The opening ceremony was held in West Ocean Academy's enormous central plaza. It was the one occasion each year when students from both the Intermediate Academy and the Advanced Academy gathered in the same place.
Because of his height, Ray was arranged toward the back of the formation. Rather than feeling disadvantaged, he found this position perfect. From there, he could clearly observe the entire plaza and the countless students standing within it.
The intermediate academy had roughly a hundred students per grade, adding up to seven or eight hundred in total.
By comparison, the advanced academy was much smaller, with only around two hundred students divided into three grades. The acceptance rate from the intermediate to the advanced academy was barely twenty percent, making advancement an extremely competitive challenge.
"Good morning, students. We will now begin West Ocean Academy's annual opening ceremony. Today, the President of West Ocean Academy is present and will be delivering a speech."
The President was an elderly man who appeared to be around sixty years old. He had an average build, white hair, and wore a pair of glasses. His appearance was unremarkable, yet he gave off a strong scholarly and refined air.
"Welcome to West Ocean Academy," the President began. "Every year at this time, I feel both joy and sorrow. We say goodbye to students who have completed their journey here, and we welcome new blood into our halls. Some of you from the intermediate division will move forward into the advanced academy, while others are beginning your first steps today."
"In my view, academies are the lifeblood of society. We receive individuals, nurture them, and then send them back into the world. I hope that in the near future, all of you will become pillars of our federation…"
The President spoke eloquently for nearly an hour without once consulting a script. Only after finishing did the ceremony move on to its most anticipated segment.
Class assignment.
Students who already had classes slowly left the plaza. Advanced Academy freshmen headed off toward their respective buildings. Soon, only the newly enrolled intermediate academy students remained.
"We will now proceed with class assignments," the announcer said. "At West Ocean Academy, lower class numbers traditionally indicate stronger overall performance. However, we also hope that students in later classes will rise to the challenge. This year, we have one hundred and eight new students, divided into five classes. We will begin with Class One…"
Ray finally understood what Director Aaron had meant the day before.
There were five classes in total.
Class Five was the worst.
"Ray, Miel, Raziel Phoenix, Lucius…"
As expected, their names were called when the announcer reached Class Five.
There were only twenty students in that class, the smallest group of all. Every single one of them wore a dull, resigned expression.
"Class teachers, please lead your students and help them familiarize themselves with the academy."
Five teachers stepped forward. One of them headed directly toward Class Five.
The moment the students saw him, they froze.
This teacher was absurdly handsome.
Ray and Raziel Phoenix were both considered good-looking, but they were still children. This man was different.
He stood over 1.9 meters tall, with long limbs and a narrow waist. His white trousers accentuated his long legs, and although his frame was slim, his sharp eyes, straight nose, and thin lips gave him an air of cold elegance. His long lake-blue hair was swept back, fluttering lightly as a breeze brushed past.
His pupils were a smoky green, perfectly matching his hair color. His expression was icy and emotionless.
One of the girls in Class Five couldn't help whispering, "The teacher is so handsome…"
She had unknowingly spoken the thoughts of nearly everyone present.
Raziel Phoenix twitched his lips, his expression indifferent.
"Follow me," the teacher said calmly.
His voice was plain, yet an inexplicable chill crept into everyone's hearts.
Lucius muttered quietly, "This teacher… he's strong."
Indeed, merely standing there, the man exuded a powerful aura that ordinary people could never possess.
*
Class Five's classroom was located on the ground floor, deep within the building. It took longer to reach than the others.
Thirty sets of desks and chairs filled the room, with a teaching platform at the front.
"Take your seats," the teacher said coldly.
Ray chose a seat along the side after some thought. Sitting in the middle would block others' views due to his height. From the side, he could sit near the front without causing trouble.
Raziel Phoenix casually sat down next to him. Lucius and Miel took the seats in front of and behind them, respectively.
Once again, the four roommates were together.
The teacher stepped onto the platform and scanned the room. The classroom instantly fell silent.
"My name is Alfred," he said. "For the next six years, I will be your class teacher."
"I'll make one thing clear. You may forget whatever Director Aaron said earlier. Even if you are a bunch of trash, I will train you into the strongest students of your generation. Unless you choose to drop out, this will be your goal."
The words were arrogant, yet his tone remained calm. Instead of sounding ridiculous, it commanded attention.
"Now, introduce yourselves. Name, martial soul, soul power rank, and aspirations. Begin."
Simple. Direct.
Alfred pointed toward the side-most row.
Lucius stood first. "My name is Lucius. My martial soul is the Astrolabe. My soul power is rank twelve. I aim to become an intelligence-support Soul Master."
His voice was steady, though a slight tremor betrayed his nerves.
Next was Ray.
He stood, immediately meeting Alfred's sharp gaze. It felt as though the teacher could see straight through him.
"Ray," he said. "Martial soul: Silverfalls Vine. Soul power: rank eleven. My aspiration is…"
He paused.
"I don't have one yet."
A mocking voice came from somewhere in the classroom. "Trash martial soul. No wonder you don't have any ambition."
Sou!
A piece of chalk shot through the air and lodged directly into the speaker's mouth.
"Ough!" The student gagged violently.
Alfred said coldly, "There are no trash martial souls. Only trash people. Reflect on yourself before belittling others. If you weren't trash, would you be standing in Class Five?"
Alfred's icy, commanding voice crushed the remaining noise in the classroom. No one dared to whisper again.
"Continue."
Miel stood up stiffly. "I'm Miel. My martial soul is the Titan Ape. Soul power, rank eleven. My goal is to become a Strength-System Battle Soul Master."
