At the academy gate, I watched Uncle Xu leave.
He didn't look back.
For a moment, I just stood there alone.
From now on… I had to do everything myself.
Back in the village, there was always someone to help with chores. Life was simple. Easy.
Here… it was different.
The hard part wasn't the work.
It was learning how to endure.
How to survive in a world where strength ruled everything.
I took a deep breath and walked toward the academy gate.
A guard stood there, straight and silent.
I handed over my spirit awakening certificate.
He glanced at it briefly. His expression didn't change. Then he nodded and stepped aside, signaling me to enter.
That was all.
No mocking. No insults.
I paused for a second.
I remembered the story of Tang San being looked down on because of his spirit.
Maybe things were different here.
Or maybe…
People already believed something else.
A spirit like mine—called useless by everyone—having full innate spirit power…
To them, it probably looked like a lie.
A fraud.
I didn't say anything and continued walking.
After entering, the noise of the city faded behind me. The academy felt quieter… more serious.
Buildings stood neatly arranged. I could faintly sense spiritual energy in the air.
After walking a short distance, I saw a building marked for teachers.
I walked up to the door and knocked.
"Come in," a voice said from inside.
I opened the door and stepped in.
A teacher sat behind a desk, looking at some papers.
I walked forward and handed over my certificate.
After checking my certificate, his gaze toward me became slightly warmer.
I guessed it was because of my innate spirit power. In his eyes, I probably had some talent.
He handed the certificate back to me.
Then he paused for a moment, as if thinking about something.
After that, he began to speak.
"As a work-study student, you will have duties," he said calmly. "You'll be responsible for basic chores in the academy."
I listened quietly.
"In return, you will receive ten bronze coins per day."
Ten bronze coins…
It wasn't much, but at least I could support myself.
He explained a few more details—where to work, what time to report, and the basic rules I had to follow.
His tone was neither kind nor harsh. Just neutral.
After finishing, he looked at me and said,
"You will stay in the seventh dormitory."
I nodded.
"Go there now."
I took my certificate, turned around, and walked out of the room.
A new life in the academy… had officially begun.