The silence in the suite was absolute as Ryan leaned back, the flickering candlelight casting long, sharp shadows across his face.
"I received word from Professor Olivia today," Ryan began, his voice dropping into that low, magnetic frequency that always commanded the room's total focus. "The Academy isn't just grinding us for the sake of it. In two years, the Inter-Regional Academy Competition begins. Tomorrow, the Principal will formally announce that only the top twenty fighters from the entire institution will be selected to represent the West Wing."
Lucas whistled low. "Top twenty out of thousands? That's a bloodbath waiting to happen."
"It gets better," Ryan continued, a thin, predatory smile touching his lips. "Those selected will receive a 50% discount on points for the Dharma Compression Chamber. That is where the real evolution happens. We need that discount to hit the Silver Peak before the deadline."
He turned his gaze to Jasmine, who was leaning against the desk, her eyes bright with focus. "Jasmine, I need you to lean on your grandmother. Borrow, beg, or 'requisition' every high-grade medicinal herb and spirit-liquid she can spare. We aren't just looking for evolution; we are looking for absolute dominance. The rewards for the Inter-Regional are rumored to include 4th-Grade Earth-Tier treasures."
Jasmine nodded instantly. "I'll handle it, Ryan. She's already pleased with your progress; she won't deny me."
"And David," Ryan looked toward his Vice-Captain. "Take these two vials of Refined Bone-Marrow Paste. Deliver them to Alex Kellen. Tell him they are a gift from the Ragnor house to aid his recovery. The competition is being held in the North Region—Kellen's home turf. We need his goodwill and his family's local influence when we get there. A hero always remembers a 'selfless' gift."
David smirked, tucking the vials into his uniform. "Building a bridge with the 'Golden Boy' while he's down. Understood, sir."
The following morning, the atmosphere in the Academy's central plaza was electric. Principal Malvik, the Dharma-Stage powerhouse, stood atop the high terrace. His voice didn't need a megaphone; it vibrated through the very marrow of every student's bones.
"Students of the West Wing! In two years, the four corners of this realm will meet in the North. To ensure our glory, we will select only the twenty most elite among you. Effective immediately, the Dharma Compression Chamber is open at a 50% discount—but only for those who prove their worth!"
The crowd erupted, but Malvik held up a hand, silencing them instantly.
"To decide the initial roster, a Great Beast Hunt will commence next month in the Forbidden Thicket. The twenty students who return with the highest-tier beast cores will be our primary candidates. Show me your resolve!"
As the rest of the Academy scrambled in a frenzy of last-minute training, Ryan's inner circle moved with practiced efficiency.
Gideon and Amy approached Ryan one last time before heading to the high-density cultivation caves.
"We're going into total seclusion," Gideon said, his voice grittier than usual. "With the catalysts you gave us and the points we've pooled, I won't come out until I feel the golden glow of the next stage. If I fail, don't bother looking for my body."
"You won't fail," Ryan said simply. "The 'King's Resolve' starts with you two. Go."
They bowed deeply—a Silver Peak senior bowing to a Middle-Phase junior in broad daylight—and vanished toward the peaks.
"They're motivated," Lucas remarked, watching them leave. "And what about us, 'My Lord'? Are we joining the mindless slaughter in the Forbidden Thicket next month?"
Ryan watched as Alex Kellen walked past in the distance, looking at the medicine vials David had just delivered with a confused, grateful expression.
"We aren't just joining the hunt, Lucas," Ryan whispered, his aura beginning to chill the air. "We are going to ensure that the 'Top 20' list looks exactly the way I want it to. Jasmine, prepare the tracking powders. David, coordinate with Squad 1. We start the harvest in thirty days."