I'm almost at level D. The tasks I've been given over the past year have only been in the form of points and weapons. Even if I had powerful weapons, using them would raise a lot of suspicion. The area called "Alan" is evolving and looks like it will be formed soon.
I'll sell all unnecessary items before going to the academy. I have no money left, and I need a lot of money for the academy. I need to hide that I'm at the E+ level because it's highly suspicious for someone who was at the H level just a year ago to suddenly be at E+. Even geniuses can't rise that much in one year. Hehehe, am I a genius? No, without the system, progressing would be difficult, if not impossible, but the system doesn't feel normal to me. I've been thinking about this the whole time, and it feels like I've lost many of my memories. Maybe it's because Stephan's memories and mine have merged.
My steps were at a normal pace. The city was crowded. Every street was filled with people. 95% of the population had settled, and the remaining portion, being poor and weak, found it difficult to purchase a place to stay. Many pooled their money to share the same room, while the rest lived on the streets. During the war, many people became unemployed. Even if the pressure on people decreased due to other races attacking the demons, it was only temporary.
There were nearly 2,000 S-level warriors among the demons on this planet alone. Even if some had died in battles, there were still at least 1,500 S-level demons remaining. It was exhausting. Everything was exhausting.
We didn't meet Astrid again, but I heard she was doing well. I understood why I felt so close to her. Stephan was in love with Astrid, and his feelings affected me too. I took all his memories and learned more about the world and Stephan.
I arrived at my destination. I had little money, so I chose a cheap place. There's one week left until the academy. First, I'll sell all my unnecessary items and save money for teleportation. Group teleportation gates require less mana than military gates. It just takes hours to prepare, and there's a 10C fee per person. I only have 30C left. Even though this may seem like a lot, the academy enrollment fee is 50C, and I have to join to become stronger. Even though my level is high, I'm bad at sword understanding and other things. I still don't know how to raise my class and sword style level. The academy is the best place for this. I have many useless but valuable items.
I gathered all my belongings and left. I didn't want to go to the academy dirty and tired after the last week. The name of the city I was staying in was Khar, and it was closest to Vyrona, one of the three major cities. I'll go to Vyrona to warm up and stay there for a few days. At least that's the plan. For the capital's security, teleportation points to the capital were only set up in the three major cities. It was easy for demons to occupy a small place.
I went to the teleportation gate of Vyrona City with my small suitcase. I started waiting in the long line.
****
Astrid was walking down the corridor with Olivia by her side. Her father was no longer king. They were staying in a smaller place, but even this was considered a palace by some people. Her father had now formed a small clan and was trying to elevate it. Her father had called her. They passed through a three-meter-high door. Everyone in her family was there. A few people were talking to her father. The man who saw his daughter coming signaled to those around him to leave.
Only Ston's family remained in the hall. The man smiled at his daughter and began to speak.
"I heard you're starting academy next week. That's an excellent decision, and I'm proud of you. To be honest, I wanted you to go to academy, but you beat me to it."
"I don't want to be as weak as I was before. I don't want to relive what happened that day. I want to get stronger to protect my family," Astrid replied.
"I thank you on behalf of everyone for your family, and I thank God for giving me such a daughter. I wanted to talk to you about Stephan."
Astrid looked at her father when she heard the name Stephan. Olivia had told her that Stephan had saved her when the demon attacked her that day. That's why she was grateful to him. But the destruction of the Agnos family had not given her the opportunity to speak to him. She had not seen Stephan again. She felt regret about this.
"Only a few members of the Agnos family remain, and it will be difficult for them to rise again. You know that Stephan is untalented. I want to marry you to someone else—someone from a stronger, better family. We will hold your wedding after the academy with Dorn Vark. The Vark family has agreed. You can meet him at the academy. He will be your future husband, so talk to him."
"What about Stephan, Father?"
"I'll send him a letter. Since his family is gone, we don't have to pay compensation. You don't need to be afraid of someone like him. He might have even died of starvation."
Astrid didn't know what to say. She didn't know what to think about her father. She spoke while looking at the ground.
"Alright, Father. Let it be as you say."
Astrid left the room after saying those words.
****
Someone was standing in front of the director of the New World Academy. He had blue hair, green eyes, was handsome, and tall. The director looked at him and smiled.
"Max, you are truly talented. I will give you my full support. All you have to do is show your power to everyone. The powerful clans will envy you, but I will protect you. I will share my knowledge and experience with you. You will be one of humanity's hopes. While you're at the academy, build your connections because these people will fight alongside you in the future. You're only 17 years old and you've already become an F- rank, which is something very few people have achieved so far. I have great hopes for you."
Max nodded and looked excited.
****
She had long ears and pointed tips, her blonde hair reaching down to her waist, golden eyes, ivory skin, high cheekbones, sharp facial features, a prominent nose, and thin, pink lips. She was so beautiful that men couldn't help but stare at her. The dress she wore accentuated her curvy figure. As she walked, many men and women elves looked at her. She was the third princess of the elves, Isenya Moonvale.
She was heading to the royal throne room. The queen had summoned her. She was accompanied by three guards. The aura they emitted was at least A-level. At least A-level elves were needed to protect a princess. Demons had attempted to assassinate princesses and princes on numerous occasions. Even though elves had highly developed senses of smell and hearing, they were useless due to traitors within their own ranks. That's why every princess and prince had at least two guards.
