206 Promotion (2/2)

The children nodded and followed him inside. Once they arrived, they saw the Prince eagerly waiting for them on his table. The rest sat down in the chairs arranged for them and waited for the Prince's words.

”Good morning, Your Highness.” The children greeted politely.

”Good morning as well.” Balmung nodded and continued: ”I know that this summons came as a surprise to you but there's a good reason behind it.”

”In fact, I should've called you out sooner than this but I've been pretty occupied during the past month and half. Settling down the commotion that was caused by the invasion, reconstructions and all. But that's not why I called you here.”

”The purpose of this meeting is to hand out the rewards for your service.”

The children's eyes brightened when they heard his words. Sufficed to say that none of them were expecting to be rewarded from that battle.

”The Kingdom won't turn blind eye when it's subjects render a meritorious act. All of you fought valiantly and unhesitatingly during the invasion. Your actions of freeing the captives and preventing the enemies from creating more damage to the kingdom, had a great effect towards our kingdom's recovery and well being. If we didn't award such actions, then we might as well demolish this entire place.” The prince jeered towards the end. He then looked at Victor and nodded.

Victor received the signal and continued from this point. ”All of you. I hereby announce that from this day on, you are now promoted as Core Students of the Heavenly Cloud Institute.”

This news stunned the six of them. They looked at each other in awe. They graduated from the Inner Branch? Just like that? Are they dreaming?

”No need to be surprised.” Victor smiled, ”Even in the Genius Class, you six are the cream of the crop. Talent wise, skill wise and attitude wise. You being promoted as Core Students shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Even without this early promotion you people will eventually become Core Students anyway.”

What Victor said was true but there's more to this than what he told them. It was true that these kids are practically monsters even compared to the 'so-called' Genius Class of his. Having them stay there would just repeatedly smash the confidence of his students and it's something that he couldn't afford to see. They might as well promote them into Core Students so that it would just be a one time blow for the rest of their classmates, maybe this will ignite their competitiveness.

”Nobility titles are useless to you guys so we decided to change your graduation rewards.” Victor said, he then took out several cases out from his spatial ring and handed it to them. The cases differ in sizes but the kids were able to distinguish what's inside.

”Your hunch is correct.” Victor nodded, ”These are weapons, more specifically A-grade weapons which were forged for your own use.”

Paul received a spear and a shield. Mark received two short swords. Ellen received a sword. Anne received a bow. Luna received a spear and Raven received a better hammer.

The children happily stored their new toys. This weapons are more suitable as a reward to them compared to a Noble title. A-grade weapons are expensive, even with their backgrounds, buying one would still hurt their purses.

”From now on, you six are the 77th batch of Heavenly Cloud Institute's Core Students. Congratulations.” Victor smiled which brought a joyful atmosphere inside the office, but of course this is just the beginning.

”My turn.” Balmung said which caught the attention of the children. ”As rewards for your bravery, I am allowing each one of you to pick at least one treasure from the Royal Treasury.”

That alone caused the children to breathe heavily.

”Not only that, you guys are also free to choose one Battle Arts from our Art Repository Hall. As well as have access to Ancient Royal Grounds for a whole year.”

The children didn't know what to say anymore. The rewards that the prince handed out were truly generous. They almost couldn't wait to go and receive their rewards. But it seems that the Prince isn't done yet as he casted a complicated stare towards Raven.

”Honestly, I don't even know what I could give you.” Balmung said with a helpless sigh, ”You were the one who sacrificed the most.”

”You don't have to, Your Highness. The rewards that you handed out is already too much for me.” Raven replied courteously, but the Prince isn't satisfied.

”That won't do either.” He shook his head, out of nowhere his eyes suddenly brightened. ”Aha! I have an idea.”

”Your additional reward is a welcome.”

”A welcome?”

”Yep! Welcome to the family!”

*Cough* *Cough* *Cough*