331: Chapter 266: Final Opponent, Galaxy Royal Academy

The day after defeating War God Academy, before the joy of Xinghai University's advancement had fully settled, a detailed analysis report regarding their finals opponent was sent to the personal terminals of Vice Dean Wang Zhenyue and the five team members through special channels.

The report came from Xinghai University's intelligence network spread across the Milky Way and past encounter records; its content was detailed and its wording rigorous, but the information revealed between the lines placed a heavy pressure on all who read it.

Finals Opponent — Galactic Royal Academy.

This name itself carried an Innate sense of nobility, antiquity, and gravity. It was not an academy of a single Star Domain, but a top-tier institution jointly founded by several of the oldest and most central human Empires in the Milky Way (though most had now evolved into parliamentary or federal Systems, their royal descendants still held immense influence). It was dedicated to providing Education for the top-tier nobles, great families, and a tiny fraction of commoner Geniuses with Heaven-Defying talent. Its abundance of resources, depth of heritage, and the complexity of its students' backgrounds were far beyond what 'regional' top-tier institutions like Xinghai University could compare to. They were one of the true pinnacles of the Milky Way's academy pyramid, perennially ranked alongside the likes of 'Honghuang Academy' and the 'Eternal Divine Court' among the Universe's top-tier institutions.

The team representing Galactic Royal Academy in the junior division this time was the elite of the elite.

Xinghai University, Central Tactical Analysis Room.

Vice Dean Wang Zhenyue, along with Lin Zhou, Su Yueyao, Wang Meng, Qin Qing, and Zhou Yan, gathered together. On a massive holographic screen, the core contents of the analysis report were being displayed page by page, explained by a mentor specifically responsible for intelligence analysis.

“Galactic Royal Academy, this year's junior division representative team, Captain — Michael St. Augustus.” An image appeared on the screen of a young man with blond hair and blue eyes, his face as handsome as a sculpture, wearing a magnificent white-gold trimmed battle robe. His gaze was calm and deep, as if containing infinite wisdom and unquestionable majesty; even a static image gave off a strong, overwhelming pressure of being high above and sacredly inviolable.

“The Augustus Family is an important branch of the royal family of the ancient Milky Way Empire, the 'Holy Augustus Empire.' Their Bloodline can be traced back to a powerful God King with the 'Holy' attribute from ancient times. Michael's own Divine Power Rank is estimated at LV480-LV500 (Peak Lesser Divinity), and he possesses an extremely rare composite Innate Domain — the 【Angelic Divine Court】.”

The analyzing mentor's voice was grave: “The 【Angelic Divine Court】 is not a simple Angelic follower Domain, but one that simulates and even partially reproduces the Law environment of a powerful ancient 'Holy Heaven' System. Inside his divine kingdom, there is a complete, hierarchically organized Angel Legion structure, along with supporting special miracle buildings like the 【Holy Light Pool】, 【Prayer Hall】, and 【Hall of Judgment】. Most crucially, his divine kingdom comes with a powerful 【Divine Rule】 Domain.”

The screen switched to show a specific analysis of the 【Divine Rule】:

Effect One: Holy Suppression. Within the coverage of the Angelic Divine Court's Laws, all units judged as 'Heretics' (whose faith, ideals, or alignment seriously conflict with the Holy Order) or 'Chaos' (whose behavior, energy, or Law essence leans toward chaotic disorder) will suffer suppression to all attributes. The magnitude of suppression depends on the degree of 'Heresy/Chaos,' with an estimated average between 15%-30%.

Effect Two: Holy Damage Bonus. Units belonging to the Angelic Divine Court receive a massive bonus to all types of damage dealt to units of the 'Heretic' and 'Chaos' alignments. Estimated bonus range: +80% to +120%, and potentially higher in extreme cases.

Effect Three: Order Purification. Divine Rule has an extremely strong ability to purify and resist 'Chaos,' 'Evil,' and 'Filth' type environmental effects, damage over time, and negative statuses.

Effect Four: Solidified Faith. Under Divine Rule, the Angel followers' faith is extremely steadfast, making them nearly immune to most mental control, fear, charm, and faith-shaking effects.

“This... this is simply a Domain born specifically to counter 'non-Lawful Good' alignments!” Wang Meng couldn't help but click his tongue. “Heresy and Chaos damage is doubled? Plus suppression? How do we even fight this?”

Qin Qing's brow was locked in a tight frown. As a deity who also possessed an Order-side Domain (Judgment Angel), she could better appreciate the overbearing and exclusionary nature of this 【Divine Rule】: “The definition of his 'Holy' is in his hands. Our civilization Domain's ideals are inclusive and encompass all things; will they be judged as 'Heresy'? Will our School of Military's deceptive tactics, Legalist severity, or even Mohist logic be seen as 'Chaos' or 'non-Holy'?”

