As the field trial concluded, the ninety-eight students returned to campus in dribs and drabs, each carrying a mixture of relief, fatigue, and the quiet pride of survival. For most, an A-grade evaluation was more than satisfactory—even if the official scores were a little generous. Some victories were measured not in points but in the fact that no one had been seriously injured or worse. The memories of last night's chaos still lingered, and in some ways, the thrill of having survived alone felt more rewarding than any number on a report card.
Kain Clinton and Jayce, of course, took the more comfortable route home, accepting a ride rather than trudging alongside the exhausted students. Why not make use of every convenience available?
"Does Alice Springs really have traces of the Azure Dragon?" Jayce asked, skepticism evident in his tone as the carriage rattled over the uneven streets.
"I've heard mention of something called the Earthly Spring," Kain replied, his voice calm and unbothered. "Its power may be tied to the Azure Dragon. That could be the reason the Black Covenant planted so many operatives here—to seize control of it."
Jayce squinted at him, incredulous. "Earthly Spring? Never heard of it. Are you serious?"
"You haven't even been to Alice Springs properly," Kain muttered, shaking his head. "How would you even know?" He cast a brief, exasperated glance at his companion. Some people were shockingly oblivious to the world beyond their immediate concerns.
Scratching the back of his head, Jayce smiled sheepishly. "So… does that mean we're supposed to find it?"
"Find it?" Kain's lips curved into a small, wry smile. "It's not a scavenger hunt. That's someone else's treasure, and you can't just waltz in and take it." He leaned back, letting the carriage rock slightly. "The Spring's primary control lies with the Moore family. Even if we wanted to access it, both their consent and the academy's approval are required."
The truth was that the Earthly Spring, for all its legendary status, was not what it once had been. Its energy was largely depleted. For mid-tier mages and below, it was still formidable—a tool that could turn the tide in combat. For someone like Kain, though, a high-tier mage, it was practically insignificant. Its powers were trivial compared to his other instruments of mastery, like the three-step tower or his arsenal of summoning magic.
Jayce groaned, flopping back against the seat. "So… why exactly are we in Alice Springs? You didn't drag me all this way just to sightsee, did you?"
Kain smirked. "No. We're here to flush out a couple of infiltrators."
"Forget that!" Jayce's voice rose with indignation. "I want the totem—a living, breathing totem!" His eyes sparkled with the obsessive glow of someone chasing treasure.
"I can produce a little Earthly Spring if necessary," Kain replied dryly, "but what are you going to do with it?" He could already anticipate the answer—grandiose ideas without practical application.
Jayce's gaze hardened. "I trust there's a deeper, instinctive connection. I can feel it."
"Instincts, my foot," Kain muttered under his breath, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Back at Skyward Academy – Sydney, the atmosphere was a mixture of gossip, curiosity, and awe. With the field trial ending early, all prospective senior students remained on campus, their days suddenly more open.
"John, did you hear?" Xavier leaned on his desk, eyes wide with admiration. "Kain Clinton came to our school, and they say he's meeting Principal Hughes personally! Can you imagine? The principal himself!"
John looked up from his notes, blinking in surprise. "The principal? Usually, we don't even get a glimpse of him. Why is he here?"
"Well, if you were a high-tier mage," Xavier said with a grin, "the academy would put you on the honor board immediately."
John allowed himself a faint smile. He knew that with diligence, even a student from a small city like Alice Springs could achieve greatness. But for now, practical steps mattered more than accolades. Survival, cultivation, and steady progress always came first.
"By the way," John said suddenly, curiosity lighting his tone, "he's not even from Alice Springs. Why is he here so long?"
"Probably on a mission," Xavier speculated, folding his arms. "People like him don't linger without a reason. And remember, Kain isn't just a high-tier mage—he's a two-star Hunter Master. There isn't a single one in all of Alice Springs."
"Hunter Master?" John's interest peaked. He knew of the Hunter's Guild, mages who earned their living by taking on perilous contracts, hunting magical beasts, and solving dangerous assignments. Money was tight, and each opportunity to gain an edge mattered, especially with his two-year arrangement with Natalie Moore looming.
"Yes," Xavier said patiently. "The Guild's ranks go from Low-tier Hunter, Mid-tier Hunter, High-tier Hunter, Elite Hunter, and finally, Hunter Master. Hunter Masters are further ranked from one star to seven stars."
John whistled softly. "One to seven stars… so a two-star doesn't sound impressive."
"John, listen carefully," Xavier said, leaning closer. "Many Hunter Masters are already super-tier mages. For someone Kain's age, being a two-star Hunter Master is extraordinary. Alice Springs can barely field a single high-tier Hunter to compare."
John's eyes widened. "That's… terrifying. This whole city doesn't even have one high-tier Hunter?"
"Focus on Mu Yuang first," Connor Sanderson interjected, his arm nearly fully healed thanks to careful magical treatment. "Once you have a strategy for him, then worry about Kain."
John nodded, impressed by Connor's composure. The boy had matured significantly after last night's ordeal, showing resilience and thoughtfulness in ways John respected.
Connor glanced at Murray, who had been quietly observing the discussion. "Murray, your talent hasn't gone unnoticed. Even Kain's praise elevates your standing."
Murray simply nodded, aware of the advantages admiration from a high-tier mage could bring. Opportunities were as important as raw skill, and he intended to leverage both.
"Kain is from Mingzhu Academy," Connor continued. "With your abilities, Murray, acceptance shouldn't be difficult."
"John, if only one person could get in…" Xavier added, not willing to yield.
"Ha! I've got the Moore family backing me anyway," Murray replied lightly, pride clear in his tone.
Meanwhile, in Principal Hughes' office, matters turned more serious.
"This is a delicate situation," Hughes admitted, frowning at the young men before him. "Even a request for a fraction of the Earthly Spring is no small matter."
The Spring was central to Alice Springs' magical infrastructure. Luckily, Kain and Jayce only sought a sample for research, not domination, making negotiation possible.
"Do you have contact with the Moore family head?" Kain asked. The Spring's true control rested with Zane Moore.
"I do," Hughes replied, "though I'm unsure if he's currently in Alice Springs."
A brief call later, and Hughes returned with a broad smile. "Upon hearing of your arrival, Zane Moore was thrilled. He's on his way to meet you personally to discuss matters."
Kain and Jayce exchanged glances. The reaction was… enthusiastic, perhaps overly so.
"Don't look at me," Jayce muttered. "He's coming for you, not me."
Kain nodded. The World Academy Tournament had established him as the central figure of the Huaxia team. While others contributed, their efforts had been overshadowed by his leadership and prowess.
"Then we'll wait here," Kain said, calm and measured. His status allowed him to dictate the terms. No need to visit the Moore estate—the initiative rested with him.
Outside, the city pulsed with potential danger, intrigue, and opportunity. Inside, Kain remained composed, poised to navigate the next phase: the Earthly Spring, uncovering infiltrators, and the delicate politics that intertwined power, magic, and destiny.