It became apparent that, much like Shadowridge University, Spine Ridge had very few mystic cultivators. They could practically be counted on one hand.
Yet what shocked her was their strength.
Those few cultivators were already nearing Heaven Rank.
Meanwhile, most regular students in the department were only at later stages of Earth Rank.
The disparity was enormous.
Even more surprising was their lack of interest in lectures.
Many appeared disengaged, chatting among themselves as if attendance were merely a formality.
Later, through casual inquiry, Lana learned the reason.
Their tuition for the year was already covered, and in their final phase, students were encouraged to explore the world rather than remain confined to classrooms.
Their evaluations depended on real-world experience, practical training, and discoveries made outside the university, after which they would be given a month-long assessment period.
This approach was entirely new to Lana.
