Resources and Rewards

"Sir, what sort of resources should we be expecting" an eager student asked.

"Hmm, it depends honestly" Kael said, flicking his wrists showing a list of various mouth watering resources that ranged from herbs, to skills to artifacts.

The classroom instantly became livelier as the students took in the list of available resources. Holographic images floated mid-air, displaying intricate descriptions of various herbs, skills, and artifacts. Some students leaned in, whispering excitedly among themselves, while others outright exclaimed at the rarities present.

"Wait, is that the Verdant Dewleaf? That stuff can accelerate mana recovery!" one student gasped, pointing at the flickering image of a lush green leaf with dewdrops clinging to its surface.

"Nah, look at that—Ironwood Vine," another cut in, his eyes gleaming. "If I can get my hands on some, my bones will get sturdier. That'll be huge for close combat."

"Are my eyes playing tricks on me, or is that the Silent Step skill?" a student towards the back muttered. He swiped at the holographic catalog, enlarging the section that detailed its effects. "This thing lets you move without making a sound. It's perfect for assassins!"

A few rows away, someone practically jumped out of their seat. "Holy shit! Even the Phoenix Feather Pendant is on this list?" His voice carried disbelief, causing several students to whip their heads in his direction. "That thing stores a single-use revival essence. If you die, it can heal you right before your soul fades!"

"That's gotta be reserved for the elites," another student scoffed. "No way they're just handing that out to rookies like us."

Denwen sat back, his gaze calmly sweeping over the floating lists. Unlike the others, who were bursting with excitement, he simply studied the details with an analytical eye. He could already tell that while these resources were impressive, they were likely entry-level rewards. The academy was bound to have even greater treasures hidden away—things they wouldn't just hand over to first-years.

"The academy sure is generous," he mused inwardly. "But if they're willing to give us access to these, it means there's an even higher level of resources being kept for the truly exceptional. I need to figure out what the requirements are to gain access to those."

Kael allowed the students a few more moments to take in the catalogue before he made a sharp flick of his wrist, causing the holographic display to vanish.

"Now that you've had a look, you can see that the school is deeply invested in your growth," he said, his voice cutting through the chatter. "As a starting incentive, every week, each and every one of you will receive an allowance of ten Rank One essence cores."

A ripple of shock went through the room. The excitement that had momentarily settled now exploded into full-blown euphoria.

"No way!"

"Ten essence cores per week? Just for being here?"

Joy spread across the class. Some students exchanged glances, grinning from ear to ear, while others clenched their fists in exhilaration. For many, this was the exact reason they had fought so hard to enter the academy.

"As you all know," Kael continued, his expression remaining calm despite the growing enthusiasm, "essence cores, harvested from defeated monsters, are among the most valuable resources an awakened can possess. To an awakened, they are more precious than gold. A single Rank One essence core can be sold for as high as twenty silvers. That's more than what an average mortal family makes in a month."

Silence fell over the class as reality sank in.

"Damn… just by staying here and cultivating, we'll be wealthier than most people out there," a student muttered, rubbing his temples as if trying to process the implications.

"But who the hell would sell theirs?" another scoffed. "Strength is worth more than money. With enough cores, we can advance faster!"

A girl at the front turned toward him. "Not everyone thinks that way. If someone's struggling to progress, selling their cores to get better gear or rare pills might be a smarter move."

Kael nodded approvingly. "Indeed. How you use your resources is up to you. You can consume them to empower yourself or trade them for other essentials. But remember—strength is only one path to true success. Influence, knowledge, and strategic investments can sometimes outweigh raw power."

—-

Kael's voice rang out, steady and unwavering.

"To remain in Room A by the end of the semester, you must reach Middle-stage Rank 1. Fail to do so, and you will be reassigned to a lower-ranked room."

The announcement sent ripples through the class. A semester lasted only three months, and in that short span, they were expected to progress rapidly—or risk losing their spot. Some students exchanged confident smirks, certain their talent would carry them through, while others sat in silence, already feeling the weight of the challenge.

Denwen clenched his fists slightly. He didn't have the luxury of confidence.

"Looks like some people here aren't deserving of this class after all," Angus' voice carried across the room, smooth and mocking.

Denwen didn't react, but the subtle shift of gazes toward him made it clear who Angus was targeting. A few chuckles broke out, but most students simply ignored it. They all knew the reality—D-grade talents didn't belong in Room A.

The pressure in the room was suffocating for some. Denwen wasn't the only one concerned. There were a few other students with D-grade talent, their expressions tight with worry. They had made it here because of their skills in other fields, but cultivation was the core of everything. If they couldn't meet the requirement, no amount of intelligence or combat ability would save them.

Kael didn't acknowledge the tension in the room. He simply continued, his voice firm and unshaken.

"This academy does not tolerate stagnation. We expect you to maximize your talents, whatever they may be. If you lack the ability to meet the standard, you will be moved accordingly."

It was a cold but fair system. No favoritism, no exceptions—only results.

Then, just as the weight of his words settled over them, Kael's tone shifted slightly.

"Now, let's move on to something more interesting."

He flicked his wrist, and a holographic projection appeared in the air. The moment the text displayed, the atmosphere in the room shifted.

Class President

Weekly Allowance: 30 Rank 1 Essence Cores

A wave of shock swept through the students.

Thirty essence cores—triple the standard allowance.

Excitement spread like wildfire. Some students instantly straightened in their seats, their eyes burning with ambition. Thirty essence cores could mean the difference between an early breakthrough or stagnation.

Denwen exhaled slowly. He wasn't excited like the others, but even he couldn't ignore the implications. This school wasn't just about learning—it was about survival.

Just as the students begin murmuring about the massive allowance, Kael raises a hand, silencing them with a smirk.

"Oh, I forgot to mention—there won't be an election."

The statement cuts through the excitement like a blade. Confused whispers ripple through the room. Some students exchange glances, their excitement now tinged with uncertainty.

Then, with a flick of his wrist, the atmosphere shifts.

The floor beneath them trembles. The walls hum with energy. A deep, resonating vibration spreads across the room, and before anyone can react, an arena materialized before their eyes— a center large square platform with the insignia of the school inscribed on it.

The once orderly classroom is gone, the seats they were once sitting on now resting at the outer edges, transformed into an elevated viewing platform.

A sharp inhale from one student breaks the silence.

"The position of Class President isn't given—it's earned." Kael's voice is calm, unwavering. Then, with a simple gesture toward the arena, he delivers the final command.

"Step into the arena. If you dare and make your challenge"

A few students go pale. Others straighten, their hands instinctively folding into a fists. A handful exchange eager grins, already prepared for the battle ahead.

Denwen remains motionless. His fingers twitch slightly at his side, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. A fight? Already? He barely has a grasp on his new circumstances, and now they're expected to battle for leadership? Everything was moving too fast.

Roy exhaled slowly, a grin climbing up his face: "How exciting can this get"

The students hesitated, glancing around as if waiting for someone else to make the first move.

Then Kael spoke again—his tone softer, but somehow more chilling than before.

"If you're too weak to fight for leadership, then you're too weak to remain in Room A."

The statement lingers, cutting deeper than any blade.

For a moment, no one moves.

Then—

A single step echoes in the silent arena.

Someone had made their decision.