Kirian was still in no rush to get to White City. He started moving towards the outer area of Wild’s Forest. On the way Kirian tested out his new strength and killed some lower level beasts to harvest their meat and a few extra goodies. After 2 days he made it to the outer section. He was just a day’s journey away from White City, so the number of people around instantly grew.

Kirian stopped near a stream for a short break. He started a fire and began to roast the tender beast meat he recently harvested. Fresh is always better. As he was flipping the piece of meat over the fire, he heard a few voices approaching. He looked up and saw 3 youths coming out of the nearby bushes. They had spots of dirt on their robes. Kirian guessed they were from White City’s academies but couldn’t tell which. They most likely were also on their way back to the city, so Kirian let his guard down and continued his business.

The 3 youths, 1 boy and 2 girls, made their way to the stream to tidy up before entering the city. The boy was roughly Kirian’s height while the girls were a few inches shorter. The girl with short brown hair was the loudest of the group. She instantly let out a large sigh as the water splashed on her face. “Quinn, I can’t wait until we get back. This last week has been exhausting. This isn’t enough. Let’s go to the hot springs when we get back!”

Quinn was the other girl who had sleek black hair, a slender body, and a blue ribbon tied to the left side of her hair. She giggled and softly replied “mhmm. We can do that, but we have to report back first.” The boy quickly followed up. “Julie, Quinn is right. You can have fun later. We should reach White City this afternoon and then you’ll need to report to the 5th elder. After you get your reward, I’ll take you girls out for hotpot.

Julie instantly shouted, “Deal!” Followed by two thumbs up. Since they were discussing food, Julie couldn’t help but turn towards Kirian. “Hey there! What are you cooking? Do you have extra? Can we join?” Before Kirian had a chance to answer any of her questions, she had sat down right across from him.

Quinn and Lawrence seemed accustomed to her brazen behavior as they followed behind her. Lawrence had a strong build but wasn’t too bulky. He had long legs and a wide back. He was a typical handsome guy with his bright blue eyes. He introduced the three. The two girls were from 1st high, while Lawrence attended 2nd high. Lawrence took some time off to accompany the two girls on their task as Julie was his girlfriend. Right after the introductions, Lawrence gave Julie a side glance. His eyes were basically scolding her for approaching strangers. Julie rolled her eyes in response.

Kirian gave a light smile. “I’m Kirian. I’m also on my way to White City.” Julie rattled off a string of questions, “oh, what academy are you from? Wait, you don’t have the symbol on your clothes. Are you new? Do you need recommendations? Do you want this big sister to guide you around the city? Wait, why are you eating? Can I please have some!?” Meanwhile, Quinn let out another soft giggle while her and Lawrence sat on each side of Julie.

Kirian couldn’t help but think to himself, ‘This must be one of those fateful encounters that everyone talks about. To run into such a rowdy girl right away…’ As Julie finished her questions, Kirian tuned in. He smiled again and pulled out a few more portions of beast meat to cook. It was better to make friends than enemies. “Ahh yes.” Kirian shrugged his shoulders, “I haven’t joined an institution yet. I plan on doing that soon but I’m not really in a rush. If this might big sister could give me some basic understanding of White City than I’ll happily give you this piece of meat.” Kirian waved the piece of meat around and Julie instantly snatched it. She took a large bite and proceeded to start explaining. Kirian chuckled while Lawrence was shaking his head from embarrassment. This girl of his was always embarrassing herself.

Lawrence took over the conversation as Julie was way too preoccupied to hold up her end of the bargain. “There are 4 main institutions in White City. Each school is numbered based on when they were established. 1st high was established over 200 years before 4th high, so they are naturally the most favored school. However, my school, 2nd high, is not far behind. We have accumulated a lot of merit and prestige over the last 50 years due to a graduated team that reached the purple level. As young geniuses they naturally garnered attention and since all 4 of them came from 2nd high people re-evaluated the institution to be a close contender with 1st high.”

Most Cain members are recommended to join an institution in the city. This helps them meet others their age while providing them with a framework to grow. When Arnie left, he joined 2nd high. Kirian planned on checking out 2nd high as Arnie spoke highly of it, so meeting Lawrence was a happy coincidence.

Lawrence continued on, “Despite 3rd and 4th high not being as prestigious. They have accumulated merits in other professions. If your goal were to become a strong cultivator that was more well-rounded then 1st or 2nd high would be a good fit. If you weren’t as talented in the field you would be interested in 3rd or 4th high due to their specialized interest in developing professions like alchemy, forging, best taming etc.”

Quinn interjected, “Even though 1st and 2nd high are seen as rivals there is a pretty good relationship between the two.” “HAHA! If it wasn’t due to this how could I let Lawrence go to 2nd high!” Julie joined in.

Lawrence ignored Julie. He proceeded to give out more facts regarding the institutions while Kirian finished cooking. After everyone ate, Kirian had a better understanding of the institutions. He also heard that there were well-known merchant stores, trade centers, and professional services that are commonly frequented by students.

Before he parted ways with Julie, Quinn, and Lawrence they agreed to meet up in 2 days outside of 1st high. Lawrence insisted on repaying the favor and buying him a meal back. Before then, Julie insisted that Kirian go get a communication crystal so they could keep in touch.

Kirian walked towards the city with a lot on his mind. It looks like the coming days will be busy.