Chapter 294: A Day at the Academy
Dawn was just breaking.
A light misty rain enveloped the entire Bay City.
Standing on the street that seemed to change every day, Meriel's face was naturally filled with a smile.
Students passing by warmly greeted her:
"Meriel, congratulations!"
"Congratulations, senior!"
"You're amazing..."
"Keep it up!"
"The academy's first Professional, you're incredible."
"..."
She smiled and nodded in response.
Xiao Jixiang came running over quickly, affectionately grabbing her hand and cheerfully saying:
"I'm here, Meriel! Did you wait long?"
The clever Xiao Jixiang pulled out a small hairpin from her pocket:
"Hehe, here's a gift I prepared for you. Congratulations on becoming the academy's first mage!"
Happily accepting the hairpin, Meriel didn't hesitate to put it on, taking Xiao Jixiang's hand while excitedly saying:
"Thank you! I just took one step ahead. You'll catch up soon—you're way smarter than me."
Xiao Jixiang quickly glanced around, chuckling mischievously:
"Haha, if my brother heard that, he'd scold me again."
The two of them walked towards the academy, chatting and laughing.
Looking at the grand new academy gate under the morning sun, Xiao Jixiang softly recited:
"Live confidently for two hundred years; crash through waves three thousand miles wide."
Meriel's eyes sparkled as she softly repeated the line, marveling:
"The Lord said it's a quote from a great man. Just reading it makes your blood boil."
"I hear the academy will soon start teaching poetry too. Apparently, the Lord specifically arranged it."
As if recalling something, Xiao Jixiang added:
"Some of it was discovered from ancient ruins in Bloodmoon City, and some were written by the Lord himself."
Meriel laughed: "Haha, the Lord would never admit it—he'll say he learned it from his mother's books."
In their playful exchange, the two quickly reached the academy gate.
Spotting a familiar figure ahead, their eyes lit up, and they hurried over.
"Liana, you're here!"
"Liana, sorry to keep you waiting."
Seeing them run over, Liana smiled brightly, extending her hands excitedly.
The quick-witted Xiao Jixiang didn't hesitate to hold her hand and excitedly asked:
"Liana, did you manage to control it?"
Realizing what was happening, Meriel also beamed, grabbing her other hand and asking eagerly:
"Did you succeed in your Profession?"
Liana bit her lip lightly, unable to hide her excitement: "Yes, I succeeded. I can attend the Profession ceremony with you."
"That's wonderful!"
"Yay!"
The three of them gathered excitedly, guessing what might happen at the ceremony.
The academy was bustling, with students discussing constantly.
Everyone was talking about who had successfully chosen their Profession and who would appear at the ceremony.
Suddenly, a bell rang out, and the headmaster's voice echoed across the campus:
"Everyone, gather at the sports plaza. The Profession ceremony is about to begin."
Thousands of students responded immediately.
They rushed to the stadium, standing in their designated spots by class.
At that moment, thousands of chairs rose from the ground, allowing each student to sit.
Headmaster Arnold stood up, surveying the energetic faces, unable to hide his grin as he laughed:
"As you all know, we don't waste words in the Bay Territory!"
"The Profession ceremony begins now."
As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted.
Smiles spread across everyone's faces, mixed with anticipation.
Once the applause died down, Arnold continued:
"Now, let's welcome the first group of Professionals trained by the academy!"
Hearing Arnold's words, several students stood up one by one.
Under the excited gazes of their peers, they stood before Arnold.
Arnold gestured for them to turn and face the rest of the students, his voice filled with passion:
"There are 86 in total. Congratulations to them for becoming Professionals."
"Through hard work and learning, they've taken the first step toward changing their destiny."
"You can admire them, but don't be jealous—because you can do it too."
"I hope that in a few months, more of you will be standing here."
"Now, each Professional will receive a gift from the Lord himself."
Deafening cheers echoed through the vast square.
A figure appeared in the sky, and everyone looked up.
A dragon!
A beautiful and majestic silver dragon!
Circling down gracefully, Yaya, carrying their beloved Lord, landed in front of everyone.
Matthew waved to the students, listening to their growing enthusiasm, feeling that all his efforts had been worthwhile.
As the cheers subsided, Matthew turned to face the 86 new Professionals, speaking with calm confidence:
"First of all, congratulations on becoming the first group of Professionals trained by the Bay Territory's Academy."
"You are about to embark on a new life path, learning deeper knowledge and mastering greater abilities."
"I believe that each of you will contribute more to the territory's development."
"I won't say much more. I'll just emphasize one thing."
"You are the talents cultivated by this territory, and I hope you will shine here, striving for the future and prosperity of all."
"One for all, all for one!"
Seeing some thoughtful expressions on the students' faces, Matthew didn't wait for them to ponder further.
He cared about actions, not intentions, and called out to the first Professional:
"Meriel, step forward!"
Countless eyes focused on Meriel, making her feel the pressure.
But when she met Matthew's calm and gentle smile, the pressure vanished as she walked steadily to the Lord's side.
Matthew pulled out a gleaming white staff, smiling as he handed it over:
"Meriel, the academy's first Professional. I hope you continue to study hard and contribute greatly."
Meriel accepted the staff, her voice filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Lord. I will keep working hard."
Winking at her, Matthew chuckled: "Keep it up and enjoy the applause. Next, Haggis, step forward."
Haggis, who had also been chosen on the same day, had successfully become a Level 1 Ranger through his effort and talent.
Matthew gifted him an enchanted longsword.
Then came the third, the fourth...
All the way to the 86th.
Liana!
The first Arcanist trained by Matthew!
****
If you want to read more chapters, you can Read (380) chapters ahead on Patreon:
Tier 1: $1/month for an additional 5 chapters. Free 7-day trial
Tier 2: $6/month for an additional 25 chapters
Specific 3.5: $9/month for an additional 50 chapters [limited (3/5)]
Tier 3: $12/month for an additional 50 chapters
Specific 4.5: $15/month for an additional 75 chapters [limited (0/3)]
Tier 4: $18/month for an additional 75 chapters
Special 5.5: $21/month for an additional 100 chapters [limited (1/3)]
Tier 5: $24/month for an additional 100 chapters
Specific 6.5: $27/month for an additional 125 chapters [limited (0/3)]
Tier 6: $30/month for an additional 125 chapters
Specific 7.5: $33/month for an additional 150 chapters [limited (0/3)]
Tier 7: $36/month for an additional 150 chapters
Specific 8.5: $39/month for an additional 200 chapters [limited (1/3)]
Tier 8: $42/month for an additional 200 chapters
Specific 9.5: $39/month for an additional 250 chapters [limited (0/2)]
Tier 9: $42/month for an additional 250 chapters
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=113341029