**Ch-35 The Monarch's Dissatisfaction**
Kalki's emotions were a turbulent mix of dissatisfaction and reluctance as he faced the prospect of attending university. The idea of being confined to a classroom, poring over books and lectures, was far from appealing. He longed for the thrill of battle, the excitement of quests, and the freedom to explore the world on his terms. Yet, duty called, and he had no choice but to heed it.
The university's large auditorium was a vast space capable of accommodating 15,000 students. As Kalki entered, he was greeted by the buzzing chatter of his peers. Conversations swirled around him, most of them centered on the mysterious figure known as the Monarch from the entrance examination. Whispers of awe and speculation filled the air, but Kalki, the very Monarch they spoke of, remained stoic and expressionless. His bad mood kept his emotions in check, and he made no effort to reveal his true identity.
As the students continued their animated discussions, an unexpected event occurred. Without warning, a powerful aura filled the auditorium, exerting immense pressure. The force was so overwhelming that all the students fell from their seats, sprawling on the ground in astonishment and fear. The sudden shift in atmosphere silenced the room, and all eyes turned toward the entrance.
From the entrance of the auditorium, two figures made their dramatic entrance. The principal, a young man appearing to be in his twenties, exuded an aura of strength and authority. His well-toned physique and sharp features were complemented by his attire, a blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements that hinted at both elegance and technological sophistication. Beside him stood the vice principal, an older man whose age was evident in his weathered face and wise eyes. Despite his advanced years, he radiated a formidable presence. His attire, too, was a fusion of the fantastical and the futuristic, symbolizing the university's unique blend of tradition and innovation.
As they walked down the aisle, the students watched in awe and respect. The principal's gaze was intense, scanning the crowd with a sense of purpose. The vice principal, though more subdued, carried an air of quiet confidence that commanded attention. Together, they embodied the university's ideals, a perfect balance of youth and experience, strength and wisdom.
The large auditorium buzzed with nervous energy as students gathered for the principal's address. Conversations murmured among them, anticipation and anxiety palpable in the air. Rook, Amber, and Alex, each at the peak of their second-tier cultivation, stood tall amidst the crowd. They exchanged concerned glances, feeling the weight of the pressure emanating from the principal's aura. Nearby, Kalki stood composed, unaffected by the oppressive force that had rendered some students unconscious. His superior attributes shielded him from the full brunt of the principal's power.
As the principal eased the pressure, a collective sigh of relief swept through the auditorium. Medical attendants swiftly attended to the fallen students, ensuring their well-being. Meanwhile, the principal and vice principal, distinguished figures with ages that belied their appearance, approached the forefront of the stage.
"Students," the principal's voice rang out, commanding attention with its authoritative tone. "I am Principal Vaelon, and beside me is Vice Principal Theros. We oversee the operations of this institution, ensuring the standards of excellence and discipline are upheld."
Principal Vaelon, aged 560 years, exuded an aura of ancient wisdom and power, his demeanor as imposing as the pressure he had just exhibited. Beside him, Vice Principal Theros, at 340 years old, projected a sense of calm and discernment, contrasting with the principal's intensity.
"We have observed today's reactions carefully," Vice Principal Theros continued, his voice carrying a soothing reassurance that eased the remaining dizziness among the students. "It is a testament to your resilience and potential."
Amidst the murmurs of acknowledgment, Principal Vaelon's gaze settled on Kalki and the three peak rare tire students who had withstood his aura. "In particular," he added, "we acknowledge those who stood firm against the pressure. It speaks volumes of your abilities and character."
Kalki and the three students exchanged glances, a mix of pride and curiosity flickering in their eyes. For Kalki, it was a moment of acknowledgment that stirred a hint of begrudging respect for the institution he had reluctantly entered.
As the auditorium settled into a quieter murmur, the principal and vice principal began outlining the university's expectations and challenges for the new academic year. For Kalki and his peers, it marked the beginning of a journey fraught with both academic rigor and the promise of unlocking greater potentials in the arcane arts and beyond.
**Scene in the University Auditorium**
The grand auditorium echoed with Principal Vaelon's commanding voice, his words resonating deeply among the gathered students. As the principal concluded his speech with an air of authority, the audience fell into a hushed silence, their minds buzzing with the weight of his proclamation.
"Who among you desires to become a monster?" Principal Vaelon's piercing gaze swept across the sea of students. "In Neural City, strength is the key that unlocks all doors. Remember this: power commands respect and shapes destinies." [ Note: - Neural City is also called Neural University the top university in Fire continent which gives full training in Battle with Beasts.]
With these formidable words, Principal Vaelon and Vice Principal Theros prepared to depart. A shimmering effect enveloped them—one releasing swirling black particles, the other shimmering with golden dust—before they vanished from sight, leaving behind an aura of profound influence.
