It didn't take long for the bus to reach the designated parking area. The expansive grounds, specifically designed for large vehicles, were built to accommodate dozens of buses at once, providing ample space for students to disembark and gather without haste.
The bus engine slowly died down, and the sound of the automatic doors opening filled the air, signaling the students it was ti to move.
"All students, line up. Follow Mr. Dedi," instructed the female supervisor standing near the bus door.
Her voice was firm yet patient, ensuring no student was left behind or went off track. The students, so still srized by their surroundings, began disembarking one by one, following the supervisor's directions in an orderly manner.
In front of the Sky Tower's entrance, rows of students from various academies were already lined up neatly. Normally, this tower was used by people from all walks of life for personal purposes, but today was different.
The Divine Sky Tower had been reserved exclusively by the academies for educational activities. The spacious courtyard, usually filled with visitors, was now occupied by lines of students in academy uniforms.
The Sky Tower, standing majestically like a guardian of the heavens, radiated an aura of power and grandeur. Around the courtyard, students from Paradise Academy, Star Academy, and several other academies stood in alert postures, waiting for further instructions. Although the atmosphere was orderly, a sense of competition lingered in the air, reflected in the determined gazes of the students.
This exclusive reservation was certainly not cheap. However, because Lein prioritized education, he offered a significant discount as long as the tower was used for aningful purposes. Thanks to his generosity, the academies only had to pay a small amount of energy crystals, even though the value of the facilities they were using was far higher.
At the front of the student lines, supervisors from various academies exchanged greetings. A middle-aged man in a black supervisor uniform stepped forward, greeting his colleague with a warm smile.
"Hello, Mr. Yeri, how are you?" he said, extending his hand.
Another man, who appeared to be around the sa age, returned the greeting. "Quite well, Mr. Nifa," Yeri replied, shaking his colleague's hand.
"So, did your Paradise Academy also receive the sa directive?" Nifa asked, his smile remaining friendly, though his eyes hinted at genuine curiosity.
Yeri nodded slightly, releasing the handshake. "Yes, we were given a quota of ten students for tomorrow's showcase," he replied with a heavy tone. A faint furrow appeared on his brow, a sign of the burden he felt from the announcent.
A few hours earlier, the academy head had announced a directive from the central governnt. Tomorrow, there would be a grand event—a duel showcase between students from various academies. Each academy was given a specific quota to send their representatives. Paradise Academy had been allotted a quota of ten students.
"Our leader imdiately tasked us with conducting a rapid selection," Yeri continued seriously. "There's no option to refuse this order, so we must act quickly. Today, we'll select the ten best students to participate."
Nifa nodded as he listened. "I understand. We're facing the sa situation," he said, his tone conveying empathy.
Around them, other supervisors were busy inspecting the student lines, ensuring everything was in order.
"Yes… despite the challenges, the rewards offered must be significant, right?" said the black-uniford supervisor, frowning slightly, his expression reflecting deep curiosity.
"I hope so too," Yeri replied, gazing into the distance. "I heard from my nephew, who works in the governnt, that the guest coming tomorrow is a Guardian from another realm."
Hearing this, the black-uniford supervisor's eyes widened in amazent, his face clearly showing awe. "Really?" he asked enthusiastically, almost like a child hearing a hero's tale for the first ti.
"I can't wait to et an alien race from beyond," he muttered softly, though the spirited gleam in his eyes showed just how fascinated he was by the possibility.
The brief discussion between Yeri and the black-uniford supervisor was interrupted when a staff mber from the Sky Tower suddenly appeared. His steps were firm, and his presence imdiately drew the attention of everyone in the courtyard.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves. The tower will open shortly," announced the staff mber in a loud voice, echoing across the crowd.
His casual appearance initially made so students mistake him for an ordinary civilian. However, that assumption quickly disappeared when they noticed the platinum badge gleaming on his chest pocket.
The badge's glow seed to cent his status as one of the high-ranking captains within Lein's governntal structure. A platinum captain, with power equivalent to tier-3, was an important figure capable of leading an island or holding significant responsibilities within the alliance.
"Pele, do you think we'll be chosen?" Nova asked in a soft voice, though her anxious tone was hard to hide.
