Chapter 35: A Monster Attack in the Academy!
This room was easily five times better than the one Ethan had been living in before.
The moment he stepped inside, he couldn’t help slowly turning in a circle as his eyes wandered across every corner of the room.
Although it wasn’t luxurious enough to rival the dormitories reserved for A and S Rank students, it was more than enough to leave someone like Ethan speechless.
The room was noticeably larger, with enough space for him to actually walk around without feeling like he was trapped inside a storage closet. A neatly made queen-sized bed occupied one side of the room, covered with thick white sheets and a soft-looking comforter that practically screamed, Come sleep on me. Beside it stood a polished wooden bedside table with a warm crystal lamp resting on top.
Against the opposite wall sat a sturdy study desk accompanied by a comfortable chair, while an entire bookshelf had already been built into the wall beside it. Large windows stretched almost from floor to ceiling, allowing bright sunlight to pour into the room while offering a beautiful view of the academy grounds outside.
There was even a separate wardrobe that looked spacious enough to hold several uniforms, a small seating area with two cushioned chairs and a tea table, and what Ethan appreciated the most—
A private bathroom.
A proper one.
Not the tiny excuse for a bathroom he’d had to endure in the F Rank dormitory.
Everything inside still carried that fresh scent unique to newly completed buildings, making the entire room feel clean and welcoming.
"...Wow."
That single word escaped Ethan’s lips before he could stop himself.
He wasn’t usually someone who cared much about where he slept.
After all, surviving the apocalypse had taught him that even the bare floor could become a luxury if it meant surviving another night.
But...
This...
This was genuinely nice.
His lips slowly curled into a grateful smile.
"I really like it."
Jeff smiled back, clearly pleased by Ethan’s reaction.
"I’m glad. The building was only completed recently, so everything’s still brand new. I truly hope you’ll be comfortable here."
"I definitely will." Ethan nodded sincerely before adding, "Thank you for bringing me here."
Jeff waved his hand dismissively. "No problem. If you need anything or have trouble settling in, just ask around. People in this dorm are generally easier to get along with."
"...Unlike certain people who enjoy aiming for people’s faces the moment they meet them."
Jeff burst into another laugh, instantly understanding who Ethan was referring to.
"Yeah... Ryan can be a little difficult."
"A little?" Ethan snorted. "That guy tried introducing himself with his fist."
The two shared another laugh before Jeff handed Ethan his room access card. "Don’t lose it. You’ll need it to enter the dormitory building and unlock your room."
Ethan accepted it carefully before slipping it into his pocket.
"I’ll keep it safe."
Jeff smiled once more before stepping backward. "I’ll see you around."
Ethan chuckled lightly.
"Yeah."
"See you around."
Watching Jeff disappear down the hallway, Ethan quietly shut the door before locking it behind him.
Silence immediately filled the room.
"...Finally."
Without another word, he walked straight toward the bed before allowing himself to collapse face-first onto it.
The mattress sank slightly beneath his weight, embracing him so comfortably that Ethan let out an involuntary groan.
"...Ohhhhh..."
His voice sounded almost emotional.
"This... this is what rich people sleep on?"
He rolled onto his back, staring blankly at the ceiling. "No wonder they don’t have nightmares."
Honestly, if someone buried him inside this mattress right now, he’d probably thank them. And within less than a minute, Ethan had completely surrendered himself to sleep.
...
When he opened his eyes again, bright morning sunlight had already filled the room.
Best sleep of my life.
Stretching lazily, he freshened up before making his way toward the dorm cafeteria. The moment he stepped inside, he nearly stopped walking.
"..."
Was this really a D-rank cafeteria?
His gaze landed on rows of steaming dishes that looked far too delicious compared to the miserable meals served back in the F-rank dormitory.
It made Ethan stare for a while, then silently remembered the food he used to receive in the F-rank dorm.
Those people really hated us.
He filled his tray without the slightest trace of shame. Then went back for seconds.
And...
Thirds.
Only after his stomach was completely full did he finally admit defeat.
"...Worth it."
Feeling both refreshed and satisfied, Ethan returned to his room. The moment he closed the door behind him, the first thing that came to mind was something he had been unable to check since the day before.
His mental sea.
Closing his eyes, Ethan gradually calmed his breathing before allowing his consciousness to sink inward. The instant he opened his eyes, he immediately noticed something was different.
The changes weren’t dramatic. Or enough to transform everything completely.
But they were impossible to miss.
The once tiny, shallow pool had expanded into something much larger, nearly twice its previous size. The water looked noticeably clearer than before, its surface shimmering with faint golden ripples as gentle spiritual energy drifted above it like thin morning mist.
The cracked, dry ground surrounding the pool had also changed. Fresh patches of green grass had begun pushing through the once barren earth, while small smooth stones lined parts of the water’s edge, making the entire place appear far more alive than before.
Even the sky above no longer felt as endlessly dull. Instead, a soft silver glow illuminated the vast space, giving his mental sea a peaceful atmosphere that hadn’t existed previously.
Everything appeared... stronger and more complete. This truly felt like the mental sea of a D-rank Guide.
A small smile found its way onto Ethan’s face. "So this is what ranking up feels like..."
He quietly admired the scenery for another moment before stepping into the clear water.
Since he was no longer under immediate pressure to rank up again, there was no need to recklessly push himself.
For now, simply recovering the spiritual energy he had exhausted over the past few days would be enough. His consciousness slowly lowered itself into the tranquil water before crossing its legs.
Taking a slow, steady breath, Ethan began circulating the cultivation method once more. The spiritual energy surrounding the lake gradually responded, flowing toward him in gentle streams before entering his body, nourishing every exhausted corner of his consciousness.
The outside world slowly faded away as he immersed himself deeper and deeper into cultivation.
Just as his concentration was reaching its peak—
A deafening announcement suddenly exploded through the academy’s loudspeakers.
[Attention all students! Report to the academy’s safety zone immediately! The academy is currently under monster attacks!]