Felix stared at the phone screen in silence.
Nine major races.
A neutral academy.
And a single cultivation system that encompassed them all.
"So many different races gathered in one place…" he muttered.
"Either that's impossible… or something incredibly powerful is backing it."
After a brief pause, he spoke inside his mind.
"System, why is the World Academy so important?"
This time, the system's voice carried a heavier tone.
[The World Academy is the only institution on a planetary scale that has sworn absolute neutrality, Host.]
[It is not affiliated with any kingdom, race, or higher existence faction.]
Felix narrowed his eyes.
"Higher existence faction?"
[Pantheons. Collectives of entities that have reached extremely high stages.]
"So the academy," Felix said slowly,
"is a place even they can't interfere with directly."
[Correct.]
That answer only deepened Felix's interest.
"Then how do so many races coexist without constant chaos?"
The system paused briefly.
[They don't avoid conflict.]
[The academy simply possesses the power to suppress it.]
Felix looked back at the screen.
The list of races was still open.
Humans were the most widespread race.
Neither the strongest nor the weakest.
Their true strength lay in adaptability—able to walk multiple paths and combine different systems.
"Average," Felix thought,
"but dangerous."
Elves possessed extremely high mana sensitivity and long lifespans.
They excelled in magic, especially elemental control.
However, their physical bodies were fragile, and their emotions unstable.
"Glass cannons," Felix summarized.
Dwarves focused Essence into their bodies and runic technology.
Weak in pure magic, but terrifying when fully prepared.
"Never fight a prepared dwarf."
Beastkin grew stronger through instinct.
Sharp senses, powerful physiques, and savage combat styles.
Their biggest flaw was their lack of control.
Dragonkin were born with overwhelmingly dense Essence.
They naturally emitted pressure and advanced rapidly through stages.
But many reached their peak too early—and burned out.
"High speed, high risk."
Voidborn were beings misaligned with reality itself.
They wielded power originating from the Void and were often rejected by most regions.
Only a few ever appeared in the academy.
Felix lingered on this entry longer than the others.
Celestials possessed affinity with light and laws.
They considered themselves enforcers of order.
Early contact with Law Authority made them powerful—but rigid.
"They won't like me," Felix thought.
Abyssals were connected to chaos and darkness.
They grew strong quickly, but always paid a price.
Mind, body, or identity—something was inevitably lost.
Felix locked the phone.
"And then," he said quietly,
"there's me."
A being with an unclassified race.
"System," he asked,
"what happens if someone like me enters the academy?"
There was a noticeable delay.
[Officially, you will undergo individual evaluation.]
[Unofficially… you will attract attention.]
Felix smiled faintly.
"Expected."
Then the system spoke again.
[Host.]
"Yes?"
[Preparation for the academy entrance exam is recommended.]
"That was already my plan."
[In that case, an initial mission has been generated.]
Felix's expression sharpened.
"Show me."
Mission Notification
Mission Name: Academy Pre-Preparation
Mission Type: Mandatory / Beginner
Objectives:
Reduce Essence pressure to an unnoticeable level
Strengthen physical foundations
Acquire basic knowledge about the academy and races
Time Limit: 30 days
Rewards:
Additional loosening of cultivation restrictions
Wind Affinity (New)
Hidden advantage in the academy entrance exam
Unknown knowledge fragment
Failure:
Increased risk during the academy exam
Tighter system restrictions
Felix closed the mission window.
"Wind…" he murmured.
"Not bad."
He walked toward the window.
This world held countless races.
Countless paths.
Countless powers.
And he…
Was still only at the beginning.
But the World Academy would soon learn—
Felix was not meant to remain unnoticed.