Shunya sat cross-legged on the grass, mud streaking his shirt and one sleeve torn halfway down the arm. His hair was a wild mess, and he was pretty sure there was still swamp gunk stuck to his ear.
"I think," he said between breaths, "I left part of my soul back there in the mud."
Naomi crouched in front of him, tilting her head. "You look like a drowned chicken."
"That's… specific."
She grinned, clearly pleased with herself. "A very slow drowned chicken."
Vikoria arrived, carrying three small bottles of clear liquid. "Drink." She handed one to each of them.
Shunya sniffed his suspiciously. "This isn't swamp water, right?"
"It's recovery tonic," she said. "Stops your muscles from locking up. Also helps with minor bruising."
He took a sip and made a face. "Tastes like tree bark boiled in regret."
"Better than dying," Naomi said, downing hers in one go.
Around them, the arena was chaos. The handlers were still securing the massive serpent, guiding it toward a reinforced gate at the far end. Other participants were getting patched up by healers, some groaning on stretchers, others already arguing about "unfair distractions" and "someone cutting in my attack line."
Jean stood near the center, clipboard in one hand, speaking with two officials dressed in white and gold uniforms. After a few minutes, he raised his voice.
"Alright! Listen up, survivors!"
The chatter died instantly.
Jean cleared his throat. "First, congratulations to all of you still standing—or, at the very least, breathing. You've passed the combat portion of the entrance assessment." He scanned the group, his gaze sharp. "And yes, before you ask, the serpent was part of the test."
A groan rippled through the crowd. Shunya wasn't sure if it was disappointment or pure exhaustion.
Jean continued, "Today's performance will also factor into your initial cultivator rank placement."
Shunya slumped forward.
Jean walked down the line of remaining participants, handing out sealed envelopes with names printed in bold ink. "Inside is your provisional rank and your registration form. Do not lose it. If you do, you'll be required to retake the exam."
When Jean reached Shunya, he gave a small smirk. "You were reckless… but persistent. Not a bad combination—when it doesn't get you killed."
Shunya accepted the envelope, muttering, "Thanks, I guess?"
Naomi peeked over his shoulder. "Open it already. I want to laugh if it says 'lowest possible rank.'"
Shunya broke the seal and unfolded the paper.
Provisional Rank: Hard Level – Lower Tier.
He blinked. "…I passed above the normal threshold?"
Vikoria leaned closer, smiling faintly. "That's good. Means you're starting stronger than most new cultivators."
Naomi pretended to look shocked. "Well, would you look at that. Rookie might actually be useful."
Shunya tucked the paper back into the envelope before she could snatch it. "And what about you?"
Naomi smirked. "Hard Level – Upper Tier."
"Of course you did," Shunya muttered.
Jean clapped his hands to get attention again. "One last thing before we dismiss you—since you've officially passed the combat trial, you're entitled to your initial cultivator stipend. This will be transferred in the form of silver coins. You'll also receive access to the National Cultivation Government Organization's resource library."
That perk actually caught Shunya's attention. "Resource library? Like, books and manuals?"
"Yes," Jean said. "Training methods, cultivation theory, recorded battle experiences—anything a cultivator needs to improve. And no, rookies, you can't just borrow things forever. They will hunt you down if you forget to return them."
"Sounds… intense," Shunya murmured.
After another round of formalities, the group was finally dismissed.
---
Outside the arena, the streets of New Fornia City were buzzing. Market stalls lined the stone-paved roads, their colorful banners fluttering in the warm breeze. The smell of grilled skewers mixed with the sharper scent of fresh ink from nearby scroll shops.
Naomi walked a few steps ahead, already scanning the stalls like she owned the place. "First thing I'm buying with my stipend is a new sword oil. My blade's a mess after that fight."
Vikoria kept her pace slower, staying beside Shunya. "You should save most of yours. Early-stage cultivators burn through resources quickly— herbs, repair costs, travel fees. And you don't even have proper armor yet."
Shunya sighed. "So basically, I'm still broke, even when I get paid."
"That's the cultivator life," she said simply.
They reached a small side street where Jean was waiting near the NGCO branch building, a tall structure with gold trim and a crest shaped like a stylized phoenix. He handed each of them a small cloth pouch.
Shunya peeked inside —ten bright silver coins clinked together. Not bad… until he remembered Vikoria's words about expenses.
"Enjoy your free time," Jean said with that same too-knowing smile. "Tomorrow morning, report here for the written exam. And wear something clean —mud on the desks is frowned upon."
Shunya nodded, but as they walked away, he couldn't shake a certain thought.
If this is just the start… what's coming next?