Chapter 1670 Stone Pillar <TOC> Chapter 1672 Reward
Translator: SumTLMan
As everyone’s attention was fixed on these ten individuals, their names rapidly flashed across the screen.
The Philosopher, Phantom Moose, Shadowflame, Demon Gourmet, Sleepy Trickle to Flowing Stream…
With each name shining momentarily, ten cards simultaneously emerged from the screen. Then, amidst a gust of wind, the cards scattered in all directions.
When they collected the cards, it felt to everyone as though the sound of shattering glass echoed through the air.
Upon closer inspection, the barrier that previously restricted their movement on the plaza had now dissipated, revealing the path leading to the mountain’s peak right before their eyes.
They exchanged glances and, led by the Philosopher, they stepped onto this path.
Under the clear sky without a single cloud to obscure the sun, a blazing sunlight poured down, illuminating this amber-hued path which shimmered with a golden radiance. It truly appeared to be a path filled with glorious splendor.
The apprentices standing beside the stone pillars watched these ten individuals heading towards the mountain’s peak with envy in their eyes. Yet, weren’t these very individuals atop the pillars also the objects of envy for the spectators below?
…
The view from the spectator seats was different from the actual situation.
Unlike the previous Sea of the Frenzied Trolls or other arenas, they couldn’t see the overall layout of the Path of Glory. What they could see was a vision presented by a special Magic Eye.
This unique perspective was reminiscent of the recently popular “Drama Shadow Box” in Sky Mechanical City.
Through the lens’s transition, it showcased the most exciting scenes.
“Melanctha told me that the way this scene transitions and propels forward actually draws inspiration from your ‘Shadow of the Cage’,” Farina whispered to Angel. “However, I still feel that the scene transitions in your ‘Shadow of the Cage’ are even more fluid and natural.”
Angel quietly watched the distant scene and remarked, “To have achieved this level is already commendable.”
His foundation was influenced by the visual media from the holographic tablet’s depiction of Earth. However, it took him many shows and movies to get a preliminary understanding.
The wizard who can manipulate this Magic Eye might have only seen the special Drama Shadow Box of the ‘Shadow of the Cage’ and yet, can achieve such seamless scene transitions. This itself speaks volumes about their proficiency.
Especially when it comes to the composition of the presented scene, Angel felt somewhat inferior. One could surmise that behind this lies a wizard with an exceptional eye for artistic expression.
Take now, for instance.
Under the display of the Magic Eye, ten ‘Stars of Tomorrow’s Hope’ were walking towards the mountain-top palace. While framing them as the main subjects, the view sweeps by with a very unique angle, passing by individuals standing on stone pillars.
The pace is just right, neither too fast nor too slow, perfectly capturing a myriad of facial expressions.
Some serene, some smiling, some with eyes lowered, some looking up.
Even the most stoic of faces, when outlined by the brilliant sunlight and complemented by the flutter of clothes and hair in the breeze, seems to be haloed. Even the most rational person, upon seeing this scene, can’t help but be awed.
These are the future superstars of the Southern Region!
Among these individuals, behind these faces, might emerge figures who’ll influence the entire Southern Region’s destiny, maybe even attaining the legendary realm.
They are the hope of the Southern Region, representing the future of the Wizarding World.
Even the most exalted wizards were moved by the display they witnessed. The sheer artistry and tension of the images might be beyond the understanding of the ordinary audience. Yet the impact and intensity it brought to them remained undiminished. They watched with intense emotion, every face that appeared, wishing they could step into the scene and take the place of those depicted.
However, the Novastar Competition has already come to an end, and they no longer have a chance to replace the participants.
Yet, the tide of this grand era has not subsided. Even if they didn’t become a part of the Novastar Competition, it doesn’t mean the future doesn’t hold promise for them.
The future is like a sandbox hidden within a box; no one truly knows the landscape that lies within.
Every one of them has an opportunity to make their mark on this sandbox.
…
Within the Boundless Arena——
The top ten contestants of the Novastar Competition were getting closer and closer to the summit palace.
