Shrek Academy.
For over 10,000 years, it has stood as an unshakable pillar of power and prestige, a legendary institution that has long transcended the status of a mere academy.
What had once begun as a small, exclusive school, accepting only the most gifted geniuses, had evolved into an independent force, one that rivaled entire nations in influence.
Located in the southeast of the Heavenly Soul Empire, Shrek Academy sat at the heart of the continent, its territory bordering the Dou Ling Empire to the east, the Star Luo Empire to the south, and the Star Dou Great Forest to the southeast.
It occupied a crucial position between the three great empires, making it an entity no nation could afford to provoke. Even the most powerful kingdoms sought its favor, vying for the opportunity to nurture their next generation of Spirit Masters within its hallowed halls.
But unlike ordinary academies, Shrek Academy was not a place for the weak.
With a strict limit of 5,000 students, Shrek Academy's expulsion rate was unforgiving—failure meant elimination. Every year, a staggering 1,000 freshmen were accepted, but few would ever see graduation.
The Outer Academy demanded six years of relentless training, with a rigid requirement: by the time of graduation, one must possess at least four Spirit Rings to be considered a true Spirit Master.
Yet, even reaching the Sophomore level was a daunting task. After only three months, students were sorted into four combat classifications—Assault, Defense, Control, and Auxiliary—though Assault and Control students often shared classes due to their complementary roles in battle.
The path of the Shrek students was paved with hardship, but those who endured and excelled could move forward toward an even greater goal.
The Inner Academy.
Only a handful of elite graduates from the Outer Academy were deemed worthy to enter the Inner Academy, an even harsher battleground where students faced life-or-death missions.
Those who stepped into the Inner Academy became known as Shrek Guardians, warriors tasked with defending the academy's interests and testing their strength against the real world.
It was said that true graduates of Shrek Academy were only those who completed the six-year trial of the Inner Academy, emerging not only alive but wielding six Spirit Rings—a requirement that placed them leagues above ordinary Spirit Masters. These individuals were sought after by every kingdom and recognized as monsters among men.
Among the Inner Academy's disciples, some prodigies shined brighter than others. Students who could reach six rings before the age of 20 were called "Seeds", rare talents that stood at the pinnacle of their generation. As of now, there are only four such individuals in the entire academy, including Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yaoheng.
Across the entire continent, six rings before 20 was the publicly recognized benchmark of an unrivaled genius. To achieve such power at a young age was to stand above the countless Spirit Masters who had spent decades chasing the same goal.
And Shrek Academy…
It was the place where these monsters were forged.
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The crackling flames of their campfire danced under the dim evening sky, their soft glow flickering against the trees at the edge of the Star Dou Forest.
The night carried the scent of charred wood and freshly grilled fish, a simple yet comforting meal that Huo Yuhao prepared without much thought—an instinct inherited from the original Huo Yuhao's memories.
Tang Ya, sitting across from him, pouted in dissatisfaction. Despite the warmth of the fire, a different kind of coldness radiated from the boy in front of her.
Huo Yuhao sat motionless, eating with mechanical precision, his expression blank, his thoughts elsewhere. Each bite was methodical, devoid of enjoyment, yet strangely fascinating.
Bei Bei noticed Tang Ya's frustration and skillfully redirected her attention before she could interrupt His Majesty's daydreaming.
Meanwhile, deep within Huo Yuhao's mind, a strange realization settled in.
'Food… I never thought it was this enjoyable.'
The idea of eating—something so fundamental to humans—was almost foreign to him. In his past life, his kind did not need it. Reishi was all that sustained him, an infinite, omnipresent energy that nourished his vessel. But here, in this world, Reishi was absent, forcing him to adapt in ways he never imagined.
Still, food wasn't just sustenance—not for humans, anyway. It was a necessity, a comfort, a pleasure. He began to understand why the Quincy King, his incarnation might have considered it irrelevant.
But he was no longer just a Quincy.
His body functioned differently now. He could convert nutrients into Reishi through 'reconstruction,' a process that allowed him to regulate energy intake without waste.
The Deathdealing Schrift handled the rest—eliminating toxins, modifying metabolic processes, and even removing bacteria from his body and clothes. This ensured he never smelled, never felt dirty, and most importantly, never needed to expel waste.
Efficient. Perfectly optimized to his needs.
The thought pleased him.
He took another bite of fish, letting its warmth spread through his body, before shifting his focus elsewhere.
He needed to think ahead—to establish himself in this world, build a foothold, and later, an army.
