บท 18: Outer hall

Every bite Alex took, a warm feeling spread through his body. Though the dishes weren't large, he found himself stuffed to the point where he couldn't even eat another bite.

Meanwhile, Lucas devoured his meal as if he hadn't eaten for a month.

"You look like you didn't eat for a month," Alex who saw it couldn't help but comment.

"I know, but it was so good. We should come here more often brother Alex," said Lucas, massaging his full belly in full satisfaction.

"You know how much it will cost?" Alex rolled his eyes.

"You are always welcomed, young master. Has everything tasted good?" inquired the young lady who had taken their order and visited them just as they finished eating.

"Yes, we liked it very much. Thank you." Then he remembered something else. "Oh, I forgot to bring any money; did you bring any money, brother Alex?" he said, embarrassed.

"Hahaha, I was wondering when you would say that, but don't worry, I have brought enough money," Alex laughed at his friend's amusing expression.

"Young master, you can also pay in academy points, and for academy outer disciples, there is a 20% discount," said the young lady with a professional smile upon overhearing their conversation.

"How much is the cost?" asked Alex.

"It is 20 low-grade spirit stones or 5 academy points."

"Okay, we will pay in spirit stones," said Alex, taking out one middle-grade spirit stone from his pocket.

Upon seeing the middle-grade spirit stone, the young lady displayed a surprised expression. She took the spirit stone and went to the manager. After a minute, she returned with the remaining change.

"Young master, these are the 80 low-grade spirit stones," said the young lady, and Alex stored them in his storage bag.

In this world, one middle-grade spirit stone is equal to 100 low-grade spirit stones, one high-grade spirit stone is equal to 100 middle-grade spirit stones, and so on until top-grade spirit stones.

After that, both Lucas and Alex returned to their houses, as they had to attend the monthly lectures for the outer disciples. Outer disciples could skip these lectures up to three times a year, and beyond that, a valid reason was required unless they were on an academy task.

"Okay, brother, let's meet at tomorrow's class," said Lucas, waving his hand.

" Hmmm " Alex nodded and proceeded toward his chosen house, which was almost the last one and nearest to the mountain which he deliberately selected since he likes a peaceful atmosphere.

Along the way, he encountered many disciples engaged in conversation, but he didn't spot anyone from the Obsidian Clan and even had a talk with some of them whom he saw in his way.

Soon, he reached the end of the houses where his house was located and it was almost isolated with no one to disturb.

As Alex was about to place his academy card for entry, he noticed a girl placing her card on the nameplate of the neighboring house.

Clara, looking at the neighbor who happened to be the same person she met in the mountain, displayed a surprised expression.

However, she soon greeted him, saying, "Hello, I am Clara," and raised her hand for a handshake—an action she reserved for those she trusted.

Somehow, she felt that the person in front of her was trustworthy, recalling the scene where he ran off upon encountering them. His clear eyes, devoid of any lust, reassured her.

"I am Alex," he responded, shaking her hand. He only shared his name, avoiding his clan name, as she hadn't mentioned hers. Although he had learned about her from Lucas, he decided to keep things simple.

"Looks like he is a commoner," thought Clara, feeling grateful that she hadn't mentioned her clan name, which might have made him uneasy.

"Which class are you in?" asked Clara, curious about Alex's academic standing given the dedication she observed during his training.

"I am in A class," said Alex casually.

The academy's classes were divided into A, B, C, and D, with A representing the highest potential and D the lowest. Except for A class, the other classes were further divided into three levels: 1, 2, and 3, with 1 being the highest.

However, after every year, a competition was held, and students were allocated based on their cultivation progress without any bias towards their initial talent.

Clara was shocked to hear that Alex was in A class, as she had never expected him to be in the same tier as her since even her two childhood friends and some other acquaintances who had Emperor talent were allocated in B class.

The A class consisted only of individuals with the highest potential—Demi God talent—and a few who, despite having Emperor talent, excelled in the entrance test.

Clara refrained from asking about Alex's talent, as they weren't quite familiar. After chatting for a few minutes, they bid each other farewell.

Upon returning to his room, Alex eagerly went to sleep, anticipating the class the next day. His instincts hinted that the protagonist of this world might also be in A class.

______________

The next morning, as soon as he woke up, Alex had breakfast with Lucas in the outer feast hall, which was free for the outer disciples as they pay 20 academy points per month.

However, the taste of the food couldn't compare to the Heavenly Star restaurant.

"Brother Alex, let's go fast; we are almost late to the class!" shouted Lucas, not wanting to get scolded on his first day.

"Yes, coming," said Alex, finishing the last sandwich on his plate. As soon he finished it both of them started moving to the outer hall.

They quickly reached the outer hall labeled (A Class), which was spacious. Staring at the door, Alex sighed, feeling a mix of excitement and a sense that this class might be the most troublesome one among the new classes.