The Douluo Continent also had holidays similar to New Year's. Although the customs were somewhat different, people would still decorate with lanterns and streamers on this day of transition, bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new.
However, the end of the holiday also meant that there were only a few days left until the start of the school year.
Wang Nan packed his luggage and, amidst his parents' nagging, set off for the Academy.
Two days later, Wang Nan stood at the entrance of Shrek Academy, dumbfounded.
'Where am I? Is this still Shrek?'
Shrek Academy was built around Sea God Lake. The Inner Courtyard was on Sea God Island in the middle, the Martial Soul Department was to the south, and the Soul Guidance System was to the north. The two were connected by Shrek Plaza on the west side. Finally, the east side of Sea God Lake was where the school gate and several statues were located.
Previously, the Martial Soul Department's area was much larger than the Soul Guidance System's. However, after a month, several buildings had appeared out of thin air in the Soul Guidance System. The main body of these buildings was still grey, with large signs on their roofs displaying words like 'Research Zone' and 'Experiment Zone'. Just by looking at the land area, the Soul Guidance System had already surpassed the Martial Soul Department.
Other returning students were discussing the changes that had occurred in the Academy. Only the new students, who had never been to Shrek before, didn't know what had happened.
However, it wasn't just the buildings that had changed. During the first class of the new school year, homeroom Teacher Sun's opening words shocked many students.
"According to the Academy's latest teaching arrangements, starting from the second year, we will add one theory class and one practical combat class. These will be 'Understanding and Using Common Spirit Tools.' Similarly, starting next year, practical combat with spirit tools will also become part of the advancement assessment."
"But Teacher Sun, spirit tools are ultimately external power. Shouldn't the Academy's goal be to cultivate excellent Spirit Masters?" someone among the students asked boldly.
"That's right. An excellent Spirit Master should understand even more how to use and counter spirit tools," Sun He replied with a smile.
"Teacher Sun, do you also approve of the Academy's arrangement?"
"I originally thought that a year of getting along would allow us to understand each other more deeply. Now it seems you still don't understand me enough. I always pursue practical combat results, and I don't mind whether spirit tools are used in the process."
"Teacher, isn't using spirit tools like forcibly increasing spirit power with medicine? What's ultimately displayed isn't our true strength."
"This student, did you not listen carefully in theory class? Medicine harms the foundation; using medicine to increase spirit power sacrifices your potential. But using spirit tools is just like using weapons; without them, it won't cause you any loss."
"What if we become addicted to spirit tools and forget to cultivate our Spirit?"
"Then you'll be transferred to the Soul Guidance System."
A burst of laughter erupted among the students, but soon, another student raised their hand to ask.
"Teacher, as you said, since there's no loss without spirit tools, why waste time learning about them?"
"It's simple. Suppose there's a Spirit Master whose Spirit, spirit power, and Spirit Ability are exactly the same as yours, but he has a defensive spirit tool in his hand. Who would win if the two of you fought?"
This student was bold, but he wasn't so thick-skinned as to lie. After a brief thought, he shook his head, "I can't beat him."
"That's it. If it were a life-and-death struggle, then with just one spirit tool, he could put you to death. Therefore, by starting to learn about spirit tools now, you'll be the ones bullying others with spirit tools in the future."
The students here were still young and inexperienced, a time when they were easily receptive to new things. Sun He's words gave them a completely new perspective on spirit tools.
In truth, what Sun He said wasn't entirely correct upon closer examination, but it still planted an idea in the children below the podium—an idea to understand spirit tools.
The addition of spirit tool-related courses made the entire Martial Soul Department buzz with excitement, so much so that discussions about the advancement assessment after class became much quieter.
"You can now go back and prepare for tomorrow's advancement assessment. Also, all Core Disciples, please stay behind; I have other matters to discuss."
Wang Nan was about to return to his dorm but was stopped by Sun He.
Once the Core Disciples had all gathered, Sun He led them out of the Martial Soul Department, through Shrek Plaza, and over to the Soul Guidance System.
Continuing forward, they soon saw a middle-aged male teacher standing ahead. He was about 1.8 meters tall, dressed in simple cloth clothes, with his sleeves rolled up to reveal his strong arms.
"Teacher Fan, these are the Core Disciples from Class One."
Fan Yu nodded, "Hello, everyone. I am Teacher Fan Yu from the Soul Guidance System. You should all know that the Academy has added practical combat courses for spirit tools. As Core Disciples, the Academy will custom-prepare a spirit tool for each of you. Now, follow me."
After speaking, Fan Yu led them to a large metal door, then took out a silver-grey card and waved it in front of the door. Soon, the large door opened to both sides.
As expected of the Soul Guidance System, the architectural style here was completely different from the Martial Soul Department. Although it wasn't as futuristic as Wang Nan had imagined, it already had some modern elements. The way the door opened with a card swipe was incredibly familiar.
Inside the door was the newly built spirit tool experimental zone, where several people were already present. Judging by their attire, they appeared to be Outer Courtyard Disciples of the Soul Guidance System.
"Teacher Fan." Those few people spoke when they saw Fan Yu.
"Good." Fan Yu came and stood in front of them, then called over Wang Nan and the other Core Disciples.
"It's just us few here, so I'll speak frankly." Fan Yu looked at the Soul Guidance System Disciples, "According to the Academy's practical combat assessment standards, you won't be able to pass this advancement assessment to the sixth year. But this year, the Academy's teaching standards are undergoing reform, and there's another opportunity here."
Upon hearing this, those students all looked up at Fan Yu. Having managed to enter Shrek Academy, none of them wanted to be eliminated like this.
"The Academy intends to cultivate a group of support system Soul Masters. As the name suggests, this type of Soul Master doesn't need direct combat ability, but rather assists other Spirit Masters in combat, much like support system Spirit Masters in the Martial Soul Department."
"These few individuals in front of you are second-year Core Disciples from the Martial Soul Department. Each of you will choose one person from them and, within three months, custom-make a spirit tool for him. The type is not limited, as long as it can increase this Disciple's combat power by twenty percent, you will pass the assessment."
"If anyone is dissatisfied with the Academy's cultivation direction, you can withdraw now." Fan Yu waited for a while, and seeing no one speak, he then turned his gaze to the Martial Soul Department's side.
"You don't need to worry either. Although these senior students of yours temporarily cannot pass the practical combat assessment, they are at least Level 4 Soul Masters, more than capable of making spirit tools for you."
The Core Disciples, on the other hand, had no other thoughts. Instead, they looked curiously at the senior students opposite them.
Undoubtedly, for both the Martial Soul Department and the Soul Guidance System, a new path had just opened.