The villainous young master just wants to live a Buddhist-like life.

　Then he went to the center and joined the others in examining the mass of flesh. At this point, the significance of the flesh was no longer clear. It was more worthwhile to study the two "isotopes" rather than that.

　...

Chapter 1358 The Academy Championship - Epilogue (8k bonus chapter, please vote with monthly tickets)

　After acquiring the "isotope", Dark and the others can obtain the Demon King's blood at any time.

　Based on the blood of the Demon King, and combined with the "Book of Souls" woven from the knowledge within the mind of "Demon King No. 2", it is possible to cultivate a large number of demonic creatures.

　However, the professors had actually stockpiled the Demon King's blood long ago, but had never used it.

　Therefore, the actual demand for this "isotope" is not that great.

　St. Maryan's Academy has an underground city, so it doesn't lack general materials. It only needs to cultivate certain extremely rare demon materials.

　The primary function of the "isotope" lies in memory. What they are more concerned with is the part of that memory that concerns Brett Gold.

　Another aspect involves taboos.

　After carefully examining the mass of flesh and blood and confirming that it contained no such special substance, Dak and the others released a ball of flame to burn it completely to prevent the Demon King from having any hidden tricks.

　After that, the group continued upwards and finally arrived at the third level of the temple, which had already been broken and collapsed.

　Amidst the ruins, numerous shrines remain embedded, their statues and reliefs radiating an eerie aura, with black mist swirling around them.

　At the innermost end, the sacrificial altar was still intact, and the three statues behind it were not completely broken either. The largest statue of the evil god in the center was basically intact, except for its head, which had been severed and fallen to the ground.

　Upon closer inspection, one can even see the lingering red light in each of their eyes.

　Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he said, "If Professor Kazel were to re-inject the black mist from that test tube into the statue, would it be possible to restore it to its original state?"

　Professor Mitya said, "Dark, restoring a statue is a very complex craft, especially at this moment."

　Principal Arte said, “You can think of a statue as a signal transceiver. When the gods are present, people build statues and pray to them, which generates the power of faith. The gods have a vague sense of the faith directed at them, and at this time they can decide whether to respond, that is, whether to authorize. Only statues that have been authorized by the gods are true statues.”

　Dark nodded and said, "I understand. We need to sign an agreement. If we want to repair the statue, we need to sign a new agreement. No matter how long we work here, it's all for nothing if there's no response from them."

　Principal Arte said, "That's right. Moreover, the idols that appeared in the secret passage are very special in themselves, and it's difficult to explain what lies on the other side of these idols."

　As they talked, the group arrived in front of the statue of the evil god.

　Upon getting so close, the eerie divinity remaining within the statue became even more unsettling.

　Just a slight glance is enough to give me the creeps.

　As Dak stared into the eyes of the statue, he suddenly thought of the evil eye on the broken sword outside and couldn't help but say, "I have a feeling that the demonic sword and this statue are closely related."

　Then he turned to Ergani and asked, "Ergani, what do you think?"

　Ergane frowned and said, "There is a connection, but not much. Using that demon sword should be able to draw upon the divine power within these statues, but that's all. I think the Demon King must have specially forged a demon sword to utilize the divine power of these statues."

　Dark said, "The Demon King is truly versatile, capable of both cultivating demon materials and forging demon swords."

　Professor Mitia couldn't help but smile and said, "Isn't this a good thing? Since it's so capable, if we can control its counterpart, wouldn't we immediately gain two magic sword blacksmiths?"

　Dark immediately shook his head and said, "There's no need for a demonic sword. If it were a holy sword, it could... um..."

　He couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

　Principal Arte and Professor Mitya exchanged a quick glance, each having already made their own plans.

　If demons can forge a "demon sword" comparable to the "holy sword," why can't humans forge an artificial holy sword comparable to the "demon sword"?

　Past technology might not have been able to meet the requirements, but in this era where magical technology is nearing its peak, why not give it a try?

　The purpose of a mage is to turn the impossible into the possible.

　Professor Mitya suddenly said, "With the Demon King's arrival, 'Holy Swords' should have appeared in large numbers. But most of the 'Holy Swords' we see today are from the Sword in the Stone trial at the Holy Mystic Academy. The reality hasn't been the same as before, with countless brave candidates and everyone wielding a Holy Sword."

　“It can’t be because…” Principal Arte suddenly glanced at Dark and said, “…the Demon King has been sealed away, can it?”

