Kirish moved through the city with the predatory alertness of a man who knew he was being watched.
'System, is the task complete?' he asked inwardly.
["Affirmative. I have fortified your digital identity with Level-4 Security. For a mere 3,000 W, I can make it absolutely impenetrable—a ghost in the machine,"]
the System replied, its tone as transactional as ever.
Kirish knew that if his sudden rise were exposed, a thousand questions would follow.
A mysterious identity was his only shield.
Only a fool would challenge an unknown enemy, and Kirish needed time to sharpen his blade before stepping into the light.
With no immediate tasks on his plate, Kirish leaned back against the seat of the transport pod.
"System, you're supposed to be my guide. What's the move?"
["I don't give advice for free,"]
the System quipped. ["But since I'm in a good mood... you're forgetting something. Your College application has been processed. You've been accepted into White Feather. Go pay your dues and sign the contracts before they give your seat to someone with deeper pockets."]
Kirish realized he had nearly forgotten about the academic path.
The real start of his journey in this world wasn't just in the dark alleys of the Martial Hall—it was at the prestigious gates of higher learning. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
The transport pod hissed to a stop at the entrance of White Feather College.
The gates were gargantuan, topped with a magnificent statue of birds with sprawling white wings.
A spiritual, ethereal energy radiated from the statue, washing over everyone who entered like a calming wave.
Inside, the architecture was a blend of futuristic sleekness and grand, ancient scale. Thousands of students milled about.
Kirish could feel their 'Qi Orbits'—faint auras of power humming in the air. However, none of them could exert pressure on him. His Rank-4 Orbit was like a silent ocean compared to their shallow ponds.
The students here didn't hide their strength; in this society, your power was your ID card.
Most students only began forging their Orbits after entering college under the guidance of masters.
Kirish had already achieved this feat alone. Had he been from a noble clan, it would be expected; coming from his background, it was a miracle he needed to keep hidden for now.
He moved through the administrative wing, completing the formalities and paying the tuition fees.
The fees were surprisingly nominal—he realized the College made its true fortune through research, patents, and high-level mercenary contracts.
Drawn by a series of muffled explosions and rhythmic shouting, Kirish wandered toward the Training Grounds.
Behind a massive wall of reinforced glass, the Training Arena unfolded—a space larger than a professional football stadium.
He watched a student raise a finger. A crimson orb materialized near his Orbit, devouring energy until it flared into a miniature sun.
The boy hurled the fireball at his opponent. The other student wasn't intimidated; he slammed his palms onto the ground. His Earth-elemental star glowed, and the ground hardened into stone as two massive walls rose to intercept the blast.
Nearly thirty students were practicing simultaneously, their elemental clashes tearing the artificial landscape apart.
Ten minutes later, a Mid-level Magician stepped onto the field and, with a single sweep of his hand, used restoration magic to return the mangled ground to its original state.
"System, can you teach me that magic? The same way you taught me the Light Axe?" Kirish asked, mesmerized.
["Once your current Mission is complete, you will be granted access to the Magic Repository. Then, and only then, can you purchase the elements."]
Kirish wasn't in a rush. Magic was his goal, but money was his fuel.
In cultivation, money burned like paper in a furnace. On his way out, he stopped by the Martial Arena to see if he could find more students for his private lessons. He spotted a group practicing 'Light Axe,' but his eyes narrowed as he analyzed them.
They were seniors, and they were weaving Mana into their strikes.
Their kicks were eight to nine times more powerful than Kirish's current physical limit. He knew he could out-maneuver them with his superior "Original Root" technique, but if their masters got involved, he'd be crushed.
"Forget the seniors for now.
Their egos are too big to pay a 'junior' for lessons," Kirish muttered. "Let's see what technique fits my current budget."
Why did Kirish stop his cultivation immediately after becoming a Level-1? The answer was simple:
his physical body was currently too weak for his high-speed Orbit. If he pushed further now, his bones would shatter under the pressure.
He needed fifteen days for his 'Auto-Pilot' cultivation to strengthen his marrow and muscles to the required level.
What new art will Kirish master next? And can he truly keep his monstrous 'Blue Star' hidden when classes officially begin?
[To Be Continued...]
Author's Technical Note:
Why the wait? Kirish's body is currently a "Level-0 vessel" holding a "Level-4 engine."
He needs 15 days of rest to allow his body to adapt to the Blue Star Orbit.
Mission Goal: Earn 100,000 W (Current: 40,000 W).
The Goal: Build internal strength before showing off external magic..
Any questions about the College ranking or the elemental battle we saw? Ask in the comments!