Public Announcement

Devotion was startled awake by pounding on his door. He must have dozed off while designing his new invention considering that he was face first on his desk and his papers were covered with drool. He must have been tired.

"Come in." He called, yawning as he said it. Victor swung the door open, clutching what appeared to be a news paper in his right hand.

"Have you read the news today yet?" Victor called, not giving Devotion a chance to speak as he closed the door. Victor was really fired up about something. He seemed almost worried.

"No, you just woke me up. What's up with the news?" Devotion groggily asked, stretching his limbs. He had no idea what time it was or how long he had been asleep for.

"Read the front page. Whole story. It's important." Victor said, throwing the newspaper onto Devotion's desk and scattering the various papers.

"Alright, alright, I'll read it, since it's so urgent to you." Devotion picked up the newspaper and began to read.

In big block letters on the front page was one headline: One Man's Inheritance, An Entire Kingdom's War

Devotion read the story out loud.

"This morning, the estate of the late Rydel Alabaster released a public statement. While the exact cause of Rydel Alabaster's death is still unknown at this time, an exterior attack has been ruled out. We can now confirm that the tower he lived in at the capital city of Sladaton had no signs of any battle at the time of his death. Autopsies continue, but most hypothesize it had something to do with some form of spiritual attack, or potentially even suicide. However, that is not the only big piece of news received from the Alabaster Estate. We have now learned that all of Rydel Alabaster's belongings, including his inheritance stored in his journals, was spread completely randomly across the continent. Multiple sightings have been reported from various Cultivators. Demand for any of Rydel's belongings is high, and various auction houses are willing to purchase them for ludicrous prices. A page from his journal dealing with Restoration Magic Runes was recently sold in the capital city of Sladaton for over one billion gold coins."

The news story went on to explain more item sightings, as well as potentially fake stories. Scammers had already tried to create fake items and sell them off. In short, the entire continent had shifted drastically. Countless fights had instantly erupted in the race to find this inheritance. Even the largest of sects were stirring, sending people to search and take any pieces found. Having any part of the inheritance would make you a target for countless major powers.

Devotion sucked in a cold breath. "You're saying I could sell this journal page for one billion gold coins?" That was truly an absurd amount of money.

"You absolutely cannot sell it! What are you, stupid?" Victor lashed out, hearing that was even a consideration.

"Don't worry, I'm not that stupid. This just means it's even more important that we tell nobody that we have this." Devotion said, calming Victor down.

"Agreed. You should see outside. The mission desk is now absolutely flooded with people. Everyone wants to head out and try their luck finding a piece of the inheritance. Good thing we beat them to it." Victor said.

"Well, what should we do in the meantime?" Devotion asked.

Victor slapped his head with his palm. "That's right, there's one more thing! The Summoner's Guild said there would be an announcement later today near the fountain, something relating to the news released today. We should probably head over there as soon as possible." Victor urgently spat out.

The two of them stood up, racing to the courtyard. Upon seeing outside, Devotion learned that Victor really hadn't been lying. Outside was a madhouse. Countless people were rushing from the various locations on campus, gearing up for missions and other preparations. The central fountain courtyard was even more packed than ever before.

In the center, on a floating platform near the statue, stood three figures. Devotion recognized one of the figures: it was Horatio, the man who had given his aptitude test and whose lectures Devotion frequented. On either side of him were hooded figures wearing pure white robes. Their faces were completely obstructed.

After more time passed for people to gather, Horatio began to explain the gathering.

"I'm sure none of you are unaware of the news that broke out today, but just in case, allow me to briefly explain. Rydel Alabaster's Inheritance has been spread across the entire continent, and, to keep things short, the entire kingdom of Sladaton has erupted into borderline war overnight in a dash to find pieces of it. This fever for the inheritance has already hit some people here.

I've called this gathering to explain something. As the two High Elders have told me, there is a very likely chance the Summoner's Guild will get into a war over these items. We need to raise your strength, and quickly. Hence, in one month, a portal to the Interplanar Secret World will be opened. Cultivators of the Second Rank will be able to enter for one month before needing to return. Entering this Secret World will count as your mission requirement for next period." Horatio explained.

"Senior, if you don't mind me asking, what is the point of entering this Secret World instead of going on a mission? If we wanted to raise our power quickly, wouldn't searching for Alabaster's Inheritance be more efficient? After all, there's no chance in a Secret World." A certain, snarky student asked. Devotion recognized him as the one that had pushed Devotion over after exams.

"What makes you say that there can't be inheritance within the Secret World?" The High Elder on Horatio's left suddenly spoke. His voice was unimaginably deep and powerful. Just hearing him speak shook one to their core. "We have done some scouting. While the laws of that Secret World prevent Cultivators not of the Second Rank from entering, we can still search it with our spiritual sense. Ever since the Night of Falling Stars, we have been able to detect multiple surges in Spiritual Qi on random locations. We had no idea what it could mean, until this morning's news."

"So you're saying there's a chance we could find the Inheritance in there?" That disciple asked.

"A much better chance there than on this material plane. Much less ground to cover. We will be allowing five thousand disciples to enter in one month's time. Please be prepared." Horatio explained. "That dismisses this meeting. Go about your days." With that, Horatio and the Two High Elders vanished from the courtyard, using some movement technique.

Victor and Devotion stared at each other, hearing that news. They both said the exact same thing at the exact same time.

"We need to reach Second Rank before then!" They resolved, together.