Chapter 2009 Systems
There were over 40,000 human worlds within the vast space domain of the Magus Alliance, with 12,000 worlds situated in the 18 sectors of the Alpha Quadrants.
Among these, the lower-realm worlds dominated, comprising a staggering 80% of the total count, which equated to around 10,000 planets. In contrast, the middle-realm worlds numbered over 2,000, while the exclusive higher-realm worlds amounted to a mere 100, making up less than 1% of the overall tally.
To regulate the flow of talent into the Magus Academy, each world was allocated a specific quota, delineated as follows:
[High Realm: 10 acolytes every year]
[Medium Realm: 3 to 5 acolytes every year]
[Lower Realm: 1 acolyte every 10 years]
Consequently, there was an annual influx of 1,000 high-realm acolytes, approximately 8,000 middle-realm acolytes, and a modest 1,000 lower-realm acolytes.
While there remained a significant discrepancy between the numbers from high and lower realms, these figures represented a substantial improvement compared to the old academy system, where only a select few were admitted every few centuries. The four acolytes were fortunate beneficiaries of this shift having to secure four additional spots.
This information was shared as the group soared atop the flying stingray, Grand Magus Aurora led them towards the vibrant spring village.
Enveloped by the rush of wind, the group observed the lively scene unfolding beneath them. A multitude of fresh-faced acolytes streamed through the village's teleportation portals, each entrance bustling with activity.
Emery raised his arm and invoked his skill, [Nature Grasp], harmonizing with the energy currents surrounding him. In doing so, he detected a profound richness saturating the atmosphere, a potent manifestation of nature's essence as strong as the one he felt within Earth's fey sanctuary.
Every year, ten thousand fresh-faced acolytes would compete for the chance to secure one of these coveted spots. Those who emerged victorious would earn the privilege of an additional two years within the academy's esteemed confines.
Titus, filled with enthusiasm, couldn't help but express his optimism. "With 5000 spots available out of 10,000, the odds are in our favor. I'm sure all four of us can make it to that mountain!"
However, Emery countered, shaking his head. "It's not 5000 spots out of 10,000. It's much less than that."
Klea stepped in to explain the situation with simple reasoning. Given that inner acolytes could remain for three years, the inner halls were still occupied by senior acolytes who had enrolled when the academy opened two years prior. Additionally, thousands of acolytes who had failed to secure spots the previous year were also granted one last opportunity to claim their place.
The Grand Magus nodded in agreement with Klea's assessment before elaborating further. "That's precisely why we're expanding our classes and hiring more teachers," she affirmed. She revealed that twenty additional halls had been constructed at the base of the mountains, providing space for new teachers and accommodating an additional 1000 acolytes.
Arminius couldn't contain his excitement at the prospect of more opportunities, exclaiming, "That's fantastic news!"
However, Klea remained pragmatic, cautioning that securing one of those 1000 spots from a pool of over 10,000 acolytes, with a thousand portions hailing from higher realms, presented formidable odds.
Grand Magus Aurora, however, reassured them with a gentle smile. "Actually, there are closer to 2500 spots available"
Klea understood she hadn't factored in the number of acolytes departing from the academy—whether by choice or due to the causalities of the intense competition.
The Grand Magus continued, her tone gentle yet firm, "Worry not about the numbers; I assure you, as long as you pass the inner region test, a spot will be available for you."
While the words were meant to be reassuring, they only served to deepen the group's confusion. To provide a clearer understanding, the Deputy Headmaster led them toward one side of the mountain, where the testing grounds for the inner apprentices were located.