As Ashura hurriedly ran while inquiring about the way, he finally arrived at the God of War Plaza. A large group of new students had already gathered there. Some of them were eyeing each other curiously, while a small group of male students from the same dormitory gathered together, whispering among themselves. Occasionally, there were murmurs about certain girls being particularly endowed or having long legs, accompanied by lewd chuckles...
This was Ashura's first time leaving home and joining a collective life, so everything around him was new and intriguing. He looked around, observing his fellow students. Suddenly, his eyes met a pair of cold, clear eyes.
Ashura took a closer look and saw the silver-haired girl, Clara, who had participated in the test with him earlier that day.
Finally, he had found someone he knew! He excitedly waved at her, but the girl haughtily "hmphed" and turned her head away, looking elsewhere.
Ashura awkwardly lowered his hand, scratching his nose in embarrassment, and turned his attention to the other students.
At that moment, with the sound of a bell, two instructors flew into the air above the plaza—one was a warrior, and the other was a mage.
The two instructors hovered above the plaza, silently watching the new students below. The sight of this made a tremendous visual impact on the newcomers.
The students screamed in excitement, staring at the instructors flying in the air. Everyone was filled with awe for such powerful beings.
Ashura was also excited, though he didn't know what level of strength was needed to fly in the air. But one thing was for sure—his Blackwater family didn't have any experts who could fly!
He imagined how glorious and prestigious it would be if he could fly back to the Olai Kingdom...
Just as Ashura was lost in his daydreams, one of the instructors spoke in a voice that wasn't loud but somehow seemed to echo in everyone's ears: "Quiet!"
The plaza instantly fell silent...
A burly middle-aged man stepped forward and said, "Hello, little ones. I am Filman, the Dean of the Warrior Academy here at Saint Goban Academy. The person beside me is the Dean of the Magic Academy, Sannin!"
At this point, the elegant middle-aged mage beside Filman tipped his hat in greeting.
"On behalf of Saint Goban Academy, I welcome all of you. I hope that during your time here, you will accomplish great things!"
"Now, I want to go over some of the academy's rules and explain the arrangements for your studies going forward."
All the new students raised their heads and listened attentively to Dean Filman's speech.
Filman continued seriously: "First of all, no matter where you come from or which family or force you belong to, once you enter this academy, everything will depend on your own abilities!"
"Your family's power cannot reach into the academy. Don't try to use your family's influence here, or you will be expelled!"
Hearing this, some of the students dressed in extravagant clothes looked uneasy, while others seemed indifferent.
Filman didn't pause and continued: "Here, all the cultivation resources must be earned by you. Gold, silver, and even jewelry are worthless here. Only academy points can be used to exchange for various cultivation resources."
"Academy points are earned through your ranking in the academy and by completing academy tasks. Of course, you can also use them to trade items privately."
Upon hearing this, the students started murmuring. Students from average families were encouraged, while those from wealthy backgrounds were dissatisfied.
This system had effectively reduced the gap between the students.
Filman went on: "There aren't many rules and restrictions in the academy. You can arrange your time as you see fit!"
"You can attend any instructor's classes or even choose to not attend class and practice on your own. The academy will not interfere!"
"However, the academy only gives you nine years of study time. As long as you reach the rank of Great Warrior or Great Mage within nine years, you can apply for graduation!"
"The academy will grant you a graduation certificate! But if you fail to meet the graduation requirements within the nine years, you will not receive a certificate, and your descendants will not be accepted by any academy!"
Hearing this, the students gasped in shock. But since they had all passed the entrance test, they were the most outstanding talents on the continent and were confident about graduating successfully.
Both deans were pleased with the reactions of the new students. They had heard that this year's batch contained some exceptional individuals and hoped to cultivate them into talents to bring glory to the academy.
Filman continued: "Other rules of the academy are available in the badge's messages, so I won't go over them all. But one thing to note: many areas of the academy do not permit private fighting. Anyone who violates this rule will face severe consequences!"
The new students nodded in agreement. After all, they were all the elite from their respective regions, and young and fiery tempers were expected. The academy's rule was a necessary precaution to prevent trouble.
Filman looked over the students and, seeing no objections, said: "Now that the academy rules are clear, let's have Dean Sannin explain the upcoming arrangements for you."
Dean Sannin smiled as he stepped forward and said, "Dear new students, I'm sure you've already been assigned your dormitories. Tomorrow, we will arrange you into classes based on your capabilities!"
"The badge's message will notify you of your class assignment, and after that, you will receive your academy uniform. From now on, you are only allowed to wear the academy uniform. No other clothing is allowed!"
Dean Sannin's voice was warm and gentle, making it pleasant to listen to. But what he said next sent a chill down the spines of the new students.
"After the class assignments, each class will have a homeroom teacher who will be responsible for your cultivation progress. The academy is free and open, but there will be a small test in three months."
"Most of you are warriors or mages at level three. The academy requires that after three months, everyone must break through to the Warrior or Mage level. Non-combat professions are exempt from this."
"Your homeroom teachers will lead you in classes for the assessment, and the test will be to inflict lethal damage on a test dummy using martial techniques or magic!"
"Those who fail to meet the level or deal insufficient damage will be expelled from the academy! Do you understand?"
As Dean Sannin finished speaking, the plaza erupted in heated discussions.
They had all thought that entering the academy meant they were secure, but now there were additional challenges ahead.
Dean Sannin saw the chaotic reactions below and was quite satisfied with the effect.
He continued addressing the students: "Don't be surprised. The academy will have many comprehensive assessments and tasks in the future. Students who fail to complete them will be eliminated!"
"Everyone will gradually get used to it. Our graduation rate in recent years is about fifty percent. Of course, we also have an unexpected death rate of less than thirty percent, so everyone needs to work hard!"
After these words, the plaza fell into silence. A graduation rate of around fifty percent? Why hadn't they heard about this before?
But then, it made sense. Those who didn't graduate wouldn't be eager to go around boasting about their failure.
And what about that less than thirty percent unexpected death rate? Why was it so dangerous to study here?
As the students were left confused, they suddenly heard Dean Sannin speak again, his tone serious: "Cultivation is inherently a struggle against the current. If you don't fight and strive, you'll simply be a speck of dust in this vast continent."
"If you succeed and surpass everyone to become a powerful figure, you'll be the brightest star in the night sky!"
"So, classmates, your future is in your own hands!"
"From now on, the person you become will be determined by the days you spend cultivating in this academy. Seek your answers during your time here! Good luck to you all! Dismissed!"
After finishing his speech, the two deans turned and flew off, disappearing into the distance. Their words, however, lingered in the minds of the young students for a long time...