Legendary Soul Art

"Is everyone ready to depart?" Headmaster Blake called out as soon as Number One appeared outside with Luna and Nami following right beside him. "I hope you all had a good breakfast because we are going to fly until we reach the Winged Soul City."

All students that passed the final test gazed at Number One speechlessly since he was late once again. The favoritism was quite obvious but they couldn't do anything when Headmaster Blake didn't even scold them for it.

"We are ready," Number One announced as he gave a casual excuse, "We were training all night so I overslept a bit. Hope it's not a problem."

Number One was actually ready much earlier but his two beauties just didn't want to wake up. They snuggled into him all morning until it was already past their meeting time. He could only let them have a bit more cuddles as he knew the Selection Academy was the last time they could allow themselves to be careless.

Once Number One released the big news to the public, it would be hard to find time to relax.

"That's alright, we had time to discuss some Academy rules with the rest so it's not that big of a deal," Headmaster Blake assured as his crimson wings burst out of his back. "Let's go. We can talk more on the way."

One by one all the students prepared their wings before Number One and the girls showcased their own. They were clearly much bigger and brighter compared to the rest and they soon found another difference. It was speed and agility which wasn't even comparable.

Number One launched to the sky and warmed up with multiple barrels and loops in the air. Even with White Soul Energy, none of the other students could keep up with his speed besides Nami and Luna who followed closely behind.

"How did they improve so much in just a single night…?" Darius questioned speechlessly as he watched the trio showing off.

The students of the top class looked at each other and could only lower their heads in embarrassment. They all went drinking to celebrate their success in the Final Test but that put them behind even more. They couldn't even say they worked hard for it when those three were working even harder.

"This is exactly what I was telling you earlier," Headmaster Blake commented as he used Number One as an example. "No matter how hard you work, there will always be someone else who trains even harder. Number One has a White Talent but he can outperform all of you by simply putting in the hours. The main Academy is not a playground and it has countless individuals similar to him. Unless you work hard, you will be quickly left behind so use Number One's case to motivate yourself."

Everyone nodded firmly and they all followed Headmaster Blake into the sky. Their movements were all sloppy since they only learned the basics which increased their determination even further.

"Follow me," Headmaster Blake ordered as he finally led the way outside of the Academy and Darius closed the formation by flying behind them. Only the two of them were protecting the group as the rest of the teachers stayed behind to manage the Selection Academy.

Number One quickly caught up with the ground and they slowed down their pace to match everyone. The Edged Soul Wings were clearly more efficient compared to other Soul Wings Arts which gave them a competitive advantage.

"Luna, can you lead the pack for me?" Headmaster Blake questioned as he saw them and beckoned to Number One. "I need to have a word with Number One so we will be right ahead."

It was clear what they needed to talk about and Number One already expected it. Headmaster Blake had already taken a few glances at the girl's new Green Storage Rings and it was quite obvious where they could get them.

"What is it?" Number One questioned innocently as he cruised alongside Headmaster Blake. "If it's about Nami and Luna's rings then I was the one who gave it to them."

"Yeah, I was about to ask about it after I heard the local news," Headmaster Blake nodded casually. "So your Master bought out the whole Auction House, killed the Alchemist Twins, and then gifted their rings to you? Is that why you left the Academy during the Final Test?"

"Yeah, but it wasn't my Master. It was me," Number One admitted honestly.

"Huh…? What did you say?" Headmaster Blake questioned with widened eyes as if he heard wrong.

"I am saying I pretended to be the Legendary Alchemist and then robbed the Alchemist Twins. They happened to have the Poisonous Toad Leaves so I couldn't let go of this opportunity," Number One explained without many details and revealed the truth. "To be completely honest, I didn't even talk with the Legendary Alchemist for over ten years. I simply used his influence since no one would believe I made all those pills myself."

Headmaster Blake almost lost his balance from the sudden shock but Number One wasn't done. "That man is no longer my Master and the main reason I work hard is so I can kill him. I would appreciate it if you didn't refer to him as my Master anymore. From now on I will build my own legacy and I don't need to rely on that man's name."

"Wow…" Headmaster Blake muttered with a dumbfounded expression. "So you want to tell me you have been lying this whole time and you weren't meeting with the Legendary Alchemist? What about the Pills for the incoming Auction?"

"Of course, I am the one who is going to make them," Number One informed confidently. "My knowledge equals that of the Legendary Alchemist so it won't be a problem. I only lied because I thought the council would find it easier to accept. Now that the ball is already rolling, I can reveal my talent to everyone."

Headmaster Blake started shaking but it wasn't because of anger. His face suddenly brightened as he gazed at Number One with an ecstatic look. "Do you realize what that means? This changes everything! If you are really as talented as the Legendary Alchemist despite being so young, you can become famous overnight and elevate the Winged Soul Academy with just your presence alone."

"As long as I get the Soul Herbs I want I don't really care," Number One replied casually. "Let's keep it a secret for now so that all the Inner World experts arrive with their money. I will appear in front of the board to showcase my skills."

"I would actually be happier if you were telling the truth but I need to witness it myself first before I decide anything," Headmaster Blake commented excitedly. "How about we land and you show me how you make Heaven Rank pills? Any pill will do."

It was understandable to be suspicious after the sudden reveal but Number One was already prepared. "There is no need. I already spent some time this morning making some."

Number One didn't hesitate to withdraw a single Pill and threw it ahead. The pill was like a shining purple star which shocked Headmaster Blake to the core. He swiftly caught it while almost snapping his back in the process and halted immediately to stare at it

"This is one of the Limit Breaking Pills that allows you to advance into another Rank if you are stuck at the peak," Number One explained as everyone else started catching up. "I keep my promises."

"Did something happen?" Darius questioned from afar but Headmaster Blake shook his head while hiding the pill.

"Everything is alright. We just wanted to regroup with everyone else," Headmaster Blake explained while giving Number One a knowing glance. "Let's go. We still have a long flight."

"One second," Number One paused them with a warning. "I can't hide that I made a fair share of enemies and we might be attacked during our travel. The chances are really low but we should be careful nonetheless. If anything happens I will just handle it on my own."

"We could have taken more guards with us if that's the case," Darius pointed out but Number One shook his head.

"Just tell me if you see anything. It's not something I can't deal with myself," Number One said calmly and they slowly resumed their flight. He doubted that Rose had prepared anything special for them at such short notice so he wasn't particularly worried.

His thoughts were true as nothing seemed to bother them for the next two hours. Headmaster Blake was also satisfied with his bribe and everything seemed to be going according to his plan. At least that was the case until they finally reached the only dangerous location on their path.

"We are reaching the Canyon Grove. We will have to lower our altitude and fly near the ground or else we might get in trouble," Headmaster Blake explained as he ordered everyone to follow him and began flying only ten meters above the ground.

The sky was gloomy despite it being noon and they suddenly spotted a stone forest made of tall red pillars that blocked almost all their vision. Their intention was quite clear and all students were warned beforehand. They had to pass through the stone forest to avoid the Black Vultures which patrolled the sky in search of their prey.

It was the most popular route that saved them lots of distance of traveling through safer locations and one only needed to be careful.

"I am having a bad feeling about this…" Luna muttered quietly as the sound of the wind died down. If anyone had to fight it would be them so the pressure was quite high.

"It's going to be okay," Number One assured after listening to the Black Vulture's description that Nami recited in his mind. "They rarely work in groups so we should be fine either way. As long as we don't disturb them in the middle of their meal, they won't attack—"

"Guys…" Another student suddenly cut him off with a fearful voice. "Am I the only one seeing corpses ahead?"