　Professor Mitia said lightly, "Who knows? Perhaps it's just not the right time yet. A new Demon King has been reincarnated, and more heroes and holy swords will be born."

　Whether in past legends or in modern history, the appearance of a demon king is always a harbinger of impending disaster.

　But humanity, having come all the way through war, has long been accustomed to the devastation and loss of life.

　Prophets, in particular, possess an innate detachment.

　The prophecies they utter are often about the end of the world and natural disasters.

　Professor Mitis was no exception.

　Often, in the long course of history, the life and death of humankind is merely a matter of adding or subtracting data.

　Because fate is already predetermined, the prophet is merely an observer.

　"Can these statues be moved?"

　The silence was broken by a question from Dak.

　After scanning the area, he found that apart from the headless evil god, many of the relief-type statues were still intact, and a few of them even retained a trace of divinity.

　Under such circumstances, if one simply watches the temple collapse and the statues disappear, there is a sense of regret, much like watching golden sand slip through one's fingers.

　Principal Arte pondered for a moment and said, "It should be possible." "We need to hurry," Ergane suddenly said.

　Dark smiled and said, "Then let's speed things up."

　As he spoke, he gestured, and a large number of magical elves swarmed over and began cutting down the shrines and statues that had infiltrated the walls.

　He himself then set about moving the statue of the headless evil god.

　Principal Arte and Professor Mitya also put their hands together.

　Therefore, it wasn't long before they moved all the useful items out of the third floor of the temple.

　Let's take stock of the spoils.

　Besides the statue of the evil god, there were nine shrines and reliefs cut into square shapes, each retaining a trace of divinity. Shortly after they carried these spoils out, the three-story temple collapsed with a loud crash.

　Dark and the others immediately withdrew from that square area, then opened their eyes to watch as the temple collapsed, the ground caved in, and the ruins were swallowed up.

　Immediately afterwards, the area where the temple was located also collapsed with a roar and disappeared into the dust.

　They waited in the same spot for a while longer.

　Professor Cazell and Professor Steven Harvey successfully returned with "The Demon Lord Aldridge".

　They successfully found the "isomorph" of the "Third Demon King" and preserved its remaining soul.

　This "isotope" is half-dead and can already be classified as a type of "dead spirit".

　Upon seeing the two "identical bodies" lined up together, Dark immediately recalled the scene of the "Demon King's Execution Ritual".

　He couldn't help but say, "If we complete the souls of these two 'identical bodies,' imbue them with intelligence, resurrect them, and then kill them, wouldn't that create another demon king?"

　The professors immediately became alert as soon as he finished speaking.

　Before the appearance of the "Second Demon King" and the "Third Demon King", they never expected that the "immortality" of the "Undying Demon King" would be so powerful.

　It could even be said that even the "Undying Demon King" himself probably did not expect that his abilities had reached such a level.

　After all, he couldn't have conducted such an experiment before. "Your deduction is likely correct," Professor Cazell said gravely, "but this means that, with sufficient resources and technology, it's even possible to create an unlimited number of bio-weapons called 'Demon Kings'! The thought of the Undying Demon King achieving this is chilling."

　“But even if he knew, he couldn’t do that,” Principal Arte said. “Every resurrected demon lord is an independent individual, and they cannot tolerate an existence of equal status to themselves. So these are just impossible hypothetical scenarios.”

　After she finished speaking, she gestured for everyone to leave the "secret passage".

　"There are too many uncertainties within the 'Secret Passage.' We'll temporarily seal these spoils in the 'Orb of Truth' and consider the experiments after the personnel from the various academies have left. As for the whereabouts of the 'Third Demon Lord,' we'll determine that after dawn. Sylph, go and inform Sister Kallian to prepare for regular checks on Vitgold. Also, tell Ophelia about this… well, never mind, just take her directly to the lab and let her see for herself. That's all for tonight."

　“Then I’ll go back first,” Dark said, pointing upwards.

　After obtaining permission, he very naturally stuffed the "Evil Eye Demon Sword" that had been broken in two into the "Orb of Truth" and put it in his pocket.

　Of course, this "Orb of Truth" was just something I guessed from Professor Cazell.

　The professors acted very quickly.

　Dark left the "secret passage" with them, said goodbye to Ergani, and was then pulled by Professor Lily to say goodnight before going up the stairs and returning to the classroom where he had been.

　No sound came from inside the "secret passage," and Eudora followed Dark's instructions and did not wander off.

　When Dark entered the classroom, Princess Anna had already woken up, and Princess Angie had also emerged from the hidden trial.

