FALLEN ORACLE

**Chapter 6: Ancient Text Fragment (2)**

After returning to the academy and resting briefly, Professor Tress announced the rankings of this year's Special Competition and handed out the prizes.When it came time to decide first and second place, considering the unexpected intrusion of the demonkin, the rules dictated that since Chen Yi's squad had all their robes turn red first, they would take second place, and Bill's squad would take first.But as soon as the results were announced, Bill himself objected. "Professor, the four of us have discussed it. We believe first place should go to Chen Yi's squad.""Oh?" Professor Tress pushed up his glasses. In years of teaching, this was a first."First: before the demonkin showed up, Nika from our squad had already been eliminated, and my own robe durability was nearly gone. Given the situation at the time, Chen Yi's squad had the absolute advantage.""Second—and most importantly—the demonkin attacked our squad first. They could have simply retreated, which would have secured first place for them without putting themselves in danger.""But the four of them chose to stay, bravely fighting a powerful unknown creature to save their opponents.""So I believe that whether you consider magical ability, tactical skill, or moral character, they are the undeniable first place."Professor Tress nodded. "Since you insist, alright. 'Friendship' goes to them. Your squad will take the Thunderstrike staves.""Let me announce the revised result. The first place in this year's Special Competition goes to: Chen Yi, Phil, Carl, and Liv. Congratulations!"Applause erupted—not only to honor the winners but also to celebrate the camaraderie among classmates.Chen Yi and his three had initially felt a bit disappointed about not getting first place, but they never expected that Bill's squad, who had eliminated them multiple times in the past, would so magnanimously yield the top spot.Overjoyed and moved, they high-fived Bill's four to show their gratitude and friendship.Then, following tradition, everyone recited the Rongqi Academy motto under the guidance of the professors:*"Execute the will of the gods; inherit the essence of magic."*---Back at the dormitory building, Chen Yi took out the ring pouch containing "Friendship.""We have two Elementalists. How do we split the rings?" Carl asked.Liv decisively said, "I don't want this ring.""Huh?" Chen Yi looked suspiciously at the once-spoiled lady."I made mistake after mistake from the very first battle. In the end, against the demonkin, I almost got Chen Yi killed. This is an ascendant's ring—I don't deserve it." Liv's rapid-fire confession startled the other three.Phil touched his sister's forehead in surprise. "My god, is this my sister? I never thought I'd hear such words from her!"Liv angrily pushed her brother's hand away. "I can reflect too, you know. I was wrong before. Seeing you three has taught me a lesson. Anyway, from now on, I'll get along better with my dormmates.""This is an ascendant's ring—very precious. You should take it," Chen Yi urged.Phil waved his hand, looking relieved. "Let her decide. I think what Liv gained from this Special Competition is far more valuable than an ascendant's ring.""For the ring she's giving up, let's give it to Mendes. Without his staff, we could never have made it to the end. The four of us will each take one ring—perfectly matched to our specialties."Given the siblings' insistence, Chen Yi and Carl had nothing more to say.So the four dormmates divided the "Friendship" ring set by specialty: Elemental, Healing, Psionic, and Summoning."Professor Cobb was right," Phil said, putting on the Psionic ring and examining it. "There really seems to be some faint psionic resonance among these rings.""This ring is fine, but not as good as I expected. I feel like this ascendant's ring isn't much better than my family's heirloom rings," Carl said, repeatedly swapping between "Friendship" and his original rings to compare.Mendes put on his ring as well. "Rich boy, stop showing off. This ring is far better than my old one. With it, I'll certainly save on magical materials when doing research. Oh, and Phil, thank your sister for me for giving it up."Chen Yi also put on his ring and tried to sense the surrounding mana. His original Elemental ring could cover about one dormitory building. This "Friendship" ring's sensing range extended over half the dormitory complex.A good ring—if Chen Yi hadn't encountered "Destiny.""You're all too superstitious about the title 'ascendant,'" Chen Yi said with a shrug."Hey, I didn't notice before. When did you change your ring? The pattern is quite nice," Mendes first spotted "Destiny.""Uh... our bakery business has been doing well lately, so my dad bought me an Elemental ring with some heritage, plus a new storage ring. They handle better than my old ones." Chen Yi used a lie he had prepared but was far from airtight."Chen Yi, I feel like you've been weird lately. Are you hiding something from us?" Phil asked."Weird? I'm the same as always. What kind of relationship do we four have? How could I hide anything from you?" Chen Yi answered insincerely.Carl patted his chest. "As long as you're okay. If you have any trouble, just tell me. Don't bottle it up.""For sure."They had lived together for eight years. The other three could tell that Chen Yi was definitely hiding something, but he didn't want to talk about it.Since he was putting up that front, they didn't press further. The key was that all three trusted that even if Chen Yi had a secret, it would never harm them.---In the following days, Chen Yi focused on one thing: how to get the third-place prize—access rights to the ancient text fragment.After much hesitation, he finally decided: you can't catch a wolf cub without entering the wolf's den. He took out his "Friendship" ring and proposed swapping it with a member of the squad that had won third place.When Chen Yi made the request, the other person first looked incredulous, then stared at him like he was mentally challenged."You want to trade an ascendant's ring for access to an ancient text?""Yes. You heard me right. No matter how many times you ask, that's my answer."In the past, Chen Yi probably wouldn't have made such a choice. But now he possessed an Elemental ring incomparably more powerful than "Friendship." The first-place prize had become rather useless to him."Deal! Deal! Deal!" The excited person grabbed the ring and shoved the access card into Chen Yi's hand. "Transaction completed! No take-backs.""Don't worry. I won't go back on my word."And so, each got what they wanted and went off happily, both bright futures ahead.