Looking at the leader section, Atticus's thoughts couldn't help but race once again. The benefits were very enticing, but he couldn't help but be wary about the penalties.

It was far too much!

1% of the total points if any member dies? There were more than 1000 youths under him!

What if all of them 'died'? Wouldn't he become completely bankrupt then?

'What the hell is this,' Atticus thought.

After a few moments of ranting, Atticus's thoughts took on a more contemplative turn.

'They're tying the leaders down with the division members, making sure one can't do without the other,' Atticus deduced.

It was clear what the academy's aim was. They were trying to prepare them for the military; it wasn't surprising that they wanted each youth to experience what it was like to lead and follow orders earlier on.

And honestly, after thinking for a bit, the reason why the penalty for 'death' was so high was clear.

Unlike here in the academy where they all had the help of the artifact to prevent actual death, in real battles, the deaths were real.

It was honestly a wise idea to introduce this concept earlier on. Many of the leaders would be completely wary when giving orders to their division members.

Simply 'losing' a hundred members is enough to bankrupt each of the leaders. It was a no brainer that they would all instinctively pay special attention to their members' lives during battles.

Getting each of them used to this concept earlier on, many of the youths, when it comes to the time to lead in real battle, would all instinctively care about the lives of their subordinates. It was a good feature, really.

After a few moments of pondering, Atticus decided to check out the last category, the shop. Swiftly navigating to it, another display materialized in front of his face.

## SHOP

- **Explanation of DP and AP**

- **Division Shop**

- **Academy Shop**

Gazing at each category, Atticus decided to learn about the points first. Focusing on it, the display changed.

## Explanation of DP and AP

- **DP (Division Points):** This is the currency used to purchase resources for the division as a whole. It can only be utilized in the Division Shop category and can be obtained only by completing the given objectives.

- **AP (Academy Points):** These is the general currency of the academy. Each student with enough points can purchase anything from the academy's shop. AP can be obtained by killing beasts and defeating other students during battles.

**CURRENT POINTS:**

- **AP:** 40,000 pts

- **DP:** 10,000 pts + 50,000 pts (reward for achieving the 2nd rank).

*Note: Only the leader of a division can see the division objectives and the received DP after the mission has been completed. The use of Division points is entirely left to the leader's disgression*

Looking at the explanation, Atticus nodded. There was no need for wasting time in this section; it was easy to understand.

His gaze landed on his currently accumulated points, 'Seems like that rampage was well worth it,' he thought.

Given the sheer number of beasts Atticus had killed, this many points were expected.

Atticus navigated away from this section and checked the other two categories, the Academy shop and the Division shop.

They were both exactly as expected, with the academy shop having arts, potions, runes, weapons, and miscellaneous categories.

Seeing the last category, Atticus could immediately understand what was contained in it. Given the fact that they were each sent to the middle of nowhere, without any heads up or given the chance to prepare, it was obvious many would need basic necessities.

And seeing how the whole expanse was as flat and plain without any buildings in sight, it was clear that they would all have to build their own homes. They were going to live here for the duration of the year anyways.

The division shops also were about what Atticus had expected. Having different categories, buildings, defense, and attack. They were all exactly as their names implied.

After looking through everything, Atticus decided that there was nothing else new he could learn, and then he closed his artifact, turning his gaze towards the Ravenstein youths.

They had all checked their devices too and had all gotten an accurate understanding of the current situation.

"How on earth is this an academy? We're basically fighting a war!" As soon as Nate finished getting the information from his device, he remarked.

Hearing him, most of them couldn't help but agree with him. This was truly one weird academy.

"You're right. But there's nothing we can do about it now but plan our next move," Lucas spoke up.

Atticus nodded at Lucas's words. He had always liked smart people. Although he wasn't 100% sure, Atticus was certain that apart from him, none currently present could match Lucas's intelligence.

He was subtly glad to have Lucas in his division. At least he won't be the one doing all the thinking.

"We should plan our next line of action. Let's gather the rest," Atticus suddenly spoke up, causing the rest of the youths to nod.

Aurora also stood up albeit with a lot of effort.

Just as they all wanted to start heading towards the other youths, a colossal and intense rumbling erupted, shaking the entire expanse.

The ground quivered beneath their feet, and every one of the youths struggled to maintain their balance.

'Not again,' Atticus thought as he quickly held Aurora tired form, supporting and stopping her from falling.

And then, before any of the youths could react, about 200 meters away from the youths, a colossal black spire burst forth from the earth, surging upwards with a relentless determination as though it sought to pierce the very heavens.

It continued its ascent, reaching an astonishing height of 100 feet.

All eyes turned towards the heart of the expanse, witnessing the ominous spectacle unfold.

And then suddenly, the massive black spire, now standing tall, unleashed a blinding blue light that engulfed the entire expanse.