“Why is this path called the ‘Path of Glory’?” Trom, with his antler hat, asked, somewhat perplexed.
Trom’s gaze——swept over the people around him, but no one responded.
Finally, Trom turned to Suyatutai, who exuded an elegant scholarly aura, reminding Trom of a college professor.
Suyatutai, having been observed by Trom for quite a while, eventually replied softly, “A name doesn’t inherently mean anything. But being in the spotlight is a glory in itself.”
Suyatutai looked up, seeing only the clear sky and the blinding sun.
Yet he knew, beyond this domain, countless people in the audience were watching them.
In the very center of a multitude, bathed in the gazes of countless individuals — some filled with admiration and others with excitement — such an experience could indeed be considered a form of glory. And this is the path they’ve chosen.
Trom paused for a moment, seemingly grasping something.
“It’s merely superficial vanity. The true state of affairs is known only to the heart,” Cherie commented with a hint of sarcasm in her cool voice.
Cherie, who was visibly impatient, had always disliked mingling with crowds. What’s more, this time, she had to accompany someone she detested the most. Her gaze briefly darted to Jiebo, a figure not far away, and a flash of disdain was evident in her eyes.
“I’m not sure about its superficiality, but the ceremony itself holds power,” Suyatutai responded, “Cat Lantern Witch, you should be familiar with the study of rituals. Since this is a ceremony, going through its motions might not be so pointless.”
Cherie let out a cold huff but didn’t pursue the argument any further. She was acutely aware that Canter, her mentor, was likely watching her intently at that moment. With the recent altercation she had with Jiebo at the Fragrant Plaza still unresolved, any rash move she made under such public scrutiny could elicit an unpredictable reaction from Canter.
Between Trom’s inquiries, Suyatutai’s responses, and Cherie’s sarcastic remarks, it seemed that the group of ten began to gradually open up and converse more freely.
Occasional exchanges alleviated the atmosphere, ensuring it was no longer as tense.
However, not everyone within these ten could get along harmoniously. Given that some had competed against each other, and several held past grievances, the atmosphere occasionally turned awkward.
Take, for instance, Azaz and Carvelyn.
Azaz, looking into the distance with a contemplative expression, hesitated for a moment before approaching Carvelyn, “About the previous competition, Carvelyn, I…”
Carvelyn glanced at Azaz and interjected, “In a competition, there is a winner and a loser; I don’t particularly care about that. However, your abilities are indeed intriguing.”
Carvelyn merely acknowledged with a nod and didn’t probe further into Azaz’s capabilities, stating, “If you’re only here to discuss the competition, that’s already in the past.”
Azaz pondered for a moment, “Apart from the competition, there’s another matter. Lord Pat entrusted me to look after Hilary for a bit. She’s currently…”
Azaz’s gaze shifted beyond Carvelyn, where Hilary was seen napping on her shoulder.
In reality, Hilary’s tendency to sleep was well-known to everyone due to her peculiar habit related to her title “Sleepy Trickle to Flowing Stream.” However, Azaz had personally witnessed that it wasn’t Hilary’s choice to sleep; rather, she was knocked unconscious by Carvelyn.
“I know what you’re implying,” Carvelyn said, “If I hadn’t incapacitated her, the ceremony wouldn’t have proceeded smoothly.” As Carvelyn spoke, she cast a glance toward Jiebo in the distance.
With Jiebo’s presence, Hilary was bound to exhibit frenzied behaviors.
Coral had also requested this of Carvelyn. Hilary was present at the time and was well-aware of her condition. Hence, since even Hilary didn’t object, Carvelyn merely extended her assistance.
After all, Carvelyn is currently residing at the Bliss Pavilion.
Azaz wasn’t fully aware of Hilary’s situation. However, seeing Carvelyn’s perspective, he felt it wasn’t his place to comment further. Besides, Lord Pat was outside and likely had a clear view of the circumstances here.
With that thought, Azaz nodded to Carvelyn and stepped aside.