Chapter 72: Echoes of Battle
Smoke curled around the shattered training arena as Ray lowered his arm, heart still hammering from the adrenaline. The fight had ended in a flash of steel and magic — Ray's blade piercing through the illusionary enemy summoned by Professor Caius. Sand and sparks fell from the summoned specter as it dissolved into ash. Silence fell; dust settled around him.
A moment later, applause broke out around the arena. Ray staggered forward, fatigued but triumphant. His friends, Lena and Kai, rushed to his side, grinning broadly. Kai clapped him on the shoulder. "That was fantastic, Ray! You handled that last attack like a pro." Lena nodded, eyes shining. "Professor Caius said it was the most powerful Tier 4 illusion he had created for a student in years."
Ray gave a tired smile. "I just wanted to test my sword skills more. That last strike was a bit violent, though." Dusting off his uniform, he felt a warm pride. Despite the darkness of the illusion's form, there was hope in seeing it vanish — a sign of their own strength improving at the Academy.
Professor Caius stepped forward, robes swirling. His face was kind but grave. "A fine demonstration of discipline and control. Ray, you have exceeded expectations today. As do all of you." He gestured to the gathered students, all sweaty and breathless after various sparring matches. "The ranking session is now complete. I will update the Academy's board shortly. For now, return to your dorms to prepare for tomorrow's lecture."
The words sent a tingle through Ray. The ranking session had been a major test — a combination of combat and magical skill that determined each student's classification. Ray, who had just joined the Academy a few months prior, knew his performance would set the tone for his future here.
In the halls outside the arena, students crowded around the large illuminated board listing the new ranks. Ray and his friends pushed through, joining the throng. He avoided looking at the top ranks — his friends being veterans of the school, likely on the upper tiers. They were older, stronger, and possessed many unspoken talents.
But Ray's name was there, written in crisp black text: "Raymond Chen — Class B." Class B. Lena gasped, and Kai whistled softly. "Not bad for a new student," Kai murmured. Lena squeezed Ray's shoulder. "You're doing amazing, Ray." Relief and pride warmed him. It wasn't the top tier, but Ray knew Class B was respectable for a newcomer. And more importantly, he was surrounded by friends.
As evening fell, Ray returned to his cramped dorm room, while light rain pattered on the Academy's curved glass windows. He sat on his simple bed and closed his eyes. A small ping echoed in his mind — the signature signal of the 17 System stirring to life. Raymond Chen — Status Update: New recognition achieved. Class Rank: B. Unlock: Training Center Access. The text faded from his vision as quickly as it came.
Ray smiled softly. The system's news was quiet, as if in a dream. Tonight he would rest, but tomorrow awaited new lessons — lessons of the world, its history, and the gates that held its dark mysteries. He drifted to sleep under a hopeful sky, unaware of the secrets that his future studies would reveal.
Chapter 73: Lessons of the Fallen
The next morning, the academy's grand classroom filled quickly. Ray took his seat between Lena and Kai, notebooks ready. The slate-black walls were lined with historical murals — great battles and heroes in faded relief. At the front stood Professor Sedona, ancient and austere, her eyes sharp behind thin spectacles. With a slow nod, she began to speak.
"Good morning, scholars," she said. Her voice was quiet but carried authority. "Today's lesson: The History of Pangera — from the Age of Dawn to the Present. Remember, we learn not only what happened, but why it must never happen again."
The lights dimmed, and a globe of Pangera hovered over the central podium, flickering with images. "Pangera was not always as it is now," Professor Sedona began. "Once, it was a fractured land of many kingdoms. In the year 512, the First Gate opened in the north. From that gate poured horrors: beasts of iron and shadow. Cities fell. Our ancestors nearly perished." The globe shifted, showing a dragon-like monster devouring a fortress. The room fell silent; even Kai leaned forward.
She continued, "That first invasion lasted ten years. It took the unified effort of eight nations to seal the gate. In those days, heroes fought valiantly, bearing only F and E ranks, our weakest — and yet they held the line, at great cost." The scene changed to a battlefield, flames and fallen warriors. "This was the First Sundering. Five hundred thousand lives lost. At the time, it was thought Pangera's doom. Yet humanity survived."
Ray stared at the holographic scenes in awe. His grip tightened on the pen. "Is it true," he asked hesitantly, "that the dragons of Solvera helped in that war?" A ghost of a smile flickered on Sedona's face. "Some legends say distant allies joined the fray. There is little proof, but the tales persist." She tapped the podium. "For our purposes, Pangera stood on its own, though rumor of a sister land — sometimes called the Western Isles or Solvera — exists at the edge of our history."
