Classless Ascension

****(POV)

On the outskirt of D-23, plenty of Climbers were assembled along with journalists. Many were clamoring, asking questions, while others patiently waited to join the school! It was loud, and there were many conversations.

"When do you think we'll be able to go in?"

"Not sure, but these guards sure are stern. They are so wary. It's almost as if they're expecting to be attacked!"

"Are you crazy? There is no way anyone would invade this place! It has the support of all the regional Metropolises!"

That is when a few people were seen relaxedly exiting the forest. They looked valiant, confident, and quickly sized the crowd.

"Psst'” I think these people are from Draconic."

"Wait, that man is Roderick! You know, the leader of the Black Legion!"

"Then, who's the guy at the front?! Who is he to walk with these bigshots?"

But that is when he addressed them all.

"Hello, all. I'm Frank, the one in charge of recruiting here. Anyone who wishes to join the school can follow me for the acceptance interview. Let's do this as quickly as possible!"

A reporter interrupted, raising her mic toward him. "Sir, please tell us more details about this place! We are all extremely curious and'”" But, Frank raised his hand to stop her.

"If you're curious, then you can also apply! Of course, there won't be any special treatment for anyone. Alright, let's go!"

A few reporters seemed to be considering whether a scoop was worth 10k. The ones in the know could only chuckle to themselves as they knew about Josh's insane NDA practices. Most people would be leaking info all over the place, but he preferred to retain secrecy.

A massive group of a few hundred Climbers followed diligently. Most couldn't help but gulp as they entered the forest that was full of deadly sloths. Then a few didn't seem to have a care in the world as they beamed with excitement.

They finally stopped in front of a big metallic wall that led directly to a building titled <Registrar's Office>. Frank once more addressed them, sounding serious.

"Alright, come in one at a time. Many wish to join but will never have the chance to. Think of this place as a catalyst for all of you to go from boring basic Climbers to badasses that won't fear anything!"

This was comparable to saying nothing at all! People had no idea what kind of tests they would face! They could be seen scratching their heads, trembling a bit, showing unsteady postures or any other nervousness tells.

Frank headed inside before calling the first candidate. How crazy hard would this process be? No one knew! But, they were obviously worrying over nothing because it wasn't actually hard to pass.

The procedure was pretty straightforward:

1. They would pay either in full or by taking a loan.

2. They would sign the NDA

3. They would fill a form that contained their personal information. This included an emergency contact in case they were to die suddenly. (Name/Level/Class/Reason for joining)

4. That was it. After the last step, they were considered enrolled students. Frank would congratulate them on their acceptance.

At every key step, the candidates' expressions kept evolving:

1. The stress of the unknown and of the interview. This was even worse because of the significant amount of Credits involved in the operation. $$$ = Raised Stakes!

2. Even more stress. The stakes were really fucking high! What was up with the goddamn magical contract?! This was putting their life on the line!

3. Even greater stress. Why was it asking for a contact in case of death?! Was such an outcome even a possibility?!

4. Incomprehension. What?! How?! They were suddenly being accepted, without having passed any real test whatsoever!

One of these candidates couldn't help but ask a question: "Sir, why did you say that many wish to join but won't be able to?!" Had the recruiter been playing with their feelings?!

"It's true! It's hard for most people to come up with the funds to sign up, especially the ones that aren't Climbers. Our founder insisted that I remind you all how lucky you are." Frank nodded wisely.

The founder had asked that?! What the fuck! Why was he so misleading?! Who cared about the non-Climbers?! It wasn't like they themselves would want to join in the first place?! Plus, there was definitely something wrong with the admission!

Frank would gently instruct: "Now, go wait in the main area outside for the welcoming speech!"

Such a scene happened over and over with people losing their minds over that simplistic selection process! Everyone that had money was fucking accepted!

Then, it came to an end with a total of 257 new students. This meant Josh's current profit was around 385 000 credits, counting the loans and taxes. He'd probably be happy, right?

Frank then observed the forms he had received, inspecting everyone's motivations. Some were peculiar, to say the least.

A man called Erwin came for the sloths as he wanted to study them. He kept complaining about how his flying car AI had robbed him of the opportunity, but that luckily he was back! His interest in the school itself was close to zero.

There was a girl called Amelia that was here to confront her arch-nemesis. Then again, as long as she didn't try to murder anyone on school premises, it didn't matter. Plus, she was paying 10k upfront.

One old guy instantly picked the Amazing VIP option to Climb with his idol, Josh. The man gave a weird vibe, but 30k was 30k, and Frank trusted Josh to protect his own ass.

There was a dude called Mofoluwasho who had a rare writer Class. He planned to use the experience gained there to get in touch with plenty of Climbers, powerful ones. Then, he'd be able to write about them and become stronger himself! (Somehow)

Then there was the usual: "I want to become stronger and join a powerful guild." This was the classic Climber's dream. Graduating from this new top school would secure their future, or so they thought.

There were really people of all types, and it would be interesting to see how they would fare...

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The newcomers could be seen assembled in the middle of the camp as they heatedly discussed this new wonderful adventure.

"I wonder how this will all work out. There are many metallic buildings all around, but they aren't that big. I guess we'll be having dorms? I just hope they are comfortable enough."

"Dorms? No way! Not with how much we paid! Their site said all-included housing. We will probably have private rooms, and I bet they have hired a cook from Devouring Panda to work on site. Even the smaller Climber schools have this nowadays!"

"So true! These buildings look shabby, but there may be more to them. What if most of the base is actually built underground? It would explain the rustic look!"

"Exactly! It has to be it!"

The newcomers were "sagely" nodding at each other as they had "seen-through" the shoddy looks of the installations.

At this point, an older student couldn't hold his laughter anymore as he began rolling on the ground. It soon became contagious as many others started giggling at these naive souls who were utterly confused.

"What?" A puzzled newcomer couldn't help but ask.

"Didn't you guys see the part about not being a daycare before applying?" An older student chuckled.

"Yes, what about it?"

"You guys are expecting way too much." the man sighed. (OS)

That's when one of the newcomers suddenly interrupted. He was pointing at the Alter Tower with astonishment on his face.

"Guys, look this way!"

"This should be the Training tower, right? What about it?"

"Isn't the state of the people exiting it odd? Just look at them!"

They all stared at the challengers that were all coming out in extremely pitiful states. They were shaking, trying not to vomit, were unsteady on their feet, some showed pain and anguish, yet none were complaining!

"Holy shit! What the hell happened to them?!"

"They look dead!"

These traumatized people would walk toward their friends as if zombies. Then, they would mindlessly accept a cup of what everyone assumed to be medicine as they slowly regained their composure and color.

"What the fuck is wrong with these people?!"

"I'm not sure, but it seems bad!"

That's when a friendly older student approached. "Hey, guys. Welcome to the Village Hidden in the Sloths! ;) How are you all doing?" (OS)

"That's not important! What's up with them?!"