Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and the day of the interview arrived.
After parting ways with Zhao Mengxi, Kent headed to the Examination Academy, while Zhao Mengxi made her way to the Political and Legal Academy.
When Kent arrived at the interview location, he noticed there were still quite a few candidates waiting. There were dozens of them, some smiling confidently, others nervous and uneasy. Each person received a number, much like a bank ticketing system.
Kent took his number and patiently waited. After scrolling through his phone for three hours, his turn finally came.
He pushed the door open, closed it behind him, and walked in with a tall and confident posture. A broad, carefree smile spread across his face.
"Good day, respected interviewers. I am Kent from Saint Stone High in Microglow City."
The three interviewers nodded, and the middle-aged man with hawk-like eyes, whose name tag read Ji Guanghe, spoke in a deep voice, "Please take a seat."
"Kent, first place in the reexamination from Microglow City," Ji Guanghe said as he glanced at Kent's file, which had already been pulled up on the large electronic screen behind him. Upon seeing the results, the interviewers exchanged surprised glances.
Though Microglow City wasn't particularly powerful, Kent's first-place finish in the reexamination made him one of the strongest graduates in the city—certainly not someone to be underestimated.
The three interviewers showed appreciative smiles. Students applying to the Examination Academy were often dissatisfied with their current situation and sought to stand out through personal effort. Kent's remarkable achievement made it clear that he had likely been courted by several large forces. Though his future wasn't guaranteed, it was certainly promising, and he was poised for a comfortable life.
"Kent, could you share why you want to apply to the Examination Academy?" This was the question that puzzled them the most.
Kent smiled and replied, "To be honest, before the Beastmaster competition's reexamination, our school organized a trial in a secret realm. After experiencing the realm, I was overwhelmed by a strong desire to conquer and possess it. I want to own my own alternate space, and the most efficient and convenient way to achieve this goal is to become a formal student in the Examination Academy's specialized field."
The three interviewers exchanged looks, their eyes reflecting approval. Ji Guanghe even smiled, saying, "I have to admit, this is the most heartfelt and sincere answer I've heard. Although it sounds like a distant goal, one that will take much effort to achieve, we, as interviewers, are more than willing to wish you success in reaching this great goal. After all, this is the true and desired resistance plan humanity has against the cataclysm."
"Thank you, professors."
Kent was somewhat surprised. Not only did they not mock his lofty ambitions, but they also offered sincere encouragement and support, which made him feel a deep sense of appreciation. His desire to join the Examination Academy grew even stronger.
Ji Guanghe nodded and immediately asked the second question, which struck to the heart and was quite sharp. Kent was caught off guard.
"Then, how do you plan to achieve this goal?"
Kent remained calm, taking a moment to think before responding, "First, I plan to become one of the best students in the Examination Academy. Then, while ensuring my safety, I will fully utilize my abilities. If I can achieve these two goals, I believe there won't be any major issues."
Ji Guanghe was somewhat satisfied with this answer and asked the third and final question, "What are your thoughts on the situation of humanity on Earth after the Cataclysm?"
This was a broad question that could be answered in many ways, with plenty of room for interpretation.
Kent frowned, puzzled about why the interviewer had asked such a question. Still, he answered earnestly, "My view is simple: survival of the fittest, the weak are prey for the strong, and humanity's situation is grim. However, while we are at a disadvantage and confined to the cities, as long as the situation hasn't reached the point of no return, this is the moment for us to develop and grow stronger."
"Strength has always been the goal of all living beings, and humanity, in this regard, has a clearer and more defined understanding. I believe we can achieve even greater feats."
"Good. Your answer is well-argued, coherent, and rational. You have passed the interview. Based on your performance and strength, you will be placed in my class, the first-year A class of the Examination Academy," Ji Guanghe said with a smile after conferring with the other interviewers. "Welcome aboard."
Kent immediately stood up, bowing in thanks.
"A new life is about to begin," Kent thought with a sense of anticipation.
Each year, the Examination Academy has several classes, with the best students placed in Class A. This class is considered the top, with the best teaching and the highest caliber of students.
Kent attended four classes during the day, spent his afternoons at the library and training fields, and continued his diligent studies late into the night.
Two months quickly passed.
On November 11th, also known as Singles' Day, Kent was reminded of his past as a single man. In his previous life, he had always felt frustrated on this day, as he was overwhelmed by a flood of "dog food" (couple-related posts), which made him feel isolated.
However, things were different now. Not only did Kent have a girlfriend, but Zhao Mengxi had also become the school's undisputed beauty, the first-class goddess.
Ever since she used the Snow Mountain Ice Lotus, Zhao Mengxi's divine aura had become even more ethereal, setting her apart from the other girls.
Because of this, Kent found himself constantly embroiled in trouble. Many people believed he didn't deserve someone like Zhao Mengxi and demanded that he step aside. The situation only grew worse, with threats, intimidation, personal attacks, and challenges coming his way.
Despite the pressure, Kent faced it all head-on, undeterred. Though the constant troubles caused him stress, they also fueled his determination. His strength and academic performance continued to rise, and he kept improving himself.
After dealing with countless waves of trouble, Kent finally felt that his mental state had reached its peak. His body had reached what he believed was its optimal condition.
On this day, Kent cut open the skin on his chest with a small knife. As blood began to seep out, he pressed a Five-Color Stone against the wound.
The moment the stone made contact, it shone brightly, filling the room with a dazzling light. Streams of pure, vibrant energy flowed from the Five-Color Stone into Kent's body, dividing into five distinct colors, each targeting a different organ.
Kent felt an intense surge of energy as his organs seemed to vibrate with newfound vitality. The toxins and impurities within his body were completely purified. The strength of his cells increased, and the functions of his organs were enhanced.
Kent then noticed his vision had improved—this was a result of his liver function improving. As the liver's ability to reflect light and nourish the eyes increased, his eyesight sharpened.
His physical strength had also surged. Even without relying on his natural divine strength from the Wukong inheritance, Kent could feel the power surging through his clenched fists.
Moreover, his masculinity had grown stronger. With the enhanced function of his kidneys, his hormone levels increased, and his male charm was significantly amplified.
The enhancement of his lungs made his breathing become extremely slow. He even felt as though he could hold his breath underwater for 10 minutes.
The Five-Color Stone had begun to unlock the full potential of Kent's body, pushing him toward new limits.