The door of the Great Serpent Cultivation School opened, and two figures stepped out from the island behind.
"I can find my way out from here," Apollo said, turning to the person beside him. The young man looked around 16 or 17 years old, with umber-colored hair, black eyes, and an average face. He wore the black and white uniform, but this particular one had three blue lines on the collar that extended onto the shoulders.
"Are you sure, Senior Brother Yoma?" Eli asked, staring at the 'kid' in front of him with mixed emotions. His tone was awkward, but he forced himself to sound natural.
"Of course," Apollo replied, pointing towards the gate a dozen meters away. "I just need a minute or two of walking straight, and I'll be out. Don't worry—I won't get lost."
"If that's the case, then I'll stay here and watch you walk out," Eli said with a determined voice.
"If that makes you feel better, go ahead," Apollo shrugged and was about to turn around when he noticed the young man seemed to have something on his mind. "Go on, don't be afraid to ask."
"Well…" Eli sighed, still staring at the 'kid' with perplexity, amazement, and curiosity. "I just can't believe the Headmaster personally appointed a new Senior Martial Student without any announcement or news. It's so sudden. And looking at you…"
"I look nothing like a Senior Martial Student, right? More like a beggar?" Apollo finished the thought for him. This was his new identity now, besides being a Beggar. But it was a cover, meant to hide his 'true' identity as the Headmaster's Personal Disciple.
"That's one way to put it," Eli scratched his cheek, eyeing Apollo's ragged outfit bitterly. "But you're definitely a kid, right? Headmaster Axton said so, and I wouldn't dare doubt him. Plus, you're allowed to stay outside the school, unlike us. We have to submit a request or wait for special circumstances."
"You could just say I'm one of those special circumstances," Apollo smiled.
"I see, haha. Sorry if I said something offensive," Eli apologized, bowing his head to the newly appointed Senior Brother of the Great Serpent Cultivation School. At the moment, only Eli knew this news.
"No offense taken," Apollo waved him off.
"That's a relief," Eli sighed. "Fortunately, you're not like some of the other Senior Brothers and Sisters who flaunt their status and bully those below them."
"Oh, you shouldn't let them do that to you," Apollo said, looking at Eli seriously. "Revenge is a dish best served hot."
It was the exact opposite of the saying, but who cares? Apollo didn't. He was just trying to help the young man. Even though Eli hadn't shared all the details, Apollo could easily paint the picture. It was clear Eli had been bullied for a while. What if they banded together and didn't wait long?
Heck, they might even choose to get revenge.
"That's… wise advice," Eli's eyes brightened, and the way he looked at Apollo changed. "You truly deserve the title of Senior Brother!"
"Haha," Apollo chuckled, shaking his head. "Anyway, I should get going now. Heed my advice, and you shall see…"
Only sorrow and defeat, with a very small chance of victory.
"I hope to see you again soon, Senior Brother Yoma!" Eli bowed his head enthusiastically.
"Yeah, yeah!" Apollo waved, walking toward the gate as Eli's eyes followed him. Only when Apollo stepped outside the school did the gaze finally disappear.
Apollo glanced at the two guards stationed by the gate. Despite the gate opening on its own, the guards remained unfazed. Their discipline impressed him—they didn't even spare him a glance.
Suddenly, the clatter of hooves echoed in the distance. Turning towards the sound, Apollo spotted the same carriage that had brought him to the school, now stopping in front of him.
The door opened on its own, and the charioteer jumped down from the driver's seat, bowing his head to the newly appointed 'Senior Brother.'
"Good day, Senior Brother. From now on, I will be your personal driver," the charioteer announced.
Personal driver? The Headmaster is really thoughtful, Apollo thought, shaking his head. "No need. After you drop me off today, I can manage on my own," he said.
"B-but the Headmaster personally tasked me," the driver replied, looking up with a troubled expression.
"I insist, so don't worry about it," Apollo smiled before walking toward the carriage and hopping inside.
The driver sighed but returned to his seat. Soon, the carriage began moving, the rhythmic sound of hooves filling the air.
Leaning back to sit more comfortably, Apollo fell deep in thought. Taking out the Advance Cultivation Bead, he recalled his earlier conversation with the Great Serpent Headmaster.
After accepting the position as Axton's Personal Disciple, they discussed his rewards. He could receive 4 to 5 Advance Cultivation Beads each month, but the Headmaster advised against using more than one at a time. Overuse would be harmful to his cultivation, as his body would need time—two to four weeks—to consolidate the effects of each bead.
The proper method, Axton explained, was to draw Qi from the bead rather than from the surrounding environment.
On another note, the Headmaster mentioned that meeting with the Mayor was unnecessary, though he didn't elaborate. Axton also assured Apollo that the Great Serpent School's techniques were far superior to anything found in Klown's Library, so there was no need to seek techniques from the city's collection.
Though Apollo could have spent some time choosing a Cultivation Technique, he decided to delay that for now. He wanted to see how far he could progress with his Revised Simple Breathing Technique. If he ever felt it wasn't enough, he could return to the Great Serpent School. For now, his current battle techniques seemed sufficient.
Reflecting on the benefits of being the Headmaster's Personal Disciple, Apollo couldn't quite understand why he was given so much freedom.
Is it because I'm a Wanderer? he thought, realizing he had forgotten to ask what exactly that meant.
Shaking his head, he tucked the bead back into his robe. When he looked outside, he noticed the carriage turning right, heading toward the street where his beggar spot was located.
"You can drop me off here," Apollo said. The carriage halted, and he stepped out, nodding to the charioteer. "Thanks."
"I could take you all the way to your place," the driver offered.
"No need," Apollo shook his head. "You can go now."