The Phoenix Wing dormitories were the crown jewel of the Academy's residential grounds. As Ryan stepped through the halls, the air grew thick, almost viscous, with the scent of ancient pine and concentrated energy. For a Silver-stage cultivator, every breath was like a minor tonic, far superior to the thin atmosphere of Nebula City.
"Rank 2... the Phoenix Suite," David whispered, staring at the door carved with an eternal bird in flight.
Inside, the room was a masterclass in functional luxury. A private cultivation mat made of Spirit-Oak sat at the center, surrounded by reinforced windows overlooking the sprawling training grounds. After his discharge from the infirmary, Ryan didn't immediately dive into his new 3rd-Grade scrolls. He needed to understand the terrain of this new battlefield.
"Come, David," Ryan said, his voice regaining its sharp, analytical edge. "Let us see where the true power resides."
As they roamed the campus, the scale of the West Wing Academy revealed itself. It was a fortress designed for the long grind.
Ryan watched the senior students men and women in their late twenties still struggling at the Silver stages some also on bronze. He reflected on the stories he had read back on Earth, where protagonists reached the heavens in a few months as if evolution were as easy as eating a biscuit.
What a joke, Ryan thought. In this world, mana accumulation is a war of attrition. It took me two years of bleeding and scheming just to fill my 'vessel' for a single minor phase jump. To reach the Gold Stage before forty the requirement for Ascension is a feat that breaks most of geniuses.
They passed the Law Enforcement Pavilion, a grim tower of grey stone, and the Dharma Compression chamber which pulsed with a rhythmic, heartbeat-like wave of power. Everywhere they went, heads turned.
"Look! That's him! Ryan Ragnor!" a group of first-year girls whispered.
David puffed out his chest, playing the loyal guard, while Ryan remained an unmoving glacier. They eventually ran into Lucas, who was leaning against a statue, looking far too relaxed for a Rank 8 student.
"Well, if it isn't the top tier," Lucas grinned. "Rank 2 and Rank 3. I feel like a commoner down here at Rank 8."
"You are a commoner," David barked back. "While we're eating high-tier beast meat in the Phoenix Wing, you'll be fighting for scraps in the general canteen."
Lucas rolled his eyes. "At least I can eat without a dozen fan girls trying to steal my hair for a luck charm. You look like you're guarding a treasure chest, David. Relax."
(Unlike top -5 who enjoys room delivered food)
"Shut up, you loud-mouthed brat!" David hissed. "One more word and I'll show you why I'm Rank 3!"
"Enough," Ryan sighed, his voice cutting through their bickering like a blade.
"Why is it so hard to keep subordinates in line? Lucas, come with us. We're looking around."
"Fine by me," Lucas replied, falling into step.
Their walk eventually led them to the Refinement Hall, a massive complex smelling of bitter herbs and ozone.
"Let's go there," Ryan said, his eyes fixed on the towering structure.
As they entered, the temperature dropped instantly, replaced by the sterile, clinical aura of high-tier alchemy. The halls were a hive of activity; dozens of students in white lab robes were performing delicate extractions, while others rushed from point to point clutching bundles of rare herbs.
They moved toward a large, high-density hall at the rear—the private laboratory of the Head Professor. A senior student, a Silver Middle-stage practitioner acting as a guard, stepped into their path.
"You can't meet Madam Olivia," the senior said, his expression arrogant. "She is busy. Who are you, anyway? Do you have an appointment?"
Suddenly, another student rushed up in a panic, whispering frantically into the senior's ear. The guard's face turned pale in an instant.
"I... I was joking! Only joking!" the senior stammered, stepping aside with a nervous bow. "Please, go ahead, Ryan. My apologies."
As they walked past, Lucas looked over his shoulder in shock. "Damnit, that looked cool. Seniors don't usually bow that easily."
At the center of the hall, Professor Olivia was inspecting a batch of simmering cauldrons. Beside her stood a young woman with a bandaged leg Jasmine.
"Professor," Ryan said, offering a polite but distant bow.
Olivia looked up, a small smile playing on her lips. "Ryan. I see the Life-Dew worked its magic. You look healthy enough to fight another Kellen."
Jasmine stepped forward, her eyes bright as she looked at Ryan. "Ryan! I... I wanted to thank you properly for the Star Forest. Grandmother told me you reached the finals. You were amazing." and she blushes.....
"It was a calculated necessity, Jasmine," Ryan replied, his voice neutral.
Olivia chuckled, her eyes sharp. "Calculated, indeed. My granddaughter has been talking about nothing else. Since you're here, Ryan, remember our deal. The Medicine Hall is always open to a Ragnor who knows the value of an investment."
"i know mam"says ryan and thinks" otherwise why would i save that naive girl"looks towards jasmine and she blushes again. so after some talks they again moves towards tour and jasmine joined them as guide as she was pretty familiar with academy.
That evening, the perks of the Top 5 became a reality. A helper arrived at Ryan's door with a tray of Iron-Hide Boar steaks a 2nd-Grade beast whose meat was packed with mana-nutrients. While the rest of the 400 students lined up in the noisy canteen, Ryan and David ate in the silence of the Phoenix Wing.
As the moon rose, Ryan signaled David to lock the door.
"David," Ryan said, setting down his knife. "I have a task for you. I don't want you staying as my shadow. Tomorrow, you will apply for the Law Enforcement Pavilion."
David started to protest, but Ryan held up a hand.
"Listen. I need an inside man. The Law Enforcement team decides who is a criminal and who is a hero. They mask the 'disappearances' we will inevitably cause." Ryan leaned forward, his eyes turning into icy abysses. "I want you to become the leader of that team within the next ten years. While I stay in the spotlight as the 'Ragnor Heir,' you will build a network of peacekeepers who answer only to me."
David's eyes widened. He realized Ryan was planning a decade-long takeover.
"I understand, sir," David said, his voice filled with dark resolve. "I will be the iron fist that hides your shadow."
Ryan nodded. "Good. Go and rest. The real grind begins tomorrow."