The Demon Monarch System

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Shortly after Robyn left, he reappeared. In his hands were two things. Firstly, there was a diamond embezzled card. Compared to the cards Apollo seen the other student marveling at upon leaving, this card was far more luxurious. Moreover, it was also the only one Apollo had witnessed. 

Unless they put away their things early, Apollo felt he was the only one to present a diamond offer thus far.

Secondly, Robyn's held a spatial ring. Here in the academy, they no longer used primitive means such as spatial pouches. Contrarily, they graduated to using the more convenient counterpart, a spatial ring.

"Here you go. This is 5 times the standard of a diamond apprentice soldier. In addition to 1,000 usable academic credits, there are also 150 pieces of Spirit Stones as well as ample resources for Body Cultivation," Robyn informed as he presented Apollo the two items.

'Five times? So that's what he meant by him doing me a favor. I wonder if this will cause any dilemmas with the Headmaster? Well, since he offered, I might as well accept. Besides, with the way he worded it, he views this as a transaction as well,' Apollo thought while reaching out his hand.

As he claimed them, there was a pensive look on his face. While he was familiar with Spirit Shards, he was completely unfamiliar with Spirit Stones. Not to mention, for some reason, 150 sounded small to him. Fortunately, Robyn was perceptive and understood the disconnect in Apollo's mind.

"I'm guessing Spirit Stones are a foreign concept to you. In simple terms, they are Spirit Shards in a far more complete and purer state. Due to this, the energy inside isn't just more potent, it is easier to consume. If it were put side by side with a Spirit Shard, then the energy inside a stone is equivalent to just over 100 shards. 

"To summarize, you can think of these 150 stones as being equivalent to 15,000 Spirit Stones. Should you come back at a later time, we can discuss the conversion ratios. For now, take your leave so I can allow the next person in. The day is eluding us as there is still a sizable crowd left to deal with," Robyn asked while showing Apollo the door. 

Since he already, Apollo nodded, "Sure, I'll also like to look at the catalog later as well."

"Very well," Robyn replied while looking at Apollo's exiting figure. As he gazed at him, Robyn smirked. With his wisdom gained over the years, he knew this deal was worthwhile. With what was present on Apollo's card, just thinking about the grandeur that would be attached to Apollo's name made Robyn giddy.

As such, he fulfilled all the following order with elation. There was no way his mood would sour with the possible treasures in the future. After all, there was an expedition to a secret realm that nearly all freshmen had to partake in.

Truth be told, this was how he made all his deals. By investing in their earlier stages, Robyn was given a tiny fraction of the items they received at that time. When weighed side by side, the exchange was fair.

In exchange for better initial standards as well as a larger chance at obtaining a smooth advancement to the next year, they just had to offer a tiny part of the rewards from their final graduation examination. Not to mention, his assistance didn't appear to be a one time offer.

Meanwhile, Apollo made his way back to the Housing Area. Similar to the Resource Hall, it was manned by an older male. Except, he was far younger, seeming to be in his middle ages. As he looked at Apollo, his physique teemed with battle-hardened intent.

"Welcome freshmen, may I see your identification card," the male asked while standing guard before the gate. 

In response, Apollo pulled out his card. Upon doing so, the male smiled and nodded.

"Ah, so you've received the diamond offer. While I can't show favoritism, I expect great things from you. Less than 20 of those are handed out here every year. Hence, you should count yourself lucky. By the way, my name is Corvin, overseer of the Outer Barrack's Housing Area," Corvin nodded with a tinge of praise.

It was always a shock to see that luxurious card being pulled out. It depicted one with a great future ahead of them.

"The name's Apollo," Apollo greeted. Afterward, he remembered something Lance had mentioned earlier, "I was told during the freshmen guide that there are different level personal quarters, is that so?"

"Very. Usually, we don't present the choice until some weeks in due to you freshmen having a lack of academic credits. But, there are always some loopholes and leeway made for those who show they deserve it. And, by that card, I can see that you do," Corvin answered.

He then turned around and waved for Apollo to follow him while disclosing even more information, "Since you have that card, you should have ample academic credits. Thus, I'll tell you the quarters are divided into four different types.

"At the lowest, you have basic which is then followed by the intermediate counterpart. On top of that is advanced and finally, there are the special quarters. I'll tell you now, it isn't advised for you to choose the last one. Unlike the other three which have to option of using Spirit Shards and academic credits, special quarters can only be rented with academic credits," Corvin warned.

Due to this, Apollo became far more curious. If that living couldn't be rented with spirit shards, that meant one or a few things. First and foremost, this area was meant for the freshmen who were the cream of the crop. Next, this also meant there was a limited number of such rooms. 

Last and most importantly, this meant it was situated for those who existed on the top ranking. Only those people would have enough academic credits to spare in order to shoulder the exuberant monthly cost of the rooms.

"Oh, and I forgot to tell you. The quarters all operate on a monthly payment system. You can opt to either pay in the beginning or at the end for 10% extra. As for the prices, here is the list," Corvin snapped his wrist in the direction of Apollo. 

A few moments later, Apollo raised his arm and caught a scroll. Upon unraveling it, he caught wind of the appalling prices, especially so far the lauded special quarters.

[Basic Living Quarters - 15 Academic Credits or 45 Spirit Shards per month.]

[Intermediate Living Quarters - 35 Academic Credits or 140 Spirit Shards per month.]

[Advanced Living Quarters - 175 Academic Credits or 700 Spirit Shards per month.]

[Special Living Quarters - 500 Academic Credits per month.]

After reading the information, Apollo could only stand there in shock. With his 1,000 points, he could only rent the top area for 2 months. After that, if he didn't find a way to secure a steady influx of credits, he would be broke. 

One must remember, this wasn't accounting for the cultivation resources he would need to replace. This meant, at most, his points would last for a month. Thus, he was conflicted. Should he risk it and gamble on the highest room or should he take the safer route and test the waters.

After ample time spent pondering this matter, Apollo asked Corvin a question, "Under normal circumstances, what would consider the best route for someone who wields a diamond card? A choice that wouldn't burden the academic points."

"If we take into account the everyday expenditure, then it is advised you settled for advanced living quarters. Furthermore, you should split the cost between spirit shards and academic points. This is because there are certain areas that only take credits as payments. It's better to be safe than sorry," Corvin commented.

"Then let's do it that way for now. I'll take an advanced living quarter. But, I'd like to pay it all with spirit shards," Apollo stated. Afterward, he pulled out 700 Spirit Shards without delay.

"Ah, smart choice. In truth, the exchange ratio for academic points to Spirit Shards is 1:10, but we don't tell the students that. It is up to them to ascertain information rather than assume. Nevertheless, here is your entry inscription," Corvin chuckled while shooting a ray of energy on the back of Apollo's palm.

The marking of the number '74' appeared on his hand. Corvin then told him which path to take to arrive at his door.

After settling himself, Apollo fell out onto a spacious bed. Now that the continuous battle and stressful stage was over, he needed rest. After all, tomorrow marked the start of his never-ending cycle of learning and advancing.