Kain didn't immediately give Eve the seed. He had no idea why she felt this hunger or if the seed would actually be beneficial.
Even if it is beneficial, would he regret using it right now if there was a better usage for it in the future? What if it was a key ingredient for Eve's evolution and so its energy wasn't used as efficiently than if combined with other materials?
He returned home to stash the seed under his bed. The room had been empty the last few days, since Bridge had been training overnight at the dojo. They were practically holding him hostage after finding out that he'd be starting at Dark Moon soon, wanting to cram as much knowledge and training into him as possible.
Therefore, it's unlikely that the remaining unawakened people in the house would be able to detect the aura given off by the seed.
Kain didn't want to waste even one moment of his remaining two and a half weeks before school started.
Therefore, he went back out into the wild to continue familiarizing himself with the weapons at his disposal. Maybe he'd even try to clear out all the orange-grade spiritual creatures around the city. After all, with them gone then even in the unlikely event of a beast-tide it is unlikely that the city's walls would even be broken.
--------------------------
2 weeks later
Kain looked down at the body of the massive Spikeroot Wyrm.
Its dragon-like body was covered in thorny, bark-like scales that blended seamlessly into the surrounding vegetation, allowing it to ambush unsuspecting prey. The wyrm had a spiked tail and claws that could easily shred through armor and flesh alike.
This was the last remaining of the 9 orange-grade spiritual creature in the forest. It was also the undisputed ruler of these forests and supposedly the strongest. It should have also been the most difficult to hand but…
"That was surprisingly easy…"
He had left this one to the end because he'd though it'd be the most challenging due to its reputation and remnant dragon-blood, but after having its vision and senses impaired by Bea-infected mist, it had pretty much served as target practice for the wasps. 3 more guard wasps had been born, giving Kain a total of 10 now. However, despite its formidable close combat abilities, unlike the White Widow it didn't even have any long-range capabilities, therefore Kain had not even had to suffer from losing one of his guards. Good thing too, since college classes will begin in 4 days.
He'd completed the goal of hunting 10 red-grade twice over, receive 120 GP. And with this wyrm he would have completed 10 orange-grade kills for the first time to receive 400 GP, meaning he was now halfway to the system upgrade. Once he enters the college to receive the 1000 GP for his ranking, he will be able to upgrade with over 500 GP spare.
Today would be the day he'd head off to the train station to begin his first day as a college student.
He had already gone back to the city more than once to sell the materials he'd obtained to Blacksmith Dorian. Now his space only contained the wyrm, however, despite Kain being unimpressed by the battle he had with it, it was objectively a dragon-blooded creature. Therefore, its body may have additional uses that he was currently unaware of. He decided to not sell it until after he'd entered the college, maybe it'd come in handy later on.
After going home and packing his school supplies and the mysterious seed. He and Bridge had a late lunch with the members of the orphanage before they both set off to the train station. However, when they boarded the train he came across Pheneos, likely taking the train to Starfire City before getting off and transferring to a train headed west to Supernova College.
Kain raised his hand to greet him when they made eye contact from far away, but surprisingly he turned around and quickly boarded the train. Perhaps he didn't see him?
When Kain and Bridge boarded the train, Kain glanced around a bit for Pheneos, wanting to continue their chat about their respective exams. He was curious what the top performers at the Supernova exam were like.
However, it seemed like he'd already entered a private room so Kain couldn't find him. After all, he wouldn't go and knock on over a hundred room doors just to chat with an acquaintance.
The whole ride to Starfire City they unfortunately never crossed paths, disappointing Kain. Now that the train was headed east, Pheneos had likely already gotten off and was heading on another train west.
When they finally arrived Dark Moon City, Kain couldn't help but take a deep breath of air. The very atmosphere of the city felt different to him now that he was officially a student. It was likely just in his head, but it felt much more comfortable being here. As if the very city was greeting him saying 'welcome to your second home for four years.'
Kain and Bridge confirmed their attendance with the administration office in order to receive their schedules and the keys to their respective rooms. As they'd been informed previously, he and Bridge were in separate buildings. Kain would be living in the dorms only for the top 5 students of each grade level. Meaning that there would only be 20 people in the entire building. Meanwhile, Bridge would be in one of the two male college dorms housing around 100 students.
They both headed to the campus bookstore to get the required textbooks for their classes, Kain obviously needing to purchase several more than Bridge due to his second academic major before heading back to their respective dorms.
Kain was filled with anticipation at finally getting to see the dorms exclusively used by the top 5 students of each year. And fortunately, he was not disappointed.
Rather than a dorm building, his new residence looked like a sprawling five-story mansion that the English royal family back on earth may live in. Past the ornate black iron front gate that scanned his student ID card before granting him entrance, there was a black marble fountain in the shape of a winged horse-like creature but had dragon scales covering its body.
The front garden was also beautifully designed with hundreds of spiritual plants, all of which he could feel had the function of increasing the density of spiritual power in the surroundings.
Entering the mansion, the floor was covered in black marble tiles and a giant chandelier hung down from the foyer. Above a massive winding grand staircase that he could see extended up 5 floors. The whole mansion seemed to continue the theme of medieval elegance that the rest of the city had.
Kain walked up the stairs to the second floor to find his assigned room—Room 202. Floors 2 to 5 had the bedrooms, while the first floor had the shared amenities. It seems that with the central staircase as the dividing line, two rooms were on the east side of the house, while three more rooms were on the other side to the west.
Entering his room, Kain was extremely impressed. He couldn't believe he'd get to live here for 4 years, that is if he kept his ranking.
The room boasted high vaulted ceilings adorned with detailed paintings of flowers. A massive chandelier hung from the center, casting a dazzling array of lights across the room. Dark red velvet sofas and ornate armchairs surrounded a grand fireplace, creating an inviting sitting area. Opposite the fireplace, a polished mahogany study area was equipped with a seemingly antique writing desk and chair. Through large glass double doors, Kain could even see a sweeping balcony with wrought-iron railings offering breathtaking views over the campus.
Turning, his head Kain could see the doors to his bedroom, the bed a regal centerpiece with deep, dark mahogany carved with intricate lines. Heavy, embroidered drapes framed the bed, adding an extra touch of elegance and privacy, while a tufted, footstool completed the room.
Finally, Kain explored the private bathroom. It exuded luxury with its dark marble surfaces, freestanding clawfoot tub, large walk-in shower and ornate gold fixtures.
Kain was extremely satisfied. The room seamlessly fused classic elegance with modern comforts. It was just to his taste.
'Bridge might just die of envy.' Kain thought gleefully.
*Ding. Sensing that the host has confirmed his college admissions ranking. Rewarding 500 GP for a second-place ranking*
Kain's joyful thoughts came to a screaming halt.
'EXCUSE ME?! SECOND-PLACE?!'