Re: Evolution Online

"My Lord, do you think that red elixir was brewed from the sacrifices the villagers were talking about? It must have taken quite a number of sacrifices to brew something like that. I hope there is no leftover resentment or pesky issues for you to deal with." Eldrin mouthed his concern, sneering inwardly.

Much to his chagrin, Liam did not seem to care too much about it. "Yes. It should be something like that." He casually remarked as his mind wandered to other things, more specifically the conversation he had with the mysterious person.

Now that he had actual results in his hand, he no longer had any reason to doubt the intentions of the guy. This means that everything else he mentioned was also valid.

But Liam did not understand. Why would he talk to him as if he had a bad impression of him? He even mentioned him stealing heaven's secrets. Was it stealing when he had worked so hard for everything?

Mulling over everything the mysterious man had told him, Liam looked around to see what floor they were currently standing on. Once again there were no beasts pouncing on them from the get-go.

However, this time they found a small town in the distance. On closer inspection, the town actually turned out to be an academy. It was an academy in the middle of nowhere but it was not an ordinary one. Even the guards stationed outside the academy to patrol the area emitted a strong aura. Something told Liam that he was perhaps not meant to fight with them.

Signaling Eldrin to keep quiet, Liam walked forward as the two of them casually approached the gate. It merely looked as if two travelers were arriving at the academy.

"Halt. What business do you have here?" One of the guards, a burly man with a presence that seemed to make the air around him denser, stepped forward, eyeing Liam and Eldrin from top to bottom.

Liam, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, responded with an equally measured tone. "We are travelers who have heard of the renowned academy situated here. We wish to learn more about it and, if possible, talk to someone who works here."

The guard scrutinized them for a moment longer, his gaze lingering on Liam as if trying to gauge his sincerity or perhaps sensing something more beneath the surface. Finally, he nodded slightly, stepping aside to allow them passage. "Very well. But know that the academy does not tolerate any form of mischief or malevolence. You will be closely watched during your stay."

Liam and Eldrin were just about to enter when another voice sounded from the distance. "Hmmm. Where do you think you both are going? Not anyone can enter this place. Goftar, do you not think twice before you commit foolish acts such as this? Do you want to be fired?"

The guard's face immediately changed as he quickly apologized and moved back to his station with his head bowed. Another man walked towards Liam and Eldrin, this one clearly a lot more powerful than the guard.

"This academy is a place of knowledge but not all who wish to enter are granted the privilege. Do you have a letter of recommendation? Do you have an identity medallion?"

Both Liam and Eldrin shook their heads.

"Then I am afraid you have to go back. Your arrival is unusual, and your timing more so. The academy is currently not open to outsiders. Just being an Awakened doesn't guarantee you a spot in the academy." The man sneered in disdain and turned to leave, shaking his head. "Country bumpkins. The number of pests have increased lately. Must be because we helped in dealing with that beast tide."

Liam waited until the man had left and then turned to the guard with an apologetic look. "I am sorry. Because of me you might have gotten into trouble."

The guard shook his head. "It is fine. I…" He opened his mouth to say something but quickly changed his words. "The instructor is not wrong. The academy is indeed closed at the moment for applicants."

Naturally, Liam was not planning to give up just yet. But before he could say anything the elf took the initiative. He laughed awkwardly and the next second slapped Liam's shoulder. "What did I tell you brother? Superiors everywhere suck. I think they all have a stick up their arses. That guy was an academy instructor?"

Hmmm? Liam raised a brow but did not intervene, allowing the elf to continue.

"The thing is… Sir Goftar." Eldrin smiled. "Is there any way we can still enter? We have traveled a long distance to learn from the masters of this academy. Surely, there must be some way to prove our worth or earn entry."

The guard, Goftar, seemed to struggle with himself for a moment, his duty conflicting with the empathy he felt for Liam and Eldrin's earnest request. Finally, he sighed, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Look, officially, I can't let you in without a recommendation or an identity medallion. However, the academy does have a way for exceptional individuals to prove their worth."

Liam's interest was immediately piqued. "What way is that?"

"It's called the Trial of Dao. It's designed for those who come uninvited but believe they have something special to offer." "It's not easy, mind you. Many try, and almost none succeed." "But those who do are granted access to the academy, no medallion or recommendation needed. I have heard of someone joining the academy through the trial a decade ago," Goftar explained, his eyes scanning the area to ensure they weren't overheard.

"Yes. That. We will do that!" Eldrin grinned.

The guard looked a little uncertain.

"Don't worry. We won't mention your name if someone asks us how we learnt about the trial."

With Eldrin's assurance, he ended up relenting and started escorting them back inside once again.

Unbeknownst to them, a figure stood high atop one of the towers in the academy building and gazed at the three walking toward the main center. If Liam had seen this person he would have instantly recognized him as this was the same man whom he had met on the last floor.