bookpower Chapter 99: Chapter99-Merit Points
Chapter 99: Chapter99-Merit Points
The Imperial Capital Academy stands as the Federal's pinnacle of educational resources, boasting the finest instructors and training materials available.
However, unfortunately, the academy exclusively enrolls children of federally recognized nobility and officials, leaving common citizens out of the equation.
Furthermore, attendance at the Imperial Capital Academy necessitates a hefty annual fee alongside various charges, amounts far beyond the reach of the average individual.
That leaves the Star Cluster Academy as the remaining option.
Unique within the Federal, this institution imposes no prerequisites for admission: no need for exceptional talent, academic achievements, or even citizenship status.
Yet, this lack of requirements translates to fierce competition, as the academy only admits the top 500 scorers from its entrance examinations each year, automatically disqualifying everyone else.
Considering the Federal comprises 36 secure zones, 8 military fortresses, and 103 cities, with a total population nearing one billion, and millions of new awakeners emerging annually, a vast number of aspirants vie for a spot at the Star Cluster Academy.
The desire to attend this academy is common among those with even the slightest ambition, making the admission process exceptionally competitive, truly a selection of one in a thousand.
If John's memory serves correctly, Victor is an alumnus of the Star Cluster Academy.
After some contemplation, John expressed his gratitude to Theodore, "Thank you for your kind offer, Lord Theodore. However, I wouldn't want to trouble you further. If all goes well, I plan to earn my place at the Star Cluster Academy through their entrance exams."
Upon hearing John's intention to gain entry into Star Cluster Academy on his own merit, a subtle ease washed over Seraphina, and she seemed to breathe a sigh of relief internally.
She said, "I'll likely be attending Imperial Capital Academy. Don't fall behind."
Given Seraphina's status and talent, Imperial Capital Academy was the most fitting choice, offering the best environment for her abilities to flourish maximally.
John wasn't surprised by her choice and responded with a light-hearted challenge, "Do your best. Just make sure you're not lagging so far behind that you can't even catch my shadow next time we meet."
Seraphina, typically reticent to engage in banter, didn't retort this time.
Deep down, she harbored a slight worry that John might soon outpace her significantly.
John's rapid progress was astonishing, bordering on the unbelievable.
Theodore, perceiving his daughter's concern, internally exhaled a heavy sigh.
Although Seraphina was exceptionally talented, compared to a prodigy like John, she had a long way to go.
However, he wouldn't discourage her; having a goal to aspire to was beneficial.
With genuine goodwill, Theodore remarked to John, "Since you've made up your mind, I won't say more. I hope by the next time we meet, you will have surpassed me and become a cornerstone for the Federal, making all of Stellarburg proud."
The sincerity in Theodore's words resonated with John, prompting a knowing smile between the two.
As they departed, John escorted them to their vehicle.
Just before leaving, Seraphina, as if recalling an unfinished matter, handed John a sleek black bank card.
"This is the compensation I promised you back in the Crimson Realm, a token of gratitude for saving my life," she explained, her expression remaining cool though a trace of blush tinted her cheeks, leaving one to wonder what thoughts crossed her mind.
John was taken aback, not expecting Seraphina to remember their initial agreement.
After a moment of silence, he accepted the card.
Located at the southernmost edge of the Federal, bordering the South Sea, the Southern Sea Fortress was one of the eight major fortresses of the Federal, akin to the Northwest Citadel.
It was also known as one of the most chaotic fortresses among the eight.
The Southern Sea Fortress is a virtually abandoned stronghold, devoid of military presence, law, or order.
What it harbors are countless monsters, dungeons, and secret realms, along with an uncountable number of criminals, pirates, and mercenaries.
John turned to Victor, questioning, "What are you planning to do there? And what about me if you're disbanding the team? I haven't even been officially inducted yet!"
The chaos that reigned in the Southern Sea Fortress, with its mix of good and bad, essentially made it a city of sin.
Being sent there was almost akin to being exiled.
Unexpectedly, Victor seemed prepared to willingly head there.
Instead of answering John's question, Victor pulled out a storage ring and handed it to him.
Noticing John's puzzled look, he explained, "Recently, I reported your achievements, and the rewards have been issued. You're now a silver-tier Hidden Stars Red Glove and have the authority to form your own squad."
John couldn't help but twitch at the corners of his mouth.
Was this really addressing the crux of his concerns?
Clearly, Victor had no intention of elaborating further, so John didn't pursue the matter.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, John opened the storage ring and peered inside with his Mind power.
Within the ring, there was a set of Hidden Stars uniform, a silver medal, a pair of red gloves, and some federal coins.
After counting, there were about one million federal coins in total.
John's lips curled slightly, remarking, "Is this all the reward amounts to? Isn't it a bit stingy?"
A million federal coins weren't even enough to purchase a single skill.
Victor shook his head, saying, "Those are just formalities. The real valuable reward is the 100000 merit points under your name. These merit points can be exchanged for resources you need in the Federal military's resource depot. As long as you have enough merit points, you could even purchase a divine artifact."
John was astounded, questioning, "Really? Even divine artifacts can be exchanged?"
Every divine artifact represents a deity, making acquiring one incredibly difficult.
The Bloodthirsty Blade in John's possession, merely a damaged divine artifact, was already overwhelmingly powerful.
Imagining the strength of a true divine artifact was almost beyond belief.
Victor calmly stated, "Of course, it's true. So just stick with Hidden Stars. Additionally, since I'll be staying in Stellarburg for another month and don't have much on my plate, I'll take the time to train you properly. It'll prevent you from carelessly losing your life on a mission in the future."
John, still processing, asked, "Train... what kind of training?"
Victor's lips curled into a smirk as he declared, "Naturally, it'll be hellish training."
Observing Victor's half-smiling expression, John suddenly shivered, a foreboding feeling washing over him.