The Xua Tian Mage Academy, located within the borders of the State of Ming, on the southern edge of the Northern lands, was once recognized as the strongest in the continent of Zhuyin, and led the Four 'Emperor' sects. Even though it was still famous in Zhuyin, it had experienced a decline in recent years and did not maintain the glorious position it once had. Nowadays, compared to the other Sects within the continent of Zhuyin, it could only be considered inferior.
Actually, although the Academy was now inferior to the top Mage Schools in the continent, it still remained the top cultivation school in the Northern lands which caused many people to go.
But things were different now. The strong powerhouses of the Academy went missing hundreds of years ago, and the school was past its glory days. Considering the lack of resources in the State of Ming, and pressure from the other top Sects within the continent, if they wanted to get new recruits, they were forced to hold application exams twice a year. This way of getting sect members were easy, but it was hard to find people of worthy quality worthy to groom.
Meanwhile, Akio had already went ahead to the Xuan Tian Academy.
Today was the test date where the talents of the participants would be examined, and according to that talent - they would get declined or accepted.
Akio Masao followed along small paths that wounded among the mountain peaks. The surroundings were garden-like, with strange rocks and odd-looking trees everywhere. Amidst the beautiful scenery, extravagantly decorated buildings with jade roof tiles rose up out of the clouds and mist. Akio Masao sighed continuously. Sadly, there was a fat teenager next to him who wailed the entire time, somewhat ruining the mood.
"I'm hungry, really hungry…. I want to get to the Academy already," muttered the fat teenager, tears rolling down his face. "There is high quality chicken waiting at home, and fish. Dammit, dammit. I want to get to that Academy already, become a powerful Mage, and have a few concubines.."
He muttered under his breath for the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, until Akio turned. "We're close to the Academy," he said coldly, "keep your mouth closed for now."
The fat teenager suddenly trembled violently, his eyes shining with anger, but he shut his mouth.
After a while, when they reached a point about half way up the mountain, Akio Masao saw a city with enourmous temples and flashing lights emerging from the roiling fog.
Thousands of people sat outside the buildings. They looked exhausted. As Akio and the others approached, the young people noticed them, but did not call out any greetings.
Some distance away, a middle aged man wearing a light blue robe sat on a crag. His face was long, almost like a horse, and his robe was obviously more expensive and fancy than those worn by the others. Though his face was cold, when the newly arrived people arrived, he smiled.
"Everyone!"
"We now have five thousand people here, which is the limit for this exam." The middle aged man got up and soared into the air as he levitated.
"This is the Xua Tian Academy's exam place" he said in a cold, emotionless voice. "The Academy does not support slackers. Now that you're here, you will finish the exam and get tested, upon which you can leave. If you try to escape, well, there are many wild beasts in these lonely mountains, and you will certainly die. The first test is to enter this house one by one.
The house is filled with zombies that can regenerate every 10 minutes. The method does not matter, but all zombies should be killed within those 10 minutes.
The fat teenager trembled even harder, his face filling with despair. Akio remained calm. In fact, deep within his eyes was an indescribable sparkle. The horse-faced man noticed. He had held this position for many years and had seen many young people captured to be servants, but had never seen anyone as calm as Akio Masao.
"For those that have come later, it is wise to enter the lodging assigned to you." The middle aged man flicked his sleeve as house tokens with different numbers went to thousands of people.
"The A Class Sixth house is where I will live. Starting tomorrow, I will live a new life!" Akio's eyes shined brightly.
Breathing deeply, Akio imitated a young man and saluted with clasped fists, then walked toward the house, followed by the fat teenager. The building appeared to be a courtyard dwelling that had been expanded multiple times. Following the signs, he located the sixth one, then opened the door and entered.
The room wasn't large. It contained a table and a small bed, and though simple, was quite neat and tidy.
Akio quickly got into the room and starting his work-outs, heavily tiring him out.
It looks like life as a mage won't be so simple after all...