The Phoenix Nest (1)

{A/N- sorry for the late update}

As Auric entered the training hall, he was greeted by a vigilant guard who stood at attention.

"Welcome to The Phoenix Nest," the guard said, bowing respectfully. "Allow me to escort you to the head instructor."

The Phoenix Nest, a training hall for children aged 8 to 12, symbolized the growth and renewal of young talents. As they grew older, the students would move on to The Dragon's Forge and later The Tiger's Summit.

To provide a clearer explanation:

The Phoenix Nest (Ages 8-12): Symbolized the growth and renewal of young talents.

The Dragon's Forge (Ages 13-15): Represented the transformation and strengthening of intermediate trainees.

The Tiger's Summit (Ages 16-18): Emphasized the power and mastery attained by advanced students.

This information was conveyed to Auric by Magnus, providing him with a clear understanding of the training process, during his hell week with Magnus.

After completing their training at The Dragon's Forge, the graduates aimed to enter academies where the best teachers and facilities were available, solely dedicated to developing a stronger generation. Those who did not make it to the academies received further training at The Tiger's Summit.

[ Are you planning to aim for the academy as well? ] the system inquired.

<Me? Nah. The academies are not worth it> Auric replied. <Once I turn 15, I'll embark on a journey to collect relics and artifacts, maybe even dungeon diving doesn't sound so bad. I'd rather do something that benefits me than pointlessly waste my time, learning things i don't need to. since cannot reverse the time may lose>

[ Why not consider Nexus Academy, where the main characters will be attending?] the system asked.

<Hehe, are you curious? Well, although Nexus Academy might be a good choice when I turn 15, considering that the main characters and even protagonist of Portal Destiny, Davis, will begin their 'epic' journey strength with his 'nakamas,' believe there countless political agendas schemes unfolding there. I'd rather not get entangled in those instead do something benefits me. Attending academy would mean being dragged into matters, as now, I'm powerful enough to fuck up scheming bastards. Let character take care things—I have no interest that. If were go, lose more than gain. Although I'll sacrifice enjoyment attending beauties, this world is filled them. know chance find beautiful girlfriend, unlike my ex. Perhaps even...> Auric trailed off, smiling as he daydreamed. Unbeknownst to him, the guard guiding him was visibly creeped out.

[ So, you plan to stay away from the main storyline? ] the system asked.

"Huh? Why would I? If I don't participate, this life would be as boring as my past life! And I'm certain I'll be entangled in the plot. Wars will break out, Invasion of the Rakshasas will also start at a rapid pace and no one will be spared. Every living creature will suffer. While I can't protect everyone, I can at least protect what's mine. And at the very least, I don't care about those hero complexes or anything of the sort. If they stand in my way, I'll kill them. It's as simple as that. And when I turn 18, I will attend Pantheon Academy—things will get interesting there."

As Auric and the system conversed, they arrived at the office of the head instructor. "Young master, please enter. This is the head instructor's office. I'll return to my post," the guard bowed, receiving a nod of acknowledgment from Auric before leaving.

Auric's gaze lingered on the unassuming door, its simplicity belying the significance of what lay beyond. The nameplate, fashioned from gleaming copper, proudly displayed the inscription:

[ The Phoenix Nest

Head Instructor

Kaelen Emberclaw ]

He knocked on the door, and a rough voice resonated from within, "Yes, come in."

"Excuse me," Pushing the door open, Auric stepped into the room and surveyed his surroundings. The office was Spartan, devoid of any unnecessary adornments or extravagant decorations. However, what caught his attention were the numerous weapons and equipment meticulously arranged along the walls. There was an air of discipline and purpose that filled the room.

The instructor himself appeared to be in his early thirties. In the Dragon Kingdom, looks and age often deceived everyone. Naturally, the instructor should be much older than both of Auric's lives combined.

"Ah, young master Auric, please have a seat," Kaelen said, motioning for Auric to take a chair as he was signing some documents.

After a few minutes, Kaelen looked up and observed Auric, saying, "Well, sorry for the wait."

"It's okay; I understand," Auric replied calmly.

The instructor couldn't help but be slightly impressed. Normally, when he made the kids who came to his office wait while he finished his work, they would get irritated and raise their voice. They were often spoiled brats, born with a silver spoon in their mouths, who were used to having their demands met instantly. However, in this training hall, such behavior was met with harsh training and an early lesson in life: never raise your voice unless you have the power to back it up.

