37 Nine Schools

"Hah, So Assimilation can unlock hidden genes? "

"Interesting, quite interesting."

Lucas stared at the rising sun and walked towards the courtyard.

System failed to upgrade the bloodline the previous time but that does not mean that system is forever incapable of upgrade.

"System, So when can I upgrade my bloodline to Top Level?"

[Ding! According to in-depth analysis, In six months to one year the bloodline energy will sublimate and bloodline will upgrade automatically. The process will be faster if suitable catalyst is introduced.]

"Oh, Alrig….Wait, System! Don't you need to completely unlock the hidden genes before upgrade."

"Is it really possible that, last time, did all the available hidden genes was unlocked. But how... how can it be possible?"

[Ding! Assimilation is a Core Function of System. The potential of core function is vast but limited. It is not capable selective assimilation of energy with hidden genes thus unlocking hidden genes.]

"Then how.."

[Ding! Ultimate Supreme is a special and unique state of mind. The unlocking of hidden genes was an unintended side effect due to spiking the ability of Assimilation function. The probability of such an incident happening again is astronomically small.]

[Ding! Please don't put your hope on Ultimate Supreme status.]

"Un-huh,…." Lucas suddenly stopped walking and stood still, he was mind-bogged.

After a while, Lucas raised his head and nodded to himself. He was relived that his bloodline will soon upgrade and make him stronger yet disappointed that he could not unlock more of the hidden potential in his genes.

With complicated feelings he stepping out and looked out of the courtyard, his eyes taking in the bright colors squeezing through clouds. It was chilly, he thought, rubbing with his palm. The scent of light rain hung in the air as he watched the darkened sky fading as the colors come back as morning fully arrived.

As breath paused in his lungs, Lucas wished time would halt, the serene time was something he missed. Lucas slowly circulated the True Life Origin Scripture and enjoyed the breath of life surrounding him.

He didn't want to meditate or train his skills today, he just stood still enjoying the warmth of morning sun. The peace in his heart turned to peace in soul.

Time continued to pass but Lucas stood at the spot like a sculpture.

Ting! Ting!

Lucas broke out of his semi-conscious state and looked at his SmartWatch.

"Hm, message from Aunt Jane.." Lucas read the message and smiled wryly.

Shaking his head Lucas walked back into his house and started to prepare for his trip.

At noon Lucas stood in front of his house wearing sky blue t-shirt and dark blue jeans. He leaned on the gate of his house while waiting for the car.

Lucas didn't need to wait for a long time, soon a silver car similar to BMW 7 series came and slowly stopped before Lucas.

Lucas casually walked to the car and went to the back seat, he was surprised to find Aunt Jane inside waiting for him.

"You seem surprised." Aunt Jane smiled gracefully and asked him.

Lucas nodded and asked back. "Why are you here? Uncle Jacob said that it is pretty hectic over there. Do you have enough free time to come?"

"For you I have always enough time." Aunt Jane smiling pinched Lucas's face and laughed.

Lucas shot an angry glare. "I am not a kid. So stop treating me like one. And also what happened last night. Uncle Jacob didn't give me much."

"It's adult's business. You don't need to know. Did you pack your stuff."

Lucas didn't pressed on and went with the change in topic. "Yes I have" said Lucas tapping his finger on his storage ring.

Aunt Jane nodded slightly and said in a solemn voice.

"I have already packed the necessary stuff you need in University. When you reach the university, someone will contact you and deliver your stuff. He will arrange your living necessaries and if you need local help contact him."

"We have people even there?"

"Mm, Yes. He was introduced by an Inner elder. He is only at a mid-position in the city, so he can't do much. But having him will solve most of your troubles."

"From the airport, you will get a bag containing some food, clothes and other items. Also one more thing, try not to use your storage ring outside."

Lucas was amazed at how long Arsln families hands could reach. The University he is going to attend is at an another continent, on Roselern continent.

The Nine Great Schools are some of the peak power factions in Sea-Mist plane. On each continent there are 3 schools each. All of the Nine Schools was established 7000 years ago after the Great War of Forces of Destiny or the War of Doom.

"On Roselern continent status is quite important, there royalty is predominant. If you ever fall in a dangerous situation don't forget to use your identity, but all in all keep a low profile. After advancing to Higher realm you can loosen up. Till then be careful, it's always better to be safe than sorry."

Lucas was confused, he directly asked. "Aunt, aren't I going to study?"

Aunt Jane realizing the confusion in Lucas's eyes quickly replied, "Nine Great Schools are not your average school. The way they teach is very different. You will understand after you reach there.

"Didn't I told you this couple of weeks back?" holding back a sigh Jane continued, "Well I will repeat again. The Nine Great Schools are made for cultivating the elites in elites. There selection standard are also grandeur, they select geniuses among genius."

"Usual way to enter the Nine Great Schools are by attending the upcoming Grand Continental Entrance Examination and scoring high ranks. But…" trailing her words Aunt Jane looked at Lucas with immense pride. "there are other ways. For example like you, direct selection and recommendation by one of the qualified teachers from Nine Great Schools."

Aunt Jane's smile almost reached her eyes, she proudly said, "Each year there are only a handful of people who enter the Nine Great Schools by recommendation. This year you are one of them. Be proud okay, but don't be arrogant."

Lucas forced a smile on his face. Last year some elder that came to meet his grandfather met Lucas. Hearing about his prodigious talent, the elder decided to test Lucas.

It is that which led Lucas to attending the Nine Great School this year. Otherwise his grandpa was planning to let him attend examination after he turned 17.

"Oh I almost forgot." Aunt Jane face palmed and shook her head. After that she produced a book in size of a huge dictionary out of her storage ring and gave it to Lucas.

Lucas with curiosity received the book at read the letters on it's cover page.

A Dummy's Guide to Basic Array

"Array?" surprised Lucas thought aloud.

"Yes, since you have decided to study Runes, this book will come handy. The basic level of Runic study is amateur level and it doesn't contain any deep understandings. If you want to walk this path and go on a long journey, you will absolutely need to study arrays."

Lucas caressed the leather covered outer covering and smiled.

"Thanks."

Before long they reached the airport. Getting out of the car Lucas was greeted with the sight of Ivan, Merlin and his personal assistant Cale waiting for him.

Lucas immediately walked to them followed by his Aunt Jane.

"Uncle Merlin, Uncle Ivan, Uncle Cale." Lucas with a grin greeted them.

Merlin gently smiled and rubbed Lucas's head, "Are you all prepared?"

"Yes. I'm good."

Merlin nodded, "It's your first time going out of City of Datura alone. So be cautious, don't trust strangers and always be vigilant in your journey. If your ever found yourself in a problem, try to contact us, if we are unavailable or you couldn't contact us, go to Medicine Association. Our Arsln family have quite a connections among Alchemists."

"Also take this." Merlin from his inner pocket took out a silver ring and gave to Lucas.

Lucas received the ring and when he inspected the ring, he was shocked.