Chapter 49: Point System

We all understood the significance of these points. They could be used to purchase items, secret arts, training materials, and various other resources that would enhance our capabilities throughout our academy career. I remembered this system well from the novel. It was designed to force students to compete and fight for high rankings, not just individually but as unified classes. There would be numerous class-based activities that required everyone’s participation, and the failure of a single student could drag the entire class down in the rankings. "The class that demonstrates the greatest overall strength by the end of the semester will receive a special prize," Sylvia continued. "To be considered the strongest class, you must excel in all team-based activities as a collective unit. If you struggle in group exercises, don’t be discouraged, there are still individual-based examinations where you can prove your worth and gain prizes, although they don’t carry as much weight as the team activities." Everyone looked excited by the prospect, and I had to admit I felt some anticipation as well. 100,000 points was a substantial starting amount that opened up many possibilities. Unlike the obvious applications of these points, purchasing equipment, basic secret arts, or standard academy resources. I had a different use in mind for mine. The academy’s point system was more flexible than most students realized, and there were certain opportunities that could only be accessed through creative application of these credits. My knowledge of future events would allow me to make strategic investments that other students couldn’t even imagine. "Alright everyone, this marks the end of our class. We didn’t go through much this lesson, mostly because it’s your first lesson and we needed to set the basics down and get to know each other. From the next lessons onward, we will be going into more practical teaching which will happen in section G. You can familiarise yourself with the training ground before our next lesson. Does any of you have any questions?" Elen raise her hand and sylvia gestured for her to speak. "Instructor Sylvia, when will we start our extra modules? and will failing or passing them get us any punishments or rewards?" The other students nodded including myself, it was certainly a good question. "Thank you for your question, student Elen. As for the start date, it will most likely start next week, as for the the failing and passing, you would have been told by your module teacher, but since we still have some time before the end of the class, I will answer your question." The students nodded gratefully, Sylvia’s easy going demeanour was really refreshing. "Passing the module will earn you points, exceling in the module will earn you even more points which you already know the use of. Furthermore, it will help you rank higher compared to those who don’t take extra modules. As for the ranking, you already know that ranking high is highly encouraged and being in the top 10 would get you benefits such as enhanced rank magical items, or secret arts." Everyone immediately grasped the benefit of participating in optional modules. Students could use these extra points to gain advantages over fellow classmates with similar combat abilities, and they could compensate for weaknesses in academics or combat performance compared to others of equivalent rank. "Additionally," Sylvia continued, "the academy views module participation as evidence of serious commitment to personal development. This can influence recommendation letters and future opportunities beyond graduation to adventurer guilds." "Any other questions before we conclude?" Sylvia asked, scanning the classroom with those striking blue eyes. I looked around and nobody seemed to have any questions. "Well, you are free to go. See you in a few hours." Sylvia said, concluding the end of the lesson officially. As everyone started to get up and leave, Elen walked to my table. "Hey, want to grab some lunch?" It seemed like Elen had opened up a little to me, since I was the only person she spoke to in the first day, she found it easier to come to me. My smile faded slightly before I returned it. This was where one of the weaknesses of being a vampire showed itself in social interactions. I couldn’t eat normal food without it tasting absolutely revolting. I thought about what excuse I could use, and in the end decided to go with her but act like none of the food appealed to me. "Sure," I replied, gathering the study materials I was handed earlier. We made our way to Section F, the academy’s commercial district. Many students were already out and about, enthusiastically using their newly acquired points to purchase secret arts, dormitory essentials, and various other items from the academy shops. But I knew they would regret this spending spree soon enough. I remembered this detail well from the novel. Most of them assumed they would receive this generous 100,000 point salary monthly, but reality would prove otherwise. They would only earn substantial points by performing well in team examinations, and most students failed those assessments miserably initially. I didn’t bother explaining this to the other students we passed, however. But I did share this insight with Elen as we walked. "You know," I said carefully, "I have a feeling that 100,000 points might not be a monthly guarantee. It seems more likely that future point allocations will depend heavily on our performance in those team examinations Sylvia mentioned." Elen paused mid-step, her blue eyes widening as she processed this possibility. "That... actually makes a lot of sense. The academy wouldn’t just hand out that much currency regularly without some kind of merit-based system." She nodded thoughtfully. "You’re probably right. I was actually considering spending a good portion of my points on some advanced alchemy texts, but maybe I should be more conservative with my purchases." "I think that’s wise," I agreed. "Better to save most of our points until we understand the system better." "Thank you for that insight," she said with genuine gratitude. "I would have made a costly mistake otherwise." As we walked I felt her initial barrier slightly melt, her impression of me was getting better and that was good. We continued toward the dining area, each having their own thoughts.