Capítulo 17: Chapter 17: The Decisive Strike
As the battle raged on in the testing chamber, both Alex and the troll were reaching a critical point. The troll, despite its immense strength and resilience, began to show signs of wear from the accumulated injuries inflicted by Alex's strategic attacks. Each shallow cut and strike Alex had managed to land was taking its toll on the massive creature.
Alex, though fatigued, could sense the shift in momentum. The cuts he had inflicted on the troll's legs, arms, and torso, while not individually significant, had collectively weakened the creature. He moved with a renewed sense of purpose, his every strike precise and calculated.
The troll, feeling the effects of the battle, roared in frustration and pain. It swung its club with diminishing speed, the once-fluid movements now slightly labored. Alex saw his opportunity in these brief moments of slowed reaction. He darted in and out, his scythe a blur as he delivered targeted strikes to the troll's vulnerable spots.
In the observation room, Lucian and the receptionist watched in stunned silence. With each passing moment, Alex's victory seemed more and more feasible, a possibility that had seemed remote when the troll first appeared. Lucian's eyes were wide, his hands clenched in anticipation.
Back in the chamber, the troll made a desperate, sweeping attack with its club, a last attempt to crush Alex under its might. Alex, anticipating this move, rolled forward, coming up beneath the creature's guard. With a powerful upward thrust, he drove the scythe deep into the troll's underbelly, piercing through the thick hide into the flesh beneath.
The troll let out a guttural howl, its body shuddering from the impact. Alex withdrew the scythe, stepping back as the troll staggered, its movements unsteady. He watched, his chest heaving with exertion, as the creature tried futilely to regain its balance.
Then, with a final groan, the troll fell to its knees, its strength finally giving out. It toppled forward, crashing to the ground with a thud that echoed through the chamber. Its form began to disintegrate, just like the others before it, fading away into a cloud of light particles.
In the observation room, Lucian and the receptionist rose to their feet, their expressions a mix of disbelief and awe. "Impossible," Lucian whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of shock and admiration. The receptionist, too, was visibly shaken, her usual composed demeanor giving way to surprise.
Alex stood in the center of the chamber, the scythe still in his hands, his breathing heavy but steady. He had done it. He had defeated a creature at the Qi Core Formation Late Stage, a feat that seemed almost beyond belief.
The system interface chimed, acknowledging his victory and adding the points earned from this monumental battle. Alex glanced at the notification, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. He had not only passed the test but had also demonstrated a level of skill and power that was rare for someone at his stage of cultivation.
As the door to the testing chamber slowly opened, signaling the end of Alex's remarkable trial, he raised his hand, a gesture he had been instructed to make when he was ready to leave. The door responded, granting him exit from the intense battleground he had triumphed in. Stepping out of the chamber, Alex was met by a wave of relief and the realization of what he had just accomplished.
Outside, Lucian and the receptionist were already waiting for him. Their expressions were a mix of awe and urgency, reflecting the extraordinary nature of the battle they had just witnessed. Without a moment's delay, the receptionist motioned for both Alex and Lucian to follow her.
They traversed the guild hall, moving away from the bustle and chatter of the main area. The receptionist led them to an office situated on the other end of the room, a space that seemed far removed from the liveliness of the guild. Her pace was brisk, indicating the importance of what was to follow.
Once inside the office, the atmosphere shifted. The room was starkly furnished, with a desk and a few chairs, the walls adorned with maps and various hunting memorabilia. It was a space that spoke of strategy and decision-making, a stark contrast to the combative energy of the testing chamber.
The receptionist closed the door behind them, ensuring privacy. She turned to face Alex and Lucian, her expression now serious, a stark departure from her previously composed demeanor.
"We need to discuss the implications of what just happened," she began, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of concern. "Alex, your performance in the chamber was nothing short of extraordinary. Defeating a creature at the Qi Core Formation Late Stage is a feat that demands recognition but also discretion."
She paused, letting her words sink in. "Such abilities, especially at your current stage of cultivation, can attract unwanted attention, both within the guild and beyond its walls. There are entities in Valoria that seek out individuals with exceptional talents for their own purposes, some benevolent, others far less so."
Lucian nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on Alex. "She's right," he added. "Your journey in the Hunters' Guild, and in the world of Qi cultivation, is bound to be eventful. We must tread carefully and ensure that your talents are nurtured and protected, not exploited."
The receptionist continued, "We must strategize your next steps carefully. Your abilities and potential make you a valuable asset to the guild, but they also put you in a vulnerable position. We need to plan how to manage this, both for your safety and for the benefit of the guild."
The room fell into a thoughtful silence as they all considered the weight of the situation. Alex, still processing his recent victory, now faced a new challenge - navigating the complex and often perilous world of Qi cultivation, where power and talent were currencies of immense value and danger.