Isanya entered through the 20-foot-high door. The guards waited at the door. No one except the royal family could enter the throne room. Isanya walked a little further, bowed before the throne, and waited.
A few minutes later, she heard a graceful yet authoritative voice.
"My daughter has grown up."
Isenya listened without raising her head. The queen had not met anyone face-to-face in a long time. No one knew the reason. Everyone had many theories, but no one could voice them because she was the goddess of the gods and the absolute queen. No one knew how old she was, and no one had seen her face in a thousand years.
"We have formed an alliance with humans. Even if they suddenly become powerful, it may be temporary. I want you to go to their most important academy. Everyone there will be the future of humanity, and as long as our alliance continues, there will come a time when you will fight shoulder to shoulder with them. I want you to go to the academy of humans and confirm that they have a future. All necessary preparations have been made. The director knows you are coming. The portal will be ready tomorrow, so go and choose the people you will take with you. Ten students and five guards is the limit for you. I trust you."
Isenya was excited, but she didn't show it on her face. The Queen rarely gave her children a task personally, and when she did, it was always important. This was encouraging for Isenya.
She spoke without looking up.
"The Queen's words are my command. I will not disappoint you."
After saying this, Isenya turned around and left the room.
The Queen emerged from behind the throne and watched Isenya leave, smiling.
"I hope you get to meet him, my dear daughter."
****
People were eating at a large table. They were the owners of the AKID clan. The person sitting at the far end was the clan leader, Ezop Akid, who was nearly SS-level in power. His wife sat to his right. Ezop put a piece of meat in his mouth and began to speak.
"The academy will open next week. I have great hopes for Luna and Ethan. All the clans are newly formed and their power is not yet solid. Show your strength at the academy and strengthen your connections. Do not underestimate anyone. When you see someone strong, invite them to join the clan. Leader Magnus warned that no clan should interfere after student admissions to ensure equal education at the academy. We will provide you with all kinds of support, including equipment and skills. You are the hope of our clan. Since we are number one, we are the common target of other clans. Support each other there. I trust you, my children."
"Yes, father."
****
Two people were standing in a dark cave. The younger one was drenched in sweat.
"Master, how much longer do I have to train? This is too hard."
The old man smiled.
"Just two more days. The training will be over. I'll send you to the academy."
"The academy?"
"Yes. You've worked very hard. You've reached E+ level, and no child your age can defeat you with the sword style you possess. Turning your training into experience will take you to the next level."
The old man speaking was Sigurd William, a member of the elders' council. He was the second most influential person after Magnus. He had been absent for some time because he had been spending his time raising a genius, and he had succeeded.
"Pack your things tomorrow. We're going to the capital."
The young man's eyes lit up upon hearing the news. He was excited and happy. He had endured this training for over a year and could finally leave the village.
His name was SYLAS ELDİRTH IRONHEART. He was an orphaned child. Sigurd saw talent in him and decided to take him in by gambling. He was truly a genius, and Sigurd was pleased.
"That's enough. Go to sleep. It will be a long journey."
SYLAS put down what he was holding and ran excitedly to his room. Sigurd watched him go.
****
The dragon king's palace was hundreds of meters tall and hundreds of kilometers wide. Rarely did anyone other than guards and noble dragons enter. The king rarely met with anyone except a few people. Instead, his duties were managed by a few individuals. Even though dragons could take human form, they rarely did so because it limited their power. Twelve dragons were waiting in a room in human form.
Even though they all looked young, the youngest was 100 years old. While they were chatting with each other, someone entered the room. Everyone stood up and waited respectfully. The person who entered was ZYRAX FLAMEBORN, who had the most authority after the king. Zyrax walked forward without paying attention to their gazes. He stopped in front of the young dragons and examined them. The young dragons were a bit frightened because Zyrax's gaze alone was intimidating. Finally, the pressure eased, and ZYRAX began to speak.
"I know you're all wondering why you're here. The king asked me to select the most talented members of the younger generation to attend the human academy, and you were chosen. Don't worry; even if our academies are better, the king will reward everyone who goes. Now, those who don't want to go should leave the room."
"...."
There was a moment of silence, and no one left because they respected the King. ZYRAX studied them and continued.
"Good. Everyone except Drakar, leave. Come back here tomorrow. Prepare your belongings before going to the academy. Those not here by 10:00 AM will be left behind. Do not be late."
Everyone nodded and began to leave. Only ZYRAX and Drakar remained in the room. Drakar was the most talented dragon. Even the king had hopes for him. Zyrax stood before Drakar and smiled.
"The king wants you to do something. Connect with the most talented person in the academy and become his companion. If you succeed, the king will declare you his heir."
Draka looked at Zyrax in shock. He would become a companion to just one human and be named the king's successor. Being the successor meant being the most important dragon after the king. Even more important than Zyrax. Drax tried to open his mouth.
"I... I accept the king's request."
Zyrax smiled and left the room.
****
This scene was repeated in every important place. Demons sent assassins in human form. Other races sent their most talented young people. For one reason: to meet the strongest human or to eliminate him.