Time rewinds to when choosing the treasure.The dim glow of the treasure chamber bathed the myriad of treasures in an ethereal light. Rows upon rows of gleaming artifacts, each holding powers beyond comprehension, awaited their chosen owners. Li Yang's heart raced, knowing that his choices here could significantly change his future battles. Every treasure had its potential, and Li Yang's primary goal was to enhance the powers of his trusty Lion-Eagle.
However, fate had a different plan in store for him.
Lysar, a figure who always had a mystic aura about her, seemed to know the chamber like the back of her hand. "Turn left," she whispered unexpectedly to Li Yang, her voice clear in the silent expanse of the room. "Go to the second cabinet, third row, and pick the second item."
Curiosity piqued, Li Yang followed her guidance without hesitation. The section she directed him to was labeled "Miscellaneous," not a place he would've ventured on his own. However, trusting Lysar's intuition, he was led to a uniquely shaped box, painted in the deep hue of charcoal black. Its four-sided structure was unlike anything he had seen before. He tried to open it, but it seemed sealed, resisting his every effort.
"You won't be able to open it now," Lysar murmured with a knowing smile, "But in due time, its secrets will reveal themselves."
Li Yang was a warrior, and mysteries intrigued him. This cryptic box, with all its unanswered questions, seemed like a challenge he was willing to accept. So, he chose it as one of his treasures.
Following this, Lysar's guidance ceased. Left to his devices, Li Yang contemplated his next choice. Initially, he leaned towards an artifact to amplify his attacks. But, remembering the metallic orb he already possessed, he shifted his focus. His final selections were a ring that promised to counteract poison abnormal status and a pair of earrings that could temporarily cloak his monster, with a catch - the invisibility had a time limit.
Stepping out of the treasure chamber, the weight of his choices pressing on him, Li Yang was met by Feng Xuan. Always proactive and thinking several steps ahead, Feng Xuan proposed an informal dinner at a nearby eatery. "It's an opportunity," he remarked, "to discuss the upcoming journey to Central City Academy."
Lisa, whose fierce independence was renowned, hesitated at first. But Feng Xuan's logic was sound. "Understanding each other will be our greatest strength," he said with conviction.
With a slight roll of her eyes and a half-smile, Lisa agreed. "Fine, but only because it makes strategic sense."
And so, the trio ventured to the eatery, with the prospects of their future adventures awaiting discussion. The treasures they had chosen, especially Li Yang's mysterious box, were bound to shape their journey in ways they couldn't yet fathom. But for now, camaraderie was the order of the day, as they dined, laughed, and plotted their next steps.
In the soft glow of the evening lanterns, the three adventurers, Li Yang, Feng Xuan, and Lisa, sat around a finely adorned table. As they awaited their dishes, Li Yang's sharp eyes caught the intricate details of his companions' newly chosen treasures. The circular jade pendant hanging gracefully from Feng Xuan's flute and Lisa's shimmering crystal necklace paired with a unique bracelet were clear indications of their choices in the treasure chamber. Li Yang resisted the urge to ask about their powers, respecting the private nature of such treasures.
Suddenly, Feng Xuan leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh? Earrings on a man?" he teased, pointing towards Li Yang's ear. "Quite the effeminate touch, don't you think? Doesn't really suit you."
Li Yang, unfazed by the banter, smirked. "In my homeland, men wearing earrings is considered 'Korean style'. You wouldn't understand."
Lisa and Feng Xuan exchanged puzzled glances. "Korean? What's that?" Lisa inquired, genuinely curious.
Shaking his head with a laugh, Li Yang diverted the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Let's talk business. Do you have any intel about the Central City Academy?"
Lisa cleared her throat, "My father once mentioned that joining the academy would significantly enhance our abilities. If we're fortunate enough to be chosen as a favorite pupil of a mentor, there's an opportunity to participate in the Academy Championship. However, you need to rank within the top ten of the academy leaderboard."
Just as she finished, Zephyr, an uninvited guest, strolled over, pouring himself a glass of wine. "Let me elucidate the academy's system for you." Everyone leaned in, eager for firsthand information.
"Central City Academy is presided over by Master Harry, the 50th principal. He's one of the three most influential figures in the Seven Star Cosmos," Zephyr began. "Then there's his younger brother, the vice-principal, Mr. Henry. Following them are the five top mentors of the academy - Mentor Lin, Mentor Fred, Mentor Issac, Mentor Fang, and Mentor Meng. They're all formidable."
Zephyr took a deep breath before diving into the ranking system. "As newcomers, you'll be considered lower-tier members. To ascend to the upper tier, you need to break into the top 100. And as for being a mentor's direct disciple, that's reserved for the top 10."
Unable to contain his curiosity, Feng Xuan interrupted, "And you, Zephyr? Are you upper-tier?"
Zephyr sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, admitting, "Regrettably, I remain in the lower-tier."
A heavy silence settled upon the trio as they realized the academy's competitive nature. But Zephyr wasn't done. "Apart from the upper-tier and direct disciples, there's also the ranking tournament held every six months. Only the top 10 can compete in Lisa's mentioned Championship. Now, for the bad news: Infinity City, where we are now, is just one of the selection sites, and sadly, the most remote one."
He continued, "There are four other major cities – Xuan Cliff City, Lu Li City, Sky Wind City, and South Heaven City. Each city will send three top fighters to the academy. Especially South Heaven City, their fighters are notorious."
The weight of this revelation pressed down on Lisa and Feng Xuan. In stark contrast, Li Yang's eyes gleamed with unbridled excitement.
Zephyr finished his wine, standing up, "Rest well. Tomorrow, we set off for the academy."
The night deepened, filled with dreams of challenges, rankings, and the promise of untapped power.