Present Day
Elton and Zhao Kong had drawn attention on their own. Representatives from prestigious institutions approached them eagerly. Stormfall Orarion University, renowned for its elite archery program, set its sights on Elton. Meanwhile, Ironfist Orarion University, known for producing the empire's strongest tanks, targeted Zhao.
"Your precision is remarkable," a Stormfall representative complimented Elton, his sharp eyes locked on the archer. "We rarely see such accuracy, even among our senior students. We would be honored to have you study with us."
Elton smiled modestly, his fingers brushing the fletching of his arrows. "Stormfall's reputation is well-known," he replied respectfully. "I'll definitely consider your offer."
Zhao Kong, meanwhile, listened to the Ironfist representative—a burly man with arms like tree trunks. "Your defensive prowess is already impressive," the man grunted in approval. "At Ironfist, we could help you become an unbreakable fortress on the battlefield. Think about it."
As the recruitment continued, whispers spread among the crowd. "Is anyone going to approach Dave Blake?" someone murmured, eyes darting towards the lone figure standing near the field's edge.
Dave, brooding, stood away from the main action, watching as his former classmates basked in the attention of the Nine Greats. Despite his earlier performance, no one approached him—not even the lesser universities that typically scouted lower-ranked students. It was as if he were invisible, overshadowed once again by Gabriel's brilliance.
"Why isn't anyone looking at me?" Dave thought bitterly, fists clenched at his sides. His newfound power from the Abyssal Crypt surged within him, a dark whisper reminding him of what he could do—what he would do when the time came.
Just then, a figure in a black cloak appeared beside him, seemingly emerging from the shadows. Dave stiffened, instincts warning him of danger. The figure lowered their hood, revealing an older man with sharp, predatory eyes and a scar running from his temple to his chin.
"You're Dave Blake, aren't you?" the man's voice was cold and calculating. "I've been watching you."
Dave turned to face him fully, suspicion rising in his chest. "And who are you?"
The man smirked. "That's not important. What's important is that you've been overlooked, cast aside by those too blind to see your potential. But I see it. And I know you're destined for greater things."
Dave's eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"
"I represent an institution far older than these so-called 'Great Universities.' An institution where true power is forged in the fires of ambition. You're looking for a way to surpass Gabriel, aren't you? To finally claim your rightful place as the strongest."
Dave's heart raced. Whoever this man was, he knew exactly how to strike at the core of his deepest desires. "Go on."
The man leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I know about the Abyssal Crypt. I know about your Knight of Ruin class. There are places—far from the reach of Heaven Orarion and the others—where you can learn to harness that power. Join us, and I will show you how to unlock its true potential."
A long silence stretched between them as Dave weighed the offer. He could feel the eyes of his peers on him, as if waiting for him to crack, to admit defeat. But here, standing before him, was an offer that promised something different. Not just recognition, but power. True power.
"Who do you work for?" Dave asked, his voice calm but sharp.
The man smiled darkly. "Let's just say, we're from the Abyssal Sect. We don't seek the spotlight, but we hold the keys to strength beyond mortal understanding."
Dave's breath hitched slightly. The Abyssal Sect. Rumors about them floated among the academy students, whispered in fear and awe. They were said to be ruthless, wielding power that transcended anything the traditional universities could offer. But they were also shrouded in mystery and darkness, their goals unknown.
"And what's the catch?" Dave asked, his voice cold.
The man's smile widened. "No catch. Just ambition. If you want power, all you need to do is accept it."
Dave didn't hesitate. "I'm in."
As the man turned to leave, he tossed a final glance at the arena, where Gabriel stood, surrounded by admirers. "You'll get your chance, Dave Blake. But remember—power always comes at a price."
Dave watched him disappear into the shadows, the promise of power echoing in his mind. His chance to surpass Gabriel had finally arrived.
