"It's finally happening."
"Yes, the Imperial Academy is actively seeking new students."
"I've heard this year's admission criteria demands reaching Rank 7 as a Martial Artist before the age of 18."
"Unbelievable, isn't it?"
"My employer is already 30 and just achieved Rank 7."
"Don't compare gems to the likes of your employers who are mere specks of dust."
"The Knight family, Moore Family, Houston Family—all the esteemed houses are sending their children to the Imperial Academy, despite numerous excellent alternatives."
"Do you understand the elevated status that comes with graduating from the Imperial Academy? You'll be serving under the Imperial Family."
"Your life is guaranteed by working for an Imperial family, even if it's just a minor role. I would gladly do it for the Imperial family."
"Yeah, the Emperor himself is a Rank 1 Martial Artist, and all his sons are martial artists of Rank 2 and Rank 3, some even at just 30 years old."
"I wish I could join the academy."
"Dream on." A group of people engaged in lively chatter, discussion, and jesting.
'Recruiting students.'
'Imperial Academy.'
'I should take a look sometime.' Newt overheard the excited conversation and examined the poster displayed on the table.
Imperial Academy is recruiting students.
Requirements: Rank 7 Martial Artist, age below 18.
Venue of the test: Knight Plaza.
"Is it the Knight family?" Newt pondered, recalling his childhood understanding of prestigious families. The Knight family held a significant position, being closely associated with the Imperial family, with the Queen herself originating from the Knights.
'Since becoming a Martial Artist, I've come to understand the strength my father, Jack, and grandfather, Benedict, possessed. Even if they were only Rank 4 and Rank 3 Martial Artists, they could have resisted for a while against a Rank 1 Martial Artist, but the two masked men were clearly above that level.'
Deep in thought, he scrutinized the poster and contemplated, "The Imperial family will face its downfall after I gather information about the two individuals who murdered my family and unveil the connection between them."
Newt navigated the area until he reached Knight Plaza. The elaborate decorations and vigilant guards stationed at the location indicated the significance of the upcoming test scheduled for two days later, as clearly stated on the notice board. Some ongoing construction work hinted at preparations for the event.
Without delving deeper into the details, Newt decided to leave the place.
In the Aura Ridge, five academies held their ground: Glacial Academy, Iron Academy, Shade Academy, Biers Academy, and the pinnacle, Imperial Academy. The latter ranked the highest, followed by Glacial Academy, Shade Academy, Biers Academy, and finally, Iron Academy.
The Imperial Academy initiated student recruitment every five years, corresponding to the graduation of the existing batch, a result of the five-year academic course. Every Half a Decade, Imperial Academy admitted 200 students from every corner of the Aura Ridge and beyond.
'I left the Ridge, and that's how I came into contact with them.'
'Joined the Deathbringer Academy.'
"The Imperial Academy of Ridge is situated close to the Imperial Family and the Imperial House."
"If I gain entry, I might be able to navigate my way through, but what about those two individuals?"
"I should have posed a different question when joining the Deathbringer Academy, rather than inquiring about the culprits behind the Salamander family's downfall." Newt said as he reminisced about the past.
The Deathbringer Academy stands as a mysterious and exceedingly dangerous institution. Unlike other institutions, it accommodates cultivators, magicians, martial artists, and even monsters. The academy's admission process lacks defined criteria; instead, recruiters select individuals based on exceptional talent. Those extended an invitation face a daunting challenge – graduate from Deathbringer Academy, and in return, they receive answer to one question, regardless of its nature or whose information is sought. With a maximum capacity of 1000 students, the academy subjects its attendees to a relentless 10-year course, marked by grueling training and torment akin to a living hell. The Deathbringer Academy is not a place one aspires to enter; only those with a touch of madness would willingly become its students. Out of the 1000 admitted, less than five manage to emerge alive, underscoring the severity and ruthlessness of Deathbringer's training regimen. The very thought of attending this academy strikes fear into the hearts of those who dare to dream, making its graduation an ominous and daunting prospect.
"I'll alter my appearance slightly before enrolling in the Imperial Academy."
***
Two days swiftly passed, and the time for the test finally arrived.
"Fail. Next one." An instructor with white hair and a white beard shouted at an individual who struggled to lift a barbell with added weights.
Following, a girl stepped forward. She had a delicate build, wore a green dress, and approached the barbell, successfully lifting it with both hands.
The instructor observed the girl, noted the time, and declared, "Pass. State your name and age on that side, then proceed to the next test."
"Next!" The instructor called out to those waiting in line after directing the girl.
Several hours passed, with only a handful successfully completing the first test while others anticipated their turn.
"Next!" The instructor called as a person with black hair and black eyes, sporting a rugged build and calloused hands and legs, stepped up. He attempted to lift the barbell, struggled, but ultimately succeeded by driving his legs into the ground and exerting tremendous effort. Sweat quickly formed on his head and body due to the weight's heaviness.
The instructor nodded, acknowledging the youth, and stated, "Pass. Move to that side."
The person grinned boldly and headed toward the designated area.
"What's your name and age?" Another instructor, now in the second room where the second test would take place, inquired. The first test occurred in the initial room.
The individual replied, "Newt Lawson from beyond the Ridge, 18 years old."
The instructor scrutinized Newt's figure, wearing a thoughtful expression, and recorded the information.
"Now, for the second test, prove yourself as a Rank 7 Martial Artist." The instructor instructed.
Newt Lawson condensed his aura, enveloping his entire body with it.
The instructor nodded and remarked, "The aura is quite thin, indicating a breakthrough to Rank 7 Martial Artist, likely achieved just this month."
"Pass. Move to the next room," the instructor confirmed.
Newt Lawson smiled boldly, but if one were to observe his eyes, they would discern an absence of emotion. His body reacted, while his eyes remained as serene as water.
It was none other than Newt Salamander, assuming the identity forged by his deceased parents. Emotionlessly, he proceeded to the next room, his face portraying complex array of emotions concealed beneath his composed interior.