The academy canteen was a cacophony of morning bustle. Students, fresh from their dorms, mingled and fueled up for the day ahead. Lu Kai found a quiet table, picking at his food, his mind still processing the fragmented, terrifying images from his dream. Nearby, he noticed Tang Nia, the "Extremely Cold Empress," a chilling presence even in the warmth of the canteen, occupying a table with a few other formidable-looking students.
Just as Lu Kai was about to delve into his own thoughts, a familiar figure approached his table. It was his sister, Lu Er. Her Unique Frost Elemental powers, though still nascent, seemed to lend an aura of cool confidence to her demeanor. To Lu Kai's surprise, she didn't sit alone. She headed directly towards Tang Nia's table and, with a polite nod, requested to join them. Tang Nia, surprisingly, gestured for her to sit. Lu Kai watched, a mixture of pride and slight concern for his sister's boldness.
Moments later, his roommates arrived: Xiao Luo, Bai Jin, and Li Zai. Without a word, they gathered at Lu Kai's table, forming a small, disparate group amidst the larger student body. A silent understanding seemed to pass between them – they were a unit, forged by shared dorms and the unspoken challenges of the academy.
As they began their breakfast, a commanding voice echoed through the canteen, drawing everyone's attention. Master Jian stepped onto a raised platform, his presence immediately silencing the chatter.
"Students," he announced, his voice resonating with authority, "we have a crucial task for all of you. In one month, you will undergo a rigorous training period within our academy's dungeon portals."
A ripple of excitement and apprehension spread through the canteen. Lu Kai, still a novice, felt a knot tighten in his stomach.
"These portals," Master Jian continued, "will teleport each of you into separate sections of vast, ancient dungeons. You will be placed in different locations within the same dungeon, allowing for individual challenge and exploration. Crucially, you will each be able to choose dungeons that are best suited for your current strengths and desired growth."
He then projected a holographic display, detailing the monstrous inhabitants of these realms. "The monster levels within these dungeons are divided into several tiers: Common, Rare, Elite, Diamond, and Legendary. So far, these are the levels of monsters and bosses we have encountered and recorded."
The display shifted, showing a clear progression:
* **Common:** Level 1
* **Rare:** Level 2
* **Elite:** Levels 3-4
* **Diamond:** Levels 5-6
* **Legendary:** Levels 7-8
"There are likely higher tiers," Master Jian admitted, "but our records are incomplete. Decades ago, during past wars, there were even **Mythical-class boss monsters** – beings capable of carving mountains with their titan weapons and abilities. Always remember," he stressed, his gaze sweeping across the students, "that Elite-class monsters and above, particularly boss monsters, possess intelligence. They will use tactics. Stay alert."
He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. "You will have one month to complete this task. If any of you are injured, you can escape by breaking the 'teleport crystal' we will provide. However," his voice turned grave, "if someone dies... they die. The academy cannot offer any compensation or assistance to their families. These are the academy rules, established by the formidable Tang Tian. If you are afraid, you have the option to avoid this portal task and continue your training under your respective teachers."
Master Jian's announcement hung in the air, a stark declaration of the dangers that lay ahead. The canteen, moments before alive with youthful energy, now felt charged with a new, palpable tension. The true test of their power, their resilience, and their intelligence was about to begin.
**To be continued...**