She added coldly, "Don't bully those younger than you. Haven't you heard that before? Who knows, maybe this 'pretty junior brother' will become a favored son of heaven in the future."
Ray didn't hear any of this. If he had, his regard for this senior sister would have risen even higher.
The West Ocean Academy bus was spacious, able to hold around fifty people. Several seats were already occupied. Some passengers were children his age, while others were clearly parents accompanying their children.
A flicker of envy passed through Ray's eyes.
No matter how mature he was, he was still only nine years old.
How could he not wish his parents were with him?
He chose a window seat and hugged his arms to himself as he watched the unfamiliar city pass by. This was where he would live from now on.
Finding the academy bus eased most of his nervousness, but in this strange environment, he still felt a lingering sense of loneliness.
His father's words echoed clearly in his mind.
"Ray, remember this. In this world, the only person you can completely rely on is yourself. No matter what setbacks you face, ask yourself whether it's because you aren't strong enough yet."
Those words had struck deeply, especially coming from his father.
Now that he was truly alone, he had no choice but to rely on himself.
Ray lowered his head and looked at the plain-looking Heavy Silver Rings on his wrists. Originally, the storage space could have been used for luggage, but Gilbert had insisted he bring both his Thousand Refined Tungsten Hammers and his Thousand Refined Heavy Silver Hammers.
With only one-eighth of a cubic meter of storage, there was naturally little space left.
He closed his eyes and repeated his father's and teacher's words to himself.
'I can do it.'
Unconsciously, confidence welled up within him.
Still clutching his rucksack, Ray drifted into a light sleep.
When he awoke, the bus had already started moving.
The seats were full now. Every other child was accompanied by parents.
He was the only one sitting alone.
Outside the window, the scenery shifted rapidly. Rows of shops, towering buildings, streams of vehicles. The city pulsed with urgency and the scent of steel.
Compared to Ironspire City, this place was unimaginably busy.
After about twenty minutes, a massive structure came into view beyond a tall wall.
"We've arrived at the academy. Everyone, please get off the bus."
The familiar voice drew Ray's attention. Estella Silver stood at the front, guiding the students and parents as they disembarked.
As Ray hurried down the steps, Estella Silver immediately recognized him.
"Right, Ray," she said with a smile. "Come with me for a moment."
The wall before them marked the boundary of West Ocean Academy. Not far ahead stood the massive stone gates, towering and solemn, exuding an imposing aura that naturally inspired respect.
West Ocean Academy was an enormous institution that housed both an intermediate academy and an advanced academy. Estella Silver herself was a student of the advanced academy.
One could not assume that the difference between the intermediate and advanced academies was merely a matter of seniority. In reality, the gap between them was vast.
The intermediate academy was part of compulsory education and therefore did not charge tuition.
As a Soul Master academy, it occupied nearly two-thirds of West Ocean Academy's total area. The advanced academy, though covering only one-third of the grounds, was the true core of the institution.
As long as a Soul Master lived within the greater West Ocean City region or possessed a recommendation letter, they could enroll in the intermediate academy. Students studied there for six years.
After graduation, they could apply to take the entrance examination for an advanced Soul Master academy, but fewer than one in ten applicants succeeded.
Unlike the intermediate academy, the advanced academy was not compulsory. Its admission standards were harsh, and those who passed were unquestionably elites.
If elementary academies taught the fundamentals of martial souls and Soul Master theory, then intermediate academies focused on application and cultivation direction. True specialization and refinement only began upon entering an advanced academy.
After passing through the gates, Ray stepped onto a broad road lined with lush trees. The limestone pavement gave the surroundings a simple, understated elegance.
"For safety reasons, vehicles aren't allowed within the academy grounds," Estella Silver explained with a smile. "Any vehicles entering must go directly to the underground parking area. The advanced academy is located to the west, while everything else belongs to the intermediate academy."
Thanks to her explanation, Ray quickly realized that West Ocean Academy was far more complex than he had initially imagined.
The intermediate academy's main building stood on the eastern side of the campus. It was a massive twelve-story structure. Senior students occupied the upper floors, while new students were assigned to the lower ones.
As a first-year student, Ray would attend classes on the first and second floors.
"Those are the administrative offices," Estella Silver said, pointing ahead. "Go there to complete your registration. Your dormitory is behind the school building. If you need anything later, come find me in the advanced academy. I'm a first-year student in Class One."
"Thank you, Senior Sister," Ray replied sincerely.
Seeing how politely he thanked her yet again, Estella Silver couldn't help but laugh softly. "You don't have to be so formal. The atmosphere here is quite good. I wish you the best. After you finish reporting, you'll be assigned a class and then tested. If you perform well, there will be benefits."
Ray watched her figure recede until she disappeared from sight. Only then did he turn and enter the administrative building.
With his recommendation letter and the metal placard Estella Silver had given him, the enrollment process went smoothly.
He received two sets of uniforms free of charge, along with a dormitory key. Learning materials would only be distributed once classes officially began.
He was assigned to Class Five of the first-year students. From that moment on, he was officially a student of West Ocean Academy.
Carrying his belongings, Ray made his way toward the dormitory building. Like the school building, it also stood twelve stories tall. His room was located on the second floor, Room 205.
The corridor was noisy and chaotic. New students were arriving continuously, many accompanied by their parents, adding to the bustle.
After some searching, Ray finally found his room. The door was already open, and someone was inside.