The class continued for more than an hour, and Anvil absorbed a variety of information.
But since it was only an introductory session, he didn't learn everything in detail—just the basics.
"Now this much should prepare you for the [Awakened] world. You won't be clueless when others [Awakened] use these terms." Polen smiled.
"Before we dismiss this class, let's take a look at your ranks. You two are still unranked, correct?"
Lunar and Anvil both nodded.
Polen tapped on the wall screen. The display slid back, and the wall panels sealed over it.
He then raised his hand, and the ring on his finger glowed.
A strange device appeared in his palm.
"Don't be surprised," he said. "This is a storage ring. Extremely expensive. It's crafted from a rare mineral only found in S-rank [Dungeons], called [Void Crystal]. With it, you can store up to 10 kilograms of mass regardless of size."
The device he pulled out resembled the earlier [Mana Resonator], but it was smaller, portable, and far more refined.
The stones embedded in it gleamed like radiant gemstones, glowing beautifully as the light hit them. They were set in a circular metal frame, with delicate wires connecting each gem to a small screen at the center.
"Now, wear this device on your wrist and circulate your [Mana] as much as you can. If you don't know how to control your [Mana] yet, don't worry. Just close your eyes and feel for it. You'll sense a strange energy inside your body. Try to move it—when you push, it will flow."
"Controlling [Mana] is tricky, but as long as you manage to stir it, the device will detect it."
He handed it to Lunar first.
The device resembled a bracelet, though the wires and screen made it look more mechanical.
Lunar closed her eyes, and instantly the stones on the device began to glow. Their radiance intensified steadily until—
Ding! Ding! Ding!
A line of text appeared on the screen:
[E-rank]
"E-rank. Not bad." Polen nodded approvingly.
"Here." Lunar handed the device to Anvil.
Anvil strapped it on and began circulating his [Mana].
The process felt similar to using the ring's power, though the ring worked automatically while [Mana] had to be circulated manually.
It wasn't difficult, but it was tedious. The [Mana] flowed like sluggish water through his veins, and he had to push it forward. He couldn't shape or command it directly, only guide its current—pushing and pulling.
Changing direction was difficult, and sometimes the energy stuck, forcing him to strain as though forcing something stubborn out of his body.
It was like… well… pushing poop.
Not the smooth kind, but the stubborn, "why won't you just get out" kind.
It was weird, exhausting, but not without benefits. He felt the [Mana] seep into his muscles, strengthening them even though he didn't wish to enhance himself.
'I really need to improve my [Mana] control,' Anvil thought.
The device beeped again.
[E-rank]
"Oh."
Anvil didn't care much for the result. Compared to the power of his ring, his natural [Mana] reserves were insignificant. The effect was weak—he needed time to build more.
"Me too! Me too!" Lotus jumped in front of Anvil.
"Take it." Anvil passed her the device.
She quickly wore it.
"Haven't you tested before?" Polen asked.
"What's wrong with trying again? They showed me their rank, so I should show them mine! Besides, I wanted to use this shiny thing again." She smiled brightly.
Almost instantly, within ten seconds, the device beeped.
[S-rank]
The words froze Anvil in shock.
Lunar remained calm, but Anvil's mouth dropped open.
S-rank.
He didn't know how many S-rank [Awakened] existed, but he knew they stood at the very peak of humanity.
He suddenly felt nervous—fearful even—at having treated her so casually. In the slums, Anvil respected [Knights], who were barely F or E-rank.
But this was an S-rank. Someone whom even entire organizations revered.
Yet that nervousness only lasted a moment.
'What incredible luck!' Anvil screamed inside.
He now had a companion with power beyond imagination. With Lotus by his side, his path to the top felt tangible.
He lacked undeads and time—but with her strength, even conquering A-rank [Dungeons] seemed possible.
Anvil's eyes sparkled as he stared at Lotus.
"What?" Lotus tilted her head under his gaze.
She shivered slightly at his intensity and stepped back.
"Ahem." Anvil coughed. "Nothing." He quickly turned toward Polen.
"Now that your ranks are established, today's lesson is complete. You may attend any classes from tomorrow or explore the dungeons under academy supervision. Train your [Mana], gain experience, and prepare yourselves for the future." With those words, Polen left the classroom.
"Shall we leave too?" Lunar asked.
"Let's have lunch!" Lotus shouted, signaling them to follow as she dashed off, worried food might run out.
Anvil and Lunar followed at a steadier pace.
"By the way," Lunar said suddenly, "I'm planning to enter a [Dungeon] directly. I already know the basics, so I don't intend to waste time in lectures. Want to join me?"
"I don't plan to attend theory classes either. Combat and [Mana] control classes are the only ones I might take." Anvil replied.
"Perfect. I'll join you then. Those two are essential. So?"
"What about Lotus? Should we invite her?"
"She's S-rank," Lunar said flatly. "We're going to gain experience. If she comes, it won't be an expedition—it'll be a picnic." Her words made Anvil laugh.
"How do you know? She's clumsy enough to mess everything up. She might not even have combat experience."
Lunar smiled faintly. "No matter how many flies attack an elephant, they can't hurt it. That's the difference. One strike from her could kill even an A-rank monster instantly."
"How can you be so sure?" Anvil asked.
"I've seen S-rank battles before. I know their power." She didn't elaborate further.
"So… interested?"
"Can't say I'm not. Very interested." Anvil grinned, giving her a thumbs-up.
"Tomorrow then. I'll select a suitable [Dungeon] for us." Lunar smiled.
"As you say, captain."
"Captain? Me?" She laughed. "Don't joke. We're partners. I'm not leading anyone. Let's just support each other and try not to die."
"Fair enough."
They finalized their plan.
After a hearty lunch, Lunar excused herself and returned to her room.
Anvil, however, decided to kidnap—ahem—take Lotus to his room.
"What do you want?" Lotus tilted her head innocently. Her pure eyes made Anvil feel guilty.
"Nothing bad. I just wanted to ask a favor."
"Favor?" she blinked.
"Yes. Will you go on a [Dungeon] expedition with me?"
"I don't mind," Lotus replied. "I know all the dungeons. I used to pass time in them, so I know everything about the ones here." She puffed out her chest proudly.
"No." Anvil shook his head. "Not the academy dungeons."
He had no plans to enter the academy's [Dungeon] or use his [Inheritance Skills]. For now, he wished to keep those abilities hidden. He also didn't know if the dungeons had any kind of surveillance, not to mention the students constantly exploring them.
If any student saw his undead, they would undoubtedly attack it without a second thought. So it was foolish to use that ability here.
He would only explore the academy's [Dungeon] to gain combat experience and perhaps teamwork experience as well.
"Huh? You want to explore dungeons outside the academy?"
"Yes. Just an E-rank [Dungeon]. Nothing serious. Will you come with me?"
"I'd love to!" she exclaimed, then suddenly lowered her voice. "But…I'm not allowed to leave the academy. Whenever I try, a teacher immediately stops me."
Her tone softened. She was clearly sad she couldn't explore the outside world.
"Why is that?" Anvil asked.
"I don't know. They never explained it to me."
"Hmm…" Anvil thought for a moment before an idea struck him.
"If I can get you out, will you join me?"
"Huh? If you can take me out of here, I'll do anything you say!"
"Deal." Anvil smiled. "Get ready. We're leaving in an hour."