　"How's the treatment going?" Dark asked as he entered. Then he saw Anna energetically raise her previously broken arm, excitedly declaring, "Completely healed!"

　"I don't understand what you're so excited about." Dark was speechless, so he went over to check.

　Eudora's treatment was indeed effective; Anna's arm has fully recovered.

　Her mental state was perfectly fine; in fact, she seemed overly excited.

　"Well done." Dark praised Eudora, finally letting out a sigh of relief.

　Eudora's reaction tonight was unexpected, unlike her usual behavior in front of him.

　The soft and glutinous personality that appears is completely inconsistent.

　But upon closer reflection, although she is young, she has actually experienced a lot. Professor Mitia's education must have been very strict. Given time, she will surely become a strong person.

　He and Eudora locked eyes.

　Anna suddenly crossed her arms and smacked her lips, saying, "The examination is over, the praise is over, now it's time to tell us what actually happened."

　"Hey, I'll say it." Angie quickly chimed in, showing off her skills as well.

　To assert their own existence, they asked, "Did you encounter the culprit who attacked the Pokémon a while ago? You've been gone so long, have you caught them yet?"

　Anna said, "Yes, whether we catch them or not, if we can catch the murderer through this, then my role as bait won't be a loss, right? Hey, you're not planning to take all the credit, are you? Even if I don't get credit, I've still put in the effort. At the very least, I'll make up for it."

　Dark was getting annoyed by her nagging, but he still patiently said, "You're right, the one who attacked you and the one who attacked the elven contestant is the same person."

　"Who is he?" Anna asked immediately. This time, her tone was noticeably different.

　Dak immediately sensed the "anger" rising within her, as if she wanted to skin the murderer alive.

　Dark said, "The killer's identity cannot be revealed. In any case, the person has been caught, and there's no further danger within the academy for the time being. As for your contribution, I will apply to Professor Sylph for assistance. What do you want?"

　Anna pursed her lips and glanced sideways, clearly unconvinced.

　But Angie's eyes lit up and she immediately said, "I heard that when Anna was attacked, a gust of wind protected her. That must be the blessing of the wind spirit. I want that one!"

　“I’m not asking you,” Dark said.

　But Anna immediately turned around and said, "I want that one!"

　Dark nodded and said, "No problem, I can submit a compensation request to Professor Sylph."

　He couldn't possibly tell Anna that the "Blessing of the Wind Spirit" was not only a life-saving spell, but also a locator!

　"So, you passed the trial," Dark then looked at Angie. Angie immediately puffed out her chest and said confidently, "Of course."

　Dark said, "Let me see the talisman."

　Angie's expression stiffened slightly, and she quickly chuckled, "That's a private secret, how could I let anyone see it?"

　Dark frowned slightly and asked, "You didn't trigger the Noble Academy's trial. Why are you being so clever?" Angie paused, muttering unconsciously.

　Darke became interested: "It's not the Noble Academy trial? Then what kind of trial will you trigger? It can't be the hidden trial of the Fool's House, can it?"

　Angie immediately replied, "Of course not."

　Dark immediately understood and said, "So it's the Knight Academy's trial." Then he reached out and patted Angie's head, and said in a low voice, "Reflect on why you triggered the Knight Academy's trial."

　"Slap!" Angie immediately slapped his hand away, then turned away and stopped talking.

　Dark chuckled and looked at Anna: "How are you feeling? If you need to rest, we can come back tomorrow night. Don't push yourself."

　Anna glanced at Angie, and all the "anger" in her heart vanished instantly.

　After emerging from the hidden trial, Anqi had been avoiding talking about her experience. It turns out she hadn't obtained the "Emperor" destiny.

　She wasn't interested in any "imperial" destiny. But since she was a noble princess, only an "imperial" destiny could match her. A princess without an "imperial" destiny was nothing more than an ugly duckling.

　As Anna thought about it, she laughed out loud; she couldn't wait. Once she obtained the "Emperor" destiny, she could trample Angie's head in the dust!

　Anna immediately perked up and said to Dark, "Of course I'm fine, I'm in so good shape I can hardly believe it myself."

　Dark sighed and took out "Skult's Quill." He had just checked Anna's body and there was indeed nothing wrong with her. In addition, her mental state seemed quite good.

　It's definitely not as good as just going straight through the hidden trial.

　By tomorrow night, we still don't know what problems might arise.

　As the concentration and activity of "divine cause" gradually decrease, the difficulty of triggering the hidden trial will gradually increase.