Free time at the academy was rare, but she still managed to find Izzy. Finding her was not a difficult task. She was rather well known around there.

  She eventually spotted her in the academy’s main square. She had dark blue hair and a freckled face, and it was clear at first glance that she was a descendant of mages.

  A lot of mages fled to the Gurio Continent. It was one of the few continents that took in refugees from the destroyed Red Continent. Ironically, the Primordial Continent of Mages did not accept them. However, mages were not allowed to establish their own schools or teach publicly. Therefore, many people like her learned cultivation despite their background.

  “May Shang, I presume. I've heard a lot about you,” said the girl. She spoke like someone from a higher social class. However, May thought it felt forced.

  “Do you know me?”

  “Everyone knows you. You're the current number one. I am also aware of why you are seeking me.”

  “I guess many people want to take part in this thing.”

  “You're right. The academy isn't the most pleasant place. Every one of us would love to leave this place, even if only for a moment.”

  Her manner of speaking annoyed her slightly, but she decided to let her continue.

  “Anyway, let’s get to the point. You’re currently the star of this school, so I have no issue offering you a place. We’re looking for people exactly like you. However, I hope you’ll return the favor.”

  “Return the favor? What do you mean?” she asked. She didn’t like the sound of that.

  “You’ll find out in time. Do you have any other questions?”

  She was about to say no when she remembered Senlin's request.

  "Senlin... Oh, class B. It'll do. One extra person won't make a difference. However, your debt is getting bigger."

  She had no idea what she was talking about, but decided to ignore it for now.

  I still have to get through another week. And the event only lasts a few days, so I'll spend most of that week at the academy anyway.

  Although this event would take some time, it was still not a completely free day, as they had their own obligations to take care of. That was the only reason why the academy allowed such a thing.

  However, there was still plenty of time before that event. For now, she had to return to her daily life at the Academy.

  She was currently having a spear lesson. She had just received her new weapon. Or rather, an old and worn one that had been used by dozens of others.

  Spear training was the least popular subject in the entire academy. Most people chose the sword or the saber. The bow also had a few enthusiasts.

  She was currently in the hall where they would learn how to use spears.

  As soon as she entered, she could smell sweat that had become ingrained on the walls and floor. The smell of hard work. At first, she couldn't get used to it, but now she's accustomed to the smell of sweat. After all, she herself didn't smell particularly good after a long day.

  The initial lessons mainly focused on explaining the correct way to hold the spear. The first technique they began to learn was a short thrust. They also learned basic slash. It sounded simple, but that was the point. Education always has to start with the fundamentals. A spear is not just a stick with a piece of metal at the end, but a complex weapon, despite its simple appearance.

  Although she was initially quite skeptical about the spear, she quickly grew fond of this weapon. Even though it didn't look as cool as a sword, she still had fun, despite the great physical effort and sweat pouring from her body.

  And because the lessons weren't so popular, the teacher was able to approach each person individually. She was taught how to use a spear by an old man named Chen Zhen, who is incredibly sweet and very understanding towards everyone.

  “Straighten your back. Your posture is bad. Why are you holding your leg there? Are you in the circus?”

  She listened to his advice and changed her stance.

  “Not bad. Now the basic slash."

  Thanks to the training, her level of understanding has increased slightly.

  Although progress was slow, it will gradually increase. She was very optimistic about her future.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “Ready?” Senlin asked.

  After a whole week, it was finally time to leave. Although they didn't know the details, they could finally escape from school for a while.

  “Yes, I can't wait,” May replied.

  It looked a little different than she had expected. It was a bit like a school trip. A teacher was accompanying them. Besides May and Senlin, there were about 15 other children. Izzy, of course, was there, but so was Deng Zhifang, much to May's displeasure.

  “They're looking for the most talented, and I'm also in class A, so I don't know why you're so surprised to see me here.”

  Apart from those two, May didn't know anyone else. Wang Wang was in class E, so there was no way he could get to the event. Although she knew a few people from her class, she wasn't really close to any of them.

  After several minutes, everyone finally got into the horse-drawn carriages. May, of course, ended up in the one with Senlin, Zhifang, and some random boy.

  “Oh, I see you three already know each other,” replied the boy who had accidentally stumbled into their carriage.

  “Yes, we've been pretty close since the exam. I'm Senlin, this is Deng Zhifang, and you probably know her—the famous May Shang.”

  “I've heard rumors about a person who crossed the entire river... I am Jun Chen. I am from class B. I am the son of a blacksmith. And I hope to become a blacksmith myself.”

  “A blacksmith? Don't you want to be a cultivator?” Deng Zhifang was surprised.

  Hearing that Chen frowned.

  “What are you talking about? The best blacksmiths are cultivators. In fact, my father is quite famous...”