Kalki, standing amidst his peers, watched the principals' departure with a calculating glint in his eye. A devilish smile curled his lips, sparked by the revelation of encountering such commanding authority.
"You see that, Yaksha?" Kalki's voice resonated within his mind. "That's power, real power. I've found my match."
Yaksha's response was measured. "Indeed, Kalki. But tread carefully. True power requires strategy and respect, not mere ambition."
In the days that followed, the university administration organized the students into groups, each assigned to instructors of formidable caliber. Among them, Ember, Rook, and an unexpected presence, Alex—all students of at least second-order cultivation—found themselves grouped under a particularly imposing instructor.
The instructor's presence filled the room with an undeniable aura of authority, though it did not quite rival the principals' overwhelming power. His gaze swept over the assembled students, each bearing the mark of their respective prowess. When his eyes settled on Kalki and the three peak second-tier cultivators beside him, there was a flicker of recognition and intrigue.
"My name is Instructor Thalos," he introduced himself with a voice that carried across the room, his tone commanding attention. "You are here to hone your skills, to harness your potential to its fullest. In my group, excellence is not just expected—it is demanded."
As he spoke, Thalos's eyes scanned each student individually, noting their strengths and potential. When his gaze met Kalki's, there was a hint of a challenge, an unspoken recognition of the potential rivalry brewing between them.
Kalki met Thalos's scrutiny with a steely resolve, understanding that this instructor would not be easily impressed. In that charged moment, amidst the palpable tension, Kalki knew that the path ahead would demand not only strength and skill, but also cunning and strategic prowess—to rise above the challenges and carve a path towards true dominance in Neural City and beyond.
Instructor Thalos led his group of students, including Kalki, on a comprehensive tour of the sprawling university campus, spanning an impressive 140,000 square meters. As they walked, Thalos detailed each sector, his voice carrying the weight of authority and excitement for what lay ahead.
As Thalos guided the group into the MagiTech Workshops, the air hummed with anticipation and the scent of oil and metal. The vast chamber echoed with the faint sounds of whirring machinery and the occasional clang of tools against metal. Towering before them stood the Firestorm Titan, a marvel of MagiTech engineering. Its massive form loomed under the spotlight, metallic plates intricately etched with glowing runes that shimmered in shades of crimson and gold.
"Behold the Firestorm Titan," Thalos announced, his voice tinged with pride. "A pinnacle of MagiTech prowess, designed to harness and amplify fire essence like no other. It can unleash devastating bursts of flame, manipulate the very elements to its will, and withstand the fiercest of battles."
Kalki stood transfixed, his eyes wide with awe as he took in the Titan's imposing stature. The mech's design, reminiscent of his favorite childhood anime, stirred memories of watching heroic battles and dreaming of piloting such marvels himself.
Thalos continued, his tone filled with enthusiasm. "In the coming months, you will have the opportunity to craft and pilot mechs like the Firestorm Titan. You'll learn the intricacies of MagiTech engineering, from designing elemental cores to integrating rune systems that amplify and control elemental energies."
As Thalos spoke, Kalki's mind raced with excitement. The prospect of creating his own mech, wielding the power of fire essence in combat, ignited a fervor within him. He imagined himself at the helm of a Firestorm Titan, commanding its formidable abilities against mythical beasts or rival mechs in epic duels.
"Each of you," Thalos continued, his gaze sweeping over the assembled students, "will have the chance to push the boundaries of MagiTech innovation. Your creations will not only define your prowess but also shape the future of elemental warfare and technological advancement."
Kalki nodded eagerly, his determination solidifying with each word. In this workshop, amid the gleaming prototypes and the promise of future projects, he sensed the beginning of a journey that would test his skills, creativity, and courage. It was here, in the heart of MagiTech innovation, where his dreams of mastering elemental forces and crafting legendary mechs would take flight.
Moving on from the MagiTech Workshops, Thalos led the group through the corridors adorned with intricate murals depicting legendary battles and ancient sigils. The air shifted from the metallic tang of machinery to a subtle, charged atmosphere as they approached the Sigilmithing Stations. Here, students sat hunched over workstations, their focused expressions illuminated by the soft glow of elemental runes etched into essence sigils.
"These sigils," Thalos explained, his voice carrying a reverent tone, "are the key to unlocking your elemental potential. Each rune amplifies and refines your abilities. Fire runes, for instance, can intensify your fire-based attacks or fortify your defenses against elemental assaults."
Kalki observed as students carefully inscribed intricate patterns, each stroke infused with purpose and intent. He felt a surge of curiosity, wondering how these sigils could enhance his own mastery of fire essence and perhaps uncover new depths to his abilities.