In the quiet confines of the office, the atmosphere was laden with the gravity of recent events. The woman from the reception desk turned her attention to Lucian, her gaze sharp and assessing. "Lucian, are you entering the Celestial Nexus Academy?" she inquired, her voice carrying an undercurrent of seriousness.
Lucian nodded affirmatively. "Yes, I plan to begin my training there within the next month," he confirmed. His voice held a note of anticipation, a testament to the prestige and opportunity that the academy represented in the world of Qi cultivation.
The woman appeared satisfied with his response. "Good," she said. "In light of what has transpired here and the potential Alex has shown, I will provide him with a recommendation to join you at the academy." She paused, her eyes briefly meeting Alex's. "And I will also grant him a pass for entry."
She reached into a drawer of her desk and pulled out a gleaming object. It was a platinum pass, intricately designed and shimmering with an aura of exclusivity. "This is not just any pass," she explained as she handed it to Alex. "It's a platinum pass, signifying VIP status within the guild. It's reserved for only the most exclusive members, those who have shown exceptional ability and promise."
Alex, taking the pass, felt its weight and significance. He was aware of the Hunters' Guild and its reputation, but this level of recognition was beyond what he had imagined.
Curiosity piqued, Alex finally voiced a question that had been forming in his mind. "What exactly is this Celestial Nexus Academy?" he asked. His tone was one of genuine intrigue, reflecting his lack of knowledge about the famed institution.
The question seemed to catch the woman off guard. Her expression shifted to one of surprise, her eyes widening slightly. "You've never heard of the Celestial Nexus Academy?" she asked, her tone a mixture of shock and disbelief. The academy was renowned throughout Auroria and beyond, known as a premier institution for the highest levels of Qi cultivation and martial training.
Her shock was understandable. The academy was not just an educational institution; it was a symbol of the pinnacle of achievement in the world of Qi. Its graduates were among the most respected and powerful individuals in Auroria, often playing pivotal roles in the affairs of the country and the wider world of cultivation.
For someone like Alex, who had demonstrated such remarkable talent and potential, to be unaware of the academy was almost unthinkable.
As Alex shook his head, signifying his unfamiliarity with the Celestial Nexus Academy, the woman from the reception desk leaned back in her chair, her expression turning contemplative. It was clear that she was preparing to impart significant information about a world that Alex was about to step into – a world that was much grander and complex than he might have imagined.
"The Celestial Nexus Academy," she began, her voice taking on a tone of reverence, "is not merely a school. It is the epitome of Qi cultivation and martial prowess, a place where the realms of the physical and the spiritual intertwine seamlessly."
She paused, ensuring Alex was absorbing the gravity of her words. "Situated in the heart of Auroria, in the mystical Azure Peaks, the academy stands as a beacon for those who seek to transcend the ordinary bounds of cultivation. It's a place where the ancient arts are not just preserved; they are evolved, pushed to their very limits."
"The academy was founded eons ago, during an era of great turmoil and upheaval. It was established by a group of legendary cultivators who had reached the pinnacle of their powers. These were individuals who had not only mastered the Qi within themselves but had also unlocked the secrets of the cosmos. Their goal was to create a sanctuary of knowledge and power, a place where the next generations of cultivators could train and thrive."
"The curriculum at Celestial Nexus is as diverse as it is profound. It includes not just physical training and Qi manipulation, but also lessons in ancient lore, alchemical studies, astral projection, and even interdimensional exploration. Students are encouraged to explore the depths of their abilities, to push the boundaries of what is considered possible."
"Training at the academy is rigorous and demanding. It challenges every aspect of one's being - physical, mental, and spiritual. The masters there are not just teachers; they are guides who have walked the path of extreme cultivation. They help students not only in harnessing their Qi but also in understanding the great responsibility that comes with such power."
"As for the other schools," she continued, "they too have their unique philosophies and teachings. Harmony Sage College, located in the tranquil land of Eirene, emphasizes the balance between mind, body, and spirit. Its serene setting in a lush valley is reflective of its approach to cultivation – a harmony with nature and the universe. The college is known for producing cultivators who are not just powerful but also wise and compassionate."
"Astral Winds Dojo, in the dynamic land of Zephyria, offers a stark contrast. It is a place where the elements themselves are harnessed. Students there learn to adapt to the ever-changing forces of nature, making their cultivation style fluid and unpredictable. The dojo's location on the Whispering Plains exposes students to the raw energies of the environment, shaping them into cultivators who are as resilient as they are formidable."
"As you embark on your journey at Celestial Nexus Academy, you'll be stepping into a legacy that spans ages. It's a place where legends are born and where the future of Qi cultivation is shaped."
Alex listened, captivated by the description of these institutions and the world of Qi cultivation they represented. He felt a mix of excitement and awe at the prospect of being part of such a legacy.
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