327 Retreat When Difficult? (1/2)
The camp outside Auschwitz was under the same thunderstorm that night. The high gray walls were covered by dark clouds. There was only darkness in the world; there were no stars or moonlight. Only darkness and rain.
One could see countless raindrops falling from the sky and the dim lights of the grouping area through the city gate that was ajar. The city gate was dozens of meters high and seemed to be made of iron. It was rusted from years of wind and rain. Without maintenance, it was practically impossible to push now. They could only manage a crack a meter in width for people to pass through.
The lights were dim under the rain but illuminated the figures standing before the gate. Their clothing was all different. They had come from all over the world; the only similarity was the almost tangible aether waves and animosity exuding from them.
Even if they had a truce, sparks practically flew from their eyes when they stood together. It was obvious that if someone made a move, the others would break out without any hesitation. However, they were restraining themselves now and no one shattered the truce.
They were all participants in the Auschwitz trial—the strong ones who survived the journey here. The others had all died, retreated, or escaped. Those who could remain here were the next generation of elites and prodigies from each school. They represented the dignity and pride of their schools. If one overlooked the musicians who had already become accomplished, the musicians present would be the mainstay of the next generation in twenty years. They represented the future of each school. This was why they forced themselves to be calm and…'unite' to some extent. This would lessen the problems later in the trial.
According to the proposer Colt Flagg, the journey here was difficult for everyone so why create new enemies?
Many of the hot picks of the trial were moved by his words and came here so they could keep all variables outside Auschwitz before the deadline. Simply put, they would make the unqualified ones give up after finding out how difficult it was.
The participants included Colt Flagg, Revelations musician and representative of the Rock Institute; Choir musician Paul Bunyan from the archipelago; the Hauser brothers, Summoning musicians from Burgundy; Ariana, a Mind Musician; Rebecca, representative of the School of Illusion Voodoo Crypt; and more.
Most people would be smart and turn around as soon as they saw this group. Even if they didn't, it was okay. They would just be invited into a friendly duel before entering Auschwitz. Private battles were not allowed inside the city so was it better to create the winner beforehand? Of course, they did not go overboard. Unlike the secret fatal attacks in the wilderness, they would stop once the point was across.
”After all, the Sacred City is watching.” Someone looked up into the sky with a half-smile.
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Thunder clapped amongst the pure black clouds. The rain poured in sheets. Occasionally, lightning would streak across, illuminating the figures flying in the air.
They had strange postures and seemed to come from different places. However, they all radiated with strong aether waves that slightly distorted the material world, changing it into the aether realm. This was a Scepter's power. They were all of the Scepter level! But in this solemn atmosphere, someone suddenly sneezed and pathetically took out a handkerchief to blow his nose.
”Sorry, this stupid place is too cold. I should've worn more.” With that, he looked down at the grouping area. ”It's almost eleven and it's still not over? These kids don't know how to sleep. What are they doing at midnight? A nude party?”
Someone beside him glared. ”The deadline is midnight. After the clock strikes twelve, no other musicians will be able to enter the trial.”
”Yes, yes, I understand. You've all worked hard.” The guy who had appeared in Maxwell's office blew his nose and complained, ”I'm so sad. I was just messing around and then I was sent to this place to be a babysitter. Look at these kids! Each one is more troublesome than the last and they add even more trouble at night. What if we just let them be and go sleep?”
Everyone ignored him.
Amongst them, a man in Eastern clothing comforted him, ”Great burdens come to those with great abilities. Why don't you wait a bit more? After all, your representative from Anglo hasn't arrived yet.”
”Mr. Hu, are you talking about that white-haired kid?” The mysterious man stuffed his handkerchief into his pocket and sighed. ”He's probably lying dead in a ditch somewhere if he's still not here.”
”I think highly of him.” Mr. Hu chuckled.
”Then what about your kids? They must be sad if they hear your words.”
Mr. Hu continued to smile. ”The Imperial College had me bring them here to open their eyes. We're just here for the fun.”
Someone glanced over and shook his head coldly. ”Undisciplined.”
Mr. Hu just chuckled and started singing, ”Oh, I'm the undisciplined of Wollongong…” The mood became so awkward that everyone looked away, pretending they heard nothing.
In the long silence, someone finally looked up. ”Someone's here.”
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