Shrek Academy was the perfect starting point. It had resources, talent, and influence—all things he needed to acquire.
As if on cue, Bei Bei's voice pulled him back to reality.
"Brother Yuhao, we've decided to recommend you to Shrek Academy. What do you think?"
Huo Yuhao glanced at him.
"A recommendation letter?"
He hadn't considered it before, but this would undoubtedly accelerate his plans. Skipping the entrance exam meant he could begin laying the groundwork immediately.
"Alright. I'll accept it." He nodded.
"That's great!" Tang Ya beamed. "Shrek Academy would be lucky to have a talented genius like you!"
Then, her smile faded slightly.
"Though… It's a pity you're not joining the Tang Sect."
Huo Yuhao didn't respond immediately. His answer had already been decided long ago.
"I have no intentions of doing so."
To emphasize his point, he casually lifted a cup of poisoned tea—brewed from the Star Dou Forest's most toxic plants—and took a slow, deliberate sip.
Bei Bei and Tang Ya froze. The two already saw him crushing poisoned plants into a paste and then mixing it in clean boiled water. Bei Bei assured Tang Ya, he would be fine, so she nodded.
The bitterness spread across his tongue, accompanied by a searing heat that should have melted his insides. But Huo Yuhao remained unbothered.
Inside his body, Deathdealing went to work—analyzing, neutralizing, and ultimately converting the poison into Reishi. The once-deadly substance now strengthened his control over his abilities.
'Two birds with one stone.'
He took another sip, eyes drifting toward Bei Bei.
"...Spirit Guides," he said suddenly. "Senior Brother Bei Bei, you mentioned that it's a new field of study at Shrek Academy, correct?"
Bei Bei raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden shift in topic.
"Ah, yes, your maj- ahem, Brother Yuhao. I mentioned it before."
Before he could elaborate, Tang Ya's voice cut in.
"Wait, wait, wait!" She frowned. "Why aren't you including me in this conversation?"
Huo Yuhao turned his eyes to Tang Ya.
Tang Ya puffed out her chest, crossing her arms. "You should be asking me, Brother Yuhao! I'm an expert when it comes to the latest trends!"
She placed a palm on her hip, a smug look on her face.
Huo Yuhao exhaled softly, indulging her with a question.
"I see… then what is a Spirit Guide?"
Tang Ya puffed her chest out proudly, flashing a smug grin at Huo Yuhao. "Hehe, listen closely, Brother Yuhao. Spirit Guides, more commonly known as Spirit Tools, are the future!"
Huo Yuhao leaned slightly forward, intrigued. "Go on."
She twirled her finger in the air as if painting the future itself. "Spirit Tools, or Soul Guidance Devices, are powerful weapons and equipment that can be activated with spirit power. They were first introduced by the Sun Moon Empire and are slowly replacing hidden weapons."
Bei Bei nodded, adding, "It's a new field of study at Shrek Academy. Though it's still in its infancy, many believe Spirit Guides will redefine the battlefield. However, there are still skeptics that spirit masters will always be on top."
Huo Yuhao tapped his fingers lightly on the wooden table. "You mean to say… they can be wielded by non-Spirit Masters?"
Tang Ya smirked. "Exactly! Though they're still powered by spirit energy, advancements in technology have allowed for their independent operation. Ordinary people can now use them, just like Spirit Masters! They're created using special metals and embedded with energy arrays—kind of like carving formations into weapons, but way more advanced. When infused with soul power, these carvings unleash devastating effects."
Huo Yuhao's eyes caressed his non-existent beard. "So these tools can act as an extension of a Spirit Master's abilities?"
"Yes! And they come in many forms. Close-range, long-range, offensive, defensive, even support types. Some are small, like concealed weapons, while others are large-scale war machines. The stronger the Spirit Master, the more powerful the tool they can use." Tang Ya's excitement was contagious as she gestured animatedly.
Bei Bei took a sip of clean water interjecting, "And it's not just weapons. Spirit Guides are beginning to be used in daily life as well. The Sun Moon Empire has started incorporating them into industry, transportation, and even medicine. Their goal is to push human society forward, even to the point where Soul Masters may no longer hold a monopoly on power."
Huo Yuhao leaned forward with a curious tone. "If ordinary people can wield power comparable to Soul Masters… doesn't that change everything?"
Bei Bei nodded solemnly. "It does. In the past, Soul Masters ruled the battlefield. Now, even an ordinary soldier armed with a high-level Spirit Guide can be deadly. If this continues, who knows what the future holds?"
