Chapter 22：Before the Admission Exam (1/2)
A person had a lifeless expression as he walked out of the Artisan tower. This person is none other than Leonard. His body covered in cold sweat as he thought about what he should do. The country bumpkin whom he thought he could trample upon anytime is now an existence, he shouldn't provoke. But he and his family already provoked him. ”I will just stay silent about it. There are a lot of people in the city who wants his wealth. So, if news won't spread there would be a possibility of him dying. So, I will just stay out of this.” He muttered as he ran to his house.
Meanwhile in a nearby costly inn. Sam and his friends are having a meal as they chatted cheerfully.
”Okay attention every one. Here let me give a toast for our very own artisan Sam.” Marvin stood up and made a toast with his wine glass. In this world, the people who are 16 years old are considered adult and can drink as they want. At the table only Sam is still underage. Even Paul is 16 years old. So, everyone except Sam is having wine while he was stuck with a fruit juice.
”Sam, how old are you exactly?” Suddenly Philip asked from the side. Everyone looked at Sam curiously. They really want to know how old Sam exactly is. Even though he said that he will reach 15 in about two months, it had been a vague answer.
”I think I will turn 15 in few days. Sam said without any interest. But the other's expressions turned gloomy. Sam observed that and asked nonchalantly. ”What?”
”You do know what that means right?” Freya asked.
”What do you mean?” Sam asked with confusion.
”How come you are so dense even with your mind like that. Even though you are just about to be 15 you already have become an Artisan, that too a higher rank. Do you know how people feel when they compare themselves to you?” Philip explained.
”Well, its their bad, if they think like that. If it wasn't for the fact these nobles are eyeing me, I cannot be bothered to take the examination.” Sam replied as if taking this exam itself is a tiring job. All the others sitting at the table felt that they didn't have anything to talk about anymore as they heard his reply. They just stayed silent and finished their meals. After that the two girls went to their home and the rest of the boys shamelessly followed Sam to his mansion. As soon as he entered the mansion, Sam was greeted by Yanwu. Before Sam left to the Artisan tower, Yanwu said he wants to go out to do something and then left. Seeing that Yanwu has returned Sam felt relieved. Sam felt that Yanwu has something on his mind but he didn't ask anything.
Sam and other boys sat in the living room and chatted. Philip asked in between.
”Sam do you know how the admissions take place?”
”No.”
”Well, then I will let you know. Actually, we cannot call it as simple admissions. Because it involves people students who are already admitted in to the academy last year.” Philip said.
”Why?” Sam asked with a confused tone.
”The thing is the process is not only for the admissions but also for the assessment of the previous years students. They will put the previous year students against the candidates for the examination in the final round of the competition. So, that is why we are also involved.” This time, Marvin answered.
”Actually, what are the qualifications to attend the exam?” Sam asked.
”The first and foremost age and cultivation. The first round of assessment is this. The candidates must not be older than 16 and must not be younger than 15. The age will be assessed with high precision, measuring up to days. Me and Paul, wanted to take the exam at same time. So, I took the exam last year. Now I am about to reach seventeen and he is about 16 years old.
When it comes to cultivation assessment. The minimum requirement is the 9th stage initiation and there is no problem, the one doesn't reach the late stage of Acolyte.” Philip finished.
”The second round will be eliminating the major number of candidates by a free for all competition. It changes every time. But it will always have some danger with in. There will always be some deaths. The ones who are still left after the competition will be having an admission to the academy.” Marvin continued after a slight pause. ”The third and final competition is the group fight between the Seniors and the candidates left after the examination. In this competition they will rank the freshmen and seniors according to their results and there will be a significant reward based on the score.” Marvin finished explaining. Sam started thinking and asked a question. ”Will there be a restriction on weapons?”
”Any weapons above rank 1 will be rejected. Candidates cannot use the array discs and inscriptions as such as well. Pills and other medicine are also not allowed. Philip said.
”Okay then you prepare well for the exam then we will not be visiting you tomorrow. See you at the academy.” Philip and others left, leaving Sam alone. As soon as they left, Yanwu came and landed in front of Sam.
”Sam, I need to go out for a few days.” Yanwu said as soon as he landed.
”What happened?” Sam asked Yanwu as he sensed his seriousness.
”I need to investigate something. I will be back within ten days.” Yanwu said reassuring Sam. The tokens Sam got from the city gate for the beasts leaves a special aura on them which makes the security of the city guards to recognize them. So, Yanwu can come and go as he please. Even if he doesn't have that, he can still turn in to an ordinary crow and travel as he please.