"Most of the time regret is stronger then gratitude."

"Like I was saying in a previous lecture, you represent the future of this kingdom and your skills and abilities must be honed on a daily basis. Only in this way you can go forward, carrying the wishes and desires of your ancestors. This kingdom was formed with the blood of your predecessors, and it might come a day when you will have to defend it with your own," Drebis said, his gaze looking around the class.

"Binia, what's the name of your colleague?" he asked stopping his gaze on Azar who had his eyes closed. The question made all the students turn their heads, searching for Binia and his colleague.

Binia tried to use his elbow to wake Azar up, but his unnecessary action was stopped by the latter.

"You're a popular one, aren't you?" Azar asked releasing the arm of his colleague. If his name was known even by the teachers, then it definitely meant that Binia wasn't just a normal student.

"I'm called Azar, Sir. Is there a problem?" Azar asked. He wasn't sleeping, but meditating with his eyes closed. The lecture was of little help for him, so he preferred to not waste time and do a more productive activity.

"Mr. Azar, is my lecture possessing knowledge that you are not in need of? Don't get me wrong, you are free to do what you want outside the class, but when you attend a course, it becomes a matter of respect to pay attention to the one speaking," Drebis admonished in a somewhat friendly tonality. He didn't want to cause a scene, just to sent the student a warning for his own benefit.

"Teacher Drebis, with all due respect, I was paying attention even if I had my eyes closed. You are communicating with your mouth, not with hand signs, and I listen with my ears, not my eyes. But I apologize for making you to feel uncomfortable," Azar explained before getting up from his sit and making a short bow to sustain his sincere apology.

Drebis didn't knew how to react at first. The words of the student were both respectful and audacious, and he was a teacher after all. But in the short time spent to arrange his thoughts, Azar spoke again.

"Teacher Drebis, to be honest with you, your lecture today contains knowledge that I'm already in possession of. But everytime you say something that interests me, I'm all ears. I hope that my actions didn't offend you," he said in a calm manner.

Drebis looked at Azar for a few moments before replying. "You said that you already know the information I'm sharing today, perhaps you can share with us the source of your knowledge?"

"I have no problem with that, but by doing so, I'm forced to contradict teacher's lecture as you said some outdated information, and by letting it as it is, I will tarnish the reputation of my source. Is there alright for me to continue?" Azar asked sitting back down and carefully analyzing Drebis' expression.

"The information I share is outdated? This is a problematic claim, Mr. Azar. I am an active hunter and a researcher in the domain of beasts. I hope you can enlighten me about my faulty knowledge," Drebis said, this time affected by the words of his student.

"I don't doubt Teacher Drebis position or domain of activity, but I will ask teacher to measure my question. You have the cultivation of a [Master Channeler], can you say for certain that the places and beasts you encountered have the capacity to display all the characteristics of their species?" Azar asked in a carefree manner. He didn't want to put Drebis in an uncomfortable position, but if the latter wished for it. . .

Drebis smiled. "My team of hunters has two people with their cultivation reaching [Aikyam], and we ventured many times in the red zones. I dare say that my knowledge is vast and my experience is beyond my cultivation level," Drebis said in a self pleasing manner. He was really proud of his achievements. After all, there were not many people with the cultivation of an [Aikyam] in the whole kingdom, and he was lucky enough to have two of them as his friends.

"In the periphery of the red zones, I presume," Azar said, cutting his teacher moment of glory. "I will repeat myself, I am not questioning your position as a teacher since your knowledge is above the majority of the people; however, you need to be self aware by the fact that you don't possess all the secrets about the beast and wilderness. Neither do I, but my information comes after someone explored and studied the depths of the red zones for a prolonged period of time. So the knowledge gathered is more accurate, and updated to the current events happening as we speak. You can't form a valid opinion about a city just by analyzing the outskirts. Same rule applies to everything. That's why I dared to say that teacher is sharing outdated information."

The Forsaken Lands was a place considered a red zone, and Azar lived there for a full year. His expertise in the field of beast was hard to be matched as the monsters at the [Enlightened Ascendant] level didn't have time to waste on exploration. Most of them were the Heads of important powers on the continued, so it was understandable.

