"Hmm, it seems like more of them have improved greatly compared to last ti," Master Axton said as the moon shone brightly on the platform. Even without additional light, the moon's brilliance was more than enough to illuminate the mountain.
It was already midnight, and they had been observing the Martial Students who were showing significant progress. So of them were already beginning to demonstrate their understanding of the techniques they were practicing, as they could produce so of the desired effects.
However, the test was not yet complete. On the third day, the students would have to display their newly learned techniques. After that, there would be one final test—the Practical Battle Exam—where those who passed the second test would fight each other. This last test was the most popular, as the public would be granted access to watch the fights.
Nonetheless, those who passed the second exam were almost guaranteed to succeed in the Advancent Examination, as the second exam had already determined whether the Martial School would continue to support their cultivation journey.
"It's ti to go back," Elmo said, standing up while picking up the shield behind his chair and the broadsword at his side.
Seeing this, the visitors also stood up, along with Mayor Klown.
"Let's return to the Chariot; the al has already been served," Klown said, motioning for them to follow his lead before turning to the Headmasters. "Shall we?"
The trio exchanged glances for a mont before Elmo and Axton shook their heads.
"I have to go et those criminals," Axton said, his figure becoming wild and strange. Then suddenly, he turned into a puddle of water, dropping to the ground.
Elmo chuckled, staring at the Mayor. "I need to train, Mr. Mayor." His body beca a blur, disappearing from his spot as if he had never been there.
Klown then turned to Master Popo, who rolled his eyes before flying toward the middle platform.
"Tsk," Klown couldn't help but grit his teeth in anger and humiliation. The Headmasters clearly didn't respect him, openly disregarding him. But he had to hold it in and smile at the visitors. At the sa ti, he sensed that sothing was wrong—sothing he didn't want to happen, though he had to continue his act.
…
When Apollo opened his eyes, it was already morning. He could see birds flying in the distance while the sun's rays peeked over the horizon.
"This is great," he muttered, a smile forming on his lips. Apollo had managed to learn three more Battle Techniques in just one night. Although he hadn't reached the Mastery Stage, he had still achieved the Beginner Stage in each of them.
Fire Blast, a Battle Technique from the Fire Shrine Martial School, allowed the user to gather Qi and transform it into a blazing fire that could be sent toward opponents. It was a good technique—though not particularly strong, in his opinion, it was flashy enough that those unaware might think he was preparing a deadly attack.
The second technique he learned was True Hardening, which could increase his body's endurance and toughness at the cost of speed. It didn't produce flashy special effects like Fire Blast, but Apollo felt he needed a technique that could help protect his body. However, learning these techniques seed sowhat pointless if he was going to forget them after the second test ended.
Still, he found the process enjoyable, so he continued to learn more.
The third technique he learned was one that envelops his body with Qi, making him lighter and increasing his speed. This technique, when combined with his Simple Movent Technique, complented his abilities well. Although he hadn't yet tried out these three techniques, he was confident that he could execute them at the Beginner Stage.
Looking around, he noticed that so of the students were already awake, their faces set in deep frowns, seemingly struggling with their training. Apollo then turned his attention to those who still had their eyes closed, yet wore peaceful expressions.
There were also so students practicing the movents of their techniques. So did so with relaxed expressions, while others gritted their teeth in frustration, repeatedly failing and trying again.
"Aren't they going to take a break? Eat sothing?" Apollo muttered to himself. With his cultivation already at the 4th-Step Foundation Building Stage, he wouldn't feel hunger for a day or two without eating. However, once he did feel hungry, he would need to consu a large amount of food. Fortunately, he hadn't encountered that situation yet—after all, who would let themselves go hungry? Not Apollo.
With that in mind, he brought up his Status Screen to check his remaining Alm Points.
STATUS SCREEN
Na: Apollo Leone.
Race: Human.
Alm Points: 26
Spirit Cultivation: None.
Physique Cultivation: 4th-Step Foundation Building.
Attributes: None.
In the two days before the Advancent Examination began, he had managed to increase his Alm Points to 31. He had used 5 of those points to buy the black half-mask he was wearing, leaving him with 26. He intended to save 25 points for ergencies, leaving just 1 for food and drinks. Thankfully, consumables weren't too expensive—extrely cheap, in fact.
Apollo brought up his System Store, sorting it to display only Earth's food.
"Should I treat myself to sothing good?" Apollo muttered, licking his lips in anticipation. He browsed through the options, all foods he had enjoyed in his previous life—steak, sushi, pizza, burgers… The choices were dazzling, making it difficult to decide.
In the end, he settled on a box of macaroni and cheese pizza along with a bottle of carbonated drink. Yup, this is the right choice, Apollo thought, smiling as he was about to confirm the order. But then, he saw the price.
W-what?! 1.1 Alm Points?! Apollo's eyes widened. Damnit! Ah, I was craving this… Macaroni and cheese pizza was one of his favorite als in his previous life, especially as a midnight snack. It was perfect.
Sighing in disappointnt, he decided to change his choice.
One order of a burger costs 0.5 Alm points, and a carbonated drink costs 0.2 Alm points. If he spent 1 Alm point on food, he'd be left with only 0.3 points. But there were still two more days before the second test ended. Apollo only wanted to eat once per day, and if he bought this 'expensive' food now, he'd have nothing left for the third day.
Shaking his head, he continued browsing for more affordable options. It didn't take him long to make a choice: cup noodles for 0.2 Alm points and a bottle of mineral water for 0.1 Alm points.
"Do you want to buy it?" the System asked in its usual emotionless voice.
"Buy," Apollo said. As soon as the words left his mouth, two white lights appeared on the ground in front of him, materializing into a steaming cup of noodles and a bottle of water. "Feels like I'm back in high school."
With a sigh, he reached out for the noodles, placing the water bottle beside him. But then he realized sothing. Where's the chopstick? Apollo glanced around but couldn't find it. He stood up and searched more thoroughly, but the chopstick was nowhere to be found. A foreboding feeling washed over him.
"System? Where's the chopstick or fork?"
A translucent screen appeared in front of him, displaying a ssage, followed by the System's voice:
"You will have to buy the chopsticks from the System Store at the cost of 0.1 Alm points. Would you like to place an order?" the System asked.
F*ck you, System! Apollo cursed through gritted teeth. Shouldn't it be free? You're just proving that you're an *sshole who only cares about profit and not the custor's comfort! He berated the System, but it remained silent, rely waiting for his response.
Seeing this, Apollo's frustration grew. It was infuriating to be angry at sothing that showed no emotion—it was like being mad at a rock, making him feel foolish.
If you had a physical body, I'd beat you into a pulp! Apollo thought with determination.
The interface in front of him started flickering, a sign that it was on the verge of collapsing. Argh! I hate this! Before the interface could disappear, Apollo placed the order, and a pair of chopsticks materialized in front of him. Grasping them in his hand, the simple wooden chopsticks felt like gold.
"This is very frustrating," Apollo muttered, sitting down on the grass. He let out a heavy sigh before looking around. Fortunately, no one was paying attention to him; otherwise, they'd be shocked to see objects appearing out of thin air.
The instructor was also nowhere to be seen, probably off sowhere else.
With another sigh, he fully peeled back the lid of the cup of noodles, releasing a burst of aroma. Apollo inhaled deeply, his eyes closed, a smile spreading across his face. His earlier frustration with the System seed to vanish into thin air.
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It's been so long since I had this, Apollo thought as he lifted a handful of noodles with his chopsticks.
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