Simultaneously, as Sabrina and James' relationship grew stronger, Gen finally finished going through the release procedure with Rin...
"So how does it feel to be free once again, kid?" Gen asked as he stood beside Rin, while a small squad of elite guards surveyed their surroundings as they stood before a small mountain. The same mountain that concealed Iron City within its depths and housed the backbone of Forbidden Blood's strength.
"A bit unreal, if I'm being honest," replied Rin as he released a breath of relief mixed with a semblance of regret.
"Why so?" Gen, the Warden of Obsidian Vault, inquired curiously.
"Because I would have never thought, I'd grown to like the quiet life of jail... yet, with this change in pace, things just got a whole lot more annoying and troubling," said Rin with a sigh, even though it did nothing to hide the mischievous smile growing on his face.
As he couldn't wait to cause mayhem at the training camp coming up...
Considering that with Project X set to begin in a week or less from now, the atmosphere has already begun to shift as everyone has prepared themselves for the battles to come. Wherein every participant would be fighting for themselves in pursuit of the title and prestige of being crowned the strongest cultivator of their generation, while also upholding the glory of their school, organization, and kingdom.
Yet despite this growing intensity as people around the globe pushed themselves to new heights and a deeper refinement of their power, only a select few were truly regarded as worthy contenders for the title.
With some even being tough opponents for Rin, nevertheless, while that may be true, only time will tell if Rin manages to claim the title on Earth and then within the Cosmos.
'Hmm, he is quite perceptive for his age... I guess you truly cannot judge a book by its cover,' thought Gen as he sensed someone enter his perception—detection range.
"Well then, I wish you the best in your endeavors, kid, and do stay cautious. For the world is changing fast, and if you don't grow quickly, it might just swallow you whole." Gen said, giving a quick nod to Rin's escort/guardian, Mrs. M, before he and his guards returned to Iron City.
***
Later that day...
After being escorted back to Forbidden Blood by Mrs. M, it was like waking up from a fever dream, as everywhere Rin looked. People were either looking at him with fear or amusement, for reasons yet to be known. However, before Rin could get an idea of what was going on, he was swiftly brought before the principal, vice president, and his teacher for a discussion.
"So, could someone tell me why I'm here?" asked Rin as he sat before the highest authorities in the school outside of the elders, who governed the school in the shadows.
"Unfortunately, that is something we can't answer at the moment. However, considering that Project X will be starting soon, do you know why such a training camp was formed?" said Professor Niko, after neither Calvin nor Olivia stepped up to the plate to answer Rin's question.
"Please do tell, as I would love to learn the reason behind a global training camp for those aged 16-21," replied Rin, even though he did have a few guesses as to why this project was jointly created by our world leaders, along with the help of various kingdoms and organizations.
"Rin, has your family ever told you about the Staircase to Heaven?" asked Prof. Niko as he wanted to gauge how much his student knew prior to speaking about subjects that touched upon Earth's survival.
"Somewhat, but from what I know, it was created by The Empress' Maid, who managed to create a structure which connects all three realms (multiverses X, Y, & Z). Manufacturing a way for cultivators who exceeded their world's limits to transcend to a higher plane of living," replied Rin as he unknowingly spoke of matters that not even the principal, vice principal, and his professor were aware of.
"... hmm, it seems, your family spared no expense in teaching you," said Niko with a frown that disappeared the moment Olivia glared at him. This caused him to dispel any suspicion that he had toward the Kurama Family.
"It would seem they didn't," Rin said as he glanced at the trio, as he didn't expect the powerhouses of his school not to be aware of such basic information.
But then again, what Rin thought was basic was something most people never learned, as such information was hard to come by, unless you were either powerful enough to be granted such knowledge or lucky enough to stumble upon it.
Either way, it was above the pay grade of anyone on this planet, besides a select few like Gen, the World Spirit, and the new leader of the Nine Supreme Clans of Japan.
"Well then, since you're aware of such things already, Rin, would you be willing to be the designated leader of Forbidden Blood for Project X? Tasked with the responsibility of not only protecting and safeguarding the lives of your fellow peers but also providing them with guidance in their cultivation and leading them to conquer the training camp," stated Professor Niko as he and the principal as well as the vice president gazed at Rin awaiting his response.
"Um... to be honest, could I de~" Rin was about to say before the president interrupted him.
"Rin, before you decline, listen to what you'll earn if you agree to our request." President Olivia said as she gave the floor to Calvin, who began to list the numerous benefits and opportunities such a position would grant him, if he agreed to be FB's student leader.
"… well, then, when you put it like this, how could I decline. So where do I sign?" asked Rin with a chuckle as Calvin and Olivia just rolled their eyes while Niko just smiled in response.