A vast majority of people didn't understand the role of cultivation levels and ranks, and believed them to be a similarity. This belief couldn't be further from the truth.

The cultivation levels are stages that enable the individual to access and use more advanced energy manipulation methods.

For example, a [Master Channeler] can manipulate energy for advance healing and offense techniques such as the use of Epic ranked skills. They are also proficient enough to teach others. But here comes the question. What is the difference between two or more people at the level of a [Master Channeler]?

The answer is their domain of activity, specialty and star stage. A person that just stepped into this cultivation level won't be able to compete with one that is almost an [Aikyam]. But of course there are exceptions where someone with a lower cultivation had won. That's why the ranks are needed. To measure the exact capabilities of a person.

At the level of an [Aikyam] a person can master Supreme ranked skills. Because, the person's control and understanding of the energies had reached that point. But to find, train, and master a Supreme Technique is hard. And depending on the technique and environment, an Epic one might be better if certain conditions are met. This means that just by reaching the level of an [Aikyam], it dosen't make the individual totally superior to someone at the level of a [Master Channeler].

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

This explains why most of the people with the cultivation of an [Aikyam], no matter the stars they possess, have a combat rank of [A], the same as someone at a [Master Channeler] level.

[ ACKNOWLEDGED! Forsaken Lands

Other names: gray lands.

The region at the west of the continent. Populated entirely by darkened beasts. The earth is sandy, filled with rocks and large boulders. The vegetation is mostly made from plants and trees that adapted to the environment. It is surrounded by a natural barrier of sky high mountains.

The most terrifying beasts live there and the death rate of the people who ventured to explore it is more then 90℅.

The Forsaken Lands covers 23℅ of the surface of the entire continent. ]

Drebis searched for his next words as all the students focused their attention on Azar. None of them remembered his face, but since he dared to contradict the teacher, all of them waited for the good show to start. It was much more fun to assist to a contradiction then to simply pay attention to the lecture.

"You said that your information comes after someone explored the red zones and examined the beasts? If he is able to enter the depths of the red zones, then he definitely must be an existence above the level of an [Aikyam]," Drebis said skeptical. He was sure that Azar couldn't possibly have connections with a person of such a high cultivation.

"He is actually an [Aikyam]. The most dangerous beasts have a well established territory, so they won't attack unless you disturb them. Or unless they're hungry. But what is a human for their massive bodies? They have a lot of beasts living in their territory that serve as their minions and at the same time, food. It can be more dangerous for a person with a higher cultivation level to enter as their scent and energy are much easily perceived by the beasts. And the big inhabitants of the red zones don't consume food like regular beasts. They usually stay on an energetic center of the planet and absorb the energy from there, so they rarely come out for a walk," Azar said politely. If possible, he preferred to end the discussion immediately and return to his meditation. He played with the recipe of a potion inside his mind that activated his curiosity.

Drebis didn't answer immediately. The little information he heard possessed a depth that made goosebumps all over his back. Knowing the lifestyle of the most dangerous beasts on the continent and speaking about it with such easy was an unbelievable feat. He carefully picked his next words. "And how do you know so much? This information is extremely valuable. It is difficult to believe that a person who can discover so much would share the results of his research with someone so young."

"That certain someone happens to be my master, and I assisted him in some of the research," Azar said casually. His words however, gathered the eyes of all the people present. He straightened his posture and looked dumbfounded at his colleagues.

Why are you looking like this? Azar asked himself, not understanding the sudden reaction of his peers.

"You assisted your master in his research?" Drebis asked.

Azar nodded slowly.

"Would you be kind enough to share the name of your master with us?"

Azar thought for a second, a brilliant idea coming through his mind. "My master is a free cultivator, I can't reveal his name without his permission. But I can reveal some of our discoveries, if you are that interested."

Drebis remained thinking for a little before opening his mouth. "If your are willing to share your knowledge with us, I will be more than happy to listen."

