The Forsaken Heir's Ascension
Chapter 85: Hunter School for Little Phoenix

Chapter 85: Hunter School for Little Phoenix

Alex led the way to the Middle Zone Gate. Once again, he showed the Elemental Excellence Academy badge. The guards bowed immediately and opened the gate with deep respect.

Alex winced at the treatment but said nothing.

Meanwhile, Little Phoenix’s mouth dropped open. Her wide eyes sparkled at the sight before her—clean, well-built houses, orderly shops, and smooth paved roads. It was like walking into a dream.

Alex led them into a clothing shop, but the middle-aged shopkeeper wrinkled her nose in disgust the moment she saw the ragged girl.

Without a word, Alex turned and walked out.

As they strolled down the road, Alex spoke to the little girl riding Hati’s back in a firm, almost fatherly tone:

"Never trust nobles. And never let anyone who disrespects you have a place in your life."

Soon, they entered another shop. This time, a grey-haired woman greeted them with a warm smile.

"Hello, esteemed customers! What can I do for you today?"

Her expression didn’t change, not even a flicker, when she saw the girl’s condition.

Alex smiled.

"Can you help my little sister find a nice dress?"

The woman clapped her hands with delight.

"Of course, sir! Please, have a seat. Miss, come with me."

She gently led Little Phoenix to the changing room. A few moments later, the girl stepped out wearing a dark red frock that perfectly matched her fiery hair.

Alex nodded in approval, his heart warming.

Little Phoenix’s eyes shimmered with happiness. A small smile tugged at her lips—genuine and shy.

When they left the shop, she was still wearing the dress, riding on Hati’s back and clutching a bag of clothes tightly to her chest with both arms.

Alex led them to the Hunter Guild and paid for a small room.

Once inside, he turned to the girl and Hati.

"You both stay here. Little Phoenix, wash up first. Food will arrive in about half an hour. Eat well and get some rest."

He paused, looking at them both with soft eyes.

"I’m going to ask about the Hunter School."

Alex closed the door and went down to the ground floor. He walked toward the wooden counter and stood in front of it, asking the well-dressed receptionist,

"Hello again. Can you tell me about the Hunter Guild School?"

The receptionist smiled politely and replied with respect,

"Sure, sir. It’s a school run by the Hunter Guild. There’s one in every city, just like our guild branches. Anyone can apply—there are no exceptions. The only thing is... since many retired hunters teach there, the fee is a bit high. But we do provide accommodation and food to students. Oh, and active hunters get a discount too."

Alex pondered for a moment, then asked,

"So what’s the fee like? And where exactly is the school located here?"

She pointed through a nearby window and answered,

"The fee is six gold coins per year. The school is just two blocks away from here."

Alex nodded. "Thanks."

When he reached the place, he tilted his head slightly to look up. A massive iron gate stood before him, and above it, bold golden letters forged from the same iron read:

"HUNTER SCHOOL"

Looking around, Alex spotted a man standing guard near the gate—he wore worn leather armor, had grey hair, and several battle scars etched across his face.

Alex walked up to him and asked,

"Hello, sir. If I want to get my little sister admitted, who should I speak to?"

The scarred old hunter’s face lit up with a warm grin.

"You should go inside, lad, and meet the principal."

Alex nodded and stepped through the gate. Children were training across a vast ground—some with swords, others with bows and spears. Their clothes were plain but clean. A few kids were laughing, others focused, all of them spirited.

After asking around, Alex found the principal’s office. He knocked.

The door opened to reveal a man clad in sleek silver metal armor. His grey hair was neatly combed back, and a deep scar ran diagonally across his face—from his forehead, over his nose, down to his chin. His eyes were sharp—like a predator’s.

In a deep, masculine voice, the man said,

"Hello. What can I do for you, kid? If you’re here for your own admission, don’t even bother—I can’t take you."

Alex steadied himself and replied calmly,

"I’m here to ask about admission for my little sister, sir."

The principal raised an eyebrow, then gave a small nod.

"Oh? In that case, please come inside."

They both sat down across from each other.

The principal wasted no time.

"If you already know the fees and other details, let’s get to the point—will your sister be staying at the academy?"

Alex replied calmly, "Yes, she will. And if I want to pay the full fee for several years in advance, will that be a problem?"

The principal leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh.

"So, you’re that type of person—"

He paused, then leaned forward with a serious look.

