Last Wizard King's SSS-Level Magic system in Modern World-Chapter 149: The End of Round 1- Part 1

Liam would have been more worried about Elias if he could not feel the magic of the labyrinth pulsing against his fingers. It was telling him about Elias’s fall.

However, the other ’genius’ had been taken out of the competition.

"This is what happens when you talk too much. Ugh, none of these humans have anything to offer. Liam, get moving now."

Asger ordered, and Liam rolled his eyes at being bossed around. Sharp nails dug into his shoulder as a warning to keep his mouth shut, and Liam decided not to bother checking it out.

Instead, he kept walking until he saw another room that looked highly decorative. The walls were covered in gold and silver, and no matter where Liam looked, it did not seem as if he could find a way out on his own.

Had he been someone else, this was the part where he would have started losing hope and given up.

But because Liam could read the flow of magic, he was able to track magic patterns and use them to navigate.

He followed the flow of magic before he noticed that it disappeared behind a brick wall that did not seem out of place in this dungeon.

But that was only at first glance.

On closer inspection, Liam was sure that his hand could pass through the wall. Something about it did not look quite solid.

"Asger, be alert and inform me if you feel anyone coming closer to us. I will take care of getting us out of here."

Liam quickly sank his hand into the wall and watched as it disappeared inside. With this, he could feel the flow of magic around the dungeon itself, and he commanded it to open the door.

Was it an obvious show of his power? Of course, it was.

But these people were so drunk on their supposed supremacy that Liam doubted they would pay much attention to a new student doing this. At most, they would chalk it up to his luck.

Click.

The door opened without much fuss, and Liam quickly walked out of the first labyrinth.

And if he so happened to be the first one to complete the first round of the tournament, then it was just a coincidence.

______

The teacher’s lounge was abuzz with quiet chatter, the scent of freshly brewed tea and old parchment filling the air as the academy’s staff gathered to discuss the ongoing tournament.

The first test was already underway, and all eyes were on the students battling their way through the labyrinth-style dungeons.

Professor Elara, a strict but fair instructor in elemental magic, sipped her tea as she leaned back in her chair.

"This first test should weed out the weak and leave only the strongest candidates for the guilds to pick up. It’s an efficient system."

She remarked, her sharp green eyes glinting with interest.

Professor Aldric, a battle-hardened warrior-turned-instructor, nodded in agreement.

"Indeed. The academy’s reputation will only grow if we continue producing exceptional talent." He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table.

"So, Elara, who are you rooting for?"

Elara didn’t hesitate.

"Bianca. She’s an excellent student—disciplined, hardworking, and sharp. I have no doubt she’ll make it far in the tournament."

Aldric chuckled.

"You always favor the ones with a strong sense of duty. But if we’re talking about talent, my money’s on Shelly Bell. She’s already knocking on the door of the top 100 rankings. Just a little more experience, and she’ll be unstoppable."

Their conversation sparked interest among the other professors, and soon, voices overlapped as different names were thrown into the mix.

Some supported the underdogs, hoping for a surprise victory, while others placed their bets on proven talents.

In the middle of the lively debate, a calm and amused voice cut through the noise.

"What about you, Elder Erin?"

The room quieted as all eyes turned to Victor, who sat with his usual composed demeanor.

His sharp eyes studied Elder Erin, the oldest and most respected figure in the academy. If anyone’s opinion carried weight, it was his.

Elder Erin exhaled slowly before answering, his deep voice carrying a practiced neutrality.

"All students are equally likely to win. It is not my place to favor one over another."

A few professors nodded at his diplomatic response, as expected from someone of his status.

But Victor?

He merely smiled, leaning back in his chair as if he had just heard something amusing.

"Ah, Elder Erin. I must say, I truly admire your ability to lie so easily."

Victor said smoothly, his tone laced with mock admiration.

The room tensed. It was a bold statement—perhaps even disrespectful—but Victor didn’t seem to care.

He held Elder Erin’s gaze, and for a brief moment, a flicker of irritation passed through the elder’s usually impassive face.

But it was gone just as quickly. Elder Erin remained composed, offering Victor a polite but cold smile.

"I only speak the truth."

He replied evenly.

Victor chuckled.

"Of course, of course. As for me, I do have my own pick for this tournament... but I think I’ll keep that to myself."

He then turned his gaze to the rest of the faculty, his smirk never fading.

The other professors exchanged glances, curiosity flickering in their eyes. It wasn’t like Victor to keep secrets—at least, not ones he didn’t enjoy flaunting.

"Oh, come on, Victor. If you have a favorite, let’s hear it."

Aldric pressed.

Victor merely shrugged.

"What’s the fun in that? Besides, I wouldn’t want to influence the betting pools."

He said with a knowing glance at a few professors who were known to make wagers during tournaments.

The faculty chuckled, some shaking their heads at Victor’s antics, but the curiosity remained. Who was Victor so confident in?

Elder Erin remained silent, but his fingers lightly tapped against the armrest of his chair. He, too, had a suspicion of who Victor might be referring to.

And if it was who he thought it was... then things were about to get very interesting.

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