Three weeks have passed since the fall of Anvil, and with it came an enormous economic catastrophe that swept across the continent with great force, altering the daily lives of people in cities and villages.
The prices of agricultural crops, especially medicinal herbs, soared significantly, exacerbating the situation.
Tensions escalated between cities, fighting factions, and major factions that were striving to secure their interests amidst this chaos.
The fear of a multi-faction civil war was palpable, as everyone dreaded what might come next.
Amidst this turmoil, traders took advantage of the situation by raising the prices of medicinal herbs to an insane level, further increasing the suffering of the wounded in the southern plains.
At the same time, the more powerful guilds monopolized most of the available herb crops, with each guild seeking to acquire as many resources as possible in preparation for potential confrontations between the factions.
This monopoly not only increased the tension between factions but also exacerbated the suffering of ordinary people, who found themselves helpless in the face of these conflicts.
Despite the appearance of solidarity and cooperation among the guilds and major factions, they actually harbored animosity toward each other.
For example, the White Saint faction despised the Golden Saint faction, and several conflicts had occurred between them in the past.
Meanwhile, the Black Saint faction was secretly manipulating the course of events, with its members confirmed to be spying on other factions on several occasions.
As for the royal families, they too were divided after the fall of Anvil. Some families supported a specific major faction, providing them with funds to buy crops on the condition that the faction would offer support in royal disputes.
This catastrophe was not only economic but also geopolitical, geographical, and demographic, leaving the continent in a state of instability.
The sudden death of two million inhabitants overnight heightened the fear among other cities of facing the same fate or experiencing repeated disasters that have led to the continents being classified as dead continents.
Everyone was terrified and anxious about the possibility of Marta turning into a dead continent as well!
As for Lucaria, the city was also in a state of chaos, especially upon hearing the news about the imprisonment of the head of the Lucaria Academy, Saruman, along with five other saints whom the Court of Justice had labeled as traitors.
There were numerous wanted posters featuring the image of Saint Leonard, with a reward of 15 million Elor for anyone who could provide information about him.
The condition for receiving the reward was that Leonard must be alive.
As for the S-rank students, they had already returned to their classes in the third week of the disaster.
Daily lessons for all students at Lokaria resumed normally, although there were elections approaching for the selection of the next academy president...
"You've really become diligent, Jin," Henry said with a joyful smile, looking at Jin.
Jin, who was writing notes from Ms. Catherine about a creature called the Grumble, responded, "What do you mean? I've been diligent and brilliant every day."
"Heh, I'll believe you," Henry chuckled lightly as he listened to the teacher.
Catherine was explaining, "Ah, and students, the Grumble is about four feet tall with a rocky, rugged exterior."
"It looks like a mix between a small rock and a gray bear, with rough, rocky skin and a mottled brown and gray appearance. Its body is strong and stocky, with thick limbs ending in short fingers and toes with claws."
"So it's fat, teacher?" one of the students joked.
"Hahaha, hehe," the students laughed at the joke.
But Jin felt it was extremely trivial. "What a terrible and stupid joke."
Henry laughed beside him. "Haha, that's funny. What do you mean?"
Jin glanced at him disdainfully. "Oh, because you're trivial too."
Henry sighed and shrugged. "Mooo! You've become incredibly gloomy recently, Jin."
Then Catherine's class ended, and Jin and the other students went to the usual lecture that followed, taught by Mr. John on combat arts.
The students arrived, and John greeted them. "Hello, students."
The students responded, "Hello, Mr. John."
Jin stretched a bit to prepare for the usual running exercise the students did daily in Mr. John's class.
But this time, something had changed.
"Ah, students, today's lecture will be special," John clapped his hands to get the students' attention.
"And how is that, teacher?" one of the students asked.
"Starting tomorrow, we'll be going on a month-long trip to one of the portals to learn a bit about it."
The students were all surprised. "A portals ? Isn't that dangerous?"
"Will that portal be safe, teacher?"
"This sounds exciting!"
The students were talking among themselves about what John had said.
John continued, "Regarding this trip, it's not just you who will be going, but also the other advanced classes."
"You'll be joined by the remaining students from ranks A, and S, and all students will be divided into teams of 12."
"Each team will be a mix of students from all ranks."
"These trips will take place over the coming month, and each team will have a leader and a teacher to ensure your safety."
"Additionally, that portals is just a first-type portal, so don't worry about any dangers."
The students cheered with excitement about the trip; finally, they would do something enjoyable and see chaotic creatures up close!
Then one of the students asked, "Will we earn grades during our trip?"
Teacher John smiled. "Great question. You will indeed be given grades, and there are also valuable prizes for the teams that actually kill creatures from the portal."
Everyone cheered excitedly. "That's awesome!"
"You're the best, teacher!"
"This is my chance to show everyone my strength!"
Henry's eyes widened with joy. "Jin, Jin, isn't this great?"
Jin's gaze was cold as he smiled. "Ah, I can't wait..."
Then everyone returned to their rooms, all at the peak of excitement, while Jin and Henry walked back together.
"Ah, I'm so excited, I can't wait!" Henry's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
Jin responded, "Yes, it is indeed exciting."
Henry waved his hand at Jin. "Well, it's getting late. See you later, Jin. I'm heading back to my room."
Jin smiled. "See you later, Henry. Hmm, I think I'll take a walk for a bit."
Then Henry left, and Jin's fake smile turned into a frown.
Jin moved towards the academy's river.
Then He stood by the water, looking at it with cold eyes. "I will kill everything in that gate and leave not a single creature alive."
He smiled with a hysterical grin, and his left eye turned red.
Jin had changed, and it seemed he wanted to quench his thirst for revenge as quickly as possible...