Chapter 2022 Application

Chapter 2022 Application

Days passed, and Emery's initial optimism waned, replaced by a growing sense of unease.

[Application received - 0]

Despite his best efforts to focus on personal training and apothecary concoctions, the absence of applications weighed heavily on Emery's mind. By the fifth day, with still no applications received, he found it increasingly difficult to concentrate.

Just then, Ashaka arrived, providing updates on the progress of the four young acolytes. After rigorous spirit core training, Ha Ron had managed to ascend to 9000 steps, leaving a mere 2000 steps to conquer before reaching the peak. Kingrig lagged behind slightly at 8500 steps, while the two centurions had just surpassed the 7000-step mark.

Ashaka lamented that there was little more he could impart to the youngsters for the particular test; from this point forward, their success would largely depend on their inherent talent. Hearing this, Emery couldn't help but entertain the disheartening possibility that only two out of the four acolytes might succeed in the challenge and join Hall 120. This meant that Emery still needed to recruit 18 more acolytes to fill the hall's minimum number of acolytes.

"Something needs to be done," Emery muttered, taking a deep sigh, his mind racing with potential solutions to their predicament.

On that pivotal day, Klea and Magus Urix convened to address the escalating concerns.

Urix, his brow furrowed with contemplation, expressed his belief that the recent addition of new halls had triggered disruptions within the academy. He noted that some of the older, established halls had seemingly adjusted their admission criteria, possibly in a bid to maintain their superiority and pose a greater challenge to the newcomers.

"In just these past five days, over 200 acolytes have finalized their decisions," Urix revealed, his tone tinged with an undercurrent of apprehension. "Now, there are fewer than 300 undecided acolytes remaining."

Klea, her expression reflective of the weight of the situation, also contributed to the conversation. She revealed that in the last few days, she had taken the initiative to approach some acolytes to promote Hall 120. However, the responses she received were far from encouraging.

"Hall 120? Sure, I'll think about it... if I get rejected by the other 119 halls first, that is... Ha! As if a genius like me would settle for anything less!"

"I know my limits, and aiming for a lower hall is my strategy. From ranks 71 to 120, they all offer the same benefits... But who exactly is this Emery?"

"I heard he's from the lower realm. Is that true? What could I possibly learn from some primitive barbarian?"

"What's this about being an Earth faction leader? Even if he's the king of bugs, he's still just a bug."

"Hey, let's not be rude! Can't you see? He teaches all 10 elements! He sounds like a grandmaster to me! That's pretty damn impressive, haha."

"Thank you, Master"

Damo's initial joy at being accepted quickly turned to apprehension when he realized he was the only acolyte. "Er... am I the first? No one else joins?" he questioned, his expression faltering.

Emery, sensing Damo's unease, reassured him with a forced smile. "Don't worry! Now that you are here, it will be much easier to attract more acolytes."

Damo's astonishment was evident. "Me?" he exclaimed incredulously, feeling the weight of the responsibility placed upon him.

"Yes, you can ...help us convince some of your friends"

Damo's demeanor shifted, his expression clouded with uncertainty as he hesitated before explaining his predicament. Just like many acolytes from the lower realms, he had faced discrimination and isolation, a burden he carried throughout his two years in the academy. Forced to rely solely on himself and his determination, Damo immersed himself in his studies, forging ahead despite the challenges he faced. Though he had managed to form several acquaintances, he couldn't count any as true friends.

"I am sorry, Master," Damo apologized sincerely, his voice tinged with regret, "I could not help much."

This story, however, brought a smile to Klea's face. The Egyptian Queen emerged with an idea and turned to Magus Urix.

"Senior, How many of those 300 undecided acolytes are from lower realm planets?" Klea inquired, her eyes alight with determination. "Better yet, what is the total number of lower realm acolytes currently enrolled in the inner halls?"

This question, with its underlying purpose, hinted at Klea's intention. She planned to leverage the discrimination faced by lower realm acolytes as a reason not to join the other halls and bolster Hall 120's number.

Her suggestion resonates well with Emery. He understood that rather than viewing their lower-world background as a weakness, they could turn it into an advantage to a specific group of acolytes. As the only lower realm instructor in the academy, Emery realized that this was indeed their unique characteristic.

Magus Urix's enthusiasm was evident as he divulged the data. "Many lower realm acolytes struggle to endure the rigors of the academy. Currently, only 35 seniors remain from the lower realms. However, among the newcomers, there are 95, with 40 still undecided about their halls."

Unfortunately, concerned about potential backlash, they opted against incorporating this strategy into their information page, opting for a more personalized approach instead.

With a sly grin, Klea seized the moment. "Alright, Senior Urix, you and I can tackle 60 acolytes each. Let's get this all done by tomorrow!"

Magus Urix was taken aback. "You know I'm a senior staff, right? I'm not allowed to do this!"

Klea countered with determination. "Senior, you're the perfect person for the job! Your position and your youthful appearance combine with my beauty and persuasion! Together, we make a formidable team." She added, "Surely, you'll lend us a hand, won't you?" Her words were compelling, appealing to Urix's gratitude towards Emery, who had saved his life.