The system hummed gently in Ray's mind. He perceived a whisper of text: System 17: The legend is true. Pangera and Solvera shared knowledge and blood until the Old World War tore them apart. Ray shook his head to clear the thought as Sedona resumed.
"Moving on," Professor Sedona said. She chronicled the Great Necro-Earthquake of 790, the Coral Plague of 803. Each event was bleaker than the last. Tier 7 gates raining monsters down on blind and grieving cities. But each time, some spark of defiance flared. Sedona pointed to a figure on the wall — a warrior encased in crystal light holding a broken chain. "This is the symbol of hope. Humanity's will, unbroken despite darkness." The mural pulsed and changed to peaceful landscapes. "We learn from all this…"
The final segment was a calm sunset on Pangera's capitol city, rebuilt and thriving. Sedona's tone softened. "After the Year of Ash, when the Eighth Gate ravaged half the continent, ancient records named heroes beyond S rank who sealed it." She paused. "Few details survive, though. We will discuss the Powers scale in depth soon. For now, remember this history. Remember those who fell. And when we meet them one day, let us be ready."
Bell rang. The students filed out, somber and thoughtful. Lena and Kai walked out with Ray. "Somber stuff, huh?" Kai murmured. Lena nodded. "But inspiring too. We owe everything to those who lived before." Ray found himself gazing at the sky, heart heavy with the weight of history — but lifted by purpose.
Chapter 74: Gateways and Ranks
In the afternoon sun, Professor Morin paced at the front of a technology-laced lab classroom. Holographic projectors danced overhead. "Today we delve into the dimensional gates themselves," he announced. "You have heard of the Tier system — from Tier 1 to Tier 10 — but what do they signify? Pay attention."
He gestured, and a projection bloomed: a ring of light shimmering in a forest glade. "This is a Tier 1 gate," Morin explained. "It appears spontaneously, open for a few minutes, and yields only common beasts — wolves, goblins, elementary magic creatures. Class D or E difficulty at most. Most days they pose little threat to isolated villages." A snarling spectral wolf leapt from the ring and then disintegrated into static, and students flinched.
Morin continued: "Tier 2 gates are a step higher. Imagine a rocky plain instead of a forest, and stronger monsters — hyenas, salamanders, low-tier demons. Dangerous for solo travelers, yes, but manageable if you're prepared. Tier 3 gates conjure jungles with ogres, werewolves, even minor wyverns — Class C foes. It takes at least a small squad of Class D or C fighters to close a Tier 3 gate safely." The glowing portal shimmered to a dense jungle, where a spectral ogre howled and faded away.
Ray jotted notes earnestly. Professor Morin then shifted to address the class more broadly. "These beasts illustrate the danger; but what of us, the fight? Here is the human hierarchy. We categorize fighters from F up to S+: from novices to near-legendary elites." Morin tapped a panel and a chart appeared on the wall: a scale labeled F, E, D, C, B, A, S, S+. "F rank is a cadet fresh out of training — each step up is a giant leap in power. S and S+ are extraordinary: they describe warriors considered almost superhuman. Only a precious few have ever achieved S+."
At the mention of S+, Lena's eyes widened. The system in Ray's mind buzzed faintly. System 17: Correction: The scale extends beyond S+. Ancient records hint at X, unspoken ranks. Ray clenched his jaw against the urge to comment. He knew the system's secret knowledge was dangerous to mention, even in thought.
Just then, the bell rang, releasing the class. Lena murmured, "I heard rumors of S++ somewhere… But I guess we'll learn in time." Ray nodded, gathering his book. He pocketed the memory of the system's whisper. Knowledge beyond S+ remained his alone. For now, he would absorb all that the Academy offered — lessons about gates, history, and a future he was only beginning to understand.
Chapter 75: Trials of the Middle Tiers
The following day, Professor Morin returned with the class. "Today, Tier 4 through 6," he announced as students murmured with anticipation. "Tier 4 gates appear in mountainous terrain or deep forests. Expect creatures like griffins, golems, or giant owls — these can overwhelm inexperienced fighters. They demand teamwork to survive." A projection showed a snowy mountain range, and Ray watched as an image of a griffin swooped down in a landing strike.
He continued, "Tier 5 gates conjure even more dangerous realms — molten fields or storm-wracked peaks. Think giant salamanders, rock elementals, even the legendary phoenix, if lore speaks true. Only Class B or A heroes can clear these gates." Sparks flew in the hologram as a spectral firebird erupted into flame. Lena and Kai exchanged excited looks, though nerves still tingled.