"That won’t be a problem. But you’ll need to show me your Hunter card."

Alex nodded and handed over the Hunter Guild card he had made before entering the portal.

The man took the card, and his eyes widened in disbelief. He suddenly stood up, slapped the desk, and shouted,

"You’re a student of EE Academy?!"

Alex blinked, confused. "Is there a problem?"

The man looked at Alex, then at the card, then back again. After a long moment, he asked,

"Are you a noble?"

Alex shook his head.

The man looked even more shocked. "Then how...?"

"I took the test and passed," Alex replied flatly.

The principal kept staring at him in stunned silence.

Alex finally sighed and said, irritated,

"Can we focus on what I’m here for?"

Snapping back to his senses, the man nodded quickly.

"Yes, sorry. Yes, you can pay for several years in advance—and you can use your credits here too."

Now Alex was the one surprised. After composing himself, he asked,

"Will 10 years’ worth of credits be enough?"

The principal leaned back, thinking.

"That would be 60 credits. If you want better accommodation and food, just add 10 extra credits."

Alex’s eyes widened.

"Isn’t that quite expensive? One Hunter Guild credit is worth three gold coins. That means you’re charging more than double."

Running a hand through his hair, the principal replied,

"That’s true. But we don’t normally take 10 years’ fees in advance. I’m making an exception—for you."

Alex nodded in understanding, then tapped his bracelet.

"How should I pay?"

"Wait a minute," the man said. He rummaged through a shelf and pulled out a small, smooth, emerald-green ball with golden letters on it. The word "Zero" was inscribed on its surface.

He placed it on the table.

"You can transfer the credits into this."

Alex nodded, scanned it, and tapped to transfer 70 credits. The golden "Zero" on the ball shimmered and changed to "Seventy."

The man asked, "Can you please tell me your little sister’s name?"

"Phoenix," Alex replied.

"What?!" the man exclaimed in shock.

Alex just nodded.

The man sighed and collapsed into his chair.

"You’re quite bad for my heart, kid."

Taking a deep breath, he said in a serious tone,

"Year 7095, May 21st—Phoenix is admitted for 10 years. Full payment—70 credits—confirmed."

Alex nodded. "I’ll bring her here in one week."

As Alex returned to his room on the first floor of the Hunter’s Guild, he gently opened the door and paused. On the bed, the little girl—now with a properly cleaned face—was sleeping soundly, hugging Hati like a teddy bear.

He quietly sat on a nearby chair, his thoughts drifting toward the academy. How do I go back after everything that’s happened? As he thought, his eyes slowly closed, exhaustion finally pulling him into sleep.

His mind remained restless—haunted by what he had experienced on the sixth floor of the Tower. He hadn’t rested for even a second. And now, after all that, his body finally gave in.

Back at the Elemental Excellence Academy

Selene Frostreign sat stiffly in the cafeteria, her icy gaze fixed on the girl across from her.

"You’re so stupid, Rina," Selene said in a cold, cutting tone. "You should have at least explained the situation to Alex before deciding his fate for him."

Rina trembled. Her voice cracked as she replied, "I know... I know. He died because of me... I know..."

Selene didn’t flinch at the tears streaming down her friend’s face. She only sighed and looked away, saying nothing more.

Suddenly, a commotion stirred near the entrance. Selene looked up to see Riven Veylor entering the cafeteria with Lyra Duskthorn at his side.

Her expression turned steely. She stood up and walked toward them, her composure calm yet resolute.

Lyra smiled at her confidently. "Hello, Miss Frostreign."

"Cut the formality, Lyra," Selene said, her voice devoid of emotion. "Do you not feel even a little guilt for turning your back on someone who saved your life—not once, but multiple times?"

Lyra’s confident smile wavered. Her hand tightened around Riven’s, and a shadow of guilt clouded her face.

Sensing her discomfort, Riven stepped forward with a slight edge to his voice. "Miss Frostreign, commoner lives don’t mean much in our world. But before pointing fingers, maybe you should take a good look at yourself."

He paused, smirking. "No, on the contrary—you’re worse. You had a choice. Lyra didn’t."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and led Lyra away. She looked down, blushing slightly, giving a shy smile as they walked off.

Selene stood frozen, fists clenched, tears threatening to fall. She stormed out of the cafeteria and entered the nearest bathroom. She stared into the mirror—into her snowflake-like eyes—and muttered through gritted teeth:

"He... is right. I am... the worst."

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