Next day,
In the heart of Acron City, a massive crowd gathered to watch the 'Contest of the Gifted ones' that's going to start in a few minutes.
A large, 150 inch, white square box hovered in the mid-air, projecting the scenery of Acron forest -- where the contest is going to take place.
Outside the Acron city, the entire land is covered in the dense forest. It's where the contest is going to take place.
The entire forest is monitored both by automated cameras and arrays, making them capable of viewing and dealing with any problems that may arise.
Aside from that, nearly ten thousand experts were stationed in different parts of the forest to assist the students if required.
At 9 Am sharp the Contest started, the students were transferred to various parts of the forest by the Flying shuttles. Now, it's up to them to determine their result.
The screen only displayed the first thousand students' battle scenes and ranking, as for the remaining students ranking they only can check it on the internet.
Reyna, Gin, and Luna watched the contest from a VIP room specific to Blue Orchid academy Dean and other core members of the academy.
Instructors responsible for recruiting the students for their respective academies occupied the normal rooms.
After what seemed like 15 minutes, the rankings were updated on the screen. Most of the students who occupied the top thousand places are from the core regions, only a handful from the surrounding regions was among them.
Nearly 800 contestants amongst the top thousand were Seal Opening stage practitioners who all opened one or two hidden seals.
Even though Rafe's name wasn't among the top thousand, Rodrix name is. It didn't surprise Gin much, as he knew the latter's strength well.
Gin checked Hammer and Astro's results, whose rankings were in millions. They need to rank in the top 10,000 if they want to join one of the top three academies of the Human continent.
As for the contestants who were aiming for the top 100, they aren't just doing it for fun. Ranking in the top 100 grants many rewards, like techniques, martial skills, potions, magical fruits, etc.
Hammer and Astro's strength increased to a whole new level after consuming Gin's potion. Both of them have discovered their 10th hidden seal which is an inconceivable concept to them.
With their current strength, they just need to be a little careful and watchful of the Seal opening stage contestants. Then, their rankings will surely rise.
Getting into the top 10,000 won't be a problem for them.
"It's boring, let's go." Reyna suddenly said.
Gin also agreed since Hammer and Astro weren't were among the top thousand and he can't watch them fight, anyway.
'Well...The contest will go on for 10 days, I will come back on the last day.' Gin mused.
Shortly, the three of them left the Acron city by Reyna's flying-shuttle.
"Miss Reyna, did you find any information about the herb I asked?" Gin asked as the shuttle streaked forward.
"Mn. Someone indeed saw a herb matching your description but it was located in a dangerous region." Reyna said.
"Where?" Gin excitedly asked. The herb he needed and wanted to find is called 'Silver-heart flower', a rare Rank-2 herb.
In the mortal world, the energy is low and insufficient so the highest level the herbs and magical fruits can attain is Rank-3.
Since the world is still recovering its lost energies, the birth of higher-level herb is very slim. Only regions and lands that are blessed with rich essence energy can grow Rank-2 or Rank-3 herbs.
It's also the reason why Gin was excited. He didn't expect someone would really find the herb that he seeks.
"Extreme Snow Region situated in the southern part of the continent," Reyna replied. "What is the use of that herb, why do you desire it so badly?"
"I'm planning on concocting a potion called 'Wild Heart', that assists in opening one's hidden seal.
The reason why physique cultivators couldn't break 'open' their hidden seal is because of a lack of powerful energy. This potion provides that drive." Gin explained.
Normal cultivators won't face any difficulty in opening their hidden seal because they can store the essence energy in their spirit seal and command it as they want.
But physique cultivators don't have such luxury. Of course, Gin's different. Even without this potion, he can open his hidden seal.
The thing that stops him from becoming a Seal Opening stage cultivator is his greed, to discover all 13 hidden seals.
"Is it similar to the berserk potion that Alchemy association sells?" Luna asked.
"Tsk...Don't compare my potions to their trashy products." Gin chided. He heard about the Berserk potion. A notable potion that's widespread among the cultivators of the Human Continent.
According to the Alchemy association claim, there's a 50% chance that a peak Physique Enrichment stage practitioner will break through to the Seal opening stage upon consuming their berserk potion.
Their claim isn't baseless, it's authentic and tested by many.
"Good. Sell it to the academy after you concoct the potion." Reyna stated.
"Sure, but only if the academy purchases it for triple the price of Berserk potion." Gin said.
"What? No way. Are you trying to rip off the academy?" Luna refuted.
"Deal!" Reyna agreed without any further negotiation.
"Sister..." Luna glanced at Reyna in frustration.
"Cool!" Gin beamed.
Luna snorted, "I want a vial when you make one."
"Sure" Gin agreed.
"Did you see any signs of discovering your 12th hidden seal?" Reyna suddenly asked. It's been a few days since she inquired about his progress.
"No," Gin shook his head.
"It's been a few months since you joined the Blue Orchid academy, I recommend you to venture outside. Pick and complete a mission located near the Extreme snow region.
I will send the location where the herb you seek is spotted, you can also search for it in the during the mission." Reyna proposed.
Gin thought for a moment and eventually agreed. Every student has to complete two compulsory missions if they want to become a grade-2 student.
Grade-2 students enjoy special privileges compared to the Grade-1 students whether it's their accommodation, resources, martial skills, or other things.
Above all, a grade-2 student can even get permission to explore some medium-level ruins that are not permitted to others.
He has to make some preparation before he starts his travel since he plans on venturing alone.
He knew this trip will be fought with danger as some of his enemies may target him during this journey.
Though Reyna agreed to protect him, she won't make a move if the enemy is below the Seal Destruction stage master. He's on his own.
--
Last day of the 'Contest of the Gifted ones',
Gin once again traveled back to the Acron city to watch the contest. Out of the 10 million contestants, nearly half of them were eliminated.
The remaining were trying their best to defeat other contestants and raise the rankings.
Gin smiled seeing Hammer's rank, who was ranked 8745 in the contest while Astro's rank was around 40000.
Even with Gin's help, he couldn't reach the top 10000. It's unexpected. Anyway, Gin somewhat expected this outcome.
Hammer's talent is higher than Astro whether it's practicing or comprehending any martial skills. Moreover, he possesses a natural combat ability that rivals others of the same ranks.
What Gin found unexpected is Rodrix's ranking, he was among the top 100 contestants. His combat ability should be about the Seal Opening stage practitioner who opened two hidden seals.
As for Rafe, he was ranked around 2000.
As the end of the contest drew near, all the contestants were on a fire. Some hide from others so their ranking won't drop, some actively sought other contestants, all sorts of things were happening.
Finally, at around 5 in the evening, the Contest of the Gifted ones came to an end.
The contestants who are ranked in the top 100,000 were happy. Even if they can't join the top 3 academies, they can join other established academies.
After what seemed like 1 hour, large flying shuttles belonging to the academies brought the contestants back to the Acron city. Gin soon spotted Hammer and Astro.
Astro had a depressed look while Hammer comforted him. At least, Astro can join other academies with his rank.
Hammer decided to join the Blue Orchid academy since Gin was there. With his help, he won't have any problem with joining.
As for Astro, he can apply for the academies apart from the top 3. If Reyna recommended, the academy will accept Astro without any further questions—but Gin doesn't plan on asking her help.
He already helped him too much, if he does anymore, Astro will become dependent. Henceforth, it's up to him to fight his way forth.
A person dependent on others won't have any growth after a certain stage. And, Gin doesn't want to be the person who limits his friend's growth.