From MC's perspective:
After leaving the odyssey monster zone, Jonathan used the familiar bird monster for travel.
We crossed many miles within two hours. But I haven't seen a single city so far. Currently, we are heading in the northern direction.
Except for the vast open plains down the ground. No other habitat can be seen. I couldn't help but think we are heading in the wrong direction.
But looking at Jonathan's closed eyes. I decided not to disturb him. The image of uncle James and Granny Park comes to mind. I wanted to contact them.
But traveling is hindering communication. After sighing, I thought about my plans. Now that everyone knows I'm a lightning warrior. I don't have to hide it in the academy.
Which is good for me. But at the same time, I should keep an eye on the other 5 academies. Thinking about other academies, I don't know whether the three girls were able to join any of the academies or not.
But unfortunately, I can't contact her at this point. I don't even know whether it is possible to return to Tier-8 in the future.
Before I was longing for the outside world. But now there is a trace of uneasiness in my heart. I don't know what are the challenges waiting ahead for me.
In particular, I remembered the teacher's words. He said that super elite warriors are nothing but cannon fodder in the Inner Post. What is the inner post? How big is it?
At this time, Jonathan opened his eyes. Seeing that, I sighed in relief. Finally, he has opened his eyes. I thought he was going to be silent for the whole journey.
Feeling my gaze, Jonathan turned toward me and asked, "Do you have any doubts?"
Yes, I do have a lot of doubts. But before I could ask. Jonathan began to explain.
"Alright, I will tell you a few things about the Academy and city. I guess you have heard about this before. The Saw Scale Viper Academy is divided into four grade institutions.'
"Starting from A to D based on warriors' talent. From your earlier quota, you should have entered a D grade Institution. But now everything changes because of your special element of power and ranking in the competition."
"On top of it, the Master also has made arrangements for you to join the A-grade institutions. So your position in A grade institution was already set."
My eyes gleamed with a twinkle. This is what I'm waiting for. Finally, I'm starting to hear the news about the wider world. Then I perked up my ears to listen further.
Jonathan is aware that Zack is listening keenly. So he continued to explain further.
"I believe you remember the master's words. The Inner Post is for anyone who can enter. Only powerful warriors can enter the Inner Post."
"Because the resources and energy in the outer post are scarce. It can't support the development of high-level warriors. So many choose to enter the inner posts after choosing to join one of the forces."
I wasn't surprised by Jonathan's words. I knew how difficult it was to cultivate lightning techniques. When there were no abundant lightning resources.
Thanks to the chance that I came across the old ruin. Because of it, I stepped into the Elite level. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for me to kill those hybrid monsters that easily.
Suddenly, I wanted to know what the realm above the Super Elite Base was.
"Jonathan, what is the level above the Super Elite?" I asked.
Jonathan furrowed his eyebrows slightly. He doesn't know whether it's okay to tell without the Master's permission.
But after thinking about Zack's Elite level base. He felt it was okay to reveal a few levels.
"There are levels that exist above Elite level. Namely 1. Super Elite 2. SS Elite 3. SSS Elite and other levels," He said without turning back.
Jonathan uttered it casually. But my heart was set off by storms. "Super Elite" "SS and SSS Elite," I muttered to myself.
What kind of naming is this? But my attention was attracted to other unknown levels above these three.
"Jonathan, what about other levels?" I asked back.
Jonathan shook his head in response and replied, "You can search for other information in the academy."
I know the horror of Elite-level Base. I can casually kill the level-3 monster. Because I'm walking on a dual path. Both body and essence are in the Elite Level.
This is the secret only known to me. I don't know how long it will take for me to rise to the future ranks in both paths.
Not every time, I can come across some random chance. In the future, I need to figure out a way to earn money and collect resources.
Jonathan said, "When it comes to the academy. Remember, there is a fierce battle going on between all the six academies."
"Your appearance will attract a lot of hate again. People will find a way to attack you. Some academies won't hesitate to send an assassin to kill you," He added further.
"What?
"Assassination again," I exclaimed in surprise. I regret asking him to open his mouth. I thought I would be at peace hereafter. But his words poured cold water on me.
I couldn't help but slightly massage both sides of my temple.
Jonathan saw through Zack's mood. But he doesn't plan on consoling. Then before changing the topic, he said, "Alright, just be wary of the Giant Tower and the Eclipse Academy."
"The Giant Tower has hostile relations with the Army Federation. They won't digest the fact that you joined the Army Federation."
"And their means are stronger than the Crimson Hall. On the other hand, the Eclipse Academy may seem righteous. But they will do anything for their interest," Jonathan continued to advise Zack.
"Eclipse Academy" "Giant Tower" I remembered two people looking at me with murderous gazes at that time.
No wonder, they harbored such hatred. It's because of the Army Federation. A slight glint flashes in my eyes.
Before I had one enemy called the Crimson Hall. But now it feels boring to deal with Crimson Hall. When I killed the Crimson Hall's Elder. Most of the hatred in my heart was completely gone.
At my current level, I can single-handedly destroy the Crimson Hall organization. But those two academies were not simple. I don't know how many people were strong like clouds out there.
A gloomy glint flashes in my eyes.
Looks like the future is not going to be that simple. I have to again adopt the low-key policy. But fortunately, I can use lightning elements without any constraints.
Jonathan observed Zack's expression. So he stopped talking about it. He feels this information is enough to let Zack act with caution.
....
Hansen Campus,
While Thorton and Arthur were discussing. The news about Maria Frazier also reached his ears. The Frazier Clan head texted Thornton in particular.
The news came as double joy for Thornton.
"White Palace," He mumbled under his breath. He heard about the academy while he worked in the federation. But that was a long time ago. He only knows that the academy recruits female warriors.
Then he shared the news with Arthur who was equally surprised as well. "Elder, should we reveal the news?" Arthur asked.
Thornton shook his head in denial. He answered, "Maria had participated on behalf of her clan. It's a family power. She is not part of our Hansen anymore."
"Pity," Arthur uttered in a low tone. He imagined advertising Zack and Maria's name to the whole city.
Thornton furrowed his eyebrows. He got no reply from Zack. Which puzzled him a lot. Are they traveling to the academy right away? Thornton became hesitant.
But he thinks Zack's uncle would know a lot. He decided to contact him right away.
Meanwhile,
James Lockwood couldn't control his happiness back at home. The news about Zack Lockwood is all over the news. He recalled the past. Where he had saved Zack from the flowing lava.
Now Zack has successfully stepped into the wider world. He couldn't help but feel a little proud. Initially, he wanted Zack to practice and join the federation as a small officer.
But now he realizes Zack will go beyond the ranks of the superior. Then he immediately shared the news with Ms. Park who is taking bed rest.
Shortly after, Granny Park shed happy tears. She is now relieved after knowing Zack had the strength of protecting himself. Images of an orphanage flash before her eyes.
She recalled how Zack had trained with a wooden stick at a young age. From the little outskirts to this white snow city and then later to the Red City.
Zack has experienced the journey of various cities and monster zones in these years. She hopes to see Zack one more time before her final moments.
But she is afraid it's not possible at all. James saw through her mood. No need to ask if he understands the mood of Ms. Park. She dedicated her later years to the upbringing of Zack.
Because of her, Zack didn't ask about his birth parents. Right now, he is waiting for Zack's call.