Tang Ya clapped her hands together. "That's why it's important to study them! Shrek Academy is finally starting to take this seriously. And in the future, who knows? We might even see battles where Spirit Tools surpass traditional spirit abilities!"
Huo Yuhao leaned back, his mind racing. A world where technology and Spirit Masters were on equal footing? It was fascinating. He definitely had to get this technology for his Empire. He exhaled slowly. "I see. Then, I suppose I should pay more attention to this field."
Tang Ya grinned. "Now you're thinking like a genius! Stick with me, Brother Yuhao, and I'll show you all the latest trends!"
He closed his eyes lightly, not reacting to the enthusiasm, sipping his tea once more. Spirit Guides… perhaps this was the key to achieving his goals of creating an army of Quincies.
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The trio arrived at Shrek City just as the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the vast metropolis.
The streets bustled with activity, merchants calling out their wares, spirit masters and ordinary folk moving seamlessly together, and towering structures that exuded a blend of history and innovation.
The sight struck a chord within Huo Yuhao, reminding him of the past.
He silently observed the grand architecture—ornate stone buildings, intricate metalwork, and large clock towers reminiscent of the Late Victorian Era from his past life.
To him, Shrek City was a fusion of tradition and advancement, a civilization at the crossroads of magic and technology.
He had wandered through the memories of countless Quincies, their lifetimes of knowledge merging with his own, and yet, something about this city felt both familiar and foreign.
Bei Bei led the way, while Tang Ya practically bounced beside him, unable to contain her excitement.
"Welcome to Shrek City!" she declared with pride. "The largest and most powerful city on the continent. Can you believe that it was built around Shrek Academy? Most cities have their institutions within them, but this city itself was born from the academy!" She placed her hands on her hips, grinning. "It's basically the center of the world!"
Huo Yuhao's gaze swept over the surroundings as they weaved through the crowds. He could see towering walls in the distance, marking the boundaries of the great institution.
"I assume Shrek Academy holds significant influence here," he mused. It was a great place to build his funds and connections.
"More than just influence," Bei Bei said with a chuckle. "The entire city operates under the academy's jurisdiction. Even the city lord answers to the academy's elders."
Tang Ya nodded enthusiastically. "Shrek Academy isn't just a school, it's a legacy spanning over ten thousand years! The most powerful experts and ruling elites have either trained here or have some connection to it. That's why it's called the number one academy in the world!"
Huo Yuhao absorbed their words, his mind processing the information.
A city governed by an academy, powerful enough to command the respect of empires. It made sense why Shrek Academy remained a living legacy—it wasn't just a place of learning; it was a Kingdom of knowledge, strength, and influence throughout the continent.
As they walked, the scenery subtly changed. The commercial district, filled with its bustling marketplaces and artisan shops, gradually gave way to a quieter, more disciplined area.
The structures here were grander, the streets meticulously maintained, and the atmosphere carried an undeniable air of prestige. It was a stark contrast from the past of Shrek Academy.
"We're entering the Outer District of Shrek Academy now," Bei Bei explained. "It's where new students, visitors, and lower-level personnel reside. Beyond those walls up ahead is the true academy—where only those who pass the entrance exams may set foot."
Huo Yuhao's sharp eyes followed his gesture, spotting the towering gates that marked the boundary between the city and the revered institution. The insignia of Shrek Academy was embedded into the grand entrance, the emblem of a monstrous beast's eye staring down at all who approached.
Tang Ya grinned. "Ready to take your first step into the greatest academy in the world, Yuhao?"
"..."
Bei Bei sighed, his gaze shifting between the ever-enthusiastic Tang Ya and the silent, unreadable Huo Yuhao. The contrast between them couldn't be more apparent—one was brimming with energy, while the other carried an air of detachment as if lost in a world of his own.
"Then, Brother Yuhao, let's meet again after your first class," Bei Bei said, his voice calm yet carrying a note of respect. He gave a slight bow to Huo Yuhao.
The young man, unfazed, simply nodded before turning away, his figure disappearing beyond the entrance gate to the Outer Shrek Academy.
Tang Ya blinked, confusion flashing across her face. She glanced at Bei Bei, her brows furrowing as she focused on him.
"What's with you all of a sudden?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity.
Bei Bei chuckled, shaking his head. "Hahaha... it's nothing," he said, though his eyes lingered on the path Huo Yuhao had taken.
Turning back to Tang Ya, he softened his smile, noticing the renewed spark in her demeanor. It had been a while since he had seen her this lively.
"Let's go, Tang Ya," he said, leading the way.