Two hours after the academy test concluded, the broadcast announced the results.
"The academy test scores are out," the voice declared. "This assessment, 68 new students scored an average of 80 or above. We will now announce the list of those who passed and their scores. Students whose names are called, please return to the hall to gather. Those whose names are not called, please continue to work hard. We will now begin announcing the list, in no particular order."
"Zelio, 81 points, pass!"
"Yuande, 85 points, pass!"
"Cedric, 87 points, pass!"
Ethan perked up his ears, listening intently to the broadcast. Around him, students whose names were called reacted with joy. For instance, a tall boy named Cedric's eyes reddened with happiness as he cheered and waved his arms, drawing attention. Others were more composed, like the clean-cut, bespectacled Eliot, and another youth who stood out with a somewhat somber demeanor, surrounded by a group of 'followers.'
"Bryce, 91 points, pass!"
When the broadcast reached this name, cheers erupted around the somber youth. "Congratulations, Brother Luo, 91 points is incredibly high!" "Indeed, I bet he's the top of this batch of new students!"
So, this was Bryce! Lionel's son! As Ethan looked over, Bryce also glanced back. Their gazes met in the air. Bryce offered a slight smile, a gesture of goodwill. But as Ethan looked away, a different kind of light flickered in Bryce's eyes.
The broadcast continued, "Eliot, 92 points, pass!" Bryce's smile instantly stiffened. His entourage was stunned. The slap in the face came too quickly, didn't it? But it wasn't over yet. "Serena, 95 points, pass!"
95 points! The students were abuzz. Such a high score, and clearly, the name suggested a female student. As they looked around for 'Serena,' the broadcast sounded again, "Ethan, 98 points, pass!"
At that moment, Bryce's face was expressionless, and the hall fell silent. 98 points out of a perfect score of 100—someone had scored that high. Could the proctor have made a mistake?
The students' bewildered, shocked, and skeptical expressions were all observed by an elderly man in the principal's office of the academy. Principal Fengren chuckled, "The wolf cub introduced by Victor is indeed extraordinary. His survival experience on the surface is something these sheltered city boys can't match."
On the screen, the image was frozen on Ethan. Principal Fengren, in his early sixties, was a short man with a small braid of white hair. Behind him, the teacher who had earlier revealed Ethan's identity in the hall spoke gravely, "Principal, are you really planning to accept this student?"
"Victor mentioned that on the road, a pilot threatened him, and he set a trap to kill him. This could be a ticking time bomb."
Principal Fengren laughed, "What's the big deal? I was even more ruthless in my youth. Or is it that our Marshal teacher is afraid of trouble?"
The middle-aged teacher cleared his throat and then said, "You don't need to use reverse psychology on me, Principal. If you dare to accept him, then let me teach this student."
"With Behemoths invading and Behemoth Space manifesting, we indeed need some tough, ruthless kids."
"Only then can we hope to take back the surface from the claws of those beasts and reclaim our homes."
Principal Fengren nodded slightly, "That's also my thought. And Victor said this wolf cub has principles."
"The two who died had ill intentions towards him first. Otherwise, if he were just a mindless killer..."
"Even if he were an 'Innate Resonator,' Victor wouldn't have let him live to this day, let alone bring him back to Guangling."
"Teach him well, Teacher Wei."
Marshal adjusted his glasses with a fine crack, "I will."
...
After the names of the 68 students were announced, those who passed headed to the hall, while those who did not were sent away with regrets. Ethan walked among the crowd, staying on the edge as usual, ready to escape at any moment. Three years on the surface had ingrained certain habits in him, and even the seemingly safe campus couldn't change them.
In the hall, Ethan saw Marshal. The director of the teaching department surveyed the room, "My name is Marshal."
"First of all, congratulations on passing the assessment."
"From this moment, you are 'reserve mech pilots' of Guangling City, with fourth-level privileges."
