Chapter 28: Extraordinary Classes

In the morning, after getting up, Hexia sat in her room.

The "Splendid·Rorella H4-Blue" personal terminal, a gift previously given by Qiaolong, was unfolded on the desk. Her slender fingers danced across the projected keyboard, causing spots of light to flicker as she quickly input information and searched the StarNet for data.

"Analysis of advancement paths for the Wither Sequence."
"On the selection of major mainstream sequences."
"Comparison of the number of advancements in major mainstream sequences in the Federation over the last 20 years."
...
Various topic posts flashed before Hexia's eyes.

Transcendental sequences are methods of utilizing Aijieka particles to achieve extraordinary effects. If one were to compare raw Aijieka particles to crude oil, then transcendental sequences would be the process of refining these basic particles into different forms of magic for use.

Crude oil does not just produce familiar fuels, lubricants, or solvents; the primary raw materials for plastics also come from crude oil. Furthermore, something many people fail to notice is that a vast amount of chemical fibers in the textile industry—polyester, acrylic, spandex—all derive from petroleum. For instance, the stockings we are familiar with are made from these materials.

Aijieka particles are much the same. After being transformed by different transcendental sequences, they take on different properties suitable for different fields.

Currently, the Federation's mainstream transcendental sequences are divided into nine categories: the Nature Sequence, Blood-Eye Sequence, Spiriton Sequence, Dragon Sequence, Light-Feather Sequence, Wither Sequence, Tide Sequence, Blade-Severing Sequence, and Primal Sequence.

The magical properties of each sequence differ. For example, the Dragon Sequence is often used for large machinery and battleships, the Spiriton Sequence is commonly used in AI control fields, the Tide Sequence is frequently seen in energy systems, the Blood-Eye Sequence is utilized in many weapon cores, and the Light-Feather Sequence excels at protection and isolation.

Each sequence has its own areas of expertise; it is not the case that one is necessarily stronger than another. Moreover, the occupations within these sequences are extremely diverse. It is not that the Nature Sequence cannot fight, or that the Blood-Eye Sequence is entirely extreme. Ultimately, the application of various sequences depends on the individual, and the true difference between them lies in the different beliefs they represent. When choosing a sequence, one must see if it aligns with their personality. For a coarse and impatient person to practice the Spiriton Sequence would be pure torture, but if they were to switch to the Dragon Sequence, which leans toward instinct and the physical body, it would be much easier.

What, then, is the belief of the Wither Sequence?

It is perhaps death, stillness, calmness, annihilation, and the soul. The Wither Sequence was born from the ancient Necromancy Sequence. Ancient necromancers were adept at awakening corpses, commanding spirits, casting lethal curses, and shrouding thousands of miles in darkness. It was a transcendental sequence filled with war, slaughter, and death. It flourished greatly during the Mercury Dynasty of the Second Era, but later declined due to environmental changes, gradually being replaced by the Magic Sequence before the dynasty collapsed.

The current Wither Sequence is a version improved at the end of the Fourth Era. It has stripped away the unethical and terrifying aspects of manipulating corpses, focusing instead on the soul and spiritual realms. Furthermore, due to traditions left over from ancient times, practitioners of the Wither Sequence often study anatomy as a secondary discipline. Today, nearly half of the doctors in hospitals hold occupations within the Wither Sequence.

Well, death and life are always linked, aren't they?

This is why Hexia had planned to apply to Ailin Academy since the eighth grade. This school, which specializes in medicine, has a decent reputation in the North Seventh District. While not top-tier, it makes finding a job after graduation significantly easier.

By 11 o'clock, Hexia closed the screen and lay back down on her bed.

"I’m still indecisive about the advancement path," she thought silently to herself.

The structure of Sequence 1 is extremely simple, leaving no room for tricks, so there is little difference between all Sequence 1s within the Federation. It is only upon advancing to Sequence 2 that different abilities emerge due to different occupations.

Transcendental occupations are also ranked. For the same Sequence 5, an occupation with a "Perfect" rating is far stronger than one with an "Excellent" rating. In terms of combat power, a Perfect-level condensate might easily defeat ten Excellent-level ones.

Thinking this way, one might wonder if everyone pursues high-rated occupations. The result is no, because rare occupations often have higher requirements and greater difficulty. Even if the methods and theories for advancement are popularized, many people still cannot achieve them, which demonstrates the importance of talent.

Additionally, some corporations provide special advancement models. This means that to advance to such an occupation, one must pay a substantial patent fee. The corporation owning the patent will then send you the relevant data and theory, and dispatch specialists with the necessary elixirs to guide and assist your advancement.

The high-quality transcendental occupations accessible to ordinary people usually come from various academies and federal institutions, such as the military or government departments.

Hexia's advancement to the Wither Sequence 2, "Dark Visit" (Excellent Red Iron level), came from an occupation model that the Federation makes publicly available for free. There are many such models; in fact, it is perfectly fine for an ordinary person to go their entire life without touching those rare and expensive patent occupations. The Federation's public database contains a vast number of occupation models. Many academies and universities also open up special internal materials and resources to their students. This is effectively a form of public welfare and is one of the few advantages passed down from the founding of the Federation.

The special occupation advancement materials taught to students at Aides Academy, if sold by corporations on the open market, would cost millions for a single spot, with no guarantee of success. At school, however, you can obtain them for free if your performance is excellent.

Due to all these reasons, middle school students in the Federation place great importance on which high school they attend; it basically determines a person's fate. More than 98% of jobs in the Federation can be performed with just a high school diploma. Very few people go to university, and the tuition is unaffordable for the average person, averaging 300,000 to 600,000 Federal Credits per year. Many people take over a decade after graduation to pay off their student loans.

In this era, making money is important, but one must also admit that precisely because it is so important, morality faces many tests, and human hearts are hard to discern.

After putting down the personal terminal, Hexia slept for a little while, then had lunch at home before preparing to go out.

"What should I wear?" Just before leaving, Hexia opened her wardrobe. In truth, she didn't have many clothes. Several of them were school uniforms, and the newest one was the "Glass Dream" maid outfit. This outfit was made of high-quality, exquisite fabric, but it wasn't suitable for wearing when not at work.

"I'll choose this one," Hexia decided, picking out a black and blue dress. Compared to her other casual clothes, this was the only one that was not too formal and had a good design.

This dress was a birthday gift from her father over a year ago. She had been very happy at the time, but unfortunately, her father disappeared and left not long after.

She put on the dress, which had a black base, a slightly fitted waist, and blue pleated lace. Hexia looked at herself in the mirror for a moment, then tied her hair back with a simple dark blue ribbon, leaving two strands in front to add a youthful touch, before finally heading out.