Su Yueyao's cool voice rang out: “The probability is extremely high. Divine Rules often possess strong exclusivity and a sense of being the 'one true right.' Our Way of Civilization emphasizes compatibility and inclusion, which itself might be seen as a challenge to the 'One and Only Holy.' Especially Lin Zhou's river of civilization, which encompasses everything; it's even more likely to be directly labeled as 'Heresy.'”

The analyzing mentor nodded: “Classmate Su's analysis is correct. According to limited past records of encounters with Galactic Royal Academy (not this year), any Domain that does not purely believe in their 'Holy' System, or whose ideals carry obvious 'pluralistic,' 'relativistic,' or 'pragmatic' colors, will basically be judged by their Laws as 'Heretic' or 'Suspected Heretic' and suffer varying degrees of suppression. This is also why they often hold a Law advantage when facing many powerful but 'impure' opponents.”

The screen continued to switch, showing the known composition of Michael's Angel Legion:

Basic Corps: 【Angel Warriors (LV38-LV42)】, equipped with Holy Light sword and shield, balanced in offense and defense, possessing skills 【Holy Light Slash】 and 【Holy Protection】.

Assault Corps: 【Seraph Vanguards (LV40-LV45)】, dual-wielding longswords burning with holy flames, possessing skills 【Blazing Charge】 and 【Holy Zeal】 (greatly increasing attack speed and critical hit rate for a short time).

Ranged/Spell Corps: 【Cherub Priests (LV39-LV43)】, skilled in long-range Holy Light arrows, healing Spells, and area-of-effect buffs/debuffs, such as 【Holy Hymn】 (increasing ally attack power and morale) and 【Light of Purification】 (dispelling negative statuses and dealing damage to evil units).

Elite/Hero Units: At least two or more 【Archangel】 level hero units reaching LV50+, specific abilities unknown, but they certainly possess powerful exclusive skills and command auras.

Special Units: Suspected presence of a small number of higher-Order angel variants like 【Thrones】 or 【Powers】, but unconfirmed.

“Besides Michael himself, the other four team members are also not to be underestimated.” The analyzing mentor brought up the data for the other four. “Position two, Roland Plantagenet, Domain 【Griffin Knight Order】, possesses powerful aerial mobility and assault capabilities, with elite 【Paladin】 infantry coordinating on the ground. Position three, Esther Merlin (female), Domain 【Emerald Dream】 (a variant of Druid and Nature Elf), skilled in nature Spells, summoning, and terrain control, providing some complementarity with the Divine Rule. Position four, Wolfgang Anvil, Domain 【Runic Dwarf Fortress】, providing solid defense, powerful engineering machinery, and runic enchantment support. Position five, Sarah Shadow Song (female), Domain 【Silver Moon Rangers and Sentinels】, responsible for scouting, long-range sniping, and guerrilla harassment.”

“This is an extremely comprehensive and well-coordinated team, covering almost all aspects: frontal assault (Michael), aerial assault (Roland), nature control (Esther), defensive fortifications (Wolfgang), and scouting/guerrilla (Sarah). Furthermore, the core (Michael)'s Divine Rule can provide powerful alignment bonuses and Law protection for the entire team.”

The end of the report was a short video clip from Galactic Royal Academy's previous round (semifinals) battle record. In the footage, Michael's Angelic Divine Court had only deployed a portion of its power. Wherever the Holy Light shone, the opponent's 【Thunder Giant Ape】 Domain followers, known for their powerful Physical Bodies and ferocity, were like they had been splashed with acid; white smoke hissed from their bodies, their movements were clearly sluggish, and their attacks on the angels' Holy Light shields were greatly diminished in effect. Meanwhile, every attack from the Angel Legion left charred, bone-deep wounds on the giant apes, with damage visibly overflowing. The entire battle was almost a one-sided crushing defeat.

The video ended, and the analysis room fell into a brief silence. The opponent's strength and comprehensiveness exceeded expectations. Especially the suppression and bonuses of that 【Divine Rule】; for Xinghai University's team with its diverse styles and ideals that were not purely 'Lawful Good,' it was undoubtedly a massive challenge.

Vice Dean Wang Zhenyue looked around at everyone and said in a deep voice: “Everyone understands the situation now. Galactic Royal Academy is the strongest opponent we have encountered to date, bar none. Their strength lies not only in individual power and follower quality, but in that complete and exclusionary 'Divine Rule' System. This is a level of Law suppression we have never faced before.”

“However,” he changed the subject, his gaze lingering especially on the faces of Lin Zhou and Su Yueyao, “we are not without a chance of victory. First, our lineup is also not weak; each has their own characteristics and we have gone through multiple rounds of coordination. Second, Divine Rule is not invincible; it has its scope of application and internal logic. Third, and most importantly—”

He looked at Lin Zhou: “Lin Zhou, your 'Way of Civilization,' with its inclusivity and flexibility, might be the best weapon to deal with this kind of exclusionary Law. The key lies in how you define your 'Civilization,' how you ensure our team isn't easily classified as 'Heretic' or 'Chaos,' or even... whether you can conversely use your 'Principles' to question, encompass, or even redefine his 'Holy'?”

