It had been two weeks since Kurogami and Daichi entered the academy. The first month was all about battle orientation and adaptation; no one dared to cause a scene during this period.
Classes in the academy were divided into five: A, B, C, D, and E. The placement was determined by the final written test, which measured each student's level of knowledge to determine where to begin their training.
Kurogami, having skipped the written test after completing the Obsidian Vessel Physique assessment, was automatically placed in E Class talent.
Daichi, already expecting that Kurogami would end up in E Class, intentionally failed his written test so he could be placed alongside him.
The school's daily routine was simple. Every morning, students from all grades woke up early for a ten-kilometer run led by the bald instructor. The clan heirs were always at the front. Selene led the pack, followed by Kenji, Kael, and Lieji. Behind them were other clan heirs and the top students from A, B, and C classes.
The remaining students, those from D and E classes, trailed behind.
Kurogami was always at the very back, alongside Daichi and their new roommate, Ren.
Name: Ren Arakami
Physic: as a slim built body, 5,7 feet tall, green hair and eyes, yellow light skin, he wears glasses
Age: 18
Current cultivation core:
Talent:
state: unknown
Ren was a noble, but he wasn't outstanding at all, having only a D-rank talent. Among the nobles, he was considered the lowest of them all, mocked and ignored simply because of that D rank.
He was the first to arrive at the hostel room. After looking around, he realized the middle bed looked the most comfortable, so he picked it for himself. Moments later, Kurogami and Daichi entered. Embarrassed, Ren lowered his head. Being weak and constantly bullied by other nobles, he thought it was better to avoid trouble. He was about to move to another bed when Kurogami jumped onto the one at his right, and Daichi took the one on the left, leaving the middle bed for him.
From that day, they treated him like a human. The three of them did everything together, and their bond grew stronger with each passing day. Other nobles whispered among themselves, confused why someone like Daichi would hang around with a weakling, but Daichi never cared.
Despite his efforts, Ren had a weak body. He was always the last during training, but Kurogami and Daichi stayed behind to cheer him on.
He was jogging behind the class, exhausted, sweat pouring down his face, but he kept moving.
"I feel like it's because of me that both of you are always behind," Ren said sadly. He hated the fact that he was slowing them down.
"Well, not really," Daichi said calmly. "Jogging isn't about how fast you are. It's about how much you can endure."
"Hmm, I agree with that," Kurogami added, nodding as sweat trickled down his face, but still not as much as Ren's.
"Don't compare yourself with anyone, Ren," Kurogami said. "Everyone has a different story and destination. You should only compare yourself with who you were yesterday."
Ren thought about this as they jogged behind the rest of the class.
He smiled faintly. "Thanks, guys… but can I please take a break for a few minutes?"
Both Kurogami and Daichi turned to him with exaggerated disgust.
"Nooooo!" they shouted together.
"I feel like I'm going to die," Ren cried out dramatically.
"Then we'll give you a proper burial," Daichi replied coldly with a straight face.
"Ahhh! Mummy!" Ren screamed as he ran ahead while Kurogami and Daichi burst out laughing.
After the morning run, next was a hundred push-ups, then sit-ups and squats, lifting above 50 kg. Ren struggled; both Kurogami and Daichi always made sure he finished it.
The was an important task where all gave, no matter if you are a healing sentinel, this was the bare minimum they should be able to do.
They soon ended this workout class and went to the general class after a refresh.
The general class is where they discuss anomalies, their weaknesses, the type, the political system, and the dangers of the outside world.
"Ahhh, I'm bored," Kurogami thought.
His expression looked lifeless. Ren's face was flat on the desk; he could barely move his body. His eyes were rolled back white, and he was drooling all over the table.
Daichi looked just as bored, but he still paid attention. His right hand rested on the desk, supporting his head as he watched the male teacher talk.
Thin papers suddenly started flying toward him, hitting his head.
"Tch, quit it, Kurogami," Daichi said, clearly annoyed by Kurogami's persistent teasing.
"Why aren't you paying attention? Anomaly info is quite important," Daichi said, turning his gaze toward Kurogami.
Everyone who had been around Kurogami long enough already knew, he never paid attention to any class except cultivation.
"Why would I pay attention when we have Ren?" Kurogami said playfully.
"Ren, enlighten us about the general class. Summarize the last two weeks' lessons."
Ren suddenly jolted up with newfound energy. Using his left hand to push his glasses up, his expression turned serious as stone.
His appearance shifted instantly, like a teacher ready to give a lecture, holding an imaginary cane of authority.
" Anomalies are humans or beasts that have been influenced by Khaos energy. Because their bodies could withstand Khaos, they eventually became consumed by it, turning into monster-like figures ruled by their inner demons.
Anomalies are ranked in multiple tiers. At first, they were simply classified as A, B, or C rank. But now, seven major threat levels have been officially established, starting from Goblin-Level Threat, Lion-Level Threat, Titan-Level Threat, Colaso Titan-Level Threat, Demon dragon level threat, and so on.
When it comes to weaknesses, anomalies, especially the lower-tier ones, cannot cultivate like humans. They are unable to generate or refine chaos essence naturally. Instead, they absorb chaos energy through what they devour.
The greatest advantage anomalies have lies in their chaotic essence; they store within themself the purest form, untamed, and destructive, unlike the stable form used by humans.
The best way to kill an anomaly is by destroying its core or brain, though its location differs depending on the type of anomaly.
As for Sentinels, the reason they can control and withstand chaos energy is because of something known as a Senyan Point.
A Senyan Point is a unique node within humans that allows them to regulate and manipulate chaos essence safely without being consumed by it.
"
Kurogami's head was already bringing out smoke; the information was getting too much for him. Daichi, on the other hand, nodded multiple times, taking note
Ren continued
"There are also many things currently affecting the geographical system of our world. Plants and animals have started developing new traits, evolving to become faster, stronger, and in some cases, even more intelligent. Some species can still be domesticated by humans, while others can no longer coexist peacefully.
This change gave rise to the Beast Realm, a vast region located far beyond the borders of our nation.
Now, regarding our nation, it is governed by six clans, each acting as one of the main pillars of power across the continent. However, the arrival of the Widow disrupted this balance, shattering the ecosystem and weakening the unity among the six clans.
Kurogami nodded his head to that.
Yet, due to her poor political sense and indifference, she left governance to the Rangoku family, who have remained in control ever since."
After Ren finished explaining all this, his body grew weak once more. He collapsed onto the deck, drooling and exhausted.
Kurogami looked at Daichi, speechless. He just sighed and turned his gaze toward the teacher.
The teacher was already staring at them. All the E-class students were also watching in silence. The teacher didn't even say a word; everyone simply stood up and faced the back of the class.
This wasn't their first punishment; in fact, it had become something common. Kurogami, Daichi, and Ren were known troublemakers.
"Ahhh, I just want to sleep," Ren said, tears rolling down his tired face and weak body.
Daichi had an angry expression, glaring at Kurogami, who looked straight ahead, not daring to meet his eyes.
Soon, the class ended, and it was time for combat training.