Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons - Chapter 156

Chapter 156: The Academy’s entrance Exam
There were two avenues in front of him. Two paths that could lead to a cure.

The first was the medicine hall—perhaps the elite families or the royal alchemists had something.

But would they sell it? Would they even have the one he needs? And if they did, at what cost? Arthur knew the power of wealth, but he also knew that sometimes, even all the gold in the world wasn’t enough to buy what didn’t want to be sold.

The second was this secret realm.

A high-grade realm meant rare herbs. And rare herbs meant… a possible cure.

Arthur exhaled slowly, masking the storm brewing inside him. His eyes flickered back to the bartender.

“Tell me more about this realm.”

The bartender’s lips curled into a knowing grin, the kind of expression that said he’d been waiting for that exact question. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret that only a select few were meant to hear.

“The realm has existed ever since the kingdom was founded. The ancestor of the Ashborne family—who would later become the first king—was the one who discovered it.” He paused, swirling a rag over a glass with slow, deliberate movements.

“And upon discovering it, he knew its value was immeasurable. That’s why he built the Academy of Mera around it. Over the centuries, it has only grown in prestige, attracting the most talented individuals from across the kingdom.”

Arthur’s mind sharpened, absorbing every word. A high-grade secret realm. A location so valuable that the entire academy had been built to harness its potential. The implications were staggering.

“It’s everyone’s dream to either enter the academy or have a family member admitted,” the bartender continued.

“Why wouldn’t it be? The academy doesn’t just provide training. It offers resources that even noble families struggle to get their hands on. Items, techniques, weapons, and guidance from some of the strongest humans alive. But…”

He tapped a finger on the counter. “The stronger you are, the better your connections, the greater your rewards. That’s just how it works.”

Arthur digested the information slowly. His fingers absentmindedly tapped against the wood of the counter, his thoughts racing ahead.

If what the bartender said was true, the realm contained high-grade items, rare herbs, and powerful resources. Resources that could potentially hold the answer to Charlotte’s condition. If he could get in, if he could get his hands on something truly valuable, he might be able to secure what he needed without being at the mercy of merchants or noble families.

Arthur exhaled through his nose, his expression betraying none of the storm swirling inside him.

“They have an entrance exam, I’m presuming?” he asked at last. “When will it open?”

The bartender nodded. “Indeed, they do.” His grin turned slightly teasing. “Luckily or unluckily for you, the examination will start in two days. So you barely have any time to prepare.”

Arthur’s jaw tightened slightly. Two days. That was… close.

“Is there an age limit? Either maximum or minimum?”

“There is.” The bartender set the glass down, leaning on the counter with both elbows. “To enter as a first-year, you must be between the ages of fourteen and fifteen. Any older, and you’d be placed in the second-year entrance examination. But here’s the thing…” He tilted his head slightly. “They rarely take second-years. Unless you’re incredibly talented.”

Arthur’s pulse steadied.

Fourteen to fifteen.

He was incredibly lucky. He fit the age range perfectly.

“If they don’t take you, that doesn’t mean you’re ruined,” the bartender continued. “There are other academies in the kingdom. But make no mistake—the Academy of Mera is the pinnacle. Its resources, its connections, the level of training it offers—nothing else even comes close.”

Arthur nodded. He’d already made up his mind before the man finished speaking. If he was going to bet on anything, it would be the best.

“What about strength? Level restrictions?”

The bartender shook his head. “No restrictions on level or strength. However…” He raised a finger. “There is a restriction on talent. If your talent isn’t at least C-Rank, don’t even bother showing up.”

Arthur kept his expression carefully neutral.

C-Rank was the bare minimum. Arthur had three SSS-Rank Talents, and he worried that if it was found out, it would cause him issues. But, nonetheless. He still had to take a risk, he couldn’t keep hiding for the rest of his life.

Furthermore, he was a player who could always escape from them in some way, shape or form. Arthur also had a trump card. His protector insignia, he was sure that if he showed it to them they would treat him with care. After all, protectors seemed to be very important. But unless it was necessary.

He would not reveal such information, before figuring out their standing. But even if the Academy only required a C-Rank talent to qualify, that didn’t mean anything was guaranteed. The competition would be fierce.

There would be prodigies, children of noble families, heirs of powerful bloodlines. This wasn’t going to be a simple test of strength. Connections, influence, politics—those would play just as big a role as raw talent.

“Even with a C-Rank talent, you’re not guaranteed a spot,” the bartender added, reading Arthur’s silence as contemplation. “There are other tests you need to pass too.”

…

After talking to the bartender for a while, Arthur slid ten silver coins across the counter. The bartender took them without counting, nodding in satisfaction. “Room’s yours for the night,” he said, handing Arthur a brass key. “Third floor, last door on the left.”

Arthur took the key, tucking it into his inventory without much thought. He wasn’t planning on staying long. The city was vast, filled with places he needed to see, and people he needed to assess. Every second wasted was an opportunity slipping through his fingers.

Stepping outside, the cool evening air greeted him. The streets of Caldera had only grown livelier, lanterns casting a golden glow over the stone pathways.

Arthur ignored them all. His destination was set.

The Weapons Hall.