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Chapter 57 - Academy

[Red Dragon Set]

[Bonus Stats: 500 Health Points, 50 Physical Defence, 50 Elemental Defence.]

[Bonus Effects: 20% Fire Resistance]

[Socket Slots: 4]

[Equipped Slots: 2xFire Essence Crystal]

[Requirements: Lvl. 15, 10 Intelligence.]

"I'm definitely taking it," Liu Ye announced without hesitation, only needing a glance at the stats to know it was simply perfect for him. 

The eyes of the red dragon were made out of two Fire Essence Crystals which gave him a little bit of Fire Resistance. If he combined them with the Elemental Defence, he could probably half the damage taken from the Firebenders. 

"Sweet, let's proceed to the checkout then," the salesman nodded in approval as he carried the outfit to the cash register. "This piece has two more empty slots on its sleeves so Sir can insert desirable Essence Crystals for additional effects." 

"Oh, where can I get them?" Liu Ye wondered as he withdrew 1000 gold. "Is it possible to replace them too?"

He would normally ask for a 20% discount from the Permit but he was already hit with a bigger discount. 

"You can get them in the official jewelry store and yes, our store can remove and equip Essence Crystals of different tiers into the sockets. The adjustment fee is 50 gold though so it's best to come over with a complete set," the salesman informed. "The Essence Crystals are the main reason the outfits cost so much. High Tiered Essence Crystals are very rare which ranks up the price." 

Liu Ye already knew he was basically cheating his way into the later stages of a game so maybe once he reaches that level he wouldn't be so pained at the high prices. 

He didn't hesitate and equipped the outfit as soon as he got it into his hands. Sure enough, it fit him perfectly and the hood looked cool. He could still see everything even when he hid his eyes with it. 

"Do you have any more of them?" Liu Ye questioned. "My Guild Leader might be interested in buying some."

Xu Yue will definitely want to equip her elite Guild with them when she sees him like that. 

"This model is already out of production and seems to be the last one made but we could probably reproduce on demand if the boss agrees. Every piece is original so the Boss rarely agrees to any copies," the salesman explained. 

"If I were to order 100 sets, would you make it exclusive to me?" Liu Ye asked curiously. "My Guild Leader would buy them in bulk once she reaches the Emerald City." 

The 100 sets caused the salesman to widen his eyes and even the boss came out from the back once again. 

"If your Guild Leader were to order 100 sets, I would only charge you 150,000 gold in total and you can have the design exclusively for yourself," Jack the Tailor proposed, surprising everyone. 

"Perfect. I will relay the news then. Please put the offer on hold," Liu Ye acknowledged with a nod. 

"Sure, come back any time," Jack replied while following him with his eyes. 

"Is there perhaps something I can help you with?" Liu Ye bet on his luck but Jack shook his head after a quick lookover. 

"You are not strong enough to help me. Maybe once you grow stronger." 

Liu Ye could only sigh and continue with his journey. Normally he would have exclamation marks on the map with quests to collect but the Emerald City was empty for him. It seemed like he was too lower levelled to even be considered as help. 

'Time for the Grind then.' 

Even if Liu Ye leveled up, his abilities didn't improve one bit. He spent all morning without any farming which brought shame to his name. 

After 20 minutes in the Robo Taxi, Liu Ye has finally arrived near the Academy and was confused by the large number of people queueing up by the gate. All of them were excited and chatted with each other as if it was their best day ever. 

When Liu Ye got out and searched for Marco though, he was surprised to see him in the queue as well. If Liu Ye didn't show up, Marco would probably continue the quest by himself and enter the Academy. 

"Oh, you are finally here!" Marco called out when Liu Ye uncovered his hood ever so slightly. "How did you escape those thieves?"

[Marco - Lvl. 12] 

Marco leveled up with him even though he was an NPC but now that Liu Ye's level was higher, he couldn't see his identity through the mask. 

"I just outran them once I reached the crowds," Liu Ye replied casually and looked at the queue. "What is this line for?" 

"It's for all the aspiring benders who wish to enter the Academy. The recruitment is open all year round so one can attend the test as long as they have money to pay the fee," Marco explained quietly. "I tried to bypass the queue earlier but apparently you can't enter the Academy grounds unless you are a student or have at least a Light Green Permit. I could only follow the same route as everyone to enter." 

"I see, follow me then. I don't plan to wait in the queue," Liu Ye suggested boldly which made him receive a bit of attention from the other youngsters. They frowned at him but he simply ignored them and walked alongside the queue. 

It didn't seem like the line was moving fast so they would have to spend 1-2 hours just to reach the front. He didn't plan to join the Academy so that wasn't an option for them. 

"Hey, there is a queue!"

Liu Ye approached the Academy Officials by the special counter when a male voice raised his complaints. It was their turn but Liu Ye cut in the queue without saying a word. 

"I am talking to you!" the man called out again while reaching out to him but Liu Ye sidestepped and grabbed his wrist. Before he could react, Liu Ye already bent his arm behind his back and kicked his knees to make him fall down. 

"Be careful who you touch or you might lose your arm," Liu Ye threatened and let go of him before the Academy Officials stopped him. Even though it was the game based on elements, he could use his knowledge of martial arts to his advantage. 

Everyone in the queue thought Liu Ye would be apprehended by the officials but to everyone's surprise, they didn't seem to care much and instead looked at him impressed. 

"Nice moves," the Academy Official nodded in approval. "Do you perhaps have a Gre—"

Liu Ye didn't let him finish as he magically pulled out his Light Green Permit.

"Just as I thought. Are you here to make use of the Academy Facilities or perhaps want to join the Academy?" the Academy Official questioned curiously as he gazed at Marco. "Does Sir also have the Permit?" 

"He is my guard and we are here for a visit," Liu Ye explained shortly while demanding boldly. "He is coming inside with me." 

He didn't throw the youngster on the ground cause he was mean but to show he wasn't just some random. Too bad, it wasn't enough in the end. 

"I'm sorry but you can't enter the Academy Grounds without the Permit or the Student identification. We can't break the rul—" 

Liu Ye moved before the Academy Official finished and approached the table with five white crystal balls. They looked the same as during the Elemental Score test but seeing 5 of them, they were probably testing each Element separately. 

He ignored them all and touched each crystal one by one till all of them filled with colored mist. Half of the Water Element crystal turned blue while the rest had a relatively even amount. 

"Which one of you will tell the dean that I decided to never enter the Academy because you refused to let my guard follow me inside?" Liu Ye asked as he covered his eyes and walked past them. "Marco, let's go."

Just as he thought, the Academy Officials didn't stop them. They conversed with each other and one of them stood up before rushing away. Liu Ye could only guess that they went to inform the higher-ups about his presence, which only strengthened his belief that benders with the potential to master all 5 Elements were rare. 

"What's the name of the Lord's Daughter?" Liu Ye questioned after walking further from the gate. "We need to find her quickly. I need to continue my training." 

Liu Ye originally planned to use Marco for more grinding but it seemed it would be hard to pull him away from the quest. If there is no follow-up quest, Liu Ye would simply teleport to the training zone and start grinding to lvl 20. 

"Her name is Avi. A beautiful blonde with a slim figure and sexy legs," Marco described with a bright smile. "You will know it's her when you meet her. She has the presence of the main character."

"Is it her then?"