Chapter 11: The Road Ahead
The grand hall was filled with a tense silence as the students gathered once more, their attention fixed on Vice-Headmaster Flor Vluhpr, who stood before a large board covered by a dark cloth. This was the moment they had all been waiting for—the results of the Nightmare Relic test.
Flor's voice carried across the hall, commanding instant silence. "You have faced your deepest fears, and now the results of your trials will determine your path within this academy. What you are about to see will shape your future—whether you ascend to Class A, remain in Class B, or something else entirely."
Without another word, Flor waved his hand, and a forceful pulse of energy swept through the hall. Fourteen students, still locked in the grips of their nightmares, were abruptly awakened. They gasped and jolted upright, eyes wide with confusion and lingering terror. The hall filled with murmurs as those who had already awakened realized that out of the original twenty-five, only eleven had passed the test.
With a dramatic flourish, Flor pulled away the cloth, revealing the rankings and class assignments.
The Rankings: 1st Place: Feng Ilan
2nd Place: Ning Elurdia
3rd Place: Milx Brom
4th Place: Lila Molclaux
5th Place: Zar
Below the top five names, the board listed the classes:
Class A: Feng Ilan, Ning Elurdia, Milx Brom, Lila Molclaux, Zar
Class B: The remaining students 5 students unimportant to Zar
And at the bottom of the board, a special designation caught Zar's eye:
Special Class: Mila Borten
Zar's gaze shifted to the back of the room where Mila Borten stood, her cat-like eyes watching the proceedings with an unreadable expression. The fact that she was in a "Special Class" intrigued Zar. There was clearly more to her than met the eye. This was the first time he had ever seen a beastwoman—a catgirl, to be precise. Her ears, subtly twitching, sat atop her head, covered in sleek fur, and her feline eyes, with pupils that slitted like a predator's, watched the proceedings with an unreadable expression. Her tail, almost as long as her legs, swayed gently behind her, a blend of human and animal that defied the norms of what Zar had considered possible.
His intrigue was momentary, though, as Flor's voice brought him back to the present, reminding him that he still had a long way to go.
Flor continued, bringing everyone's attention back to the front. "Class A students, you will have private rooms, advanced resources, and a tailored educational experience. Class B students, your path will be more challenging. You will share rooms, but you will have access to the same resources, provided you prove yourselves."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the students. "And Mila Borten," he said, his voice taking on a slightly different tone, "you have been placed in a Special Class. Your journey will differ from the others, but rest assured, it is just as vital."
Flor began to explain the academy's structure. "All students will attend core classes, including Basic Cultivation Knowledge, Theory on Combat, and General Knowledge. These are mandatory for everyone."
He continued, "You may also choose specializations—major courses that will define your path. But be warned: these specializations are rigorous, so you may choose more than one but the consequences will be harsh. Failure to excel will result in you having to reimburse the academy, which could potentially place your family in debt."
Flor then introduced the points system. "Within the academy, points will serve as your currency. Fifty points are equivalent to a house in this city, and one to five points can obtain most elixirs or pills. Points are not just given; they can be taken away for misconduct."
Flor's tone grew more serious. "Much of your learning will be self-directed. We encourage you to find mentors and choose your path wisely. Many of you will return here to teach in the future, whether in three years, ten years, or even twenty. Time moves differently for cultivators. I am 231 years old and still healthy, with a life expectancy of at least 400 years at my current level."
Flor concluded, "You are free for the rest of the day. Head to the dormitory and request your room key by stating your name. The small tablet you used in the first test will serve as your identification. It is by the door; grab it on your way out and keep it safe. Classes start in two days after one final test."
The students began to file out of the hall. Zar grabbed his small tablet from the designated area by the door. The weight of it reminded him of the journey ahead. He had earned his place in Class A, but his path was far from complete.
As Zar made his way to the dormitory, he noticed that it contained five separate dormitories to segregate classes and distinguish high achievers from the average students, the tall stone buildings of the academy loomed overhead, casting long shadows across the courtyard as the sun dipped below the horizon. The academy felt even larger now, its grandeur a constant reminder of the challenges and opportunities within.
At the dormitory entrance, Zar approached the desk where an elderly man sat, his presence almost blending into the dark wood and stone. "Zar," he said, his voice steady showing the ID.
The man nodded and handed Zar a key. "Room 5A," he said. "Your room is on the fifth floor, west wing, curfew is 11pm we will deduct 1/2 a point then a point and so on if your late."
Zar took the key and headed toward the stairs. Each step felt like a small victory, bringing him closer to his goal of mastering both his cultivation and the complex world he was now a part of.
When he reached the fifth floor, he found his room easily. The door, marked only with the number 5A, opened to reveal a small but comfortable space with a bed, a desk, and a window overlooking the academy grounds. A bookshelf lined one wall, already stocked with basic texts.
Zar placed his belongings down and took a moment to absorb his surroundings. This was his space now, where he would study, rest, and prepare for the challenges ahead. The journey so far had been grueling, and it was only going to get harder. But for the first time in a while, Zar felt a sense of calm. He had faced his fears, overcome them, and earned his place in Class A.
As he sat on the edge of his bed, the weight of the day's events settled over him. His thoughts drifted to the days ahead and the final test that awaited them. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of rest, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities.
Zar lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, and allowed himself to smile. He had come far, but there was still much further to go. And he was ready.