Vale couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Lisa. He had witnessed her dedication and hard work in their training sessions. She possessed a strong determination to learn, and he believed that she deserved this opportunity to further enhance her abilities…
As the class settled down, Professor Zara addressed the students, sensing their curiosity and surprise.
"I understand that some of you might be surprised to see Lisa among the chosen few." Professor Zara began, her voice calm and reassuring. "But let me assure you that the decision was made based on careful consideration of each student's potential and progress."
She went on to explain the unique qualities Lisa possessed, her unwavering focus, and the significant strides she had made in her Dark Arts, especially in her Magic Zone's 2nd Phase. Furthermore, Lisa's Life Strand had increased a lot and this would ensure her survival.
Professor Zara further emphasized that the Second Darkness Possession Potion would not be wasted as it would surely amplify Lisa's strengths and enable her to reach new heights in her Dark Arts Mastery.
The class listened intently, their initial surprise gradually turning into acceptance, and some of them decided to just support Lisa. In any case, with their pitiful 4 or 5 Life Strands, they certainly couldn't compare to Lisa.
Chad Bulmung, a boisterous and outgoing classmate, couldn't contain his excitement. He leaned toward Audrey Hall, another close friend of Lisa, and whispered… "Lisa made it! I win! I always knew she had it in her!"
Audrey nodded." Yeah… I know she's talented but I thought it'll take a year or two. Tsk… Dalton and Warren were probably lazing around…"
As she said this, she handed over a small object to Chad. It seemed that these two were aware of this event and had bet on who would be selected to consume their Second Darkness Possession Potion.
Audrey had obviously lost and paid something to Chad.
Vale noticed the two's transaction but he just shook his head at their playful behavior and congratulated Lisa.
In any case, he couldn't help but feel a surge of joy as well. He remembered the countless hours Lisa had spent practicing and refining her Dark Arts in the Ceremony Hall.
'I hope this Second Potion won't be as deadly as before.' Vale mused. He hoped for this not just for Lisa but also for himself.
After all, the Darkness Possession they'll consume this time wasn't the same as the first one. The concentration would be higher and would have a stronger effect on their bodies.
In the meantime, Lisa was also overwhelmed by the support, but she was too shy to receive their praise and congratulations, so she just went silent and lowered her head.
As the classroom settled down, Professor Zara explained that the consumption of the potion would happen at the Ceremony Hall after the class.
The next classes passed quickly as Vale, Lisa, and Leonore followed Professor Zara to the Ceremony Hall to receive their potion.
As they walked through the hallway, excitement and anticipation filled the air.
The Ceremony Hall loomed before them, its towering doors beckoning them inside.
Vale couldn't help but feel that something had changed in the Ceremony Hall. It seemed that the Professors had prepared it as the Dark Energy around the Hall had gotten stronger or more concentrated.
As they rounded a corner, Vale caught sight of the other group of students from Class 3, led by their own professor, Professor Lucius. Vale recognized Leo Blaze, but had no idea about the names of the other two.
Leo Blaze, known for his arrogant demeanor, met Vale's gaze with a challenging smirk.
'What do you want this time?' Vale thought as his jaw tightened, his protective instincts kicking in.
Lisa was also taken aback by this man's presence as she worriedly looked at Vale. Without being told, she knew that Leo had a different idea about her friendship with Vale.
She could tell that Leo would want to mess with Vale because of their closeness. It was such a stupid reason, but Lisa could do nothing about it.
'This…'
However, before any confrontation could escalate, Leo stumbled and bumped into Vale after getting closer, causing him to lose his balance.
Vale's initial reaction was one of anger and frustration, but he quickly realized what Leo was thinking.
Taking a deep breath, Vale steadied himself, refusing to give Leo the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, he met Leo's eyes with a calm and composed expression.
"Watch where you're going..." Vale said firmly, his voice devoid of aggression.
Leo, stunned by Vale's measured response, quickly recovered and offered an apologetic smile. "My bad, man. I didn't mean to bump into you. Just got caught up in the excitement, you know?"
As he said this, he looked at Lisa behind Vale. Initially, he thought of angering Vale as he wanted to show Lisa about his real personality.
However, Vale handled it well, and it frustrates him.
Vale nodded, accepting the apology. "No worries. Just be more careful next time."
The Professors didn't mind their exchange as Professor Zara informed Lucius that they'd be using the Ceremony Hall first.
Professor Lucius agreed with this and informed them that they would be waiting outside.
"Professor, can't we watch them consume their potion?" Leo asked as he wanted to see Lisa's face while she was in pain after consuming the potion.
He was already imagining it.
However, Professor Lucius just shook his head and looked at his student. Although Leo was quite talented, he really had an attitude.
***
Entering the Ceremony Hall, Vale's gaze swept across the room, taking in the sight of his fellow classmates. The Hall was silent as no other students were using the place for now. It was reserved for the first batch of third-year students who will be consuming their second Darkness Possession Potion.
Near the Main Formation Circle, Vale saw a familiar figure. It was Professor Zach of the Alchemy Division.
He carries a bag with him, which contains the Darkness Possession Potions they'll be consuming.
That's right. The potion, a concoction of rare and potent ingredients, was carefully prepared by several Dark Alchemists, and Zach Everette, from the Order of the Evanescent Vessel, would monitor them once they consumed the potion.
