Chapter 212: A Glimpse Into the Darkness

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To quell the continuous string of gasp, Sapphyr raised her hand, "Keep quiet you all. Even though that is a possible scenario, we instructors of the seeded classes are supposed to supply adequate tasks to grant Academic Credits. Not to mention, as you advance in cultivation and show proof, you'll be rewarded the respective credits."'

In response, the students quieted down and started to listen to the information she disclosed. In fact, when it came to her going into deeper details about the Tethered Shadow Origin Room, their eyes gleamed. 

Like the area Odessa had told Apollo about before, that room was special as well. It was a holy place for comprehending the Dark Element. If one's comprehension delved deep enough, they would arrive at the prime form of their element. For example, someone who specializes in Earth could travel more than one path.

They could travel the path of absolute defense, Crystalline Embodiment. They could also travel the path of suppression, Gravitational Dominance or they could even tap into the simpler yet easily applicable Force Amplification. The choices for future growth were endless, it all depended on one's predisposition and their own personality.

On the other hand, Apollo wondered if one could learn all variations of their element at the same time. If one could utilize all prime forms of an element, they could potentially turn into an unstoppable monster. Thus, he looked down the middle hall.

According to Sapphyr, unlike the other two, at the end of the middle hall was the room in question. But, there were stringent requirements put in place to enter. First of all, one had to be enrolled in the Institute. Secondly, they needed to possess over 500 Academic Credits as a single hour inside cost 10 Academic Credits.

One had to know, it took the typical student 3 days to receive comprehension on what they sought. And, that just was just initial comprehension. The deeper one delved into the sensation the room presented, the more they'd find themselves ignorant to time.It wasn't an odd situation to witness students who ended up exhausting every single possession in their credit but fail to grasp their prime form.

Basically, unless you possessed a high comprehension, it wasn't advised to test your extreme limits inside. After all, there was a special atmosphere inside that room. It wasn't an over-exaggeration to say that it sucked one in and preyed on their desire to find the truth.

"Ahem, that concludes the tour. You may all return to what you were doing before. Unlike when we came in, there is nothing prohibiting you from leaving. Just retrace your steps and you'll find yourself back on the campus grounds," Sapphyr stated before walking deeper inside the middle hall. While the others left, Apollo stayed behind and looked at her departing figure.

As she sensed his gaze, she stopped walking and turned back towards him, "Is there something you need Apollo?" For a moment, Apollo was silent. As of right now, he wasn't sure if he wanted to ask about the matter pertaining to Xezym or if he wanted to press something else. Both of them would ultimately benefit him.

Soon enough, he determined the latter was what he wanted, "Sapphyr, I want to know if I can see the inside of the Tethered Shadow Origin Room, is that possible?"

Sapphyr looked at him with intrigue and walked towards him, "Ahem, it's Instructor Sapphyr to you, use it properly. Also, the Institute has opened to freshmen yet, why so eager?"

"Well, the way you made it sound, it seemed to be a vital piece of our stay here. So, I wanted to see if it was really as valuable as you say. Also, you say freshman, does that mean there are people in there now?

"Correct, it is an interconnected space. Even the second and third years can sense you but they don't pay you all much mind. Usually, the disturbance the freshman are able to cause is minuscule at best. The larger the comprehension, the larger the disturbance," Sapphyr answered. 

"Hmm, why does this have any significance?" Apollo questioned further. 

"Because, when someone of high comprehension enters, the room usually empties. If a disturbance is caused, it makes it hard for anyone else to comprehend something. In other words, those with high comprehensions have a reputation in this place. They're all well known," Sapphyr answered.

Before, Apollo never asked anyone about it, but now he needed a clearer understanding of comprehension. Even during the trial, the aptitude he achieved wasn't his true value, it continued to mature while in action. So, he needed some type of reference to understand where he stood.

"What would you deem as a high comprehension," Apollo asked while noticing a small change in her shadow, 'Xezym is here. I should assume he is here at all times. I think her bond with her Spirit goes deeper than a simple ally. He seems…diligently loyal to here.'

"In short, anyone who can stimulate a Level 8 connection with an element within 5 seconds is deemed to be over high comprehension. If they can reach Level 9 in the same time frame, then they are deemed monstrous. Those of which who can do the latter in the Institute can be counted on my hands," Sapphyr answered without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Apollo nodded. 'They don't use a number system, so I have no idea if my comprehension indicated by the system is good or not. All I know is that during the trial, it took me quite some time to stimulate a Level 7. Could my comprehension be lacking compared to the so-called monsters here?' Apollo thought to himself.

Regardless of what he assumed, there was only one way to verify whether or not his thoughts were the truth, "I would like to enter and get early validation," Apollo requested.

Unfortunately, Sapphyr's expression became irregular. Based on the look she gave him, Apollo was sure she would reject the request. However, when he heard the reason behind it, Apollo raised an eyebrow.

"I don't have the authority to allow you to enter. Technically, you aren't a student here yet. Your entry code hasn't been registered on your card yet. Until then, I'm afraid there is no way to let you in," Sapphyr answered.

Similar to the entry code into the Institute, all of the special areas carried unique passcodes that were also unique to the students. It was designed this way to keep track of who entered what and at what time. Furthermore, each code attached the unique signature of every cultivator.

To put it differently, this access code couldn't be duplicated. Even a formation master of Robyn's stature was unable to recreate the unique signature of a cultivator. Hence, the security of the institute was almost ironclad. If it wasn't for a certain anomaly, it would be airtight.

"Ah, I see. Nevermind then Instructor Sapphyr," Apollo responded. He then prepared to leave the area. Since he was denied access, there was nothing else he wished to do here.

But, Sapphyr's expression changed all of sudden. She even gave Apollo a small smile while shaking her head, "Hold on. I don't know how luck is always on your side, but Headmaster Geneva has sent me a message. She has opened the room for you, but she has triple the cost of your time. She says this is the stipulation of allowing you entry. Will you agree to these conditions?"

Naturally, Apollo didn't give his answer right away. The natural rate was 10 credits per hour, however, he would have to pay 30! This made him question if his impatience was worth it. Then, he recalled the fact he received to small boons of credits. Not to mention, he was on amicable grounds with Robyn, there was a chance he could find a way to extort him for credits.

Thus, Apollo consented to this. An instant later, Sapphyr led him down the hallway, "I must warn you, mind your actions. If I'm not mistaken, some of the higher Seats may be inside. There might all be some of the Children of War," Sapphyr warned.

"Children of War?" Apollo questioned with a small tilt of his head, symbolizing his ignorance towards the term.

"Those are students who are to graduate and immediately join the World Reclamation Task Force with a rank of a Squad Leader. If you're unaware, that means they jump 3 ranks at once. Nevertheless, step inside," Sapphyr said.

As he extended her arm, a never-ending path into darkness opened up with a shimmering orb present in the middle.