Cheers erupted, and many were visibly moved, some even with tears in their eyes. Ethan didn't know what fourth-level privileges meant, but judging by the students' excitement, it seemed to be a good thing.
Marshal continued, "Next, you will be assigned dormitories based on your scores."
"You must be tired today."
"Go back to your dormitories and rest well. Classes start tomorrow."
He paused, then added, "Your academy test scores have been converted into 'credits,' which can be exchanged for various materials at the logistics department."
"In the future, excellent academic performance will also be rewarded with 'credits.'"
"That's all I have to say."
After Marshal finished speaking and gave Ethan a glance, he left the hall.
Once Marshal was gone, a female teacher stepped forward, "Before heading to the dormitories, the academy needs to collect your physical data for fitness assessment."
"It won't take much of your time."
"Please walk over there when your name is called."
The teacher pointed to a device resembling an airport security gate.
"Zheng Rui..."
"Liu Bing..."
"Bennett..."
One by one, students lined up to pass through the inspection gate, with staff members entering data into tablets.
When it was Ethan's turn, he walked through the gate, but the lights flashed on.
"It seems to be a mistake."
"Student, please walk through again."
Ethan complied, but the lights on the inspection gate lit up once more.
The female teacher approached, "What's the matter?"
The staff member hesitated, "This student seems to have practiced visualization techniques."
"The data shows his 'Yuan Force' has reached 97 average, a level only achieved after completing basic cultivation."
"Additionally..."
"His 'Heavenly Spirit' is in an open state; he has 'awakened' and possesses a 'Divine Concealment.'"
"His Divine Concealment is... the Gaze of Qi."
Suddenly, dozens of eyes in the hall turned towards Ethan. These gazes were filled with surprise, envy, jealousy, and more. Ethan had no idea what they were talking about, but the name 'Gaze of Qi' seemed fitting for his mystical vision.
Someone remarked, "Completing basic cultivation isn't anything special."
"Basic visualization techniques are a dime a dozen. Anyone in our city who can afford them starts cultivating before entering school."
Another voice added, "And the 'Gaze of Qi' isn't some extraordinary Divine Concealment. It's a super-sensory type."
"If I remember correctly, the 'Gaze of Qi' is the most common and least noticeable type in the super-sensory category."
The students discussed among themselves, and the envious gazes that had been on Ethan moments before softened considerably.
Hearing that the 'Gaze of Qi' was quite common, Ethan couldn't help feeling disappointed. The 'pity' in the female teacher's eyes when she looked at him made it even worse. But he said nothing, consoling himself.
Although the 'Gaze of Qi' was common, Victor had also said he was an 'Innate Resonator.' One can't have all the advantages. There are gains and losses. With this thought, Ethan's mind cleared, and he no longer felt regretful.
After the 'physical examination,' the students were led to their dormitories by the dormitory supervisor.
"Students who placed in the top three of the academy test will receive independent dormitories."
"But these are not permanently yours."
"Every quarter, the academy will assess and rank the students."
"If your scores drop, you will lose the independent dormitory, so the top three students should stay alert."
"Those who didn't score as high should not lose heart. If you work hard, you too have the chance to move into an independent dormitory."
The supervisor spoke as they walked, igniting a competitive spirit among the students.
Soon, Ethan entered his room. The independent dormitory was for single occupancy, with an integrated bedroom and living room, and a private bathroom. The environment was elegant, a million times better than his sewer den.
But...
Ethan frowned, "The bed is too close to the window."
"The window lacks bars and is a floor-to-ceiling window, easily breached."
"There are no escape measures. In case of an emergency, the chance of survival is almost zero."
From his three years of experience on the surface, aside from the good environment and larger space, this dormitory was far less safe than his sewer den.
With this in mind, he decided to visit the logistics department later to see if he could exchange 'credits' for materials and tools to 'reinforce' his dormitory.
Just then, a blinding white light suddenly appeared before him. The light moved silently, sketching out a pattern resembling the Tai Chi symbol.