Azar didn't refuse, but he smiled mischievously inside his heart. Nodding his head, he start talking. "First of all, the darkened beasts are much numerous and from much more species then you said, teacher. Their cause of apparition is also known."

"Some of the normal animals who lived on this planet needed to adapt to the knew environment after the cataclysmic event that almost destroyed everything. The process of evolution happened by involuntary absorbing the environmental energy into their bodies, causing an evolution and the birth of many new races. The same process happens with the darkened beasts," Azar explained. The smile inside him growing larger when he saw Drebis' expression.

"Just that this time, the beasts are involuntary absorbing large quantities of negative energy into their bodies. The result is the birth of a new darkened beasts. All species of beasts can become darkened, and the energy they need to absorb is emitted from the planet itself as a result of her cleansing process. That's why the apparition of the darkened beasts happens so suddenly. My master also discovered that the negative energy can be absorbed by humans too, and the result is not something that we need to talk about, as you might imagine. I'll take this opportunity to advise my fellow students to not absorb any energy that has a negative feeling, otherwise . . . the consequences are unbearable." Azar finished with a deep sigh.

The class remained silent. Azar waited patiently for the rest to comprehend his words. But he didn't even said the whole truth as he believed that the rekos were using this process to make experiments. The proof existed in the Forsaken Lands as the darkened beasts there were too numerous and different. They also seemed to be aware of the existence of the reko, and some of them were intelligent creatures. It was no longer alright to call them just beasts.

"Mister Azar, you realize the impact of your master's discovery? This knowledge will change the way we currently see things and will put the research of the beasts on a new path," Drebis said excited.

Azar looked at his teacher with no obvious change in expression, but his heart was ecstatic. The next phase of his plan was to share this knowledge with Visderfis and let her pass it to the king, immediately. Otherwise, others will claim the benefits of his work. In Rivero City, the officials were aware of what Azar said today. The library there already had this information written in scripts.

But Azar never expected that his knowledge had such importance for the people in the people in the world. Using this opportunity, he could plant his roots in the royal palace, and the possibilities became enormous from that point forward.

Prince Christian was Azar's good friend in the time he was a student at Fadim. Maybe he didn't change his personality too much and Azar could regain his friendship with him. And with the help of Visderfis and his contributions for the kingdom, he could gain the trust of the royal family as well.

Markos needs to play his cards well and we can connect Midnight with the kingdom as well, getting a firm foothold for the organisation. That would be perfect, Azar thought as a smile appeared on his face.

"Teacher Drebis, this matter is already reported to the royal family, and I'm sure it will become common knowledge in no time," Azar said to ensure his hold over the situation. He was sure that Drebis thought about using the information for himself, but by sharing this with Visderfis, Azar was confident that the king would find out by evening, and his contribution will be written in stone at that time.

"Amazing, absolutely amazing," Drebis said clapping. "Can you share with us more information beforehand? I for one would love to hear what you have to say, Mr. Azar. Also, i'm not sure if you're aware, but our academy gives special benefits for the capable students who chose to remain here after graduation. That can serve as a shortcut in climbing the ranks of society."

"Thank you for your care, Teacher Drebis, but I'm not going to remain here after graduation. Life has other plans for me and I have people who await my return in another place. Those being said, I can share more information with you and my colleagues, if that interests you," Azar said trying to change the course of discussion. He observed that Drebis attempted to pull him to the academy. He wasn't sure if it was because Dean Sholev ordered, or because of the knowledge he shared earlier, but he didn't care either.

Remaining in this place even after graduation felt more like a nightmare then benefit. But of course that Azar couldn't voice those thoughts. It was his own opinion, and it would bring him into troubled waters if he did. Sometimes it was better to keep his mouth shut, even if he had the impulse of voicing his mind.

"Please, continue with your speech," Drebis said impatient.

Azar continued to explain things that might be valuable. Not knowing the current level of knowledge that the people here possessed, it was a good opportunity to test the waters. He could see what kind of information was more useful and worth using, and at the same time, stopping the boring lecture. If he was the one doing the talking, he didn't mind.