalated into an unanticipated fatality.

Principal Harrington, typically composed, felt a prickling unease. "This wasn't part of the plan," he muttered, watching the chaos unfold on the surveillance screens. The students, previously engaged in the initiation ritual, were now scattered, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion.

Professor Marigold, ever the astute observer, adjusted her glasses as she spoke, "It seems our Death's Scythe wielder has deviated from the expected script."

Dr. Whitestone, known for his stern demeanor, scowled, "We wanted to assess their instincts, not witness an actual combat demonstration."

Professor Ellsworth, with a wry smile, remarked, "Well, it appears Elysia has her own way of interpreting tests."

The atmosphere in the room shifted as the gravity of the situation settled in. The teachers faced a dilemma: how to address an unforeseen fatality during a supposed initiation.

Principal Harrington, regaining his composure, spoke with a measured tone, "We must contain the situation. Arrange a meeting with the representatives of the prominent combat universities. We need to present this as an isolated incident, an unfortunate deviation from our planned test."

The teachers nodded, understanding the need to manage the fallout. The reputation of Warhaven University was at stake, and the incident required careful handling.

Back on the grounds, Elysia, still holding her Death's Scythe, surveyed the scene. The other students, now aware that the test had taken an unexpected turn, exchanged anxious glances. The panic that had gripped them moments ago transformed into an uneasy stillness.

As the news of the incident rippled through the university, discussions among the students intensified. Some questioned the authenticity of the test, while others speculated on Elysia's motives. The air buzzed with uncertainty, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory day.

Inside the principal's room, the teachers collaborated on a strategic response. Professor Marigold, known for her diplomatic skills, suggested, "We need to control the narrative. Emphasize that this was an exceptional circumstance, not reflective of our standard initiation process."

Principal Harrington nodded in agreement. "Get in touch with the representatives immediately. We must reassure them that Warhaven University remains committed to fostering a safe and controlled learning environment."

As the teachers worked to navigate the aftermath, the repercussions of Elysia's decisive action began to unfold, setting the stage for a challenging start to the academic year at Warhaven University.

Elysia, having swiftly dealt with the military man, turned her attention to the unsuspecting driver. With a calculated strike, her Death's Scythe descended, and the driver's life was extinguished in an instant. The abrupt demise of the innocent chauffeur added another layer of chaos to an already tumultuous situation.