He stepped outside under the moonlit sky, the cool air contrasting sharply with the heat of his training field.
He began the steps of the Dancing Phoenix Technique, his movements graceful yet powerful.
Each step felt like a dance, a blend of agility and strength, as he sought to master the new footwork.
The technique required an intricate balance of mana and physical movement, pushing him to harmonize his body and energy in a way he hadn't before.
Sweat dripped from his brow as he focused intensely, his body moving with increasing fluidity and precision.
As the night deepened, Oasis could feel his understanding of the technique growing.
The movements became more natural, the energy flow smoother.
He was no longer just mimicking the steps; he was beginning to embody the essence of the Dancing Phoenix.
With each movement, his confidence grew.
The technique, though challenging, promised to enhance his combat prowess significantly, allowing him to move with unmatched speed and grace.
As he moved, the technique left mirages in his wake, the movements becoming faster and more fluid.
"Not bad for the first try," he thought, a satisfied smile on his face as he paused to catch his breath.
"Damn, it really does a number on my body, but I still have a lot of mana. Just have to make my body one with the technique," he smirked, happy.
"Just keep watching over me, Master. Our enemies shall perish soon," he said, his face becoming serious and determined.
---
Two days later, the academy was abuzz with noise as students gathered to see their results, murmuring excitedly as they were pasted on the wall in the hallway.
"Who is Oasis Volacris?" people wondered aloud.
"He's the youngest student here, isn't he?"
"How did he manage such high scores?"
"98%? That's incredible!"
---
"Not bad," Oasis said as he saw his results for the theory test.
He was at the top with 98%, passing in an unimaginable way, beyond anyone's expectations.
---
"Come to my office," Seraphina commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Oasis arrived at her office, his demeanor calm and collected.
"Oasis Volacris, huh?" Seraphina began, eyeing him curiously.
"Firstly, tell me this: you were just Oasis recently with no last name."
"But you suddenly told Selene half a year ago to register your last name."
"What caused that, and why didn't you use your last name before?" she asked.
"Is it mandatory for me to answer that?" Oasis responded.
"No, not really. I'm just curious," she answered.
"Then I'll pass," Oasis replied calmly.
"Cocky brat," Seraphina thought.
"Am I even speaking to a nine-year-old currently?" she wondered inwardly.
"Okay, here. This is my personal reward for passing the exam, and the rewards from the academy will come to your place in a few days."
"You have gained 20 merit points for passing the written exam, 25 points for being the top, and 50 merit points for breaking the record in the history of the school,"
Seraphina said, handing over something wrapped to Oasis.
"Oh, gratitude," Oasis said as he put away the wrapped present.
"Putting it away without even checking what's inside?" Seraphina remarked.
"Anyways, you must not unwrap it until you use it. That's a ten-thousand-year-old hot iron; it's priceless."
Oasis immediately felt alarmed as he heard that, showing more respect and bowing slightly.
"Gratitude, Instructor Seraphina," Oasis said.
As he took his leave, he thought,
"What a coincidence—the material that was needed to make my sword, and I didn't even know where to find it."
"Cocky brat. He's cocky and he can back it up. I like that brat," Seraphina thought, smiling slightly as she remained in her office.
---
"95 merits points... not bad i wonder how i will even use them" oasis lost in his thoughts .
thump...
"Oh, sorry, I didn't notice you there," Oasis apologized, then his eyes widened in recognition.
"Oh, Mira, is that you?" Oasis exclaimed.
"Oasis, it's really you! It's been a long time," Mira responded, her face lighting up with happiness.
They exchanged greetings and caught up on what they had been missing out on.
Oasis learned where Mira was staying and what she was up to.
She had already heard that Oasis had passed the exam, as the news was spreading throughout the academy.
Mira suggested they grab some food at a nearby restaurant, and Oasis agreed, realizing he hadn't had a decent meal in what felt like forever.
He had been surviving solely on food cubes.
---
"Wow, this place looks beautiful," Mira remarked as they arrived.
Oasis nodded in agreement, taking in the ambiance.
The restaurant was full of students, seniors and juniors alike, mingling together.
Whispers about Oasis Volacris circulated among the diners.
---
"Did you hear? Oasis Volacris aced the theory exam with a record score!"
"Yeah, I heard he got 98%! Unbelievable, right?"
"He's the youngest one here, too. That's insane."
---
"Mmhh, rabbit stew is awesome," Oasis exclaimed as he dug into his meal.
Mira, eating her own food, smiled warmly.
"You have grown taller, huh?" she remarked, looking at him.
"You yourself are more beautiful," Oasis replied, swallowing a mouthful of stew.
He almost choked, causing both of them to burst into laughter.
"Typical Oasis," Mira teased, grinning.
"I missed this," Oasis admitted, his eyes softening. "It's good to see you, Mira."
"It's good to see you too," Mira said, her smile genuine.
"So, what's your plan for the year before the practicals start?"
"Training, mostly. I need to improve and master a few techniques," Oasis replied, his determination evident.
"What about you?"
"Not all of us are geniuses like you. I'm just going to study and prepare for the theory exam."
"I don't think I'm ready to write the exam yet," Mira said.
---
"Ku ku ku, love birds, huh?" A boy who seemed to be a senior walked in with a few other boys trailing behind him.
"That's our table. Everyone knows that, so make yourself scarce," he continued.
---
"That's Jumbo. He always bullies the younger students."
"Yeah, and he never gets punished."
"Looks like he's picking on those two now. Poor kids."
---
"Did a dog just bark, Mira?" Oasis spoke, looking at Mira and ignoring Jumbo.
"You fool! You court death! Calling me a dog? Duel me now, or I'll kill both of you where you stand!" Jumbo shouted, his face contorted with rage.