Ray scribbled furiously as Morin paused to let them absorb the images. Finally, he said, "Tier 6 gates conjure cold wastelands or blood-red sands. Carnivorous plants, undead beasts, chaos hounds — monsters that can change shape. One documented Tier 6 was in the Frozen Wasteland: a horde of ice golems nearly froze a city solid. Tier 6 fights require multiple teams of A-rank and at least one S-rank." The projection showed skeletal warriors pouring from an ice tunnel. Students shivered at the sight.
A skeptical voice rose: "Professor, why haven't we seen any Tier 6 gates around here if they're so deadly?" Kai asked. Morin tapped his temple. "They're rare, yes. Many think extreme Tier gates like 6 and above appear only at crucial times. They often close quickly, or are fought off by heroes we never hear about. The Academy only sends teams when necessary. For now, focus on climbing ranks. But be aware: facing such a gate unprepared is almost certain death."
After class, Ray and his friends lingered in the hall. Lena crossed her arms. "So basically, if we meet a Tier 6, we're toast," she sighed. Kai half-grinned. "We've trained hard. And we've got Ray's mysterious System on our side." Ray laughed nervously. System 17: Your humor module is still functioning, his mind pinged quietly. He ignored the quip — but felt a flicker of comfort. Out of earshot, 17 whispered another line of data: I have more knowledge to share, when the time is right.
Ray took a deep breath. Even as the world beyond grew darker in tales, he felt a stubborn spark. He and his friends had made it this far. They would keep learning — and perhaps discover secrets of the Veil that separated them from distant lands. For now, they walked back to the dorms together, forging hope one step at a time.
Chapter 76: Ancestral Gatekeepers
A week later, Professor Morin appeared at the podium. "Today we cover Tier 7 through 9," he announced, and the class exchanged nervous glances. Images of ancient ruins and night-black tombs shimmered to life. "Tier 7 gates may open in cursed tombs or forgotten cities. Expect nightgaunts, giant spiders, shadow beasts — they can ambush from anywhere." He explained that only organized squads of S-rank and high A-rank could stand a chance at a Tier 7.
Morin's eyes glinted in the dimmed light. "Tier 8? Most of you know of the 'Year of Ash,' when the Eighth Gate destroyed half the continent." The classroom held its breath. "In those days, only warriors beyond ordinary S rank could seal it. We have few records — just legends of nearly godlike heroes fighting in the ashes." The lights flickered to a starry void.
"Tier 9 is even more unknown," Morin continued after a pause. "Imagine all the horrors of Tier 8, multiplied. Many think Tier 9 gates belong only to myth, but never say never." Students exhaled when the lecture ended.
Ray lingered outside with Lena. "That's… heavy," Lena whispered. "Half the continent gone in the Year of Ash," Ray replied quietly. He opened his notebook, showing Lena maps of legendary sites and notes from previous classes. A faint ping came from the system: The legends are incomplete. Seek the hidden archives. Ray closed the book. Some secrets would have to wait. For now, he and Lena walked to dinner, resolved to learn all they could.
Chapter 77: Into the Abyss
The day after, the students gathered for a special seminar. At the head of the room stood Professor Savina, her gown embroidered with star-maps. She projected a swirling void. "We rarely speak of Tier 10," she began, voice soft. "It is beyond anything most can imagine. Legends say a Tier 10 gate would unleash a force that could obliterate worlds. When one supposedly opened eons ago, even the greatest heroes could barely hold it at bay."
The room was deathly quiet. Savina lowered her gaze. "The Academy has no formal record of a sealed Tier 10. If it exists, we hope such knowledge never returns." Ray's chest felt tight. The future of humanity lay in classrooms like this, yet here was mystery at the end.
After class, Ray lingered in the library, flipping through ancient tomes. 17's voice echoed in his mind, calm but urgent: Some secrets are kept for a reason. For now, focus on your strength. Ray exhaled. The words were a comfort in one way — he would become stronger. But one question lingered: What might lie beyond the highest gate? He shut the book and packed up, determination mixing with unease.
Chapter 78: Sanctuary of Roots
That evening, Ray slipped away from the academy crowds. In a quiet glade behind the training fields, he closed his eyes and calmed his breath. The world blurred — and he emerged in his Domain. Moonlight bathed a tranquil forest at twilight. At its center stood the Silverpine Beast Tree, its roots entwining the earth. But tonight, Ray noticed something new: a soft green glow near its base.