Lin Zhou had been quietly listening and watching; upon hearing this, a light of contemplation flashed in his eyes. He spoke slowly: “The Wang Zhenyue is right. The exclusivity of the Divine Rule is both its strength and its weakness. It presupposes a 'one true right' standard; anything that does not fit this standard is heretical. But one of the essences of 'Civilization' lies in acknowledging the world's diversity, complexity, and development, and opposing any absolute, rigid 'sole truth.'”

“His Holy might originate from some ancient heaven. But my Civilization originates from the million-year history of the Human Race's arduous struggle, from the crystallization of wisdom in constant conflict with nature, ourselves, and fate while seeking harmonious coexistence. This is the 'Holy' rooted in our blood and history; it is the Holy of 'self-improvement,' 'great virtue carrying all things,' and 'the benevolent loving others'; it is the Holy of 'establishing life for the people' and 'opening peace for all generations.'”

“If we talk about antiquity and orthodoxy, the Fire of Civilization of the Human Race might not necessarily be inferior to some lost 'heaven.'”

Lin Zhou's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an indescribable confidence and power: “If he wants to suppress 'Heresy,' then I shall tell him what it means to 'encompass all rivers' and to be 'harmonious but different.' If he wants to define 'Holy,' then I shall debate with him on what truly constitutes the 'Supreme Good' that protects the Human Race's progress and gives meaning to civilization.”

Su Yueyao's beautiful eyes shimmered as she looked at the firm and wise profile of Lin Zhou's face, a certain string in her heart being gently plucked. She said softly: “Moonlight is cool and clear, yet it also has the power to shine upon all things and cleanse filth. Perhaps it can resonate with the Fire of Civilization to jointly resist the solitary glare of the Holy.”

Qin Qing also said solemnly: “The justice of Law transcends the bias of a single faith. The Eye of Judgment can discern good and evil, rather than using only 'Holy' as a yardstick.”

Although Wang Meng and Zhou Yan weren't very good at debating Laws, they were also stirred to heroism by Lin Zhou's words: “Boss, just tell us what to do and we'll do it! To hell with the Angelic Divine Court, our Behemoths and Titans aren't pushovers either!”

Wang Zhenyue looked at this group of young people whose fighting spirit was instantly ignited and who had begun to actively think of countermeasures, especially the core, Lin Zhou, and felt greatly heartened. This was the elite of Star Sea; they wouldn't be intimidated by a powerful reputation, but would instead be inspired to even greater Battle Intent and wisdom.

“Very good!” Wang Zhenyue slapped the table. “There are still three days until the finals. During these three days, your task is to deeply study every detail of the opponent. Especially Lin Zhou, Su Yueyao, and Qin Qing—you must focus on thinking about how to deal with the Divine Rule suppression and formulate at least three sets of tactical plans for different situations. The school will open the highest-level simulation combat System and provide all necessary resource support!”

“This battle is not just for the 'Ancient Battlefield' entry ticket, but also to show the entire Milky Way the path and style of our Xinghai University!”

“Yes!” everyone responded in unison, their eyes burning with soaring fighting spirit.

The smoke of the finals had already begun to drift. The Holy Light of the angels and the inclusive Fire of Civilization were about to engage in a duel of ideals and Laws on the grandest stage.

While Xinghai University was in the midst of intense preparations, a short internal meeting was also taking place at the Galactic Royal Academy's base.

Captain Michael St. Augustus was elegantly wiping a holy sword with a restrained glow, listening to a subordinate's intelligence summary regarding Xinghai University, particularly Lin Zhou.

“...In summary, this Lin Zhou's 'Civilization Domain' is very strange, with varied tactics, and he seems skilled at Law-level interference and transformation. Its core ideology is highly inclusive, which may conflict with Your Highness's Divine Rule,” a silver-robed adjutant reported respectfully.

Michael didn't stop his movements, a faint smile appearing on his handsome face, as if he were looking at an interesting toy: “Inclusive? Heh, the common failing of civilizations—always trying to reconcile all contradictions, with the result often being that they gain nothing. True Holiness requires purity, exclusivity, and a supreme, singular criterion.”

“His 'Civilization' sounds like a stew trying to boil every ingredient together; it looks rich, but in reality, it has lost its original flavor. Whereas my 'Holy' is the supreme truth that has been tempered a thousand times and refined to its essence.”

He put down the holy sword, his gaze seemingly piercing through the walls to see the distant Xinghai University.

“Pass down the Order: I will personally take the field for the first match of the finals. I will use the defeat of this 'civilization warlord' to demonstrate to everyone—in the face of absolute holiness and purity, all so-called 'inclusion' and 'flexibility' are nothing more than excuses for weakness and compromise.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Holiness and Civilization, two completely different paths, two proud leaders; before even meeting, they had already felt the sharp edge of each other's irreconcilable ideals across the distance.

The stage of the finals was destined not to be peaceful.