Heaven's Greatest Professor

"Now that the barrier is standing, we should put it to the test," Warden announced. "Let's see how it holds under physical attack. Who wants to go first?"

The adepts looked eager to test out the fruit of their labour, yet none of them approached the shimmering barrier, knowing physical strength alone could hardly deal any damage to it. The soldiers present were familiar with the barrier as well, but that didn't stop them from slamming their fists into it. All of them were Iron rankers, and they could barely put a dent on it.

Even if they managed to leave a mark, the barrier would restore itself in mere seconds.

"Ah, Captain, wanna try throwing a couple of punches?" Warden asked, finding Agnes staring at the barrier with an amused smile.

"Can I use my energy?" she smirked.

"Sure, everyone try with all your might," Warden said, not thinking too hard about it. The barrier was erected to withstand the full power of Silver-ranked powerhouses. He turned to everyone and announced, "How about we make a competition out of this?"

Warden only took a moment to think before continuing, "How about this, if any of you succeed in making a hole in the barrier, I'll repair one piece of equipment of your choice. And if you manage to traverse to the other side of the barrier, you can ask me to make you a piece of equipment."

All the soldiers, and even the adepts, brightened with the announcement. Some of them began slamming their weapons against the barrier, channelling all their spiritual power. This time, they left more than a dent, as the energy in the barrier began to undulate at a higher pace, repairing the damage instantly.

"Stop, you hapless suckers," Jenni shouted at them. "Do you think it's a team competition? Not that I ever think you all can impregnate this thing together, but have some balls."

Thankfully, the soldiers had enough shame to reorganise in a line, approaching the barrier one by one.

Warden smiled at Jenni and said to Agnes, "She's a kindred spirit, isn't she?"

"I like her," Agnes answered. She raised her eyebrow inquiringly, "Are you sure about the rewards? I don't know if the news gets out, more soldiers will begin to join."

"Oh, I forgot to add the contest is only valid below gold rank," Warden shouted at the lined contestants.

Agnes shot him a look of disapproval.

"Can we get more than one chance?" one of the soldiers shouted.

"Umm, you get three chances," Warden wanted to say as many times as you liked, but the formation was burning essence gems to restore all the damage inflicted on the barrier. While it was hardly anything with one person, with the cumulative exploits of dozens of soldiers, it would have been a hefty expense.

"Aren't you going to try?" Warden asked the raven-haired woman next to him.

"Let them play out now," she said. "I just hope you don't regret your decision later."

"Madame Captain, the barrier is built to withstand Silver-grade damage," Warden said. "Even still, I think only a very few elite Silver rankers will find it possible to traverse through the barrier."

"Is that so?" Agnes mumbled with a mysterious smile.

"Do you have some trick, Madame Captain?" A smile crept onto his face as he asked her.

"Maybe, maybe not," she said mysteriously. "Hey, look, you have your first winner."

A horn was blown immediately as the first sign of real damage appeared on the barrier. Sergeant Aerel stood before the barrier, her arm pierced through it, high intensity of spiritual essence flaring where she created the hole. Yet she found it hard to force it more. Unable to traverse the wall, she finally gave in.

"Someone disable the alarm real quick, or we might have soldiers lining up for emergency shortly," Jenni shouted.

"On it," Aki barked as he rushed towards the Stele to disable the alarm.

While many of the soldiers congratulated the sour-faced Aerel, she was still glaring at the barrier, which restored itself after she ceased her attack.

"Congrats on being the first winner, Sergeant," Warden said.

She scowled at him, and then a smile appeared on her lips. "I still have two more chances," she said. "Prepare to make new equipment for me."

"As long as you can traverse the barrier," Warden laughed.

Even though she said that she withdrew for now from the barrier and moved to join her Captain, who seemed to be having a great meal. She probably didn't want to showcase her full power in front of everyone or wanted to take a tactical break to prepare her game plan with her captain. Whatever it was, it was fine by him.

"Hey, you guys can try as well," Warden said to the adepts.

"Are you sure, Master Warden?" Aki asked. "It didn't seem fair that—"

"Shut up, Aki," Jenni shouted at her friend and jumped at the chance. "I'm not going to miss my chance."

Saying that, she bossed around the soldiers to take their spot. She didn't attack as many had hoped; instead, she brought out a stylus and began scribbling runes right on the barrier.

"Interesting," Warden's smile broadened.

"So she has a chance?" Agnes asked.

"More than you, actually," Warden said.

"So you're looking down on me now?"

Warden shook his head. "Although both of you are Iron rank, and you have more raw power," he explained, "she has the full knowledge of what the barrier is made of. It is possible for her to find a way to succeed… Only time will tell."

And from the look of it, it would take her some time. Possibly half an hour.

"You all can continue. Just don't disturb her."

The line of soldiers moved a few paces away from where Jenni was working and continued.

"Looks like it will take some time," Agnes said.

Warden nodded. "Hopefully, Caleb and others will be here by the time this ends."

Time passed as the soldiers continued attacking the barrier taking their turn. About a quarter of an hour later, someone else shouted.

"Hey, look, I succeeded," barked a soldier. "I made a hole."

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