"Today, I will explain how kingship is built upon the land." Scholar Hyde's lesson today piqued the interest of all the students.
"First, we must understand that the sustenance of a nation necessarily relies on three pillars: population, power, and economy."
"Among these, power can be further divided into three types: public order, military, and upper-tier combat strength."
"Public order is easy to understand: the security patrols in villages and towns, the guards—these are all things you see daily."
"The military often consists of the personal guards of various nobles, knight orders, the nation's direct legions, and advisory spellcasting groups, among others."
"Upper-tier combat strength, however, is known by far fewer people." Scholar Hyde tapped the blackboard with a thin wooden stick.
"If the rank difference in transcendent essences is greater than three, it will result in an extremely terrifying crushing effect."
"For example, when a Third Rank Knight in full plate armor charges, even a dense formation of five hundred men will be easily pierced through, like a rolling stone over grass, with no possibility of obstruction."
"When that Third Rank Knight swings his sword with full force, the revolving, cold gleam of the blade can instantly cut down ordinary people within twenty meters; even if these people are wearing iron armor, it will be of no avail." Scholar Hyde described the terrifying nature of a Knight.
"Therefore, if a country does not have enough high-ranking transcendents to hold the line, it can easily be overwhelmingly defeated on the battlefield."
No wonder those who reach the 'Knight' stage are recruited by various countries and become the lowest-ranking lords, the young girl thought to herself.
"Some of you have already reached 'First Rank' and should understand the kind of disparity I'm talking about." At this, many gazes converged on the golden-haired girl in the front row.
Iona (First Rank · Blazing Sun) is one of the rare transcendents who cultivate the 'Blazing Sun' essence. The resources required for this path are precious, and ordinary people often dare not even dream of it.
"Teacher, besides Knights of the 'Castle' path, are there no other high-level professions for other essences?" A commoner student asked curiously.
"Of course there are. Every 'essence' has higher-level existences; it's just that your chances of seeing them are very small."
"For example, transcendents of the 'Spiral Fish' essence are often found in lakes, swamps, and by the sea. Transcendent cultivators of the 'Mist Shadow' essence are mostly assassins, rogues, illusionists, tricksters, and so on. Cultivators of the 'Death Ash' essence are mostly grave diggers, bone assemblers, and dark wizards, who are often ostracized by people."
"How do we get in touch with these professions? I mean, where do they learn these things? Do they all just figure it out themselves?" Someone continued to ask.
"There will be some hidden organizations or schools that teach these secret methods and abilities."
"I know you're curious about how to find these organizations and schools. In fact, they are not far from us." Scholar Hyde, uncharacteristically, raised a finger mysteriously.
"Haha, my 'Candlekeep School' is actually a similar organization, except we often appear in public view."
"Let me put it this way: such organizations and schools are very strict about recruiting new members, because some resources are exceptionally precious, and they are only willing to cultivate talented individuals." Hyde shook his head slightly.
"In a sense, I am actually a failure. I was never able to break through to the 'Third Rank · Secret Utterance' profession, and later I turned to cultivating the 'Second Rank · Castle' scholar profession."
"If it's the most outstanding among you, there should be hope of going to such a place, coming into contact with the truly high-dimensional powers and knowledge of this world." He slowly closed his eyes, stroking the white beard on his chest.
Afterward, the old man opened his eyes, his deep gaze slowly sweeping across the room.
"Viscount Snow and I can jointly recommend one student each year to the Secluded Forest within the Regas Kingdom. Many schools and organizations are stationed there, where you can come into contact with a world unimaginable to ordinary people, and there are also transcendent paths leading to essences of Rank 5 and above."
"However, that place is also completely different from the outside world. You will no longer have your current various identities, and if you die there, no one will inquire, because the law cannot restrain those powerful existences that transcend common sense."
"Fortunately, even such powerful schools need fresh blood. They need to pass down knowledge, secret arts, and even certain beliefs. If you meet their expectations and requirements, you will be accepted by these schools, become one of their members, and transcend the mortal realm."
Has it finally come? Iona looked at Scholar Hyde, a suppressed excitement appearing in her eyes.
The reason she was willing to come to this remote city was not only because Viscount Snow was a distant relative but also because Cinderstone City had a quota for recommendation to the Mysterious Woodland, where she could access high-level secret knowledge and have the chance to become a truly powerful transcendent.
If she advanced to Rank 4 or above, even the Grand Duke of Regas would respect her and release her father from the dungeon. If she went further and became a Rank 5 existence, she could even influence the situation of the country at that time.
Other cities also had similar recommendation quotas, but these quotas were often reserved for great nobles or special individuals, making them difficult to obtain. If her father hadn't had an accident, she would have been able to go to the Mysterious Woodland this year, but now... she had to live under others, staying in this desolate place. According to the pattern she understood, the next quota recommendation would be in another 5-6 months.
Not just Iona, but others among the students also looked at Scholar Hyde with eager anticipation. As for the dangers Scholar Hyde mentioned, no one took them to heart.
Where is there no danger? Even at home, one could be carried away by a passing Dire Wolf. In this era, the average lifespan of ordinary people was only a little over thirty, and truly elderly people were exceptionally rare.
Mysterious Woodland… Mike clenched his fists, his nails digging into his flesh, and secretly swore.
'I must go there, Big Brother Jello, this must be the meaning of you sending me to Scholar Hyde, yes, it must be.'
Yelo was initially excited when the teacher mentioned the Mysterious Woodland, but he quickly became downcast. It wasn't the first time he had heard the term, and his experiences over the past two years had made him realize that he was by no means a genius and would never get such an opportunity to go.
If it were me… Soren straightened his body, his eyes fixed on the old man on the stage, his heart surging.
'Father, I know you have always had regrets, never truly stepping through the threshold of Third Rank. I will absolutely overcome this regret and walk a path you never trod.'
There should be the legacy of Brilliant Moon there… Sylvia thought of this, and a hint of anticipation rose in her heart.
But everyone seems to aspire to it, the competition will be very fierce, won't it?
The students each harbored their own thoughts, their previously somewhat relaxed minds once again burning with fervor.
Whether for their own future, the expectations of their families, or to explore more possibilities and see a wider world, this was their best choice.
An unknown nobody, or famous throughout the land?
The answer was already clear in their hearts.
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