Chapter 49: Final preparation for the ruins of an ancient graveyard.
---
Inside the classroom, an atmosphere of eager curiosity hung in the air. The students exchanged quiet whispers, wondering what important news Miss Elena would deliver today. Kent turned to Ethan, his voice filled with casual interest.
"Hey, Mr. All-Knowing, do you have any idea what important information we'll be hearing today?"
Ethan leaned back in his chair, tapping his finger against his chin thoughtfully. "I'm not sure, but I've got a hunch, and it'll be something beneficial for us. I did hear that Nexus and Watcher are planning to increase the special class students' cultivation levels."
Kent raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with mild sarcasm. "Oh? It sounds like it'll be useless to me then. I'm not like the others. The only thing that can help me level up is SP." His eyes narrowed in thought, frustration creeping into his voice. Why does everything good always go to someone else?
Just then, Miss Elena entered the classroom, and the chatter quickly died down. She walked to the front and set her papers on the desk where Mike's assignment was placed. The students sat up straighter, instinctively aware that whatever she was about to announce would be necessary.
"Listen carefully, students," Miss Elena's voice rang out, commanding attention. "In a couple of days, the ruins near the metro city will open."
A ripple of excitement passed through the students, their interest piqued.
"We plan to take you to the ruins for your cultivation. The opening stage of the ruin gathers an enormous amount of spiritual energy from the atmosphere. It's a perfect environment for cultivating your abilities—but there's a risk."
The room grew quieter, the weight of her words sinking in.
"We don't know the exact moment when the ruins will open. So, if you happen to be in the area when it happens, you will be forcefully pulled inside. We can't control this," Miss Elena continued, her gaze steady.
Kent's heart skipped a beat. Pulled inside? He swallowed, his mind racing. He wasn't sure whether that sounded like an opportunity or a nightmare.
"If you are pulled in, you might face dangers beyond anything you've encountered before," she added. "But if you can survive and cultivate there for at least two days, all of you will level up at least one minor level. For example, if you're currently at Level E, you could move to Level E middle in just two days. If you have an A or B rank physique, your progress will be even faster, potentially crossing an entire major level—such as from Level-E to Level-D."
She handed out a link to an online registration form. "Discuss this with your families. The day after tomorrow, we won't be having any classes. We'll take all the students who are willing to go. You'll be able to register for the ruin cultivation event via the online form."
Her tone shifted slightly, growing more serious. "Remember, there is danger involved. No reward comes without risk. So think carefully before you register."
After the announcement, the class resumed its usual rhythm. Kent, however, was already lost in thought as he packed up his things. I'm definitely going. I know the ruins they're talking about. It's the same one I visited with Nima the other day.
His mind spun with possibilities. I've read about these ruins in the World Alliance posts. Clearing a ruin can take over a week or more. You need to find the core and defeat the boss guarding it. There's treasure inside—valuable items and a pocket dimension.
But most importantly, it'll help me grow stronger. I need more battle experience. I need this to hone my abilities.
But there were preparations to be made first. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled map Nima had drawn for him earlier that morning. Raka hid the money here, in an old warehouse inside the ventilation system. Let's get it.
Kent followed the map's directions, navigating the familiar paths until he reached the abandoned warehouse. Without hesitation, he entered and quickly grabbed the bag of money. The weight of it in his hands felt wrong. I'm not a thief, he thought, glancing around nervously. But I really need this money.
A pang of guilt hit him. He couldn't just take it. I know what it's like to live without money—how hard it is. I can't take this from someone else. His grip tightened around the bag, then loosened. No. I'll earn my own money. I'll build my own clan, my own future.
He made up his mind. This money belongs to other people. I can't just keep it.
His thoughts raced. But I can't just give it to the police directly... What if they're corrupt? A plan began to form in his mind.
I need to find someone trustworthy to handle this for me—someone who'll do the right thing.
Miss Elena came to mind. She's a Level-C cultivator. I trust her. He nodded to himself, feeling confident in his decision. I'll call her and tell her where the money is. I can't risk getting caught.
Kent left the warehouse, buried the money in a secluded spot, and memorized the longitude and latitude of the location. With his mindset, he activated his spiritual clock, making his way to a nearby public phone booth.
After calling Miss Elena and informing her of the money's location, Kent let out a relieved sigh. Now, that's taken care of.
His next task was supplies. He needed water—lots of it. He visited a nearby superstore, purchasing five large 5-litre water gallons. He also grabbed several packs of non-perishable food, enough to last him a few days. All set! Kent thought as he checked his supplies. Now, I need to convince Nima.
With everything ready, he returned home, feeling the weight of the upcoming days pressing on him. The ruins will be dangerous. But it's an opportunity I can't afford to miss.
The following day, Kent set up a stall in the market to earn some extra SP. His sign read, "Earn SP Here!" but, unfortunately, sales were slow. He sighed in frustration.
+19... +99... +79... +299... +333 SP... from various people
Disappointed.
+29... +89... +69... +299... +353 SP... from multiple people
Disappointed.
+69... +29... +99... +399... +533 SP... from numerous people
Disappointed.
Kent's shoulders slumped. This is not going well at all. Still, he knew he had more important things to focus on.