Three weeks had passed since the fall of Anvil, bringing with it an economic disaster that swept across the continent, changing everyday life in many cities and villages.
Prices for crops especially the medicinal herbs increased, making the economic situation even worse.
Tensions flared between the major cities and factions, each one of them wanted to protect its own interests in the middle of this disaster.
The fear of civil war fueled because of the tension between the factions, as everyone worried about what might happen next.
Traders also took advantage of the situation, raising the price of medicinal herbs to insane levels, adding to the suffering of the wounded in the northern plains.
Meanwhile, the most powerful factions monopolized most of the available herb crops, each striving to acquire as many resources as possible in preparation for potential clashes between the factions.
This didn't just increase tensions between factions it made the life miserable for ordinary people, who found themselves powerless against these struggles.
Even though there were shows of solidarity and cooperation between guilds and major factions, in reality, they hated each other.
For example, the White Saint Faction despised the Golden Saint Faction, and the two had clashed multiple times in the past.
Meanwhile, the Black Saint Faction quietly pulled strings behind the scenes, and its members were confirmed to have spied on the other factions on several occasions.
The royal families, too, were divided after Anvil's fall.
Some families supported specific factions, providing funds to buy crops on the condition that these factions would support them in royal disputes.
This disaster wasn't just economic it was geopolitical, geographical, and demographic too, throwing the entire continent into instability.
The sudden death of two million people overnight made other cities fear the same fate.
Everyone was terrified, worried that Marta might turn into a dead continent !
Lucaria, meanwhile, was in even greater chaos, especially after hearing that Saruman, the head of Lucaria Academy, had stepped down from his position.
At the same time, countless posters appeared showing Saint Leonard's face, offering a reward of 15 million Ilor for anyone who gave information about him.
The condition for receiving the reward was that Leonard must be alive.
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The S-category students had already returned to their classes after the fall of Anvil.
Daily classes resumed for all Lucaria students as usual, even with the elections for the new academy head ws going on.
Henry smiled at Jin with genuine joy "You've really become smart, Jin."
Jin, who was taking notes from Miss Catherine about a creature called a "Gramble," replied,
"What do you mean by that ? I've been always smart"
Henry chuckled lightly while listening to the teacher. "Haha… fine fine."
After the recent disaster, Henry had grown closer to Jin, feeling guilty because he ignored him all this time, so he apologized.
Henry also explained why he ignored him in the first place and shared what most of the students thought about Jin.
Hearing this for the first time hit Jin like a bitter taste in his throat, but he didn't give it much attention and he just accepted Henry apologize.
Meanwhile, Catherine was explaining, "Students, the Gramble is about four feet tall and has a rough, rocky appearance."
"It looks like a mix between a small boulder and a gray bear, with coarse, rocky skin and a brown-and-gray body. It has a sturdy, stocky build with thick limbs ending in short, clawed fingers."
One student joked, "So… it's just a fat bear, teacher?"
"Hahaha, heh heh," the students laughed at the joke.
But Jin found it completely stupid. "What a stupid, boring joke..."
Jin glanced at henry who was laguhing too
"Oh, you are stupid too."
Henry sighed heavely as he looked at Jin "Hooo! You've become incredibly gloomy recently, Jin."
Then Catherine's class ended, and Jin and the other students went to the usual lecture that followed, taught by Mr. John on combat arts.
The students arrived, and John greeted them. "Hello, students."
The students responded, "Hello, Mr. John."
Jin stretched a bit to prepare for the usual running exercise which the students did daily in Mr. John's class.
But this time, something is changed.
"listen students, today's lecture will be special," John clapped his hands to get the students' attention.
"And how is that, teacher?" one of the students asked.
"Starting from tomorrow, we'll be going on a week trip to one of the Choas Gates to learn a bit about them."
The students were all surprised. "A gate ? Isn't that dangerous?"
"Will that gate be safe, teacher?"
"This sounds exciting!"
The students were talking among themselves about what John had said.
John continued, "Regarding this trip, it's not just you who will be going, but also the other advanced categories."
"You'll be joined by the remaining students from category A, and S, and all students will be divided into teams of 10."
"Each team will be a mix of students from all categories."
"And each team will have a leader from the category ' S ' and a teacher to ensure your safety."
"Additionally, that gate is just a level one gate, so don't worry about any danger."
The students cheered with excitement about the trip, finally they will do something enjoyable and have the chance to see the chaotic creatures closely!
Then one of the students asked, "Will we earn grades during our trip?"
Teacher John smiled. "Great question. You will indeed be given grades, and there are also valuable prizes for the teams that actually kill creatures inside the gate."
Everyone cheered excitedly. "That's awesome!"
"You're the best, teacher!"
"This is my chance to show everyone my strength!"
Then John added "As for our lesson today, it will only be general information about the gate, and I will help you understand how it will be inside before you go tomorrow"
Henry's eyes widened with joy. "Jin, Jin, isn't this great?"
Jin's gaze was cold "Ah… you have no idea how much I'm looking forward to this…"
After Jhon class ended for today everyone returned to their rooms, and everyone was at the peak of excitement.
As Jin and Henry walked back together they were talking.
"Ah, I'm so excited, I can't wait!" Henry's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
Jin responded, "Yes, it is indeed exciting."
Henry waved his hand at Jin. "Well, it's getting late so I will see you later, Jin. I'm heading back to my room."
Jin smiled "See you later, Henry."
Then Henry left, and Jin's fake smile turned into a frown.
Then Jin made his way to the academy river.
He stopped at its edge, staring at the water with a cold gaze. "I really… really can't wait…"
He laughed hysterically as he pressed the neckless Elena had given him.
Jin had changed, It was clear now he was ready to feed his thirst for a revenge…