Myriad Devils-Chapter 65: The day before October’s assessment
By the time Anon returned to the military academy, most of the day had already come to an end.
As most of the students had already returned to their manors, it was almost as if, since today was his birthday, Anon decided to take a break from taxing the students.
Naturally, it was only so because he had been forced by circumstances.
As for old lady Su’s death itself, it was pitiful, the loss of a life that is.
But that was about it.
When Anon returned to his S manor, he crossed paths with Seth. The duo only exchanged pleasantries before heading towards their original destination.
It wasn’t that there was a strain in their relationship, just that there was really nothing to speak of.
Of course, Seth was slightly curious as to why Anon had disappeared for most of the day, but his curiosity hadn’t reached the point where he felt the need to stop Anon and investigate.
When October the 19th arrived, during breakfast, Anon would take the initiative to reveal the happenings of the day before.
By the time he completed his recall of the incidents, Seth was smiling broadly. Even his eyes were smiling as he uttered, "I did not properly get to wish you a happy birthday."
Seth shook his head and sighed, "To think I had planned to bestow upon you a gift that you would’ve surely found pleasing."
To this, Anon verbally played along, "It’s such a dark omen, having to attend a funeral on my birthday. And I even missed out on a present from you? What a pity." His voice contained undisguised sarcasm.
Inwardly, to Seth’s words, Anon was disbelieving.
The day went on.
From the general class in the morning, some students then skipped their assigned classes and went straight to the practical fighting class where they confronted genuine beast soldiers under the supervision of the instructors.
Yet, these were the most ordinary beasts.
In fact, more than fighting these beasts, the military academy had the students undergo these death battles only to acclimatize them with the act of killing, so there was rarely any tension in these battles for the most part.
Still, the students were rewarded with eight merit points for defeating three beasts simultaneously, so the more skillful students grasped merit points from this.
Interestingly, these students were usually either the geniuses from greater families, or weirdly enough, the students that did not have any backing, and were either orphans, or were from low-status families.
Obviously, there were a few from great families, and so, most of their merit points were taxed by Anon, but his profits sharply declined compared to the previous days.
Still, he did not change his targets.
Like this, the days went by, and nothing interesting occurred.
When October the 30th arrived, the day before the students were to enter the Blood-Drip Jungle, that evening, Anon and Seth entered the hall of treasures for the second time since enrolling in the military academy.
The hall of treasures...
It was a breathtaking sight, an expansive chamber that seemed to pulse with a sense of ancient power and mystery.
As Anon and Seth stepped inside, they were greeted by high vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes depicting legendary battles and paintings that showcased mystic figures that were moving.
The walls were lined with dark, polished wood, giving the space an air of elegance and gravity.
Illuminated by soft, ambient lighting, the hall showcased statues of revered figures standing proudly on pedestals, their expressions frozen in time, exuding an aura of wisdom and strength.
Rich tapestries hung from the walls behind them, depicting stories of heroism and sacrifice, their colors vibrant even in the dim light as they recorded the tales of these statues.
In the center of the hall, glass cases displayed mystic treasures and magical items, each encased as if to protect them from the passage of time.
Rare gemstones glimmered in various hues, radiating a soft glow that hinted at their otherworldly properties.
Artifacts of incomprehensible origin lay nestled among them: intricately designed amulets, enchanted rings, and scrolls inscribed with incomprehensible and foreign characters, their meanings known only to a select few.
At the far end of the hall, a section dedicated to divine weapons gleamed with an ethereal light.
Swords with intricate hilts and blades that shimmered like liquid silver were displayed prominently, each weapon whispering tales of the battles they had once fought.
Bows crafted from the wood of mythical trees and shields that bore the marks of legendary warriors completed the collection, their presence commanding respect and awe.
The air in the hall was thick with the scent of aged wood and a hint of incense, creating an atmosphere that felt almost sacred.
Anon and Seth moved through space with hearts, steadfast and unbothered by the grandness that was contained between the walls of this hall.
"Why are you two back here again?!" A grumpy voice resounded out, originating from behind the two.
Turning around with a smile, Anon said, "I’ve come to purchase a treasure or two."
Some distance away, there was an aged elder with long grey hair and a beard that reached his chest. He sat on a chair at the entrance of the hall, yet, both Anon and Seth had not perceived his presence.
But this was to be expected from powerful entities like him.
He processed Anon’s words and frowned, "Hmph! How many merit points do you have? A hundred? Three hundred?"
He said dismissively, "It would not be enough to buy even the most useless item in this hall. After two or three assessments pass by, if you’re still alive, and you’ve acquired a few thousand merit points, then come back."
Not just treasures within the hall of treasures, even food in the cafeteria needed merit points.
Students weren’t given the manors, but instead rented them, this too cost students merit points.
When taxing the students, Anon did not take all of a student’s merit points. This would only cause mass chaos.
After having their merit points taken, they’d desperately attack other students for their merit points, and then these students would... Eventually, the hate of everyone would focus on him.
Obviously, he was still hated, but not to that degree.
Anyways, Anon smiled, "But treasure hall elder, I do, in fact, have a few thousand merit points."
Hearing this, the elder tilted his head before fiddling with his beard. Finally, he asked, "Brat, what is your name?"
"This humble youth goes by Anon." He said, cupping his fist and bowing slightly.
"Ah, so it’s you who’s so daring, even taxing the young masters and mistresses of great families." The elder said with amusement, "I’ve heard of you from the other instructors, interesting!"
...
After some time, Anon and Seth made their way out of the Hall of Treasures.
Notably, a striking earring adorned Anon’s right ear. The earring had a sleek, slender design and a polished, metallic finish that caught the light as they exited the chamber.
Seth’s curiosity was piqued as he probed Anon, "I thought you were head over heels for a profound art? You’ve spent your merit points on a single lesser divine weapon, and worst yet, that staff is a treasure only for first world entities."
Grasping Anon’s attention, Seth continued, "You’ve wasted those merit points."
Anon glanced at Seth and asked, "Did you see a profound art?"
Seth shook his head, to which, Anon smiled and continued, "I can only imagine that the year 2 sector is where they’re at. More importantly, what’s there mightn’t even be useful to a second world stellar fighter. Just like those magical items that would have a limited effect on us."
He concluded, "Plus, with the assessment around the corner, I rather waste my merit points on a lesser divine weapon, than lack a divine weapon entirely. I’d suggest you buy a divine weapon too, but expectedly, I’m the only year one student who can afford one."
A single divine weapon devoured more than eighty percent of the six thousand merit points that Anon had accumulated through taxing the other students.
For the others, acquiring a divine weapon was simply a pipe dream.
...
Time passed, and by now, Anon and Seth had long returned to their manor.
Anon lay atop his bed, his gaze fixed on the dark red skies visible through the glass ceiling above. He pondered endlessly, a faint crease of annoyance on his brow.
’There’s still this feeling...’ he thought, clicking his tongue in irritation.
It had been many months since he last suffered from a nightmare.
It was to the point that he had almost believed they had come to an end. But the ominous sensation stirring in his subconscious told a different story.
Anon scowled, ’I’m almost certain that these damnable nightmares are just eagerly waiting to return, stronger than ever, while I’m within the Blood-Drip Jungle.’
’It’s so damn predictable...’ he mused, the frustration evident in his expression.
He could feel their presence, lurking in the shadows, ready to resurface and torment him once more, excited even, a sick pleasure they derived from his suffering.
