Deep Demon

第5話

On the day of departure, the City Lord's Mansion was bustling. Carriages lined up like a caravan of nobles off to a grand parade. Wang Xiao, naturally confident as the City Lord’s son, greeted everyone with a wide grin, while the other students marveled at the scale of the operation.

As the group boarded a luxurious carriage, Wenzi leaned in conspiratorially. “Do you think the Central Academy serves better food? If I have to eat bland gruel for three years, I might just starve!”

Hu Chong chuckled, flexing his biceps. “Who cares about food? I heard the Central Academy has combat trials so intense that even monsters cry. I can’t wait to smash some heads.”

Lin Xiao rolled his eyes but smiled. “You two are hopeless. Let’s focus on not embarrassing ourselves first.”

The carriages began their journey, passing through lush forests and towering mountains. The group was soon chatting about everything from training techniques to gossip about the Central Academy. Wang Xiao, who seemed to have insider knowledge, explained how students were sorted into houses based on their talents.

“You’ll either love or hate your house,” Wang Xiao said, smirking. “They pit us against each other constantly. Survival of the fittest.”

“Great,” Wenzi muttered. “I’ll die of exhaustion while you maniacs fight over house points.”

Their journey lasted a week, filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and occasional bandit attacks. Of course, the heavily armed convoy made short work of any threats. Lin Xiao secretly observed the guards, noting their precise movements and discipline. Even the City Lord’s guards are this strong. What kind of monsters await at the Central Academy?

Finally, they arrived at the gates of the Central Academy, a colossal structure carved into a mountainside. Giant statues of mythical beasts flanked the entrance, their eyes seemingly alive. As they passed through, Lin Xiao felt a strange energy ripple through him, as if the academy itself was evaluating his worth.

Inside, the academy grounds stretched endlessly. Students in vibrant uniforms moved with purpose, their conversations a mix of excitement and rivalry. The air buzzed with spiritual energy so dense it was almost tangible.

A senior student, clad in a sleek black uniform, approached their group. His aura was overwhelming, and his gaze sharp enough to cut through steel.

“New recruits?” he asked, his tone polite but firm.

“Yes,” Wang Xiao replied, stepping forward confidently. “I’m Wang Xiao, son of the Salt City Lord.”

The senior student raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. “Welcome to the Central Academy. I’m Senior Bai Yue. Follow me.”

As they walked through the campus, Bai Yue explained the rules. “No fighting outside designated arenas. No skipping classes. And most importantly, no challenging the instructors. They’re not as forgiving as the monsters you’ll face.”

Wenzi gulped. “The monsters we’ll face? What does that mean?”

Bai Yue smirked. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

The group was led to their dormitory, a towering building with an ornate dragon motif. Inside, the rooms were surprisingly luxurious, each with a soft bed, study desk, and even a small training area.

“I could get used to this,” Wenzi said, flopping onto his bed.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” Lin Xiao warned. “This is just the calm before the storm.”

The next morning, the academy’s bell tower rang, signaling the start of orientation. Thousands of students gathered in a massive amphitheater. At the center stood the academy’s headmaster, a stern man with flowing white hair and an aura of immeasurable power.

“Welcome to the Central Academy,” he began, his voice resonating through the amphitheater. “Here, talent is not enough. Only the disciplined, the relentless, and the fearless will rise. Fail to meet our standards, and you will be sent home or worse.”

The crowd fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.

“Let the entrance trials begin!” the headmaster declared, raising his hand. The ground trembled as the amphitheater transformed into a series of arenas, obstacle courses, and training grounds.