Shunya was sure the NGCO building had been designed specifically to make newcomers feel small.
The main hall was huge, all polished marble floors and banners with the golden phoenix crest. Rows of recruits stood in loose formation, some still bandaged from the physical test yesterday. Shunya spotted one guy with his arm in a sling trying to hide a grin, probably just happy he survived.
Jean stepped up to the podium, looking much too cheerful for someone about to announce life-changing ranks.
"Good morning, new cultivators," he said, voice echoing. "You've completed both your written and physical assessments. Today, you'll receive your official cultivator rank, along with your ID badge and stipend package."
Shunya leaned toward Naomi. "You think they'll also hand out apology letters for nearly killing us?"
She smirked. "Only if you ask politely. And by politely, I mean not at all."
Jean began reading names. One by one, people walked up, collected a sealed letter and a small metal badge, then either walked away proud or muttered curses under their breath.
Finally—
"Shunya, Hard Level – Lower Tier."
The words rang out across the hall. A few people glanced his way, some with mild envy. He walked up to get his envelope and badge, feeling oddly like a kid getting an award for 'Most Improved Student.'
Naomi got called a few minutes later: "Naomi Smith, Hard Level – Upper Tier."
Of course she walked back with a smug little bounce in her step. "Guess I'm your senior now," she whispered.
Shunya stuffed his badge into his pocket. "Oh great, I'll start practicing my respectful bow."
Vikoria was next—"Normal Level – Peak Tier." She didn't react much, but Shunya noticed the faint curl of satisfaction in her lips.
Jean raised his voice again. "Now, about your stipends: these are issued monthly based on your rank, and deductions will be made for mandatory NGCO fees."
Shunya blinked. "Fees? For what?"
"Administrative processing, training ground maintenance, library upkeep, regional safety contributions…" Jean rattled them off like grocery items.
Naomi muttered, "Translation: they take your money before you even touch it."
When the ceremony ended, the crowd spilled out into the streets.
Shunya examined his pouch. "Ten silver coins for the month… and after fees, I have—" He counted. "—seven. That's barely enough for rent, food, and maybe one sword polish."
Vikoria adjusted her cloak. "It's worse if you get injured often. Medical herbs aren't free."
Naomi grinned. "Guess you'll just have to stay close to me in battle. I'll keep you alive—for a price."
They reached a small tea stall, and Shunya plopped into a chair. "So basically, I'm officially a cultivator now… but also officially broke."
Vikoria sipped her tea calmly. "Welcome to the real cultivation world. Glory, danger, and financial despair."
Shunya stared at his coins. "…I'm starting to think the serpent wasn't the deadliest part of the test."