Introductions continued one after another.
Then it was Raziel Phoenix's turn.
"Raziel Phoenix," he said lazily. "Martial soul: Light Dragon Dagger. Soul power, rank eighteen. Agility-System Battle Soul Master."
The moment "rank eighteen" was spoken, the classroom exploded in silent shock.
Rank eighteen at nine years old.
That meant he was only two ranks away from becoming a Soul Grandmaster. Anyone who could reach that realm before twelve was undeniably a genius.
In comparison, Lucius's rank of twelve was already impressive, as most students had entered with rank eleven. Their martial souls varied wildly, but none stood out as extraordinary.
Except for one.
Ray's Silverfalls Vine remained, without question, the weakest.
"Classes will officially begin tomorrow," Alfred said indifferently once introductions ended. "My teaching style is different. If you're afraid of pain, exhaustion, or suffering, transfer now. Those who stay should prepare themselves."
"That's all. Dismissed."
With long strides, Alfred exited the classroom.
The moment he left, the room erupted into chatter. Nearly everyone was discussing the cold yet stunningly handsome teacher.
"Let's go," Raziel Phoenix said, glancing at Ray. "You still owe me."
"Alright," Ray replied, standing up.
As they stepped out, the corridor was packed with noisy upperclassmen.
What's going on?
"Ray?" A familiar voice called out.
Ray turned and saw Estella Silver walking toward him, smiling.
"Senior Sister."
"You're in Class Five?" she asked.
Ray nodded calmly. "Silverfalls Vine isn't exactly popular."
"No, that's not what I meant," Estella Silver said quickly, eyes lighting up. "Your class teacher… It's Alfred, right?"
"Yes."
Her eyes sparkled. "Ray, senior sister needs your help."
She slipped something into his hands and whispered, "When you have class, help me take a few pictures of the Icily Arrogant Prince Charming. That's Teacher Alfred."
"Icily… what?" Ray blinked.
Estella Silver blushed. "Alfred is the academy's number one heart-stealer. Female students, female teachers, everyone likes him. He used to teach in the advanced academy, but for some reason, he was transferred to the intermediate division. We all think it's a tragedy."
"Help us take some pictures. Senior sister won't let you suffer."
Ray stood there, stunned.
Raziel Phoenix, standing behind him, listened silently. His impatience vanished, replaced by intrigue.
"He's that strong?" Ray asked hesitantly.
Estella Silver nodded eagerly. "I've seen him with at least six soul rings. That means he's at least a Soul Emperor."
Six rings.
The concept was almost unreal to Ray.
Before he could respond, Estella Silver waved. "I'm leaving now! Don't forget!"
She darted off, clearly chasing after Alfred.
Raziel Phoenix snorted. "You'd better give that camera to someone safe. You don't want to break it."
"It's fine," Ray said calmly. "Let's go."
He felt different today. Yesterday's fight had sharpened his understanding of combat. For the first time, he had truly used his martial soul in battle.
His teacher had said it was a variant Silverfalls Vine.
That meant it wasn't trash.
Once outside the academy gates, Ray asked, "Where are we going?"
"West OceanPark," Raziel Phoenix replied. "Quiet place. Don't worry, I'll have someone treat your injuries afterward."
Ray's eyes burned steadily. "The outcome will decide everything."
West Ocean Park lay close to the academy. Leaving through the side gate and following the stone path for ten minutes was enough to reach it. The park was open to the public and free of charge.
Because it was still early, many citizens were scattered about, stretching, jogging, or practicing slow, flowing movements beneath the trees.
The moment Ray entered the park, his senses were washed by a fresh, natural fragrance. The crisp scent of greenery mixed with the faint sweetness of flowers cleared his mind almost instantly. His shoulders loosened without him realizing it.
His martial soul was Silverfalls Vine. Being surrounded by plants made him feel inexplicably comfortable, as if he had returned home.
He even had a faint feeling that meditating here would be far more effective than doing so in the dormitory. Back in Ironspire City, he had already noticed how his cultivation improved when he trained near plants.
Compared to the tiny garden at home, however, this park felt boundless.
Raziel Phoenix walked ahead with practiced ease, clearly familiar with the area. Without hesitation, he headed toward the deepest part of the park.
As they followed the gravel path inward, the trees grew taller and thicker. Some were so massive that several people would be needed to wrap their arms around their trunks.
West Ocean Park had existed for over a thousand years, even longer than West Ocean Academy itself. Many rare and ancient trees grew here.
The deeper they went, the better Ray felt. His martial soul stirred faintly, responding to the dense life force around him.
This place is perfect, he thought. I'll definitely come back.
At the park's deepest point, where the foliage concealed them from outside view, Raziel Phoenix stopped in an open clearing.
"This is fine," he said, turning around.
Ray halted as well, his gaze cautious but steady.
"I won't take advantage of you," Raziel Phoenix continued. "I'm an Agility System Battle Soul Master, so I'll retreat fifty meters. When I say start, you can move."
As he spoke, he began stepping backward, pride written clearly in his posture.
Ray remained silent. His mind replayed their clash from the day before. The yellow glow of Raziel Phoenix's soul ring was still vivid in his memory. Yellow meant a hundred-year spirit soul, and hundred-year soul skills were no joke.
"I don't know how strong his soul skill is," Ray thought grimly.
"Ready?" Raziel Phoenix's voice echoed from the distance.
Ray took a deep breath, centering himself. "Start."
Raziel Phoenix's voice turned cold. "I'll show you the gap between us. I'll make you pay for yesterday's humiliation. Begin!"
The instant his words fell, Raziel Phoenix shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.