  “Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. It's just that in our town, all blacksmiths were mortals.”

  “That's okay. If a blacksmith only makes scythes and hoes, he doesn't have to be a cultivator; that's enough for a village. But real blacksmithing is an art. Powerful swords wielded by heroes.”

  May frowned, and not because he called their town a village. She didn't like his attitude. He sounded terribly condescending, as if he thought people who made scythes and hoes were inferior.

  However, such treatment of mortals by cultivators was normal. She decided to change the subject.

  “Besides, don’t you guys know what this is all about?”

  “What do you mean? Aren’t we supposed to fight a little, just to entertain the cultivators, put on a show, have some fun, and then come back?” Senlin was surprised by her question.

  “But doesn't that seem a little strange to you?” asked May, who was naturally suspicious of this world.

  “Not particularly.” replied Senlin immediately.

  “It sounds reasonable. I myself was bored at home most of the time. And fighting is fun.” Deng Zhifang’s response didn’t surprise her—she could already tell that he liked to fight.

  “Hmm, I don’t know.” replied her newly met friend.

  Maybe I'm just being dramatic? Well, my 21st-century brain can't comprehend why anyone would want to watch children fight. But I guess I can't apply earthly logic to this world.

  The manor they were heading for was located on the outskirts of the city, and the journey took about two hours. Most of the time was spent driving down the mountain where the academy was located.

  Finally, they saw the manor house through the windows—a beautiful wooden building decorated with statues and figures carved into the walls. Although she didn't know who lived there, she was sure they were rich.

  “Nice place! I can't believe we're going to live there!” shouted Deng.

  They drove through the entrance gate and it took them a few minutes to reach the main building.

  Everyone began to get out of the carriages, when suddenly a rather obese man in red clothing came out of the house. He had European features and blue hair. He seemed to be a powerful mage.

  Then suddenly Izzy ran out of the group. She jumped on the man. Everyone was shocked.

  She started hugging him.

  “Dad!”

  Wait, she's his daughter?

  However, it wasn't just May who was shocked, but most of the group. May was comforted by the fact that she wasn't the only one who hadn't been informed.

  “Oh, my daughter, how are you? You don't know how much I missed you.”

  It was quite unusual, as most of the children had no contact with their families. They were isolated and couldn't even send letters. They were supposed to focus solely on their cultivation.

  But I guess that doesn't apply to everyone?

  She hadn't been in touch with her sister for a long time because she was at the Academy, but Izzy could just meet her father even though it hadn't even been a month? What a joke. Money really does work wonders.

  Her sister was already in another part of the academy, as she had already completed two early years.

  She looked at the rest and noticed that she wasn't the only one who was annoyed.

  They actually looked very similar, and it wasn't just the hair color, but their overall appearance. You could say that Izzy was a younger, skinnier, and more feminine version of this man.

  They hugged for a few more seconds. It was a little strange, but after a while they finally stopped. The group was still in shock.

  “What are you standing there for? Come inside!” shouted the fat man, laughing boisterously.

  Upon entering, everyone immediately forgot about the earlier situation, all of them busy admiring the beautiful estate. Entrance to the house was enormous, with a beautiful crystal chandelier hanging above their heads. She knew immediately that it must have been incredibly expensive. At the entrance, there was also a huge spiral staircase that split into two different sides and led to the upper part of the property.

  “Derva will show you your assigned rooms.” He pointed to a middle-aged woman dressed as a maid. She also had strange, green-orange hair. Derva led everyone to their rooms one by one.

  May ended up in a room with Senlin. Girls with girls and boys with boys, just like on a school trip.

  When they entered the room, neither of them knew what to say.

  Although May lived on Earth, she was not wealthy, so such luxuries were a shock to her as well. She usually chose the cheapest motels, and here she got a room like something out of the most expensive Dubai hotel, which costs tens of thousands of dollars a night.

  "May...? It feels kind fancy here."

  "Because it is fancy..."

  They both stood motionless, not knowing what to do with themselves.

  Although the room was only for two people, she had the feeling that it was larger than her entire flat. She estimated that it was about 100 square meters, which was absurd. It was decorated with various ornaments hanging on the walls. There were beautiful paintings depicting nature. The room was lit by candles everywhere. There were also numerous tables, armchairs, wardrobes, and chests. It was truly absurd.

  A knock came at the door.

  “Dinner will be ready in one hour.” came Derva’s voice.

  May didn’t reply. She simply stared at the door. Something about this entire setup rubbed her the wrong way.However, she felt hungry and decided to ignore it for now.

  Besides, this trip is supervised by a teacher from the academy and the most talented students are participating. If anything suspicious were happening here, the academy would never have allowed the most promising kids to take part.