Chapter 72: Test (II)

Someone capable of concealing such a powerful aura at his age was undoubtedly not ordinary.

The two continued standing together as the admission ceremony progressed.

Above them, Dean Maxwell eventually finished his yearly motivational speech.

His words had stirred the enthusiasm of the young Awakened gathered in the square, but the moment his speech ended, everyone’s attention shifted toward the actual admission process.

The academy’s staff quickly began organizing the students into different lines.

"All Awakened individuals who possess a six-resonance talent, please line up here!"

A clear female voice echoed across the square.

A young woman who appeared to be around nineteen years old stepped onto the stage.

She wore a set of pristine white battle armor.

Unlike ordinary combat equipment, the armor was designed as part of the academy’s official uniform, immediately identifying her as one of its teachers.

Her expression was calm and indifferent as she directed the students toward the appropriate line.

Jonathan noticed Jackson’s gaze lingering on the woman and casually began explaining.

"This lady is Arima Netherswan, one of the strongest Gold-Rank hunters in the academy."

Jackson’s expression changed slightly.

He turned his attention fully toward the woman.

"Gold-Rank?"

There was genuine interest in his eyes now.

From what he had learned, Golden Radiance Academy employed dozens of Gold-Rank teachers.

That alone was enough to demonstrate the academy’s terrifying foundation.

But to be described as one of the strongest among dozens of Gold-Rank hunters meant that Arima Netherswan was undoubtedly an exceptional existence.

Jackson studied her carefully.

The longer he looked, the more certain he became.

She was powerful.

Even though she wasn’t deliberately releasing her aura, Jackson could sense a faint pressure surrounding her.

It was completely different from the overwhelming presence of Dean Maxwell.

Maxwell’s strength felt like an enormous mountain pressing down from the heavens.

Arima’s presence was more restrained.

Like a blade hidden beneath its sheath.

Quiet.

Controlled.

But dangerous.

Then Jackson noticed something else.

The teacher was also extraordinarily beautiful.

Her long black hair flowed behind her like a dark waterfall, contrasting sharply with the pristine white armor covering her body.

A pair of crimson eyes stood out beneath her delicate features, their color striking enough to make it difficult for anyone to look away.

Her slender figure was perfectly complemented by the fitted armor, giving her an imposing yet elegant appearance.

There was something difficult to describe about the aura she gave off.

It wasn’t merely beauty.

It was the combination of strength, confidence, and an almost untouchable presence.

Jackson stared for another moment before silently committing her appearance and name to memory.

He had learned long ago that people capable of reaching such heights were never ordinary.

There was no telling when their paths might cross again.

Without wasting any more time, Jackson turned his attention toward the admission lines.

Then he began walking toward the second line.

The line reserved for those seeking admission through the special route.

The teacher responsible for this section was an easygoing man with a large belly and wild, unkempt hair.

To his surprise, Jonathan followed him as well.

Jackson had expected him to possess a six-resonance talent, so it seemed his initial judgment had been incorrect.

However, this time he did not mind the fellow’s presence as much. Although he was still somewhat suspicious of Jonathan, the information he had provided about Teacher Arima had slightly improved Jackson’s opinion of him.

Soon, the crowd of more than two thousand people was divided into two groups: those with talent and those relying on raw battle power.

The group with talent quickly began to shrink as those whose talents were verified were allowed to enter the academy.

Those who did not possess the required talent were quickly thrown out.

"Please give me one chance! How is it my fault that I failed to awaken a six-resonance talent?"

"Teacher, just give me one chance. I’ll prove that my talent is second to none!"

However, their words had no effect on anyone present.

They were quickly escorted off the premises.

Looking at this scene, Jackson also shook his head.

The testing process was truly harsh.

The academy did not give anyone a chance to change their fate.

Although there was an alternative route for admission—reaching the peak of the First Sequence—it was harder for poor people than ascending to the heavens.

Jackson felt this deeply, but he could also understand the academy’s reasoning.

With limited resources, humanity had to invest in those who could provide the greatest returns.

Suddenly, he felt grateful for the Golden Brush.

If it weren’t for the Brush, his fate would have been similar to that of these young awakened individuals.

It was then that he heard a booming voice echo through the area.

The pot-bellied teacher had begun speaking.

"Listen up, everyone! We’re starting to fall behind schedule, so I’ll quickly explain what is going on."

"We at Golden Radiance Academy know what you wealthy families do to help your heirs quickly rise to the peak of the First Sequence."

"As such, although you have reached the peak of the First Sequence, we cannot directly grant you admission. You must prove your battle strength."

"Once you have done that, you will be allowed to enter."

As soon as he finished speaking, the pot-bellied teacher lightly kicked the ground.

A giant pillar with a smooth surface emerged, ripping through the earth.

A commotion immediately broke out.

"Oh my... Is that the strength-testing device? Why is this happening?"

Ignoring the commotion, the teacher continued,

"Everyone at the peak of the First Sequence should be able to produce at least one thousand kilograms of force. Only those who achieve this will be granted admission. The rest can leave."

By now, the newcomers seemed to understand what was happening, and their faces darkened.

Some of them, as the teacher had said, had been force-fed resources to reach the peak of the First Sequence.

Their battle power was severely lacking.

After all, one month was not enough time to improve both their realm and combat ability.

However, others like Jackson, who had genuinely fought their way to the peak of the First Sequence, did not look affected.

Soon, the testing process began.

One by one, the awakened individuals stepped up to the pillar and struck it with all their might.

None of them even exceeded five hundred kilograms.

Cries of shock and disbelief echoed through the area.

"This is unfair! The rule was only to reach the peak of the First Sequence! Why are you changing it now?"

However, the pot-bellied teacher simply ignored their complaints.

As the process continued, it was Jonathan Spark’s turn.

He first saluted the teacher before moving toward the machine and throwing a punch with a proper stance.

A loud thump sounded, and the number on the pillar began to rise.

"Five hundred... six hundred..."

The number continued increasing, finally stopping at 1,200 kilograms.

"Pass!"

The pot-bellied teacher announced without suspense.

Jonathan smiled proudly at the remark, then turned toward Jackson as if challenging him.

Can he exceed this mark?

Jackson could feel the man’s competitive gaze but paid it no heed.

He wasn’t here to compete.

He was here to dominate.

Perhaps the pot-bellied teacher guessed what Jackson was thinking, because he watched his movements closely.

Interesting... such arrogant confidence. Let’s see whether he has the talent to back it up.

Under the eyes of Jonathan and the pot-bellied teacher, Jackson climbed onto the stage and threw a punch.

Before his fist could even land, a faint whoosh sounded.

Bang!

The entire machine seemed to shake, and a loud boom, similar to an explosion, echoed through the surroundings.

The other awakened individuals who had been paying attention to the testing process had no choice but to look toward the front.

With a single glance, everyone could see a large number floating above the machine.

5,000 kilograms!

The next moment, pin-drop silence descended over the surroundings.