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the stadium, Gabriel and his team—Jane, Elton, Gareth, and Zhao Kong—gathered in a secluded corner of the field. The hustle and bustle of recruitment continued around them, but their focus was on the critical decision they faced: which university would best serve their individual and collective goals.
Gabriel leaned against a stone wall, his expression contemplative as he looked over his comrades. The day had been long, filled with excitement and offers from prestigious institutions. Now it was time to deliberate and choose the path that would shape their futures.
"Alright, everyone," Gabriel began, his voice steady. "We've had offers from some of the best universities. Although we have other options, I will only mention the best of all the universities that approached us. Heaven Orarion for me, Stormfall University and Western University for Elton, Central University for Gareth, and Ironfist University and Southern University for Zhao. We need to decide what's best for each of us and how we can support one another."
Jane, ever the strategist, nodded. "I think we should break it down. What does each university offer us, and how does it align with our goals and skills?"
Elton, still processing the excitement of the day, spoke up first. "Stormfall Orarion University has a fantastic archery program and the chance to train under some of the best archers in the empire. Their focus on precision and advanced techniques would be perfect for refining my skills."
Gareth, the team's mage and tactician, chimed in next. "Stormfall would be a good fit for Elton, but what about the rest of us? We have offers from different places, each with its own strengths."
Zhao Kong scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Ironfist Orarion University is known for its defensive training. They have an excellent reputation for creating some of the strongest tanks in the empire. Their training could help me further hone my defensive skills and become an even more formidable force on the battlefield."
Jane turned to Gabriel, her eyes sharp and analytical. "Gabriel, you have an offer from Heaven Orarion University, which is prestigious but also highly competitive. What's your take?"
Gabriel nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Heaven Orarion University is indeed a dream for many. They have top-notch facilities and some of the best mentors in the empire. It's an opportunity to study under some of the greatest minds in martial arts. However, it's also intense and demanding. We'd have to be prepared for the level of competition and the rigorous training."
Gareth, always the pragmatic one, added, "It sounds like Heaven Orarion could be a great fit for you, Gabriel. But we should also think about how our choices impact our ability to work together. Although we've just only been a team on this assessment, I think we need to stick together and strengthen it. That shouldn't be lost."
Jane nodded in agreement. "True. While individual growth is important, our synergy as a team in future challenges should also be considered. We should think about how our choices will affect our ability to collaborate and support one another."
Elton turned his gaze to Jane. "What about you, Jane? Have you thought about where you'd fit best?"
Jane's eyes flickered with determination. "I haven't received any direct offers from the great nine yet. So far, Dusk Stone University is the best university that offered to take me in. But I've been researching the universities. I'm interested in places that offer advanced tactical training and opportunities to develop my assassination skills further. Places like Nightshade Orarion University, known for its covert operations and stealth training, could be a good fit for me. But I'll need to look into their recruitment process."
Gareth's eyes lit up with an idea. "What if we considered finding a university that can support all our goals? Some lesser-known institutions might offer tailored programs or even allow us to pursue our individual paths while still being connected."
Gabriel looked around at his team, a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect evident in his gaze. "That's a good point. We should explore all our options, not just the big names. Our goals are unique, and it's important we find a place where each of us can grow while still maintaining our bond."
Zhao Kong nodded in agreement. "Let's not rush into decisions. We should take some time to visit the universities we're interested in, talk to the mentors, and see where we feel most aligned with our aspirations."
Jane, always the practical one, smiled. "Agreed. We should also consider any potential benefits of our choices for future missions and quests. It's not just about the immediate training but also about the long-term benefits."
As they continued to discuss their options, the sun finally set, leaving the arena bathed in twilight. Each member of the team took solace in knowing that their decision would not only impact their future but also the strength and unity of their team.
Gabriel stood up; his decision made. "Let's take the next few days to visit these universities, explore their offerings, and make an informed choice. In the meantime, you four need to finish your class advancement to continue leveling up."
Hearing Gabriel's words, his teammates nodded in unison.