Pele, the young man beside her, shifted his gaze from the towering Sky Tower to Nova. His brown eyes radiated unwavering confidence. "Of course. I'm sure of it," Pele replied firmly.
However, after a brief pause, his expression turned slightly worried. "Don't worry, Nova. We'll definitely score high," he said, this ti with a gentler tone, as if trying to reassure himself as well.
The sincerity and care in his gaze made it hard for him to conceal his feelings for Nova.
"The Sky Tower has been opened. Please enter." The firm voice of the platinum captain echoed, bringing a montary silence among the students.
Without waiting for further reaction, the captain turned around, his steps steady and authoritative. Within seconds, his figure disappeared, leaving the crowd still captivated by his commanding aura.
All the students began moving toward the entrance of the Sky Tower. Their faces were filled with enthusiasm and hope to be the best. With determined steps, they walked fearlessly. Danger had not been ntioned, and the opportunity to be the top-scoring student was too precious to miss.
"Nova, let's go in too," Pele urged, his voice sounding casual yet confident.
"Let's go," Nova replied briefly, a faint smile appearing on her face.
Pele and Nova walked side by side, their steps slow and full of confidence. Unlike the other students who seed to rush, the two appeared to savor every second of this journey.
Pele glanced at the other students with a aningful look, almost as if dismissing them. His gaze occasionally shifted to the panel in front of him, where the letter "S" was prominently displayed.
The S-rank talent he possessed was the source of his confidence. Pele believed no one could rival his potential. Nova simply gave a small smile at her friend's attitude, as if already accustod to his arrogance.
They stepped into the Sky Tower, joining the other equally eager students.
***
Above the emptiness of the Divine Sky Realm, a floating island moved swiftly across the vast, silent expanse. The wind roared, creating a soft sound that added a magical nuance to the surroundings.
"Master Bao, is this still not enough?" a young man asked in a weary tone. His face was drenched in sweat, his breath slightly labored.
At the edge of the island stood a stout man wearing a chef's uniform. Despite his large size, his posture was firm, and his sharp eyes scanned the distance as if searching for sothing very important.
"No, it's still not enough," the man replied firmly. He turned, casting a sharp gaze at the young man who had spoken and at a group of other youths standing not far from him.
"Rember, this is a once-in-a-lifeti opportunity," he said slowly, but his voice was so resolute that it left everyone there frozen. "As chefs, we must give our all in creating the best dishes. One part of that is hunting for the highest quality ingredients."
So of the youths exchanged glances, their expressions showing discomfort. So wanted to voice objections, but the stout man quickly raised his hand, stopping any words before they could be spoken.
"No buts… everyone must participate," he declared with an undeniable tone.
He stepped forward, about to continue his motivational speech, when suddenly his body stiffened. His eagle-sharp eyes stared into the distance. The youths followed his gaze but saw nothing on the horizon.
"What is it, Master Bao?" one of the youths finally asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"Look over there!" another youth exclaid, pointing ahead.
In the distance, a green island as ntioned by Master Bao ca into view. The island was far larger than theirs, its sides stretching over 200 ters. There were no buildings on it, only vast expanses of green grass.
However, sothing on the island caught their attention. Several six-legged cow-like creatures were grazing. Their fur was as white as snow, reflecting the sunlight beautifully.
"Cloud Cows!" Master Bao exclaid excitedly, his voice booming. The stout man's eyes sparkled like a child discovering his favorite toy.
"Everyone, prepare the binding ropes and smoke bombs!" he commanded loudly. In his hands was a pitch-black pan that looked unusual—more like a weapon than a cooking tool.
The island where Master Bao and the youths stood moved closer to the Cloud Cow Island. The two islands glided quickly through the air, and within monts, they t in the middle of the empty sky.
[System Notification: You have discovered (Cloud Cow Island). Danger level: None.]
The ssage appeared on Master Bao's status panel, informing him that the island was safe. However, the stout man paid it no mind. His thoughts were entirely focused on the white cows before him.
Without hesitation, Master Bao leapt forward, his large body soaring through the air before landing with a thud on Cloud Cow Island. The green grass swayed beneath his feet.
"You, follow !" he shouted, moving quickly toward the group of Cloud Cows. The youths who witnessed his actions were montarily stunned before finally running to follow the chef who had already set foot on the island ahead of them.
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