A tiny sapling had sprouted overnight. The leaves were luminescent emeralds. Ray gasped with joy — a new Beast Tree had taken root. He knelt to examine it. "Incredible…" he whispered. The system confirmed quietly: Beast Tree 'Emerald Spire' unlocked. Growth accelerated.
He heard footsteps behind him. Lena and Kai stepped from between the ferns, eyes wide. "Ray… is this real?" Lena breathed. Kai wore a stunned grin. "This is… wow." Ray smiled sheepishly. "I, uh, wanted to show you both my secret place." His friends listened in awe as he explained the Domain — a pocket world for training and growth.
Lena gently touched the bark of the glowing sapling. "It's so beautiful," she said softly. "Like hope itself." Kai circled the Silverpine trunk. "Ray, how is any of this possible?" Ray shrugged modestly. "I don't fully know. I found the Silverpine months ago. Now… this new one came on its own."
They sat in silence, feeling the calm energy of the woods. Night cicadas chirped distantly. The three friends simply existed there, the new tree's glow painting their faces green. In that secret sanctuary, the worries of the outside world felt far away. For a moment, there was only trust, laughter, and the gentle promise of tomorrow growing alongside the sapling.
Chapter 79: Trial by Fire
Early the next morning, Ray's team gathered in the misty training ground. Professor Orin, a stern-faced instructor, pointed at a shimmering portal arching open among stones. "Clearing a Tier 2 gate is today's trial," he announced. "Work together. Go!" Ray's heart pounded, but he steadied himself.
They dived into the gate's jungle realm. Wolves snarled, vine snakes lashed, but training worked — Kai and Ray protected a smaller student from a pouncing wolf while Lena unleashed a blast of wind magic to scatter serpents. Together, they fought through the peril. Ray slashed low at a pack of wolves cornering Kai; Kai roared back with his axe, driving them off. They moved in unison, synchronized and fearless.
After defeating the last beast, sunlight returned. In the clearing, Lena spotted something half-buried in the leaves — a round, pulsing seed glowing silver-blue. She picked it up carefully. "Look at this," she said. Ray took it, eyes curious. It felt warm. A rare Beast Seed, 17 murmured inside his mind. "Best keep it safe," Ray agreed softly. He wrapped the seed in cloth. The professor nodded approvingly at the group. "Well done. You have strength and teamwork. Return to the Academy."
Walking back, Ray hid the seed in his pack. Kai bumped his shoulder. "Found some treasure, eh?" Ray chuckled. "Let's say it's for research." Kai smirked. "Right. Research." Ray smiled, feeling a surge of pride. Between friends and mystery seeds, life at the Academy held endless promise.
Chapter 80: Growth and Resolve
Late that night, Ray returned to the hidden grove in the training fields. Concentrating deeply, he focused his mind and slipped into his Domain. The forest greeted him again — but this time, two trees stood tall. The Silverpine glowed faintly in moonlight; beside it rose a new wonder. Ray gently plunged the glowing seed into the earth.
He stepped back as vines spiraled from the soil. Within seconds, a slim Tree of Moonlight sprang up. Its bark was as pale as silver, its leaves shimmering like stars. Beast Tree 'Moonspire' unlocked, the system announced gently. Ray grinned in astonishment.
A sudden breeze stirred the leaves, and Lena and Kai emerged from behind the trees. They had somehow followed without sound. Lena gasped. "You grew it… in seconds? Ray, this is unreal." Kai rubbed his chin. "And it's even taller than the last one. Man, your secret garden is getting crowded." Ray laughed. He guided them around the new Moonspire tree. "It's unbelievable," Kai murmured, awe in his voice.
They sat under the trees, sharing quiet conversation. Lena confided, "I don't think I could face those gate horrors alone. But I'm not alone, am I?" Ray shook his head. "Not as long as we stick together." The two trees towered above like guardians. Kai added, "We have each other's backs — and Ray's crazy domain powers!" He joked, but there was truth in it. Lena smiled, and Ray felt warmth spread through him.
As dawn approached, the friends made their silent exit. Ray stayed behind a moment, gazing up at the Moonspire's soft glow. With two Beast Trees thriving, his Domain was stronger than ever. He straightened up as the first rays of sun peeked through the canopy. In the distance, the silhouette of the academy appeared.
Ray took a deep breath of the crisp morning air. Darkness still loomed out in the world, but within him and his friends, hope was kindled by their unity and growth. With new knowledge in hand and the whispers of 17 guiding him, he felt ready for whatever awaited. Stepping back into reality, Ray gave the trees one last glance. "We'll be ready," he promised softly, and walked toward the light of a new day.