The moment Feng stepped through the portal from the 30th floor, he was pulled straight into a vast arena. The crowd inside was buzzing—dozens of new students who had taken the test earlier were already present. High above, older students in their upperclass robes watched from the stands.
As Feng appeared, a few of the upperclassmen clapped slowly, acknowledging his achievement. Then, almost as one, they began to file out of the arena.
Just then, two familiar figures approached.
Maria ran up with a bright smile. "Feng… that was amazing," she said, breathless.
She turned to the girl beside her. "Oh! Feng, this is Rose—she's an old friend of mine from before I joined the academy."
Rose gave a polite nod. "I've heard a lot about you. Seems you're even more impressive in person."
Feng simply returned the nod. "Nice to meet you."
As they spoke, the last of the upperclassmen exited. Suddenly, an overwhelming presence filled the space above them. Four powerful figures hovered midair, their auras radiating through the arena like pressure waves. No names were spoken, but everyone could feel it—their Qi was on a completely different level. Many students could barely breathe under the weight of it.
Leading them was a broad-shouldered man with the posture of a seasoned warrior. He spoke with quiet authority.
"For those of you who passed," David, Head of Combat Classes, began, "instructors below will guide you to your assigned dorms. Your performance today has already determined your class placement. Non-combat students or those who didn't pass—receive the Arsura System as a parting gift from the academy and continue to grow wherever your path leads."
As he finished, instructors stepped forward from the edges of the arena to guide the failed students out. Some wept. Others begged for another chance. Most, however, walked out in silence.
Once the last of them had left, a tall elven woman with an icy presence—Reta, Head of Dorm Management—stepped forward.
"Regarding your dormitories," she said coolly. "Your ADP points will determine your options. Dorm tiers are priced per term as follows:
1 Star Dorms: 50–100 points
2 Star Dorms: 105–205 points
3 Star Dorms: 210–310 points
4 Star Dorms: 320–450 points
5 Star Dorms: 500–650 points
6 Star Dorms: 700–810 points
7 Star Dorms: 1200–2000 points
Choose wisely."
Then Sora, administrator for ADP transactions, began scanning the crowd. "Feng…" she called, squinting toward the students.
She spotted him. "Ah, there you are. For breaking every record on your way up, you've been credited with 10,000 ADP points. You may claim and use them at any time."
Around them, students from major hubs like Central had already begun forming lines near the instructors. Many had their dorms pre-paid by upperclassmen sponsors and were already being escorted away.
Rose gave Maria a final glance. "My upperclassman already arranged my dorm. See you both around."
Maria nodded, and they shared a quick hug before parting.
As Feng stood uncertainly, still deciding on his dorm, a familiar voice called out.
"Hey—Maria, Feng!"
They turned.
Ava approached with a calm-looking instructor. Her short brown hair swayed as she walked briskly up to them. Ava was Lisa's friend and classmate, and her presence meant something serious was coming.
"Follow me," she said, offering no explanation.
Maria didn't hesitate—she fell into step beside Ava. Feng glanced at the instructor, then at Ava, then followed silently.
As they left the main arena, Xing, standing in line with a group of students calculating their point totals, paused to watch them go. His eyes narrowed, lingering on Feng and Maria as they disappeared through one of the exits.
"Already getting special treatment, huh?" he muttered under his breath.
The instructor next to him barked, "Next!"
Xing's gaze shifted forward again, but his mind was still back on that disappearing group.