Kaelen was well aware that, being from the bottom of the collateral line, some of the kids who considered themselves part of a higher social hierarchy didn't give him the respect he deserved. Most of them were from the direct line, and they believed they had a higher status due to their family heritage. However, there were exceptions, like Auric, who didn't judge others based on their lineage.

'Well, maybe it's because he wasn't originally brought up in the clan. But I heard he was a noble on the Human Continent to begin with. But it doesn't matter' Kaelen thought to himself.

"So, young master Auric, are you certain about joining the training hall? The training here can be extremely harsh, and many cadets drop out because they can't endure it."

"I'm sure," Auric affirmed.

"Well, that's good to hear. From now on, you will no longer be addressed as a young master but as a cadet of the training hall. Your social ranking within the clan holds no value here, unless you are an elder or the clan patriarch himself. So, starting today, your training will commence."

"There will be fierce competition among your peers for the best resources, and the cadets with the highest rankings will be rewarded. You are not allowed to bring anything except your undergarments, and spatial rings are banned. Please surrender them before leaving this room. Don't worry; they will be kept safe. Do you have anything to say?"

"No."

"Okay. That's all then, Instructor Garric!" the head instructor called out, and a young man in his early twenties entered the room.

"Yes, Head Instructor!" the man named Garrick saluted the head instructor. It seemed that a military regime was followed here.

"He is Cadet Auric, who will be joining the training hall from today. And Auric, this is Instructor Garrick, who will oversee your physical training," the head instructor explained. "Garrick, please take him to the barracks for ten-year-olds. He will be staying there from now on."

Nodding, they turned to leave, but before they exited, Kaelen called out to Auric, "Ah, Auric."

"Yes, Instructor?"

"I hope you last long here."

"Thank you. I will live up to your expectations."

"Mm."

With that, they left the room.

'It seems like the head instructor is strict but a good person' Auric thought to himself, smiling.

*

As they walked towards the barracks, Auric couldn't shake off the feeling that Instructor Garrick was observing him with the corner of his eyes. Although Auric chose to ignore it, he couldn't help but wonder, 'Does he have some hidden motive, or is he merely curious?' While Auric had learned to trust his instincts, he decided to remain cautious and not jump to conclusions.

Although the head instructor had claimed that social hierarchy held no value in the training hall, Auric knew that it was all bullshit. There would be no way that would be possible. Lets say, even if, by some chance, social status didn't matter within the hall, what about outside? Graduates from the training hall, especially those from collateral lines, would still face the unyielding power of direct line cadets. No matter how high they ranked within the hall, they would have no authority to confront the privileged direct line cadets who harassed them. The hierarchical structure of this world was absolute.

Moreover, Auric suspected that the instructors were not exempt from these power dynamics. If the heads of influential houses promised them rewards or incentives to assist their children, the instructors would likely comply without question. Of course, there might be exceptions, such as the head instructor himself. Nevertheless, under-the-table dealings were not uncommon, and it was possible that Instructor Garrick was merely a follower or supporter of a powerful house, using his position to curry favors for the future.

The possibilities seemed endless, and Auric was dead certain that certain houses had targeted him, keeping a close eye on his every move. It wouldn't be surprising if Instructor Garrick was one of those loyal "dogs" serving a particular house's agenda.

As he contemplated these thoughts, a dangerous glint flashed in Auric's eyes. 'You all want to play? Alright then. I'm in.'

.

.

.

{ A/N - I wanted to ask for your input on the training arc. Please indicate with a

"yes" if you prefer a detailed, lengthy description of the protagonist's training regime,

or with another "no" if you prefer time skips to expedite the training process.

On another note, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals for their unwavering support by sending golden tickets: thexan, grodt_7216, sigarni, Charlie_doughtery, DHillion, Edge-livin, Kristiwilson, yazukoto, concerran (also for the gifts), jose_eduardo, BluePikachu, blankaccount, phillipe millot, and daosit. Your continuous support has been incredible, and I am sincerely thankful.

I would also like to give a massive shoutout to vishal_prasad_9097, Succulent_Peaches, Anjali_Kumari_1696, Ariel_Hammond, Vignesh_Selvaraj, dark_3672, Hasan_Ali_2401, Devil_Pixel, Sai_Eluthfi, EDGE_Livin, Davidham_, Tariq_Haynes, Brunehzio, and Themba_Langa for voting with power stones and helping the novel maintain its power ranking. Your contributions have been invaluable, and I am extremely grateful.

I apologize to those whom I could not mention, even though they also love the novel and vote for it. The power stone section only displays names from the last three days, but I promise to make it up to you in the coming days.

Happy reading

Author }