A class five associate enjoyed privileges far exceeding those of class four. Higher-level missions, broader resource access, and more Immortal guild arts were now available to him.

Normally, Immortal guild missions were relatively safe and yielded modest rewards.

But the guild's internal exchange rates were far superior to the market. Combined with his income from blacksmithing, Ray had amassed both wealth and rare resources over the past three years.

That alone was already enough to satisfy him.

He was now only one step away from breaking the second seal.

The memory of his first unsealing remained vivid.

Now, that moment was within reach.

Raziel Phoenix finished turning in his own resource-gathering mission, earning barely over a hundred contribution points.

He stared at the display with a defeated expression.

"Violetta's been cultivating nonstop lately," Ray said casually. "She hasn't even taken any missions."

Violetta had passed the middle-level test and joined the Immortal guild a year after them. Thanks to the unique nature of her Starwheel Ice Staff, her progress was astonishing. She was already a class three associate.

The Immortal guild operated with considerable freedom. Members were not forced to accept missions. High-reward missions were also the most dangerous, and the guild strictly prohibited anyone under sixteen from taking life-threatening tasks.

It was a protective measure for young disciples.

Violetta's obsession with cultivation stemmed from her soul power hovering at the peak of rank 29. Rank 30 was a crucial threshold. Upon reaching it, a soul master could fuse with a second spirit soul, triggering a massive leap in strength.

"Taking another mission?" Raziel Phoenix asked.

Ray shook his head. "We're heading to Central City soon. Bad timing. I'll see after we're back."

Raziel Phoenix grinned. "Who says we're coming back?"

Ray laughed softly. "That'd be nice."

*

The two left the Immortal guild and hurried back toward West Ocean Academy.

In truth, class zero had never disappeared.

It had simply retreated from the public eye.

The incident three years ago had thrust Alfred into the spotlight, completely overshadowing his four students. A Tier-2 battle armor master teaching at an intermediate academy was unheard of.

The Skysea Alliance was shaken.

Applications to West Ocean Academy flooded in.

Compared to that, class zero's absence hardly drew attention.

The academy had attempted several times to add students into class zero, but Alfred refused without exception. Not even President Fenris could persuade him.

After all, Alfred was a Tier-2 battle armor master.

The gap in status between them was immeasurable.

Fenris was already grateful that Alfred had agreed to stay and teach.

*

West Ocean Academy – President's Office

"Mr. Alfred… are you absolutely certain?"

Fenris's brows were tightly knit, his expression heavy with hesitation.

Alfred replied calmly, "From the academy's perspective, cultivating outstanding students and attracting more talent is the priority. We've invested three and a half years into class zero. Shouldn't they give something back?"

He paused, then continued, "Admission to that academy is a greater achievement than anything else. Once they succeed, the academy can make it public. The prestige alone will draw countless students."

Fenris frowned. "Isn't it too early?"

Alfred shook his head. "Central Academy holds entrance exams only once every three years. They're already thirteen. If they don't go now, they lose their only chance."

"But you came from Central Academy yourself," Fenris pressed. "Surely you're more than capable of teaching them?"

Alfred's eyes narrowed briefly before he shook his head again. "To a point. But not enough. They need a foundation built for what comes next."

Fenris's heart jumped. "What… do you think they'll become?"

Alfred answered without hesitation.

"Battle armor masters."

Fenris's body trembled. Cold sweat trickled down his back.

He knew exactly how heavy those words were.

After a long moment, he stood up and exhaled deeply. "Very well. I have only one request."

Alfred looked at him.

"When the children become battle armor masters in the future," Fenris said solemnly, "have them return here… and give a talk to our students."

Alfred nodded once.

"That can be arranged."

"Alright." Alfred agreed without hesitation, answering on behalf of his students.

For three and a half years, West Ocean Academy had poured immense resources into class zero. Alfred's presence had indeed drawn in waves of applicants, but even so, West Ocean Academy's enrollment numbers still lagged behind the Skysea Alliance's true first-rate institutions.

Investment was always made with the hope of returns.

Alfred believed it was only right to repay what had been given.

"Mr. Alfred…" Fenris hesitated, then asked quietly, "Will you come back?"

West Ocean Academy lacked both the authority and the means to keep Alfred. Anyone with eyes could see how deeply he had invested himself in these children.

Alfred did not answer.

In truth, the answer had long since been etched into his heart.

If his students entered Central Academy, the likelihood of his return would be vanishingly small. There were things he still needed to do, promises yet unfulfilled, and Central City was the only place where those threads could be tied together.

*

"Your final examination will be the rebellion spirit ascension platform," Alfred said coldly. "Survive for twenty-four hours. Anyone who leaves early can forget about participating in the Central Academy entrance exam."

Raziel Phoenix smirked. "Teacher, if we last longer than that, is there a bonus?"

Alfred nodded. "There is. You may choose either a duel with me or a spar against the other three."

Raziel Phoenix's grin instantly collapsed. "Eh… Teacher, don't be so cruel."

Ray and the others burst into laughter.

Lily sat beside Ray, her short hair neat and tidy. Over the past three years, she had changed noticeably. She now stands over 170 centimeters tall. Though still youthful, her figure had begun to take on the gentle lines of adulthood.

Unlike her appearance, her demeanor had grown even calmer. She sat quietly, expression serene and unruffled.

If growth were a contest, however, Violetta would undoubtedly win. Though still half a head shorter than Lily, she had blossomed into a sweet, pretty girl who always carried a bright, innocent smile.

Over time, she had grown closer to Raziel Phoenix. Perhaps it was their similar backgrounds. Likewise, Lily and Raziel Phoenix quarreled far less than before.

"Let's move." Alfred's words were as concise as ever.

Their destination was the elementary rebellion spirit ascension platform. At this point, none of them felt the slightest pressure from it.

Back when Ray had only one soul ring, he had already led them through this platform in a storm of slaughter, harvesting spirit energy until they nearly reached their limits. After years of sharpening their teamwork, this place had become almost laughably easy.

They soon arrived at the Spirit Tower.

After the Skysea Alliance Tournament, they had visited at least once a month. The murals were so familiar that they could trace every line with their eyes closed.

Raziel Phoenix chuckled. "Lily, we're on your home turf now."

Since joining the Spirit Tower, Lily visited it every rest day, yet she never spoke about her role there. No one pried. Even so, it was obvious to everyone that she remained the strongest among them.

Yet there was also a subtle sense of distance.

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