The Wasteland.
The major academies were like an invisible web, covering this barren land as it rose day by day, reaching into every corner and even steadily encroaching on the distant Middle Earth.
The hands controlling this vast web belonged to the three pillars of order and the seven central academies.
Or, more precisely, to the giants at the pinnacle of those central academies. From the shadows, they wielded supreme authority to indirectly control everything in the Academic World.
Now, the century's once-in-a-hundred-years academy competition had finally come to an end.
Compared with the previous cycle, the list no longer included Fladick Academy. In its place was Life Tree Academy.
Reilo naturally knew some of the truth behind it.
At that moment.
Moon Lotus Anna, the [Moon Eye], was in the secret office of the Grand Natural Sciences Academy, paying a visit to a person of extraordinary standing in the Academic World, a reclusive Taidou who had long since become a legend: Reilo, the [Sun Power].
Moon Lotus Anna had now mastered Law Power and entered the Pioneer tier. Even so, it was only fitting to say she was paying him a visit. He had been in seclusion for far too long; except at major events, he scarcely appeared before the world anymore. Like the Creator of Light of old, he seemed lofty and beyond reach.
So Moon Lotus Anna knew how precious an opportunity it was to meet him at such close quarters.
"Esteemed Master Reilo, a hundred years have passed since we last met. Time has flown, and the Academic World has prospered. Its progress is inseparable from your great wisdom."
There was no need to dwell on flattery. It was superfluous, yet indispensable.
Reilo set down his book. The troubles etched across his face were hard to