Z and Lily arrived at the library. Both of them read and researched their respective interests. The two really hit it off. Smiles did not leave either of their faces as they converse. When evening came, the two parted ways.
_____
The entire year had passed as it was now time for the year end exams. Z didn't slack a bit. He is now at the deep green stage of core and light green stage of mana. With all the resources he has, advancing was not really an issue. He almost lived inside the battlegrounds. He fought and fought against countless beasts and criminals to master his control over both his world energy and mana. This allowed him to grow at a much faster rate. There were also times where he would spar with Lily. During the first part of the year he would always lose. Even now he does not have a guaranteed win but, he already snatched a couple of victories away. The relationship grew stronger as they would constantly hang out throughout the year. They would exchange ideas in everything.
Z didn't neglect his specialty. His control over both his mana and world energy is absurdly precise. He can even combine both mana and core techniques now. Not perfectly, but still an impressive achievement. His knowledge with regards to his powers were through the roof. Even though he is practicing countless hours a day, he still didn't neglect attending various classes.
He heavily considered getting blood essence and using it but chose to neglect it. He does not have enough time in a day to practice both mana and world energy, it wouldn't be wise to add any more. As the saying goes, a master who slashed his sword a single way a thousand times is stronger than the one who slashed a thousand different ways a single time.
Furthermore, he is even more held back by mana. He unexpectedly has an affinity for 3 types. Wind, fire and water. He spent a lot of his time mastering and understanding the elements. He can now combine two elements together but still miserably fails at three.
_____
In the class S' room...
"Okay, the exam will begin later after I finish this briefing." said their professor whose name is still unknown.
"In the upcoming exam, your task is to defend the island. Rebels are seizing our lands and it is your duty to protect it and the people with it. Do not worry, the other class S students will come together with you. All 7 batches of class S including you will defend the island. Your grades will be decided by the contribution you make in the fight."
"Go, prepare for a bloodbath. Prepare your physical and mental status."
The professor continued to discuss the specifics of their exam. Afterwards, Z and the rest went back to their dorm.
'I should probably meet Lily first' he thought as he walked towards the room.
"Creak.." as Lily's door opened "Hi, let us go?" she smiled with a big smile to Z
"Of course!" he replied.
"Ah!" Z exclaimed. "The egg is hatching!"
"Great!" Z already told Lily everything about his past, since Lily did the same. They have been taking care of the mythical egg together and it finally hatched.
As Z opened the grimoire, a small cute beast with four furry legs, a beak and a pair of wings came out.
"It is a gryphon!" shouted Lily in excitement.
The gryphon caressed Z's hand using its head.
"So cute, looks like she is a female" Z said
"Haha...what do you think we should name her?" Lily asked
"Can we? Are we strong enough?"
"Yes, haha. It is still a newborn after all."
"Then what should we name her?"
"Since she's a girl... What about Liz?" Lily said as her face turned red.
"Liz..Liz...Great name!"
'Dense bastard' Lily thought
The two put their hands above the head of the gryphon. "From now on, your name is Liz!"
World energy started to transfer from the two to Liz. After absorption, she grew a lot from her original size.
"That was quite draining...hahaha" said Lily
"Couldn't agree more"
"Qwee!"