One step forth, another step forward.


    The group followed the pair through the academy''s giant golden gates.


    It was akin to what they thought heaven would look like.


    The gate was made for giants, resonating with a faint golden light that illuminated its structures even in the daylight.


    "Keep up, please."


    Pandrol''s calm voice made many hasten their steps.


    It was hard to imagine that this was only the front of the academy because it took them well over 20 minutes to walk across the open fields, reaching the first group of Towering buildings they spotted earlier.


    Into one of the buildings they went, finding themselves in an enormously open space with what looked like desks on the far head.


    Look left, look right, look all around.


    There were several hallways in all directions, as well as a few staircases leading either down or up the soaring building.


    Reaching the very front of the desk, Pandrol abruptly stopped and turned to face the group.


    "This building will be very familiar to you the longer you stay here. It is one of the only buildings shared by everyone, irrespective of their disciple position. Here, you can repurchase new school attire, bi-weekly allowances, and pills, purchase any items with your Academy points, and so on."


    Oh?...


    Many nodded, listening very attentively.


    Pandrol continued. "Auctions will be held on the upper floors in the future, and missions will also be posted on the boards here. This is also the building where one can check their Academy ranking... These are just a few aspects the building offers... As time goes on, you will all be familiar with its many purposes."


    A building that shot to the clouds had uncountable uses that couldn''t be told in one go.


    They will slowly discover its purposes.


    Pandrol only highlighted the primary aspects he felt they would want to know.


    And sure enough, there it was, the Hous, Ghus, or Gias, they hastily perked their ears up, listening and directing the information as though they lived depending on it.


    .


    After giving everyone a brief understanding, Pandrol moved his hands like lightning.


    And soon, everyone was starting at 6 Pandrols!


    What? Cloning magic?


    (°π°)


    To say they were shocked would be an understatement.


    What a deadly technique.


    To be in several ces all at once seemed something one could find only in fantasy movies.


    Their jaws dropped, and their eyes bulged.


    ... So cool!!!!!


    (+?+)


    The many Pandrols calmly walked towards the other side of the many desks.


    Even though the technique was awesome, each clone would have a weaker strength than the other.


    For example, if his clone had a punch strength of 100/150, the next clone created immediately after would have a strength of 70~85/150.


    And so on, and so on.


    It seemed like a good move, but the more clones one produced, the weaker each individual would be.


    At present, he could only create no more than 5 clones. Now, including himself, it would mean people would be seeing 6 of him.


    The technique had its pros and cons and was a blessing when handling several less daunting tasks on the academy''s grounds.


    If he had to fight in a serious battle, he would limit to just 1 or 2. To produce ae did decrease his original strength by a small but substantial fraction.


    The technique was quite good and very useful, especially now when the Academy had just a handful of teachers.


    Pandrol could be in many buildings while giving lectures if he wanted to.


    At this point, it should be clear that the person who protected this group of students from getting bitten or ripped apart throughout their journey was Pandrol.


    The Grandmaster had also watched over a certain group from the shadows too.


    In the end, the pair had worked in the shadows to limit the level of danger the group came across with.


    But after entering the academy, they won''t be protecting them so much.


    .


    With all 6 Pandrols stationed, the students, Teachers & Caretakers quickly formed single lines.


    It was just that the Teachers & Caretakers had their own separate lines.


    And once again, everyone had the privilege to see the strange crystal balls they saw during the Academy examinations.


    "Tap your ring on the sphere."


    ''I... I should?'' Donghai was feeling a little nervous, looking at the strange being on his finger.


    It had an unusual seal mark that left any who had upon it filled with a sense of mystery.


    Taking deep breaths, he visited his hands, allowing the seal on the ring to kiss the sphere.


    And upon touch, the speed lit up with a creamy white glow.


    [Name: Gia Donghai.


    Academy status: Handyman. (Still mortal, no foundation yet)]


    Donghai was still confused about what this ''Handyman'' title was and how it would affect himter.


    "Here. You have 3 sets of uniforms. Every 2 weeks, you will also receive their standard quota of 1 pill and 5 silver coins."


    100 silver coins were equivalent to 1 gold coin.


    There was no use of copper coins here. This was the academy''s currency rate.


    With the coins they receive, they would be responsible for buying raw materials to make their own food, as well as saving up to purchase more cultivation resources.


    .


    Bi-weekly, students receive 1 pill and 5 hexagonal silver coins. So in a month, they get 2 pills and 10 coins as Handymen.


    Hey... If they want more, break through your mortal shell. Then they would truly know the vast difference in status.


    No one could go into the outer sect person if they were still mortal.


    Just the qi in there would choke them. Simrly, the wi in the many forest regions could also choose any mortal.


    One must break through their mortal shell before entering the forbidden forest and other deadlier zones.


    At least even in the 1st Dan, though they would feel the paramount pressure, their bodies would be able to take it.


    Mere mortals cannot survive in these regions.


    As the system had said, with the academy, they wouldn''t take so long to get to the tip as other cultivators in another world would.


    The war would soon start in 2 years or so.


    If that''s the case, do you think they have time to take it slow?


    Impossible!


    In another month, their changes would be so skyrocketing and unbelievable.


    But all that was for the future.


    Of course, things won''t always be this way.


    .


    At present, due to the state of emergency the world found itself in, thend had been overly blessed by the heavens.


    After things calm down, it would be simr to those in many worlds. Yes... It would still be rich, but not as rich as it currently was.


    Theter generations would have to build their strengths little by little as usual.


    It can be said that these first few batches of students might all be one of the strongest in humanity''s history, legends that those in the future would look up to.


    But now, they were all weaklings who were but mere mortals.


    Handymen!


    They had but one job, to breakthrough and execute the many tasks around the academy like sweeping and whatnot, until they needed the Outer sect regions.


    Only then would they also be allowed to move past the first section on the 1st floor of the Pavillion.


    The 1st Pavillion floor catered to both Outer sect disciples and Handymen.


    It was just that over 99% of book columns were for the outer sect members.


    The Handymen, A.K.A, mortals, had just a few basic books on properly channeling their qi, cultivating, building their foundation, and whatnot.


    They could also start understanding the basic principles and differences between spells, enchantment, etc.


    What''s more, they had to understand their roles as exorcists, as well as understand how the academy would benefit them.


    Getting the academy points and participating in monthly battles to rank their positions were necessary for acquiring more privileges.


    They also had to have a basic understanding of the various professions like cksmithing, Alchemy, and many more.


    It was best to get a good foundation before heading into the Outer Sect.


    .


    Donghai looked at the attire he had just received.


    The uniform was sleek and well-fitted with a turtleneck cor, a few chest pockets, and deep pant pockets.


    The attire was bluish-ck, with a thin strip of gray running through the mid-center of his turtleneck cor.


    The gray indicated his status as a Handyman.


    He was also given 2 pairs of special shoes and a small pouch too.


    Oh?...


    ''So these are our uniforms?''


    Many were still in a daze, looking at the pieces of clothing that gave off a strange feeling of belonging.


    Pandrol stared at them deeply.


    "Your ring is your identity token. Once you break through your mortal shell, you''ll get the speed of removal. But for now, it will never leave your fingers."


    "..."


    "Now... It''s time you get sorted into your sleeping quarters... This will be your home until you advance!"


    Boom!


    The words made many shake with excitement.


    What did he mean by ''advance?''


    Step by step, the gang followed Pandrol away, while Dorian was concerned with several other matters.


    [Ding! Congrattions, host. All main missionspleted. New missions now avable!... Host, I should warn you, the difficulty level has increased!!]