Two months had passed since Alex joined the academy. On the first day, he spotted Leon, the protagonist of the novel, but they didn't engage in much conversation, and only focusing on his own tasks.
Today, in his training room, Alex began executing the first chapter of the cultivation method. His meridians were flooded with violently surging mana, and the room was filled with a dense concentration of mana, connected to a branch of a medium-grade mana vein.
Alex swiftly advanced to Foundation Establishment 2nd level as his second mana route connected to his core, which existed in gaseous form at the center of his chest.
Undeterred, Alex pressed on, continuing to practice his cultivation technique. Endless mana surged through his limbs, penetrating hundreds of bones. Despite the intense pain, he persevered.
Guiding the mana in a circular motion along the predetermined routes of the technique, cycle by cycle, Alex accumulated a potent energy within his body.
Without surprise, he once again broke through, attaining Foundation Establishment 3rd level. However, driven by the conviction that he could reach the fourth level—an achievement yet unmatched in the class—he pressed on.
In the class, most had reached Foundation Establishment 2nd level, and some had even advanced to the 3rd level, a feat reserved for main characters.
Amassing a substantial amount of mana within his body, Alex remained calm and focused, undistracted by the progress of his peers.
Finally, as the accumulated mana reached its peak, and Alex sensed he had reached the limit of control, the surging energy rushed towards the fourth mana pathway in his body, akin to water breaching a broken dam.
While many people typically face three to five failures during breakthroughs, Alex's heart harbored a peculiar certainty of success.
Abruptly, a thunderous echo resounded in Alex's mind, and his entire being underwent a profound transformation. As the fourth mana pathway connected to his core, it became more visible, still in gaseous form, and his body exuded an aura of immeasurable strength.
Six hours later, when Alex opened his eyes, the rising sun greeted him, and he found his entire body drenched in sweat and dirt—signs of impurities released as he successfully advanced to Foundation Establishment 4th level.
After his tough training, Alex decided to take a bath. He went to the bathhouse and enjoyed the warm water, washing off all the sweat and dirt. When he came out, he felt fresh and full of energy.
After drying off, Alex put on clean academy robes. The fabric felt nice against his skin, and he could feel the strength from his recent breakthrough. He combed his damp hair and looked at himself in the mirror with a determined look.
He stepped outside into the sunlight, feeling accomplished and started going towards the route academy task building.
Alex headed to the Academy Task building to choose an F-level task. As an outer disciple, he needed to complete either three F-level tasks, one E-level task, or three E-level team tasks every six months.
At the Task center near the administrative building, he observed fellow disciples his age going in and out. Upon entering, Alex encountered Supervisor Dorian, whose expression betrayed a mix of anger and regret.
Dorian, looking in a specific direction, noticed a young boy sprinting towards him with lightning speed. In a few jumps, the figure stood in front of him.
Composing himself, Dorian greeted with a smile, "Is it your first time here, boy?"
Alex mumbled, "Yes, it's my first time here, Elder, and I wish to choose an E-level task requiring the strength of a Foundation Establishment 4th level."
Supervisor Dorian's expression eased a bit, and he requested, "Show me your academy jade card."
Alex promptly nodded, retrieving his card from his storage bag and handing it to Dorian.
Upon inspecting the card, the supervisor was surprised to find that the boy was only 16 years old. He nodded approvingly and a wooden token flew towards Alex.
"Here is your task. You can either complete it solo or form a team. It's your choice," Dorian said warmly, sensing potential in the young disciple.
"Okay, Elder," Alex replied with satisfaction, taking the wooden token containing his task information.
"You have only three days to complete the task. Once done, notify me as soon as possible," Dorian instructed.
Alex nodded and headed towards the exit, but he turned back as he heard Elder Dorian's voice.
Dorian waved his hands and said, "Come back safely."
Alex responded with a thumbs up and exited the building. He lightly tapped the token, and a stream of information flowed into his mind, setting him on his task.
[ Task: Kill a Fox bear
Level: E Rank
Location: Periphery of the mountain forest
Reward: 1000 academy points
Time limit: three days
Penalty: 100 academy points]
After leaving, Alex greeted Clara and her two friends but swiftly departed without giving them a chance to say anything.
On Clara's side, her friends discussed Alex's unusual behavior.
"This is the first time I've seen someone ignore Young Miss so much," one of them remarked.
"Agreed. Even that guy Noah, who usually acts like a block of ice, talks to Young Miss whenever he can," added another.
"Enough of that. Let's focus on why we're here," Clara exclaimed in embarrassment as she entered the task building.
Dorian, who had been dozing off, woke up when he noticed three familiar young beautiful girls entering the building.
"How can I help you?" the supervisor asked in a polite tone.
"Elder, we want to undertake an E-level task as a team of three," Clara informed Dorian.
Dorian nodded, inquiring, "What are your strengths?"
"I've reached Foundation Establishment 3rd level, and the other two are at 2nd level," Clara replied.
Dorian nodded appreciatively, boosting the confidence of the two girls accompanying Clara. Even Clara herself felt a sense of accomplishment, realizing her current strength could rank among the top 5 in the class.
Waving his hand, Dorian handed them a wooden token. Clara took it and left the building.
"Young Miss, what's our task?" Olivia asked with curiosity.
Clara smiled, tapping the token twice. Three white lights entered their minds, and a virtual screen appeared, visible only to them.
[ Task: Kill a Fox bear
Level: E Rank
Location: Periphery of the mountain forest
Reward: 1000 academy points
Time limit: three days
Penalty: 100 academy points ]