After the awakening ceremony concluded, a wave of energy and anticipation buzzed through the academy. Students quickly moved to the administrative center to finalize the next phase of their lives—getting their Mana Identity Registration.
Each student was assigned a new ID card embedded with mana-sensitive data. This card now held their legal identity as a Mana Apprentice, along with their talent grade. The digital chip inside the card would update as the user advanced through mana tiers, effectively tracking their growth across their journey as mana users.
Norman received his card like everyone else. His profile displayed "Mana Apprentice – Talent Grade: F."
Of course, the system on his panel told a different story. Norman smiled faintly as he pocketed the card. Let them believe what they wanted. He had no intention of revealing the truth anytime soon.
The students were then split into orientation groups and guided to their training divisions. As new Mana Apprentices, every student had to undergo a unified foundational curriculum, regardless of their talent.
The Basic Mana Training was structured around three core disciplines:
1. Physique Training – Focused on refining the body, increasing strength, speed, durability, and reflexes through mana circulation.
2. Energy Manipulation – Teaching students how to sense, gather, and control the flow of mana both inside and outside their body.
3. Mental Fortitude – Sharpening the mind through meditation, focus techniques, and resistances against mental intrusion or illusion-type skills.
All three aspects were considered essential for survival and advancement. At the Mana Apprentice and Mana Adept stages, mastering the fundamentals was critical. Only at the Knightship stage—the fourth tier, Mana Knight—would students begin to specialize in one of the three branches.
It was possible to continue training in all three disciplines, but it was a grueling and time-consuming path. Even talented students with D-grade affinity required years of hard work in each area to advance.
In the Mana Disciple stage, for example, training one branch might take an entire year. That didn't mean the other two could be mastered in another two years—it often took much longer. Mastering all three aspects before reaching Mana Knight in just three years was rare. For most, it took four to five years or more, depending on effort, resources, and guidance.
Norman quietly took in all this information during orientation, his mind already racing. With the Equal Exchange System, he could potentially skip years of training by offering the right equivalent. But first, he needed to understand the rules of this world thoroughly—and blend in.
After orientation, the students were led to a wide, open field behind the academy. Sunlight bathed the grassy plains, and banners flapped gently in the breeze, each representing one of the great human territories allied against the ever-present threat of mana beasts.
Hundreds of students stood in formation, all newly awakened, their expressions ranging from pride to nervousness.
An instructor stepped forward, megaphone in hand. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and clad in a dark uniform with a silver crest on his chest—the mark of a Mana Knight.
He raised the megaphone to his mouth and spoke with deep authority:
"Congratulations to all of you. From this day forward, you are officially Mana Apprentices."
The field fell silent.
"You've taken the first step on a long, difficult journey. Mana is both a gift and a burden. It can raise you to greatness… or break you if you are careless."
He paused, scanning the crowd.
"The road ahead will be filled with trials—monsters, rivals, war, loss. But it will also give you power, purpose, and perhaps even honor. You will be the sword and shield of humanity, the future pillars against the beasts that roam the wild lands."
Behind him, large holograms shimmered into view—maps of beast territories, danger zones, and known dungeons. Bright red zones pulsed across regions like a heartbeat, marking the deadly territories of high-tier beasts.
"This world is not ruled by humans alone," the instructor continued. "Beasts are evolving just like us. From Feral Beasts to the feared Beast Gods—creatures whose very presence can alter landscapes and bend mana itself."
Norman's eyes narrowed as he listened. He recalled the Beast Tier System:
1. Feral Beast
2. Mana Beast
3. Awakened Beast
4. Spirit Beast
5. Noble Beast
6. Mythic Beast
7. Celestial Beast
8. Primordial Beast
9. Beast God
It was said no Beast God had ever been seen in the last thousand years. Most believed them to be myths. But Norman wasn't so sure. If such beasts truly existed—and he could rise far enough—then maybe… just maybe… he could meet them.
Or defeat them.
The instructor closed with a solemn tone: "I hope each of you finds your path. Whether you fight on the front lines, support from behind, or research to strengthen our understanding of mana—it all matters."
A round of applause followed, mixed with scattered cheers.