As soon as they completed the challenge, Ha Ron and Kingrig were teleported back to the gate. Breathing heavily but filled with an undeniable sense of accomplishment, the two exchanged exhausted but victorious grins. The weight of their achievement settled over them like a comforting blanket after weeks of relentless effort.
Their jubilant cheers caught the attention of Titus and Arminius, who had also just teleported back from the mountain as their own three-hour limit was exhausted.
"You two finally did it, didn't you? "Congratulations!"
Soon after, one of the academy's senior staff approached them with a warm smile "I'm glad you two boys made it. Congratulations!" He said it enthusiastically.
He then produced two inner hall tokens, presenting one to each of the triumphant acolytes. "Do you know how to apply for the inner hall?"
The staff member gladly explained the intricacies of using the system from their palms to access information about the academy halls. He demonstrated how they could view details about each hall, including their specialties, instructors, and current vacancies.
He emphasized that they could only submit one application at a time, encouraging them to carefully consider their options before making a decision. Additionally, he mentioned the possibility of halls extending direct invitations to promising acolytes.
To give an example, the staff member gestured toward a commotion nearby, where a crowd had gathered around a certain acolyte who had also just completed the Perseverance Mountain challenge. Hall representatives, senior acolytes, and even magus assistants swarmed around the young woman.
"That's her!" exclaimed Kingrig, his voice tinged with recognition as he pointed to the silver-haired figure at the center of attention. Ha Ron's gaze hardened slightly at the sight of her, recalling their encounter where she had effortlessly surpassed them on the mountain
However, as they observed her closely, their initial resentment softened into something entirely different. The girl was not just much younger than expected, but she was also strikingly beautiful.
"Who is she?" Titus inquired, his curiosity piqued by the spectacle unfolding before them.
The Academy staff described her as one of the rare geniuses, explaining how despite being only 15 years old, she had managed to complete the challenge in her first attempt in under two hours. Such feats were reserved for a select few, with only several of these prodigies appearing each year. "I heard she also has an almost perfect S aptitude," the staff member added, "no wonder even a higher hall representative also came to approach her."
Ha Ron and Kingrig couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration, reminded of what they witnessed at the tenacity peak. They sensed a vast gulf between themselves and this remarkable young acolyte. However, their frustration quickly turned to excitement as they realized that the academy was filled with these formidable individuals, one that could challenge them to become stronger.
After expressing their gratitude to the academy staff, the four acolytes departed, eager to share the news with Master Emery. They mounted one of the river creatures and swiftly made their way to the nearest mountain path leading to Hall 120.
"I heard there are currently 30-plus acolytes filling the hall, when you enter, please ask master to leave two rooms for us," said Titus earnestly.
"Yes, please tell the master we will definitely conquer the mountain before the deadline," added Arminius.
The two centurions were frustrated by their inability to enter the mountain and had to stay on the foothills until they received the inner hall tokens.
"Alright then, we are leaving now, Back to beat the test!"
As they were preparing to say goodbye, a group of acolytes approached them.
There were ten in total, a mix of those donning inner hall grey outfits and others wearing the white outer hall attire. Their demeanor made it clear they were seeking trouble. One of them, a burly looking youth, stepped forward, his expression disdainful as he remarked,
"There are four of them this time. These damn lower realm cockroaches just keep on coming."
The words immediately put the four friends on edge. Titus stepped forward cautiously, his tone guarded. "What do you want?"
The burly acolyte smirked and replied mockingly, "Oh, don't be tense. We came with great news! an invitation to join our halls. It's one of the older ones, Hall 95. Definitely much better than this one."
Arminius cut in firmly, his voice resolute. "Not interested."
Their response elicited mocking chuckles from the group of 10 acolytes. "Then you should head back, this path is closed," one of them sneered. It was evident that these individuals had come with the intention of preventing Hall 120 from recruiting more acolytes, employing a low and underhanded tactic to achieve their goal.
A quick assessment of the group of 10 revealed that several of them were senior acolytes, most likely rank 9 acolytes. The prospect of facing such formidable opponents made it evident that the upcoming confrontation would be a daunting one. Yet, despite the odds stacked against them, the four younger acolytes exchanged determined glances. Without the need for verbal communication, they silently affirmed their shared resolve—they would not retreat in the face of this threat.
"Ahhh, they want to fight. Excellent!" remarked one of the aggressors, his tone laced with anticipation.
As tensions escalated between the two groups, a sudden interruption halted their impending clash. Another figure appeared, striding casually up the path. To the astonishment of the four younger acolytes, it was the same silvery-haired female who had effortlessly scaled Perseverance Mountain.
"Why is she here?"
Confusion swept through the minds of the four acolytes as they pondered the reason for her unexpected appearance. Was she aligned with the group of aggressive acolytes, or could it be possible that the rare genius had ventured here to apply to Hall 120?
Meanwhile, several miles up the hill, Emery experienced an inexplicable sensation. A tingling awareness prickled at his senses, causing his heart to quicken its pace. It felt as though someone of great significance to him was drawing near.
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