The prestigious Azure Dragon Academy sent representatives to recruit new students. They were looking for the best of the best, those with high-tier souls and great potential.
They interviewed Marcus first. They were impressed by his strategic mind and leadership aura. They interviewed Sarah, praising her pure healing energy. They even interviewed Derek, acknowledging his raw strength.
Finally, they called Anthony into the room.
The recruiter was a stern-looking man in expensive robes. He sat behind a large desk, looking down at Anthony with an air of superiority.
"So, you are Anthony," the man said, tapping his fingers on the table. "We have heard rumors. They say you have power, but we at Azure Dragon value discipline, hierarchy, and tradition above all else. Tell me, boy, what is the single most important rule of cultivation?"
Anthony looked at him. He thought about the vast cosmic truths he knew. Then he decided to keep it simple.
"Don't bite off more than you can chew?" Anthony suggested politely.
"No!" The recruiter slammed his hand on the table hard. The sound echoed. "It is Respect! Obedience! Knowledge flows downward from the Masters to the students! You must kneel before those greater than you!"
"Ah," Anthony leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs. "That's an interesting theory. Although historically, every major advancement in magic and science was made by people questioning those above them. But hey, whatever works for you."
Anthony pointed at the table. "Also, structurally speaking, this table is about to collapse. The oak is old, dried out, and you just applied excessive localized stress. The joints are failing."
CREAK... GROAN... CRASH!
The massive, expensive wooden table literally fell apart right under the recruiter's hands. Papers, ink pots, and tablets went flying everywhere.
The recruiter sat there, frozen, amidst the wreckage. He stared at the broken legs, then at Anthony.
"Coincidence?" the man asked shakily.
"Physics," Anthony corrected gently. "Would you like me to calculate the structural integrity of your chair as well? Or perhaps the load-bearing capacity of this entire building? I can do blueprints if you have paper."
The recruiter didn't offer Anthony the scholarship. In fact, he practically kicked Anthony out of the room, looking terrified. They didn't want someone who could break tables just by talking about them.
Anthony walked out of the office whistling. He didn't care. Staying here was more fun anyway. Less rules, more entertainment.