"Well then, I suppose it’s my turn now," Sean said, stepping forward toward the testing machine with relaxed confidence.
He moved into position and clenched his right fist tightly. His stance didn’t appear to change at all. To Vogue’s enhanced perception, it even seed like Sean hadn’t moved a single muscle.
But the testing machine suddenly produced a loud "DING!" sound, and the holographic display imdiately showed new information:
[Talent Detected: Speed Enhancent]
[Grade: A-Rank]
Vogue felt genuine shock run through him for the first ti in this interaction. His eyes widened slightly as he processed what he was seeing.
This was the first ti he had personally witnessed soone with such an incredibly high-grade talent. A-Rank was extraordinarily rare, appearing in perhaps one in ten thousand people at best.
And a speed-based A-Rank talent at that. Speed was one of the most universally useful abilities in combat. It enhanced movent, reaction ti, attack speed, and evasion all simultaneously.
Vogue realized with complete certainty that if he himself had possessed such a talent, combined with his other advantages, he would beco absolutely freakishly powerful. The combination would be nearly unstoppable at his current level.
No wonder Sean carried himself with such confidence and had connections powerful enough to bypass normal procedures. He wasn’t just so rich kid trading on his family na. He was a genuine prodigy with elite-tier talent backing up his status.
Mr. Malcolm’s reaction to Sean’s result was notably more restrained than his response to Vogue’s dual talents. He simply nodded with satisfaction, as though this was exactly what he had expected to see.
"Excellent as always, Young Master Sean," Mr. Malcolm said respectfully. "Your talent grade remains stable and powerful. Shall we proceed with completing both registrations now?"
Sean nodded, and Mr. Malcolm began typing information into the computer system, officially recording both of their talents in the Citadel’s databases.
After completing the talent assessnt, Mr. Malcolm pulled up a new screen on the computer and addressed both young n with a professional tone.
"Now then, we need to record which universities you plan to attend for your continued cultivation education. You may select up to two choices: a primary preference and a secondary backup option. What are your selections?"
There were hundreds of universities scattered throughout the three rings of the city, but only a handful were truly prestigious enough to matter for students with exceptional talents.
Vogue had already researched this decision carefully before coming here today. He spoke clearly and without hesitation.
"My first choice is Valor University. My second choice is Malevolent University."
The mont those words left Vogue’s mouth, both Mr. Malcolm and the young woman who had just returned with refreshnts stopped what they were doing and stared at him with visible surprise.
Valor University was unsurprising as a first choice. It was the absolute top-ranked institution in all three rings of the city combined, with the best instructors, the most resources, and the highest success rate for producing powerful cultivators. Everyone with talent aspired to attend Valor if they could qualify.
But Malevolent University as a second choice? That was genuinely shocking.
Mr. Malcolm cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"Young Master Vogue, you are aware that Malevolent University has an extrely high mortality rate among its students, correct? Approximately fifty percent of students who enroll there die before graduation. It’s widely considered the most dangerous educational institution in all the inner rings."
The young woman added nervously,
"Students actually die there actively during their training. The university’s philosophy is that real strength only cos through life-or-death experiences, so they deliberately put students in situations where death is a genuine possibility. Many families forbid their children from attending even if accepted."
Vogue shrugged casually.
"It’s just a second choice as backup. I’m planning to get into Valor University as my primary option, so it shouldn’t matter."
His calm, indifferent tone suggested he had already considered the risks and wasn’t particularly concerned about them.
Mr. Malcolm exchanged a glance with the young woman but ultimately just nodded and entered the selections into the system. It wasn’t his place to argue with students about their educational choices, no matter how questionable those choices seed.
After a few more minutes of data entry and verification, Mr. Malcolm printed out two physical identification cards and handed one to each of them.
"These are your official Stellar Knight ID cards," he explained. "With these credentials, you can legally enter dinsional zones to hunt radiant beasts, harvest spiritual herbs, mine cultivation materials, and access restricted areas throughout the city. The cards also serve as proof of your legal status and grant you various privileges under Citadel law. Keep them safe at all tis."
Vogue examined his ID card carefully. It was made of so kind of durable tal rather than plastic, with his photo, na, talent information, and a unique identification number engraved on its surface. The card felt solid and well-made, clearly designed to last.
Sean suddenly turned to Vogue with a thoughtful expression and asked a question that had apparently been on his mind.
"Vogue, are you planning to exchange any of your techniques with the Citadel Archives? You could receive equivalent-grade techniques in return, which is often a good way to diversify your abilities."
Vogue shook his head imdiately.
"No, thank you. I’m content with what I currently have."
Sean looked slightly surprised by the quick refusal but didn’t press the issue.
"Alright, fair enough. Everyone has their own preferences."
Sean himself, however, walked over to a different terminal in the room and began the exchange process. He pulled out three books from his storage device and submitted them to the system.
The books were scanned and analyzed. Two of them were identified as Earth Grade combat techniques, and the third was a Sky Grade ditation thod. These were extrely valuable items that most people would never willingly give up, but Sean handed them over without any visible hesitation or regret.
In exchange, he received access codes that would allow him to download three different techniques of equivalent grades from the Citadel’s extensive archives.
While Sean was completing his exchange, he was directed to enter a separate private room where the actual transaction would take place. Even the administrative staff weren’t allowed to enter this room, as all exchanges were completely confidential to prevent information about people’s abilities from spreading.
"Wait for out here," Sean said to Vogue before entering. "I need to discuss sothing important with you once I’m finished."
Vogue stared at the closed door of the private exchange room but decided he might as well wait and hear what Sean wanted to say. The young man had been helpful so far and seed genuinely friendly rather than having hidden motives.
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