The trainer's gloomy expression shifted to a begrudging acknowledgement. "Yes, you have passed the test. You may enter the next floor," he reluctantly declared.
I acknowledged his response with a simple "Thank you" and proceeded to the second floor. As I ascended, the surroundings underwent a noticeable upgrade. The second floor appeared more refined and well-maintained compared to the relatively basic setting of the first floor.
Upon reaching the second floor, a student named Brad welcomed me. He cupped his hands and greeted, "Welcome to the second floor. May I know your name?"
I responded with a straightforward introduction, "Danial Crawford."
Brad, showing polite curiosity, continued, "Since you are here, you must have passed the test on the first floor?"
"Yes, that is correct," I affirmed.
"Okay, please follow me," Brad said, gesturing for me to accompany him. Together, we entered the hall on the second floor, revealing the diverse training areas that were categorized into three sections: Body Refinement, Skill Refinement, and Combat Training.
"These are the three main sections of the training hall, and each is supervised by a Mid-stage Mortal cultivation trainer," Brad explained.
Curious, I inquired about the order of entry into these sections. "Is there a specific order to follow, or can I enter any hall at any time?"
Brad clarified, "There is no specific order. You can enter any hall in any order. However, once you enter a hall, you must complete it and obtain the approval of the trainer before moving on to the other halls."
Taking this information in, I decided to start with the Combat Training section. Brad, understanding my choice, said, "Of course, let me give you a badge so you can be identified as a student of the combat hall."
He handed me a combat bag adorned with a simple kick pose, containing the badge I needed. I took it, expressing my gratitude, and headed towards the Combat Training section.
As I approached the combat hall, Brad called out unexpectedly, "How much time did you take to complete the first floor?"
His question caught me off guard. We had only just met, and I wasn't expecting inquiries about my progress.
"About 20 minutes," I responded honestly.
Brad, narrowing his eyes, remarked, "Wow," and left abruptly. A subtle sense of unease settled in as if trouble might be brewing behind the scenes.
Left with my intuition ringing alarm bells, I entered the combat hall. I chose this section with a strategic mindset, recognizing the importance of acquiring technical combat experience alongside physical strength. In a fight, a single mistake could lead to disaster, and mastering the art of combat was crucial for success.
As Brad entered the room, a voice from within beckoned, "Come in." Inside, he found an old man seated in a European-style chair, his gaze fixed upon the outside world. This was Master Bowan. Behind him stood a striking woman, her attire leaving little to the imagination, as she diligently massaged Master Bowan's shoulders.
Master Bowan's tone was irritated as he addressed Brad, "Why are you here, Brad? If you don't have a good reason for disturbing me right now, you'll receive 20 strikes of the cane on your back, and you know how that feels."
Brad shuddered at the thought but bravely pressed on, "Sir, I have very good news. There's someone who completed the first floor in 20 minutes!"
Master Bowan's interest was piqued. "Are you telling the truth, Brad?" he inquired.
"Yes, Master Bowan. I am telling the truth," Brad affirmed.
A smile crept across Master Bowan's face as he asked, "What's his name?"
According to the administrative records, his name is Danial Crawford," Brad replied.
"Brad, find out everything about Danial," Master Bowan instructed.
"Yes, sir. I am on it," Brad acknowledged before swiftly exiting the room.
Master Bowan gazed out of the window, his mind seemingly elsewhere as he muttered, "The Bright Light Academy will prosper."
Noticing Brad still lingering in the hallway, Master Bowan shot him a glare. "Piss off!" he barked.
After Brad left, a beautiful woman approached Master Bowan, her demeanor alluring as she said, "Ohh my... Master Bowan seems tense. Let me help with that."
Master Bowan's smile widened as he responded, "Kneel."
Meanwhile, in the combat hall section, I observed several students engaged in intense training sessions. Some were honing their kicks, others perfecting their punches, while a few practiced intricate locking techniques with their peers.
The trainer approached me and asked, "Are you the new student?"
I simply nodded in affirmation.
"Welcome to the combat training hall," the trainer greeted. "Since it's your first time here, you can sit and observe others' fights for two days. After that, we will begin teaching you simple combat moves."